Jesus on the Streets (3rd Saturday) - March 16, 2024
Yesterday was such a beautiful day to be serving on the streets of Brockton. We served 86 meals to our friends on the streets along with hot drinks and fresh fruit and baked goods. It was the 3rd Saturday of the month so we also had a full-load of men’s and women’s clothes. So many people were waiting for us that we were slammed as soon as we arrived. Weirdly it was a lighter day for prayer as many of those we served wanted to be on their way quickly. (Some had loaded bags so they may have wanted to get home, whatever home looks like for them.) However, while many people declined prayer, there were a lot of laughs and joking going on as we continue to reach out, break down barriers, and establish community among our friends.
We were running out of socks and underwear after the first stop, where we served well over 70 people, and then found some we didn’t know had been packed. (Or as Bob commented, it’s like loaves and fishes for underwear and socks. 🤔)
Here are the prayers I wrote down:
Kevin asked for prayer for continued strength as he recently passed his 1-yr sober milestone. Go Kevin!
Onald is new from Haiti but allowed me to recite the Lord’s Prayer in Haitian Creole. (Well truthfully, I started to say it and he decided to read the words for me that were on my phone. 🤷♂️)
Rashawn is praying for better weather this summer so he is not constantly wet.
Kyrah allowed me to pray for her and her (upside down) dog.
Julie has back surgery coming up and she’s worried so asked for prayer. She is also praying for housing and support.
John gave us the good news that he’s been hired to drive a Zamboni at a nearby skating rink. (Sorry, he insists the proper name is an “ice resurfacing machine”…IRM?)
Marie also accepted my attempts to read the Lord’s Prayer in Haitian Creole.
Russell is struggling since his wheelchair was stolen and is asking for prayers to heal his broken neck and back and for strength. (He used to be so vibrant before his accident and this turn of events is heartbreaking.)
Jessica is battling breast cancer.
Barbara in a 3-wheeled wheelchair (one wheel broke) is asking for prayers to be useful to God.
Dre needs an apartment and is asking God to intervene
Andrea says she is doing OK but is simply tired.
Eugene got a job working in a bakery! 🎉 Now he’s hoping to save enough money to get a place of his own.
Jaciento (Moyo) was in very rough shape and a lot of back pain. He showed us the scar where he’d had surgery in the past and unfortunately he’s now in pain again. (It is very difficult to have a chronic condition on the streets, because you’re in pain, tempted to take illicit drugs to numb the pain, and you’re a target for predators. Another aspect of this is that many of of our friends feel they must carry a knife for protection.)
Jamie was recently released from prison and is praying for a smooth transition to freedom and to reestablish themselves in society.
Sadly yesterday may be the last day we’ll see Anthony as he plans to move out of state this week. We’ll miss him but wish him Godspeed and blessings for a fresh start in a new location.
Thank you to all our supporters for making LYNN Ministries possible. We pray that you will be praying throughout the week for our friends on the streets for their safety, their needs, and most of all for their walk with Christ. May God bless you all!