Instead of giving a homeless man a handout, café owner Cesia Abigail gave him a job. However, what the man did with his second chance ultimately blessed her more. A homeless man named Marcus walked into Abi’s Café in Minneapolis in March 2016, asking owner Cesia Abigail for some spare change.

Plenty of other restaurants would’ve kicked Marcus back out on the street. However, when he explained to Abigail why he was homeless, his story broke her heart. He said, “Well, I have a lot of felonies, and no one wants to hire me for that. So now, I had to turn myself to the streets and get money the only way I know, stealing and asking for money.”

So, instead of giving Marcus a handout and sending him on his way, she asked a simple question. Abigail asked, “You want a job? Then I have one for you.” Marcus got a job that day at Abi’s Café as a dishwasher. However, Abigail gave him a sandwich before he started his new position. To Abigail’s surprise, he wrapped half of it and gave it to another homeless person. She said, “That really touched me.”

From that day forward, Marcus showed up for work every day, and Abigail’s kindness got her more than she expected. Abi’s Café was going through hard times when Marcus started working. Abigail could barely afford to pay him for his 2-hour shift. Nevertheless, Marcus consistently showed up on time and worked hard. Knowing his circumstances, Abigail was happy to let Marcus eat for free, but he refused.

Whenever he got paid, he would buy food from Abi’s Café. He wanted to pay for it himself because it made him feel good, but Abigail said she made him accept a discount. Abigail eventually increased Marcus’ hours, allowing him to work part-time permanently. Marcus gained a job and a friend to help him turn his life around.

Marcus had been on the streets since he was 16. However, God brought him to Abi’s Café and all that changed. Abigail said, “It’s going to be hard for him to let go of whatever addiction he has. I want to help him, but he needs to want to help himself.” She worked with him to set aside 10 percent of every paycheck so he could learn how to save money. She also hosted a fundraiser on his behalf, which raised around $8,000 to help find him a place to stay.

After sharing online about this homeless man getting a job, Marcus’ story touched many people. “We need more people like this,” one person said of Abigail’s willingness to help. “We are all human — we make mistakes.” Another person said, “All we need sometimes is a helping hand.” As for Abigail, her encounter with Marcus has changed her, too.

It was a struggling business when God first brought Marcus through the door of Abi’s Cafe of Minneapolis, Minnesota. However, business improved, and the restaurant is still going strong today. It’s a restaurant with an owner who treats people without housing with the respect they deserve.

“Some restaurants wouldn’t even let you use their restrooms,” she said. “I don’t judge someone on how they look — go use it. I do not treat [homeless people] any different.” While Abigail has undoubtedly become like a guardian angel in Marcus’ life, the experience has had a powerful impact on her.

“A lot of people are saying I’ve been a blessing for him, but at that point, I was the one who needed a blessing,” she said.