Unlocking a Broken World

When Scott and Connie Payne first arrived at Inner City Mission, they thought they had homelessness figured out. Soon, their beliefs collided with a world beyond their understanding. The solutions they offered—taken from America's playbook on poverty—failed to bring real answers.

“Everyone knows homelessness is about the lack of housing, jobs, and money, so why question it?” Yet, after watching the same people fall back into homelessness, the Paynes had no choice. They had to find answers.

To their amazement, the answers God provided came through unlikely people.

“What’s this love of Jesus you’re talking about? I have been loved in every position known to man.”

Now, two decades later … after hundreds of stories and thousands of hours working on the frontlines of homelessness, the Paynes claim: The war on poverty in America has been won.

Unlocking a Broken World uncovers a world of mystery. With unforgettable people and inspiring stories, the Paynes challenge you to rethink how you love people and do ministry. One thing is for sure: you will never look at “the least of these” in the same way.