Brockton (Thanksgiving Meal) - November 16, 2024

Saturday was a beautiful day to be serving a Thanksgiving meal to 115 of our friends on the streets of Brockton. The sky was so clear and spirits were mostly high, although there was an undercurrent of fear regarding the new law outlawing sleeping in public places and loitering. Not all of our friends are living outdoors, but they all know someone who does live outside. Usually this is because the homeless shelter is full, but in some cases it’s because they have challenges living within four walls or the rules necessary to keep things working smoothly within the shelter seem too strict or unfair to them. And regarding loitering, many are either too old or infirm for manual labor and others simply can’t find work, so what are they supposed to do and where will they go to avoid being arrested? The whole situation seems to be tainted by politics and oversimplifications that do not reflect reality. It is a concern that all of us will be grappling with for months or maybe years.

That said, it was a wonderful day full of love and prayer. Here are some of the prayer requests:

- Alejandro was so excited to show me his license. Yes, he finally passed his driver’s test! He has a car but it’s not yet running so until he can get it on the road he can’t start his job in waste water treatment. He’s praying God will help him move forward.

- James is asking for prayer for his girlfriend Debra for healing, so that she no longer needs her walker.

- Barrington was with us for the first time and requested a Bible and accepted prayer for protection.

- Lisa’s left knee is in a lot of pain (knee brace) and is asking for healing prayer.

- John is asking for prayers on Monday as he has an interview at Lowe’s for a job.

- Ashley is asking for prayers that she can be reunited with her 9 year old daughter.

- Ann Marie was asking for prayer for her daughter who is the first family member to attend college.

- Wayne is currently sleeping under a bridge and is praying for housing.

- Marie is offering prayers of thanks as she fell and hit her head but is OK. She asked for communion.

- Shaun is thankful that the VA helped him get a dog, “Larry”

- Travis lost his parents in a car accident earlier this year and has been on the streets for 2 months. He is praying to get the demons out of his head. He also wants a job and the ability to help others.

- Michael is so tired of street life and is praying for peace and purpose.

- George had carpal tunnel surgery and is praying about the pain.

- Bob is an old guy we found sitting on the sidewalk curb. His ankle was in bad shape and he needed help standing and walking. A pickup truck with a couple guys stopped by asking if everything was OK and offering to help but we were able to get Bob to a bench.

- Tequan is praying to get back with his family.

- Gideon is praying for music in his life.

- Russell is looking pretty good, but did not want prayer. Please pray for him anyway.

- Brian is praying to see his 8 year old son who is currently in the DCF system.

- Kenny has a birthday the day after Thanksgiving.

From me, and Deb, and Angela, and Eric, and Mark (the LYNN Ministries Board) and all those we serve in Brockton, Attleboro, and Southeastern Massachusetts, thank you to the hundreds of supporters and followers that make this ministry possible!