May 22 2021 Prayer Update
“Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted” (Hebrews 12:3) Praise the Lord for the rich conversations we had on Saturday morning. Thank you for those preparing the blessing bags, lunches, and those that delivered these care packages as an invitation to deeper discussions. Thank you also for those who came out with us, and for all of you who are praying and giving to enable our gospel work.
Please find specific prayer requests from our 3 teams below:
West Concord Team
There were not as many folks by the Bridges over in the Arnold Industrial Road location. However, this allowed for lengthier conversations with the few homeless that we met. A man by the name of Ray was initially timid in his interaction. But further into the dialogue, he revealed that his struggle with social anxiety disorder and striving to get sober. Ray admitted he was not much of a reader, but if there was any book he would read, it would be the bible. Praise the Lord that we were able to meet and offer him a bible. Pray that the Lord works on his heart regarding his social anxiety and that he invests in the Word. Two additional fellas named Daniel and X-Ray were also approached over by the drive-in movie theater. We had the opportunity to pray for Daniel and his entire family. Although unspoken requests, he received prayer with thanksgiving and began reading the bible we offered as we departed. X-Ray recognized our group as he recalled his previous interaction with Christian Christiansen. Praise the Lord for his memory and pray that we can continue to invest in these relationships to establish biblical counseling for these people.
East Concord Team
Substantial connections occurred on the West Concord team. On their visit to Civic Center, there was one gentleman who was in great need of a blessing bag and lunch. He had just enough strength to lift up his arm to receive supplies. Pray for this man’s health so that he can receive the Word with a clear mind. The team also met a lady named Giana who received prayer and briefly introduced the Gospel. A man by the name of Giovani received a Spanish bible and there was encouragement to listen to his knowledge of the Lord. Pray that Giovani continues to grow and trust in the Lord greater through the Word. Over by the airport appliance store off Willow Pass Road, the group met a family of six in a tent. They were thankful for the coffee and care packages delivered. But more importantly, the team was grateful to see the family reading the bibles that were gifted to them. Further along the trail, Rose and John were met by the group. There were some noticeable struggles with Rose as she had tears in her eyes as the team shared the book of John as well as reminding her of Psalm 139. Pray that Rose, John, and the family of six hold fast to the Word as they continue into the week. Lastly, a lady by the name of Angie was reached by the Bart tracks off to the East grassy side of monument boulevard. Pray that the conversation planted seeds of faith.
Martinez Team
The Lord granted the Martinez team interaction with fifteen folks while they outreached at the Marina amphitheater and downtown. Just to highlight a few, the group was able to meet up with Antoine and Crystal once more, however, they were only interested in the food and left. Pray that they continue to have softened hearts to receive the Good News. Wes and Richard, two other homeless within the encampment, were more versed in scripture, and we give praise that the conversation led to a Gospel centered focus. Do pray for a lady named Queen. Although confident in the Word, there were a couple gaps. One in particular was her rejection of prayer and the mentality that one should only pray for oneself and to God. In light of this, she expressed interest in attending a church service. Fellow chaps Joe, James, and Jerry were also greeted in the downtown region and conversation centered on the Good News calmed these men down from their restless state.
Please continue to pray for all those we meet each time to read God’s Word and for the Spirit to bring many of these folks to salvation. Thank you so much for standing with us in the gospel.
Grace and peace
Toby Weiss