On Black Friday, 1929, the stock market crashed and America was plunged into the Great Depression. During that same time, a drought turned the western portion of Oklahoma into what became known as the Dust Bowl. Conditions were bleak for many, so families packed up in cars and trucks and traveled west on Route 66 in hopes of finding work in California. Thousands of men hopped freight trains bound for the west coast, where promises of jobs and mild climates lured many "okies" westward. In Oklahoma City, the need was great. Jobs were scarce, and there were no government programs to assist the poor. Hospitals and soup kitchens were stretched to capacity. Many who had lost their jobs were forced into foreclosure on houses, farms and businesses. Against this backdrop, my paternal grandmother, Bessie Keith quietly began her ministry among the poor people who camped along the North Canadian River. Many had lost jobs, many lost farms and homes..But worse of all, many lost hope...