History

86 years ago, a group of men and women shared the vision of Christ for hurting, needy people. Recognizing the Lord’s mandate to feed the hungry, cloth the naked, shelter the sojourner and visit the imprisoned, they committed themselves to the practical expression of God’s love – and on June 10, 1928 the Wayside Cross Rescue Mission was born.

Initially the doors of the Mission were open to provide spiritual and material help to the growing numbers of transient men in downtown Aurora. Compassion for the imprisoned resulted in a volunteer corps of workers being enlisted to provide religious services at Kane County jail. Weekday children’s clubs were initiated as well as a Sunday School for poor and neglected youth. Homeless women and children were housed in Wayside’s chapel.

These early years were characterized by prayer, hard work, and an undaunted faith in God. Vision became reality as countless numbers of people were helped. Lives were transformed and God was glorified.

Today, the vision continues…by the Body of Christ and through the power of God, we have evolved from one ministry—to six distinct vibrant Bible-based Christ-centered ministries focused on transforming lives of men, women, youth and children in the greater Chicago land area.

Mission

To honor God by loving and serving the afflicted and powerless through sharing the Gospel of forgiveness and hope in Jesus Christ by empowering them to be disciples of Christ.