(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
KENOSHA, Wis. — If you’ve driven past the busy intersection of Highway 50 and 118th Avenue near Woodman’s Market in recent months, you’ve likely seen him: a man in a wheelchair, blasting gospel rap, waving at cars, and smiling with the joy of someone who seems to have not a single care in the world. His name is Derek Thompson—and he’s quickly becoming a local legend.
(Cell Phone Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Thompson, 47, originally from Chicago, has been in Kenosha since last October. Most days, he can be found in the median at that bustling intersection, chalking Bible verses onto the pavement, dancing to Christian music, and waving at drivers. While sitting down with Kenosha County Eye for an interview on a recent afternoon, dozens of cars honked in support. One driver pulled over to hand Derek $5. Another rolled down her window to yell, “God bless you!”
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
“I be rejoicing out here,” Derek said with a wide smile. “I feel free. And I feel like my Lord is with me.”
Derek’s journey hasn’t been easy. At just eight years old, he lost both of his legs in a tragic train accident in Chicago. “I snuck out the window after my mom told me I couldn’t spend the night at my auntie’s. I was being disobedient,” he said. “I got hit by a train on Palm Sunday, April 12, 1987. One of the holiest days of the year. But God spared me.”
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Despite that life-altering moment, Derek said his faith never wavered. “He never forsook me—not even when I was down. I baptized myself in the name of Yahshua. And I believe in repentance and love.”
Derek’s median ministry isn’t just about praise and music—it’s also about spreading scripture. The pavement surrounding him is covered in chalk Bible verses and uplifting messages. He says he invites others—especially young people—to write their favorite verses on the ground with him.
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
“When people come out here and ask questions, I teach them about the four gospels—repentance, baptism, love, and righteousness,” he explained. “I’ve got 412 gospel tracks. Gospel rap, gospel R&B, holy music. I jam to all of it.”
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Though his circumstances are still challenging—he lives in a hotel and is saving for an apartment—Derek works when he can and remains upbeat. He’s currently employed part-time by a Kenosha business owner who saw his spirit and decided to give him a chance.
“I just need a little help with a security deposit,” Derek said. “I get paid tomorrow. I’m hoping to get out of the hotel and into a place of my own.”
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Derek’s love for Kenosha runs deep. His mother passed away in the city in 2017, and he says her spirit brought him back here. His children have all found success—his daughter is a doctor in Spain, his son is training to be an MMA fighter in Indianapolis, and another daughter was recently crowned Miss Kenosha 2024.
“I don’t put my problems on them,” he said. “They’re willing to help, but I want to do it on my own. I believe God has a plan.”
When asked what message he wanted to send to the people of Kenosha, Derek didn’t hesitate: “Repent and baptize yourself. Love your enemies. Love everybody. That’s the only way back to the Kingdom.”
And with that, he turned his music back up, smiled at another passing car, and returned to doing what he loves: spreading joy, scripture, and faith—one honk and Bible verse at a time.
(Cell Phone Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
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22 Responses
Wow! What a great story. One we should all learn from.
Indeed. You should go hang with him for a while.
Thank you for covering him, we need more of this in the world today
I Love what he said He is an Amazing person I met him at McDonald’s the one right by his hotel I used to take his orders I wish everyone could be just like him we need more people like him in this world I am too a very caring person and like helping people out Thank you Derek My name is Kathleen Lindquist! God Bless!!!
Promoting panhandling these days.
Right?!
What if you need help? You will ask of your fellow man or woman….
Kevin, thanks for writing about this. I don’t have much to give, but I’ll definitely help Derek out if I see him around town.
GREAT STORY KEVIN!!!
Thanks buddy!
Kevin, I don’t know you from a can of paint, but I want to take time out to thank you tremendously for taking the time out to acknowledge this man, and instead of judging no one in this world is perfect not even God we can always try our very best and is not guarantee but as real men, we never give up no matter what we go through as men God bless you and your family.🤝
Sassy that is successful children do not help him out.
Do it by yourself….one the greatest commandments is Love God with all your might and the 2nd one is Love thy neighbor. Satan’s child
Gave him $5 once, he was wearing a USA flag on back of his wheelchair and had an “Army Vet” hat on…. Now I read the story and am like hmmmmmm….
So, he was making it look like he was in the military at some point in his life? That’s sad if that was his intention, but maybe he was just supporting the military???
This is Derek Thompson I accept all the criticism but regardless of your negative thoughts on me when ever someone asks me if I have ever served I tell them no I haven’t, my only brother gave me his military hat he served and made it back untouched by the glory of God and I represent him. I love you anyway brother or sister.I rebuke your spirit
That’s right brother!
Yes his blood brother who fault for this country… some people should just not say anything, especially if you don’t have anything to say good at all..smh love you to death brother🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🫵🏽💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾😢
He got it from me on Memorial day… I am the Vet….He flows the flag in Patriotism…Huah
Thats right brother and some ppl seem to have forgotten that!
That’s my cousin, I love you man Vell …!!!
I’m so proud watching him spread the word of god ! Best of luck to him … He’s a great man, I watched him be good to everyone around him rather he was up or down. The blessings will flow in for him <3