Jesus on the Streets (3rd Saturday) - January 20, 2024
Saturday (3rd Saturday of month, so lots of clothes) it was 18 degrees when we started serving in Brockton, but it warmed all the way to 22 degrees, which made all the difference (ha ha) as we served 64 people a hot meal of Dijon chicken and lots of love. We saw about half of our normal crowd because when it’s this cold the homeless shelter lets people stay inside during the day. The team was fantastic with no complaints even as we were out in the cold for about 4 hours. The thing that surprised me was how many of our friends were without hats or gloves and seemed unfazed by the cold. The human body is truly an incredible thing, but it shouldn’t have to be this way.
Here are the prayer requests:
Will is asking for peace, for himself and for the people of Brockton.
Alejandro passed his wastewater treatment exam but can’t get a job without a car and he needs more practice to pass his driving test. He’s praying for a part time job that will let him afford more driving lessons.
Carrie and Shaun arrived wearing the Empowerment Plan coats we had given them, which made us feel good. (Empowerment coats turn into sleeping bags.) Despite having jobs they can’t afford an apartment and are sleeping outside. Their daughter is staying with family but it is breaking their hearts to have the family split up.
Stephanie is a grandmother who takes care of at least 5 of her grandchildren, 3 of them in diapers. She spoke about her challenges with addictions and asked for prayer to overcome them and to be the grandmother God designed her to be.
Sue is recovering from a stroke and is in a wheelchair. It was particularly touching to see our teammate Chris on her knees putting gloves on Sue’s hands. Sue is now facing a 7th surgery and is very worried about it and asking for prayers.
Tara wanted to tell us our friend Patrick is doing OK and is in rehab for a head injury.
Marie is asking for prayers for her sister and daughter to accept Christ.
Marshall is praying for housing (he’s sleeping in a truck with his dog). So many of his friends and family have died in the past few years that he feels alone and isolated. He was very thankful for our prayers.
Victor is praying for the path ahead.
Kenney recently suffered another fall and needs our prayers.
We are so very thankful for your ongoing support! We pray you are all warm and dry on these bitter cold days.