July 24, 2021 Prayer Update
Praise God for three large teams of volunteers able to share the hope of the gospel with over 40 homeless folks this last Saturday. Please be praying for many to come to know Jesus through the gospel seeds that were planted and nurtured!
Our team of outreach volunteers:
West Concord Team
Taking a different route at the start, our team stopped first under the Concord BART tracks and met with Leanne who was heading off for work but had time enough for us to pray that she would see her two grandsons and that her relationship with her daughter would be whole. She said she had a Bible and credited several things to God, but did not appear curious about deeper spiritual truths.
Further down we gave out 5 Bibles to people like Rick and friendly Angie who remembered Toby, was glad to see us, and promised to read her Bible and pray before reading so God could teach her with a willing heart. We engaged a man named Bob Waterman who told us of his criminal past but has few teeth left and cannot see well. Please pray for his complete repentance. We left food for Wolfgang who was sleeping.
Back under the bridges we again conversed with tender-hearted Lisa who had a prayer request that was too hard for her to share. She remembered us as did her friend Jarret and Cheryl who was with her. Because Lisa cannot read well for some reason, Jarret has been reading to her from the Bible we gave her. We encouraged her to read John. Cheryl fully participated in the conversation also, smiling always, which was a welcome change from other times and she received a Bible telling us that her mother had a very nice Bible she was never allowed to read as a child. Please pray that the Word of God transforms her.
We found Ray and his girlfriend Naytona once again, but he said they will be moving off the streets now into and apartment. He said they had a Bible, but may the Word indwell them.
Last, we traveled to a 14-tent encampment where Adriana shared Scripture with Amy whom we have met before. Amy does not pray just to God, but welcomed our friendship once again and listened and heard more than ever before. We did help a different Amy with blessing bags and saw but did not interact with our old acquaintance James. However, we reminded Andre of the gospel since he knew the gospel as a child but has listened to other teachings since. We gave him a New Testament reminding him it is the transformational Word of God who is loving and kind and merciful and he was excited to read it again.
East Concord Team
The East Concord Team started in Pleasant Hill near the Hyatt hotel where we met our friend Tom. He was in some pain this time and not wanting to talk as much as before, but he still had the bible we’d given him. Across the street we met familiar faces also, and were able to pray for Gary and Loraine, who’s house burnt down a month ago. Pray for Loraine who appears to be an addict.
We had a pair of size 12 shoes and wondered if we’d meet someone who could use them. Right away we met a gentlemen by the off-ramp and they were a great fit. He was so thankful for all we could provide, and shared with us at length. He was happy to receive prayer and hear the gospel (a lapsed catholic). Pray he would chose the RIGHT WAY to follow Jesus! See photo:
Then near Airport Appliance on Willow Pass we met a large group of people. Kaycee approached us very distraught. She shared that she had lost all her possessions, and her boyfriend’s daughter had died the previous day. We were able to provide a tent, clothes and food, and she changed her countenance saying ‘you have really blessed me today’. We were thankful for our small provision and prayers for her salvation.
We were also able to visit and pray with 6-7 other individuals in this area, including this gentleman who was glad to receive a bible. Please pray for the spirit to convict him as he reads it:
Martinez Team
The Martinez team were surprised to find our regular encampment almost deserted. But they were directed to a location where the homeless were working with a local non-profit doing a service project paving an area. The team used the opportunity to feed the entire group, and Mike our team leader boldly preached the gospel to everyone there while they ate. This allowed many deep conversations and prayer opportunities, praise God:
One of the homeless people had 2 pet rabbits who had just given birth to 6 bunnies. You just never know what you’re going to see out there!
We are so thankful for the many opportunities the Lord grants us to share him each time we go out. And thank you to each of you for your prayers, financial support, and ongoing encouragement!
Praise be to God!
Grace and peace,
Toby Weiss
Executive Director, Hope680