Sept 21st Prayer Update
“But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things, I delight, declares the LORD.”
It's our continuing prayer that more would come to know God personally and for those who say they are Christians would live out their faith. By the grace of God as stewards of what He provides we trust the Lord our efforts aren't wasted. We know that God through his word has the power to transform lives. We praise the Lord that our team distributed seven English language Bibles, one Spanish Bible, and eight "Freedom from Addiction" books during this last outreach. Likewise, we were able to be generous in providing lunches to the hungry. Thank you for your prayers for our ministry and the lost in our county.
One of our team was happy to have a continuing conversation with Michael. He had some great questions about some practical life concerns and wanted to know how the Bible would address the issue. He also listened to a full gospel presentation. As our team left Michael with food and hot coffee the team took down his phone number so we might connect with him for a future RV Bible Study. We think Michael would make a great Bible study candidate as he is thoughtful about what God's word says and how to apply it.
Jabari told our team some of his current struggles including challenges in relating to people. After listening to more from him, it appears Jabari is facing spiritual oppression. The team offered him a Bible and told him the answer to all life's questions can be found in its pages. He had difficulty communicating clearly but he was happy to receive coffee and food. He was also willing to pray. Our team shared the gospel through the prayer.
Our team spent some time with JR and his girlfriend Michelle. Michelle was very open to the gospel presentation. She was able to quickly recognize her sin, and confess that she needs a savior. The team asked if that was something that she wanted to do and she quickly said, "Can I do that now?" They directed her to some verses as a template for how to walk in true repentance and faith. Please pray that Michelle has a continued desire to pursue Christ and doesn't get distracted by the temptations of this world. JR seemed to indicate that he has wanted to see Michelle choose to follow Christ for awhile. We pray he is an encouragement to her in this endeavor.
Our team had a significant conversation with Steven. His wife Jennifer was inside the tent and wouldn't come out to speak with us. Steven shared that they have two children, ages 13 and 10 who are in protective custody. Steven shared he is going into a rehab program on October 1st. Please pray with us that he follows through with that commitment. He talked about his desire to get clean and work at getting his kids back. He was able to admit the toll his drug usage has taken on himself and his family.
We opened the word with Steven and shared the gospel. He listened intently but still had some objections though he remained polite and kind throughout. The team prayed for him and his situation. We pray that the Lord will break through the hearts of this couple and that Steven will be able to humble himself before the Lord.
Our Martinez team scouted out the location of an old encampment on a hill they have previously met people. Everything has been completely cleared out. Please pray with us for our friends who previously called this hillside home. We pray that this has been the catalyst they needed to seek out the help of the Bay Area Rescue Mission.
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.
Michelle - listened to the gospel
Cindy - struggling with a missing leg and depression as a result
Melea - Grandma taught her about the gospel. Very kind hearted towards us
Nacho - Joyful Spanish speaker
Michael
Jabari
Roy - Read the Bible with him.
Rich - Didn't give us a direct answer when we asked him about his relationship to God.
Kevin - drove up on his bike and accepted a Bible
Pray for these people who were friendly but declined Bibles. We pray that they will be more open on our next outreach.
Steven - heard the gospel
JR
Jesse
Jenae - didn't talk to us but seemed friendly
Sergio - declined a Bible but accepted prayer, food and a tent
Mike - health struggles, listened to the gospel
Jim - short conversation
Gypsie lady - took a lunch but didn't want anything else
Pray for these people who were closed to a conversation that God would work to soften their hearts before our next outreach.
Jennifer
Gaureen
Unnamed Man - Just wanted food
JOIN US!
Our Next Outreach is October 5th 2024
Please consider serving during a Saturday Outreach in one of the following ways:
1) Prepare Lunches
2) Serving 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.