American Faces #104 - City Focused Compassion

American Faces No. 104

In a world that seems a bit bruised, beaten down and in need of a whole lot of compassion I would like to introduce Chris Bellanger who is a “City Focused Compassion” kind of guy.  That compassion comes from a childhood and a lifetime of struggle.  Chris’s first 27 years were riddled with difficulty. Drugs, nightlife, overdoses and just flat out hard stuff were a part of the tapestry that he called his family.  His life in those formative years had him tracking to at best end up addicted or at worst, dead.  Instead, he found hope.  As he put it, “I  found Jesus.”  The “righteous path" started for him when he was 27.  Chris’s backstory is what drives him every day.  His compassion for the city of his childhood is in his DNA.  He remembers his family being on the streets.  He remembers the agony of loss and now he is always searching for the next person he can help; the next person who needs a kid word.  This heavily bearded, street-wise pastor from the Southside of Minneapolis has serious "street cred" as he lives, breathes and cares for his city.

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I went along with Chris and a crew of like-hearted people to South Minneapolis where I watched Chris and his team provide compassion focused meals that they had packed, hygiene packs, and sleeping mats to the people who were experiencing homelessness and those in tent cities.  There wasn’t judgment by Chris and his team, just sharing the love of Christ to the brokenhearted and homeless souls of Minneapolis.  Prayer was offered by the team to those that wanted it.   Most importantly, all humanity was cared for by the team just by being present.  They were just true “Difference Makers”.

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Check out Chris and where he pastors at Free Grace United Downtown Minneapolis.  Oh and if you are really bold, meet him and maybe tag along.  I am pretty sure you will just get pulled into the tide of City Focused Compassion that Chris leads.  I did!

Be bold and go make a difference.

Photos and story by: Nielsen Studios 

Editing by: Cristine Nielsen

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American Faces #103 - The Difference Maker

American Faces No. 103

John Schuler, American Faces subject No.103, is a man of deep experience, who could be described in many ways. For this story, on this day, I want to introduce you to John, the Difference Maker. But in case you were wondering, yes, he is also THAT John Schuler, the third-generation shoe company owner who was instrumental in growing Schuler Shoes to the well known and respected company it is today, with 10 stores in Minnesota. Today, under the equally strong leadership of John’s sons and daughter, Schuler Shoes continues to grow and is expected to flourish well into the future. But this story is not about a shoe company. It's about John, who in his distant past (1970s) was once a decade-long drug addict, wandering far from a “straight and narrow” path. But this story is not about John’s past. It’s about right now, and it’s about the future. But to understand John’s future, it helps to know just a little about where he’s been.

It’s often said that behind every good man is a great woman. John’s wife Nancy certainly is great. She loved him through his tumultuous meth-infused days. And she believed in the man he would become. Encouraged by her support and faith, John knew he needed to change his life. John came to understand that true change, and victory over drugs, could only be possible through a relationship with Jesus as his Savior.  

I know some of you may stop reading right there… well don’t. There’s much more to the story.

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Here’s where the “difference maker” part kicks in. John has made local service his personal “mission field.” He believes there is so much to do, so much need, right here in our own neighborhoods. John has been a crucial impact partner with Shawn Morrison with the organization, Good in the ‘Hood (American Faces No.85), doing shoe drives, originally through Schuler Shoes. The shoe drives have rapidly expanded as Good in the ‘Hood has grown its various outreaches. Last year alone 196 Shoe Events provided 18,379 pairs of shoes to people in need. Through a related Good in the ‘Hood ministry/outreach program, a total of 2,179 people received much needed help through free foot clinics. John Schuler helped put many shoes on Minnesotans as a retailer, but through his service to the community, John’s heart for helping people continues to shine on.

John’s local impact goes far beyond shoes. His heart for people is evident in so many ways. For him, not just about doing good. He wants to see people’s lives changed. He wants people to find Jesus because of how he is living. But John isn’t  the street corner preacher type. He seems more the kind of guy who will sit with you and listen, and share life for a while. From what I can see, John is a man doing his best to live out what Jesus taught – to "Love your neighbor as yourself." 

