Chapter Twenty-nine

From a naïve youngster growing up in a Christian home in Ohio, David Bordenkircher rose “through the ranks” of life to become Eastern Regional Director of the Volunteers of America, and an ordained Christian minister. Before arriving in New Orleans, LA to oversee that organization, Bordenkircher made stops in the US Navy, and then in California as a policeman. During those two latter experiences, and especially in the policeman’s uniform, David’s eyes began to open to what life in America really was. Chapter Twenty-Nine points out very vividly that there are two Americas within our borders: one, the idealistic just America where everyone can do well with a little effort and the “right” attitude; the other, located on the other side of the tracks in skid row all over America where few “non-residents” care to visit. The author did more than visit the other side. He made it his life’s work, learning the ins and outs of skid row as few outsiders have. Although the living conditions and personal conditions of the skid row residents often repulsed him, he neither turned his back on needy people nor gave up on the derelict whom he attempted to rehabilitate.

From a naïve youngster growing up in a Christian home in Ohio, David Bordenkircher rose “through the ranks” of life to become Eastern Regional Director of the Volunteers of America, and an ordained Christian minister. Before arriving in New Orleans, LA to oversee that organization, Bordenkircher made stops in the US Navy, and then in California as a policeman. During those two latter experiences, and especially in the policeman’s uniform, David’s eyes began to open to what life in America really was. Chapter Twenty-Nine points out very vividly that there are two Americas within our borders: one, the idealistic just America where everyone can do well with a little effort and the “right” attitude; the other, located on the other side of the tracks in skid row all over America where few “non-residents” care to visit. The author did more than visit the other side. He made it his life’s work, learning the ins and outs of skid row as few outsiders have. Although the living conditions and personal conditions of the skid row residents often repulsed him, he neither turned his back on needy people nor gave up on the derelict whom he attempted to rehabilitate. Bordenkircher uses two main characters from skid row to teach him, and now us, what goes on in the minds of the down-and-outers, and why they are there. The author uses a great deal of dialogue to allow the characters to share their stories, often with humor, but more often with seriousness. While “listening” to these men, the reader will begin to understand that these people possess real personalities, intelligence, and the capacity to care for others. There are many heartaches in skid row. There are untimely deaths. There are residents of the VOA’s residential center who return to the flop houses to go on extended drunks after showing great promise to reform. Even so, they are not written off by those who care. While it might not be the intention of Chapter Twenty-Nine to do so, it might convict Christians, and non-Christians alike who remain safely in comfortable homes and neighborhoods. David Bordenkircher had to go to the skid rowers. He had no choice. Perhaps the writing of this book is one reason for his tenure in New Orleans.

David Bordenkircher is the Second child of a family of five children born to hardworking “average” parents in Coshocton, Ohio. They taught and raised their children in traditional Christian ethics and values. For David, the practices of these values have always been a part of his personal and professional life. In preparation for his professional life, Bordenkircher graduated from high school in Manteca, Ca; served in the US Navy for four years, and then added several colleges and universities to his credentials along the way, including Modesto Community College, and Louisiana State University at New Orleans. He also graduated from Trinity Seminary and College of the bible in Newburg, Indiana with a degree in Theology. In Bordenkircher’s agonizing decision to work with the people in the skid-row world, he re-tuned his education to include specialized classes in alcohol and drug abuse at such schools as the University of Utah, Louisiana State University at Baton Rouge, DePaul University of Chicago, Centenary College in Shreveport; the US Public Health Hospital in New Orleans and the Tulane University Medical School in New Orleans. His practical education came while working with the people at Volunteers of America where he eventually served as Regional Director of the Eastern District. Mr. Bordenkircher’s vast knowledge and experience in all aspects and Alcohol Rehabilitation led to a great demand for speaking and teaching engagements across the country. His book, Chapter Twenty-Nine, Acts Unfinished, shares many of these personal stories and involvements with real people of skid row; his successes and failures with them. His book explains the ins and outs of working with local, state, and national governments in attempts to receive help in the rehabilitation of the “down and outers: from lives of alcohol and drug despair. His book is written in clear and concise depictions of life on the “other side of the tracks”. Some of his descriptions are funny; many are sad, but all are real. Only someone who has been in the ring with the skid-row residents can reveal their stories in such eye-opening fashion. David Bordenkircher has done just that. In retirement, David Bordenkircher keeps busy, as he did while employed, with his work in Christian leadership around his home in Northern Nevada, as well as outlying areas when called upon. He is always willing to serve.