Brockton - December 21, 2024
LYNN Ministries had a fantastic day of service in Brockton yesterday, despite the cold weather. It never got above 30 deg F but after 4+ hours it gets pretty cold. Our friends however, have it even worse as many of them are living in these conditions 24/7. We were joined by people from Church of Emmanuel, South Shore Community Church, St. Mary's Foxboro among others. We served 98 meals of pork loin, mashed potatoes, and grilled asparagus and green beans. That’s in addition to the home baked Christmas cookies, fresh fruit, snacks, cannolis, chocolates, and hot coffee/hot chocolate. We also had Christmas gifts with gloves, candy, Dunkin’ cards and laundry cards/detergent. Thanks to Paws & Claws - bellingham for making 120 Christmas gift bags, which increased the gift giving. Thank also to Empowerment Plan and New England Patriots Foundation for providing the 7 Empowerment Coats we gave out to those sleeping outside. (These coats turn into sleeping bags.) Even though it was freezing cold, our friends felt the warmth of Jesus’ love.
It was also a banner day as it was the first time in 10 weeks that Deb was able to be out on the streets with us (in her walking boot of course) and our friends were lined up to greet her. We also met another ministry out on the streets of Brockton and we are hoping to form a relationship with them.
This can be a hard time for many of our friends, not only because of the cold weather but also because of the distance from family and friends. There was so much activity (and it was so cold) that there were fewer prayer requests than usual, but here we go:
- Michael is praying that his 3 kids are safe this Christmas, that they are happy, and for strength for himself as he deals with his current situation of living on the streets.
- Migdalia is praying for her family and for her fear over upcoming surgery.
- Derek and Kim are praying for unity within our country and for their marriage.
- Dan is praying for housing (warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and dry all year long)
- Alex (from Ukraine) is praying that he can get a bed tonight at a shelter.
- Emmanuel is praying that his life would turn around for the good.
- Miguel is applying for social security, and is praying for housing and a job
- Sandy has hip surgery coming up and is worried about it.
- Marie requested Communion.
- Ruthie is living in her car. She is advanced in years and cannot get into a shelter. (We had to help her to her car.)
- Chaz is praying that his court date go well and for the safety and health of his family.
- Ashley (a friend for more than 12 years) looked pretty good but is still living outside and needs our prayers.
- Malik has been a friend for over 10 years. We met him living in the woods of Brockton (he always seemed to be brushing his teeth when we arrived). He is living in a shelter in Boston and getting his life on track. He took the train to come visit and it was such a joy to be reunited. Our board member, Eric, has been walking with Malik through the process of getting his life back on track and it’s such a joy to see his progress. Please keep Malik in your prayers.
Thank you to all our friends, followers, and contributors that make this ministry something that our friends look forward to each week. You are helping bring the love of Christ, the most powerful, humble, and forgiving king and savior that we could ever hope for. As we remember His birth, we wish you a merry and joy filled Christmas!