John has recently endured so much. Now in his late 70’s, John is recovering from throat cancer and is missing half his tongue. He’s had a stroke, and another health hiccup or two along the way. While his speech may at times take some patience to understand, his heart for people speaks loud and clear. And through it all, John finds strength in his faith. This is a man who lives by a verse of Scripture imprinted on the bracelet he wears. It says: 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)

When we talked, I saw John as a man who loves his Lord, his wife and his family. And through his generous service to his community, I see that he also loves his fellow man as himself. He truly is a “Difference Maker.”  

As you read this I hope you might also be spurred on to impact the world around you. Be a “difference maker” – love and serve your neighbors, whoever they may be. 

Photos and story by: Nielsen Studios 

Editing by: Scott Whitman

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American Faces #102 - Veteran, physician and friend.

 American Faces No. 102

There’s a sense of peacefulness that permeates the green acres of the Magnus Veterans Foundation property in Dayton, MN – flowers buzzing with bees, a serene lake in the distance. A stroll through the grounds brings a palpable sense of calm that words cannot fully describe. This spacious and pastoral property once belonged to Shawn Alderman’s aunt and uncle (the guy who created Sesame Street Live) and was gifted to support the cause of providing healing and hope to military service veterans.

There’s a similar sense of calmness when you talk to Shawn Alderman, the lead physician and Founder of Magnus Veterans Foundation, my 102nd American Faces subject. Shawn’s calmness was battle-tested in his service alongside America's most trained Army Special Forces unit. The calmness Shawn shares with others reflects the calmness shared with him through the devoted love of his wife and son.

Shawn is a U.S. Army Special Forces Lt. Col. (retired) and Family Physician, Group Surgeon for 5th Special Forces Group. In his 31 years of service Shawn saw countless illnesses, countless traumatic injuries, even death, and through that experience came to realize – both for himself and for other soldiers – what PTSD can do to a person. Spending time with Shawn, his great empathy for people was clear, as I’d see an occasional tear forming in his eyes as we talked. He strives to heal with words as well as his hands. While providing care to meet our vets’ medical needs he’s also listening. Working through trauma at an emotional level is complex, and there is not necessarily a linear path to recovery. For a fellow soldier, Shawn’s encouragement to “make it just one more day” may just be “just what the doctor ordered.”

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You and I have likely encountered people in our daily travels who have been impacted by Shawn and the other amazing caregivers at Magnus. People who have seen the unimaginable, felt the loss of a battle buddy or absorbed more emotional or psychological trauma than their human psyche can take.  

Shawn is almost like a “special ops” doctor for those former soldiers that need special care.  Through the amazing work of the Magnus Veterans Foundation team and its impact on veteran's lives, families have been made whole again.  

As I’m writing this edition of America Faces I want to keep talking about Shawn Alderman’s service and impact in the lives of others. But my mind is also flooded with the realization that soldiers are literally being saved. Families are being restored as men and women fight through recovery from PTSD and their medical challenges. Lives are being impacted by someone committed to being there for them in their darkest hours. That’s truly profound to me. The listening, the human touch, a hug from a fellow retired soldier. It’s happening at Magnus. 

So what’s my call to action for this one? Keep your eyes open for a person who served our country that may be hurting. Maybe strike up a conversation with the guy wearing the Vietnam Vet hat in the small-town diner. Whether it’s a personal connection, or perhaps supporting organizations like Magnus, you have the power to change someone's life.

Thank you, Shawn Alderman, for your service to our country and your heart for healing the “whole soldier.” You said “yes” to the call to provide medical care for the actively serving soldier. And now, through your continuing care, you have an opportunity to see our veterans heal and flourish. That is priceless!

Photos and story by: Nielsen Studios 

Editing by: Scott Whitman