Brockton - December 15, 2024

Here is an update from Sunday’s LYNN Ministries that served over 100 meals of ham and potato soup on the streets of Brockton. We had representatives for Church of Emmanuel, Grace Chapel Foxboro, St. Mary's Foxboro, South Shore Community Church, among others.

Though it was sunny on Sunday, it was below freezing on the streets of Brockton. Thankfully the wind was light, so it was bearable for most of the day. We reflected that we are able to return to our homes, while many of our friends have to stay outside.

At our first stop, we had a steady stream of people. Hot soup, snacks and warm drinks were enjoyed by all. Hats, gloves, scarves, blankets and coats were also distributed. Lots of conversations and several prayers were shared.

-Donnie asked for prayer for his mother who is dealing with colon cancer. Donnie asked for complete healing of his mother, especially as his father passed away recently. We also prayed for his ex-girlfriend, who is walking the streets and using drugs again. Before we left, Donnie came back for seconds.

-Lisa was cheerful, but asked for prayers of protection as she is sleeping outside.

-Adelson asked for prayers for his mother, as she is also battling cancer. Adelson and Carlos received Empowerment Plan coats, which are generously supplied by the New England Patriots Foundation.

-We had hoped to give an Empowerment coat to RM, but couldn’t because he wouldn't allow us to take a confidential picture of him. (The coats are so valuable that we can only afford to give people one per year.) He then became very angry, returned his soup and coffee, and told us how we had ruined his day, how God was cruel, how awful it has been living outside for 2 years, how terrible it has been to see 11 people die, and much, much more. He accused us of being Pharisees and other things, but he never swore at us or God. After leaving he came back a few minutes later to vent some more. He said that the one thing that gives him reason and purpose to stay alive is his 14 year old son. He did not want our prayers, but we ask that you pray for him anyway.

-We met Mario who shared his story. Previously he was suicidal, but went to Teen Challenge where he found hope and faith in Jesus Christ! After he left the program, he returned to his wife, but she beat him and chased him away. Today, Mario was experiencing severe abdominal pain and could not hold down food. We encouraged him to go to Neighborhood Health to get checked out, but also prayed for healing for his stomach and a clear path forward.

-Guillermo has been living in a boarding house for 7 years but desperately wants a place of his own. He is thankful to be able to share Thanksgiving and Christmas with his brother and sister. We pray that God would provide him with a housing voucher.

-A man we know as Black stopped by to share that he now has an apartment and that he is doing very well! Good news like this is rare, but so encouraging!

-Betty and Nando are living with a friend but are expecting to get a place of their own by the end of the month. May God bless them with a home of their own!

-Taquan is a respectful young man who walks with a cane, as he severely injured his foot in a biking accident. He needs surgery to repair the bones in his foot.

-Ashley and her husband asked for prayer. They are homeless and their 9 year old daughter is being cared for by both sets of grandparents.

-Brittany emerged from the woods, hugged Joanne, and remarked that she smelled like Christmas! Brittany went into rehab over a year ago and had been doing well, but has now relapsed and is in a bad way. Please pray for her.

-We met Christian and Ann, a married couple who regularly serve the homeless with "blessing bags" which include hats, scarves, hand warmers and more. They told us about people they had served under the bridge and hoped we could provide a hot meal.

-Under the bridge we met Big Dave, April, and a few others. April shared that JuneBug passed away last night from an overdose, and that Roscoe was in the hospital having survived an overdose. Praying with them over this loss felt raw and awful. Big Dave seemed sober but was shivering. They were thankful to receive blankets and other clothing items.

We reflected on the words of Jesus who said that in his father's house there are many, many rooms (John 14:2). We prayed that God would provide rooms down here like he has up there for our friends on the street.

Thank you to all who make this ministry possible.