Brockton - October 13, 2024

Here’s a (belated) update from the LYNN Ministries team that served 124 of our friends in Brockton on Sunday.

After a beautiful, sunny, warm Saturday, the cold dampness of today seemed to catch both volunteers and guests off guard. Despite the cold and grey skies, it was a great day to serve and share the Good News through offering hot food, smiles, hugs, compassion and prayer.

We had lots of sweatshirts and boots to give today. Looking at the lightweight nylon sneakers that most of our guests were wearing, the gift of warm footwear was perfectly timed. The extra layer of a sweatshirt was also greatly appreciated by many. Its amazing how you can see stress leave a person's body when they are given something they really need. Meeting the most immediate needs seems to help people trust that God will meet tomorrow needs as well.

One of our friends on the street must have told their friends about the fact we had boots because at one point a line of about 10 people excitedly ran towards us with big expectant smiles.

We served 124 meals and offered another 20 or so folks snacks, fruit and something to drink.

Today we had two people dedicated to praying with our friends on the street and together we lifted up many prayers.

-Robert asked for prayers for his health.

-One guy seemed in a rush and said "no thank you" but then paused a second and yelled back over his shoulder, "Pray for Joann and Debbie who I have not seen in weeks."

-Colangie asked us to pray that his headache would stop and he'd feel better.

-Rochelle is feeling like her faith is being attacked. She prays that she can stay strong in her faith even while others try to bring her down. She also asked for healing in her back, resilience and protection. Jairah reminded Rochelle that Jesus was mocked for his faith but he is now in Glory paving the way for us to join him there.

- Rochelle and Chris just learned that their friend John John died Friday in ICU following an overdose. We ask for prayers for all those who grieve his passing.

- Chilford asked for God's provision.

- Chris prays for a better life.

- Mike prays for relief of lower back pain.

- Lorraine prays for housing.

- Dominic got out of jail and is feeling lonely since so many of the people he knew are dead. He prays for hope.

- Chris prays for patience, wisdom and good company.

- Cassie needs to make some big decisions and prays for discernment and courage.

- Mariaivera asks for healing from cancer. Sal, one of our deeply faithful friends from the street joined in praying for her. Even though tears ran down her face as we prayed with her, you could tell she felt uplifted by prayer.

- Terrell asked for prayer to help him deal with feelings of anger

- Donna is still looking for affordable housing and asked for prayer for that.

- Renee displayed great kindness to those around her. She asked for prayers for her children; particularly that they may be healthy.

- Kayla was super thankful for a coat we gave her. She's worried about her husband in jail. She was hesitant to pray with us on the spot but when I asked if we could pray for her and her husband during the week she said ,"yes."

- Akeiya asked for healing in her hands which are experiencing numbness.

- Larry prayed for life and health

- Angel, who has been homeless for 7 years asked for prayer.

- We also prayed with and for Kerrylynn, Avaleiz, Felix, Jordan, Eve, and Brittany.

After serving at the library we had enough food to pack up two last meals. Just as we were about to leave, two more people showed up hoping for a hot meal. As is often the case, we had just enough to meet the needs of our friends on the street.

It was a good day.

Thank you to all our volunteers and supporters who make this ministry possible.