July 23 Prayer Update
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
(Ps 91:1-2)
The outreach this past Saturday gave us so much hope! Friends who have long been resistant are warming to the gospel. Others are expressing a desire to participate in one-on-one Bible studies. And God has provided us with Spanish speaking volunteers who can reach our Hispanic friends -- something we really haven't been able to do in the past.
One of our homeless friends even talked to us about Psalm 91. The miracle of someone who, from all practical purposes, has no shelter or hope and yet is able to see and believe in the God Who shelters us is no small thing....it's a powerful work of God's grace and His Spirit. We praise Him for this!
Outreach Teams
Top Row: Concord and Dart Teams
Bottom Row: Martinez and North Concord Teams
The members of the Concord Team had great gospel-centered conversations with Larry, Brian, Lorrain, Rico and Sally. Rico and Sally also accepted Bibles.
Larry (pictured below) seemed to have a genuine faith -- one that was exhibited even in the midst of having his bike stolen and his car broken into.
Please continue to pray for these folks as well as for Teri, Ricky and Anthony. Pray too for Derrek who has an 8-year old son. Our team had deep conversations with him about Jesus Christ. Please pray for him as he seeks employment and works to get back on his feet.
The members of the Dart Team had a great conversation with Sunshine (pictured below). The conversation centered on Psalm 91 which speaks of the Lord being our refuge and our tender protection. Isn't it amazing that Sunshine could see the truth of this passage in the midst of homelessness. She is interested in one-on-one discipleship. (Evan also administered some first aid to a cut on her leg.)
The team also talked to Manuel, Felix and Santos, sharing the gospel with them and giving them copies of the Bible written in Spanish..
Please pray for them and for Reggie and Randy. Randy is strongly opposed to Christianity.
We are so thankful that the North Concord Team had two volunteers who are fluent in Spanish. This team visited a group of homeless men living under a bridge, all of whom spoke Spanish but very little English. The men, Jorge, Francisco, Carlos and Gabriel, were all given Bibles translated into Spanish and Mari and Jose were able to talk with them at length.
Mari also had a long conversation with Two Knives again, pouring the love of Christ and the truth of His salvation out for Two Knives to see and hear. His heart continues to soften. Please continue to pray for him.
Our team also met with Jose and Maya who have been trying to find employment. Because they do not have a permanent address, they aren't being seriously considered for positions. Please pray that God would overcome this obstacle and provide work for them. Maya expressed a great deal of loneliness as well....another need that Jesus is eager to meet!
Members of the Martinez Team had a long, in-depth conversation with Joyce (pictured below) again this week. She shared a story about how God tangibly met her in a deep time of need. Even more exciting is that she is willing to be in a Bible study with us starting next week! Please pray that her desire for this would increase.
We were thankful to hear that Marcus, who we have known for quite some time, is getting baptized this Sunday at a church that has worship services in the homeless camps. God's mercy never fails! Please pray that Marcus' faith and obedience to Christ Jesus would deepen.
Please also pray for the men and women with whom Carolyn shared the gospel on Saturday, that God would use the truth of His word and the power of His Spirit to bring them to faith.
Carolyn discussing the 10 commandments as a way to reveal man's sinfulness and the forgiveness that comes through Christ.
Thank you for your prayers for the ministry of Hope 680.
As mentioned in our prayer update, we are wanting to provide a safe, easily accessible place for people like Joyce and Sunshine to participate in Bible Studies and Biblical drug counseling. Please prayerfully consider contributing towards the purchase of a ministry RV that will make these desires a reality for our homeless friends.