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.

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!”

“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.”

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.

“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.”

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.”

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.

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