Oct 5th Prayer Update
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.”
As can be seen in the photo, we had another wonderful group of volunteers whose desire is to be a part of front line gospel ministry. God placed folks in our path who were open to gospel conversations and prayer. It's our prayer that those we encountered would consider what was shared and be moved to genuine saving faith. We are confident in God's word is powerful, that he does supernatural work in the hearts of the lost. Would you please join us in prayer that God would cause many that we spoke with to embrace saving faith and for those with addictive behavior to become free with the Lord's help?
On our last visit to Antioch a local individual who has a piece of property provides RV housing for folks who have lost their home. We had the privilege of doing a multi-generational Bible study with a family. Their place in the rented space was a little insecure but the Lord has now provided an extended five year lease of the land. The local individual is looking to grow that community with additional RVs.
We sat down with Monty and Amanda and a few of their children and opened the Bible with them. They were given a general overview from creation to a study on sin. They were open and grateful and listened carefully. Our team offered the family study Bibles and notebooks. It was likely the first gospel exposure the children have had. As with others we encounter, it's our prayer that God's word does not return void and that this family might come to genuine saving faith. We are hopeful for a continued relationship to study God's word with them as they try to get back on their feet.
As the team moved along, they found a woman sleeping on a bench who didn't initially wake up when approached. Food was left near her and they moved along. Moments later, the women sat up and had a 20-minute conversation with our volunteer Pat. Amy was very talkative and it was challenging for Pat to break into the conversation and present the gospel. Pat offered Amy a pocket New Testament. Join us in praying for Amy's safety.
Part of the discussion with Kristin revolved around different versions of scripture and various church denominations. The team gave her three Bibles. She was encouraged to focus on studying God's word and not differences she may see in the translations. The team prayed for and with her for safety and that she would read the Bibles given. Kristin tends to look out for those in the same encampment to be sure they have food and supplies.
One team traveled to Vallejo where the homeless population is enormous and the need is very great. The county attempted to clear out encampments but were unsuccessful as they have been reestablished. The team encountered a gentleman named Victor who was somewhat combative being clearly opposed to the gospel. During the course of the conversation he changed his name several times so we aren’t confident that his name is Victor.
One such individual, Christina, was spiritually receptive but as we were trying to share the gospel with her, Victor stood by openly discouraging her from believing. The last time we met with Christina she accepted a Bible. Please be in prayer with us for her safety and that the small sprouts of faith she exhibited wouldn't be snatched up by the evil one. She asked prayer for family relationships which have been strained though she has begun to see some improvement.
Our team has interacted with Cathy before, but on this occasion, they were able to engage her in a lengthy gospel conversation. She said she is one of 11 children and was raised Roman Catholic in the city of Boston. She had a lot of thoughts about God's word and sin that aren't taught in the Bible. Our team patiently listened trying to gently guide her back to the Bible for answers. Cathy admitted to struggling with substance abuse and mental illness. However it was clear she is rather quite smart. We pray God will allow for more conversation in the future and that Cathy will see her personal need for repentance and faith.
Please pray for these individuals who took Bibles or previously received a Bible. We ask that you pray that they would read the Bibles provided.
Jim - received a Bible and accepted prayer for his foot condition.
Andy - says he already has a Bible, accepted food, asked for prayer for his kids and listened to the gospel
Bob - claims to be a believer but isn't relying on the scripture for truth.
Claude - accepted food, Bible, shirt, blessing bag, water, flash light. Used to attend church, and seemed willing to consider trying again.
Alicia - tenderhearted, accepted a large print Bible. She has only been on the street three weeks and is praying she won't be there much longer.
Juan - expressed that he would like to get out of his homeless situation.
Herb - new guy, good gospel conversation.
Charles - encouraged him to read the Bible he already has
Pray for these people who were friendly but declined Bibles. We pray that they will be more open on our next outreach.
Matt
Jason
Kevin
Al - left our conversation and came back with alcohol
Rain - believes he is good enough to get to heaven on his own
Sean - told our team that water is his god. Listened to the John 4 story of the woman at the well but took off pretty quickly after that.
Randy
Jack - trapped by conspiracy theories
Teanna - look extremely young, caught in addiction
Oscar - accepted prayer, and remembered us from last visit.
Jesus - friendly and accepted prayer
Kareem
Pray for these people who were closed to a conversation that God would work to soften their hearts before our next outreach.
Philepe didn't want a Bible and was hardhearted toward the gospel.
Herbert
Michael
JOIN US!
Our Next Outreach is October 19th 2024
Please consider serving during a Saturday Outreach in one of the following ways:
1) Prepare Lunches
2) Evangelism at the Homeless Camps
3) Volunteer Breakfast
4) Cookies for Volunteers
Our ministry is a labor of love with the main purpose of providing gospel hope through practical means to the homeless. Thank you for serving alongside of us!
We continue to pray for those who might be able to contribute a small additional monthly gift of $25 or $50 a month to help with ongoing Hope680 expenses, including our ministry supplies, offices, and RV maintenance. We are trusting God to continue to provide through you!
FYI Our Executive Staff and Leaders (including Toby and all team leaders) are unpaid volunteers - all donations go 100% towards the running of Hope680, including administrative contractors, our facilities, and RV maintenance costs, as well as ministry supplies.