Brockton - December 8, 2024

Here is an update from Sunday’s team that served 95 meals of Chicken Cacciatore on the streets of Brockton. They also had warm coats, hats and gloves, and blankets. We had a variety people serving from Church of Emmanuel, Evangelical Covenant Church, Attleboro, South Shore Community Church, St. Mary's Foxboro, and Waters Church. (BTW, being a Christian is not a requirement for serving with us.) Here is the report,

The early snowy morning turned into a sunny and brisk winter day, our team was blessed with the opportunity to serve our friends on the streets of Brockton. If we were to use one word to describe our service today, it would be “Emmanuel”, “God with us”.

We served 95 meals of chicken cacciatore between 2 locations in the city of Brockton. According to our guests, it was delicious. And many came back for a second portion. (A shout out to our cooking team!) Thanks to our talented bakers, The Christmas themed cookies and treats added some holiday cheer into our offerings. A special thank you to Joanne who brought Christmas cards, post stamps and Chocolates to the table. Many of our guests were able to write Christmas cards ready to be sent out to loved ones.

Thanks to all the donations. Many of our guests received gloves, hats, sweatshirts, jackets or blankets. Whenever we witnessed an item given to the right person in need, either it be a bright yellow jacket, or a perfectly fitting pair of boots, or a pair of gloves offering warmth and comfort, the joy and gratitude were tangible and communal among our guests and our team members.

Besides the steady stream of people passing through the serving line, many guests also asked for prayers. There were a couple of praises shared with us, and answered prayer for healing, and an answered prayer for a roof overhead (safety and warmth). Please join us and continuously pray for our friends in need:

- Pinedo is asking prayer for restoration of his heart and health. He asked prayer for God’s mercy and healing of his relationships, and that he may be able to see his children in a nearby town.

- Rebecca asked prayer for a good holiday season and Christmas blessings for everyone.

- Mickey shared his praise with us and continuously asking prayer for safety and provision.

- Micah: prayed for healing for Rich. (He can use a prayer for healing of his back as well.)

- Heather: She was just released from the hospital after Pneumonia. Please pray for continuous healing for her.

Our eventful day turned up a notch towards the end of our first stop, when we had to call an ambulance to help our friend Donna who hurt her head this morning. Given the condition when she arrived, it’s quite a miracle for her to walk up to us and seek help.

On our second stop, Junior received a couple of meals, and a “Happy Birthday” song. Heather received a pair of boots, a special request that had been waiting for her in the truck for a couple of weeks. (Turned out she was in the hospital.) Angela arrived at the end, looked happy that she made it, and got the last meal we prepared…

Sorry for the long post today. But this is just a short list of what we have seen and heard today. There was a lot to process during our team wrap-up time. While we witness the needs and sufferings among our friends on the streets, we also witness the details of God’s hands at work. Thankfully, we know that God’s work does not stop with us. He is always working to turn the “five loaves and two fish” into immeasurably more.

Thank you to all who contribute to our cause, the cooks, the bakers, the packers, the organizers, the servers, the contributors, and most importantly those who pray for our friends on the streets and our ability to serve them. May God bless you all, especially during this Advent season!