August 24, 2021 Prayer Update

August 14th Outreach - Prayer Update

Bernadette, pictured below was provided a tent and a Bible. She shared with us that she recently lost her brother due to drowning. During our conversation with her she expressed her faith in Jesus and broke into tears when we handed her the Bible. Pray for the word of God to comfort her and bring her to saving faith in Jesus.

West Concord Team

We started the morning by stopping by a large field along Monument Boulevard under the BART tracks where we found many tents. We enjoyed our encounters with seven people. We had a short conversation with Ben, who was appreciative of the lunch and blessing bag we gave him. We were able to share the Gospel with him but didn’t get into a deep conversation. We hope to meet with him again to continue where we left off. Ricky, Gus, Maria and Gigi were gathered together along with Bernadette under a canopy that seemed to be somewhat of a communal zone. Gigi share that she also needed a tent. We had met her before so we were anxious to provide her with this need. One of our other teams had a tent and via cell phone we arranged for them to get this to her. What a blessing to have this work out so well. It certainly will leave a lasting impression with her which will foster more meaningful Gospel discussions the next time we see her. We had good conversations with the others in this camp.

Our last connection at this location was with Wolfgang. We have talked with him before. He is very hard of hearing so we found it difficult to have a good back and forth conversation. We were able though to communicate very clearly that we were there because of our faith in Jesus. He’s getting the message. Moving on, we found two men camped along I-680 behind the Veranda Shopping Mall. Mel was the only one that came out to talk to us. We expressed to him that we were there because of Jesus and provided lunches and blessing bags. Due to the freeway noise, our conversation was short. We hope to have another opportunity to meet with them.

Next, we went to the Highway 4 bridge over Grayson Creek, which had about a dozen tents. Most of the occupants either didn’t come out or were already gone for the day. We did run into Demetrius who remembered us from a couple of weeks ago. We were able to have a good, deep discussion with him. Daryll also joined in a good conversation. On our way out of camp we met Andrew. We gave him a lunch and blessing bag. Off of Solano Way near Highway 4 we saw Ray and Natona who we met last time. Our conversation was short but we plan to keep pursuing our relationship with them.

We finished the day by dropping off our remaining lunches at the County shelter on Arnold Industrial Way. All around, the t-shirts we had were much appreciated and we handed out most of our supply. Thanks to all of those who prepared lunches and blessing bags for us to distribute and to those who have contributed financial and with material goods to the Hope 680 ministry. Please pray specifically for each of the people we encountered. Pray that their material needs will be met and most importantly that the message we shared will be nurtured in their hearts.

East Concord Team

Our team started off at Civic park where we had our first encounter. A gentleman named Sean was resting in the park and we were able to provide him with coffee, lunch, a blessing bag, and prayer. His specific prayer request was a reuniting relationship between his sister and mom. Our next stop was at Baldwin Park. Although few folks were present, we had the wonderful opportunity to pray for Bam. He rejected prayer in previous outreaches, but this time, he welcomed the prayer happily. Pray for Bam to retain a new job that is local and for increased knowledge in the wisdom of the Lord and a sustaining strength. We give the Lord praise for his open response, but the Gospel needs to be nurtured here.

The last location was at the overpass of the 242 freeway by the airport appliance store. Many homeless remain along this corridor and pray that they keep this area clean as the trash continues to build up. T shirts and coffee were offered to a group of folks along the hillside. We were not able to catch their names, but they were grateful for the supplies. This area is in need of Spanish bibles and additional Spanish speaking outreach people to extended conversations in the gospel. Pray for an increase in support and encouragement to study in different languages as well.

Further down the encampment, we met with Joe. He received our supplies and continues to be open to prayer. Pray for his addictions as the conversation remains at the surface level. A gentleman named Sean was also greeted and he displayed a joyful attitude. He needs specific prayer for protection while out on the streets. At the end of the encampment we were able to hand out supplies to a person, however, conversation was limited to greetings.

Across the street, we met a couple more people, Melissa and Kevin. Unfortunately, Melissa looked inebriated, but appeared thankful for our offerings. She left shortly afterwards while we met Kevin who was more collected. He was eager to receive another Bible. Pray that he invests in the Word and spreads the good news to others around him. We also received feedback that there may have been homeless in the tunnels.

Pray for the lost that remain hidden from society and that the Gospel would not remain hindered.

Please also be praying now in anticipation of our upcoming out reach this coming weekend.

Thank you so much for standing alongside us in prayer, support and our outreaches.

Grace and peace

Toby Weiss, Executive Director, Hope 680