Jesus on the Streets (in the rain again) - January 28, 2024

It was another wet day as we served 71 meals in the snow and rain to our friends on the streets of Brockton. We had a couple new people from Church of Emmanuel join us, as well as two students from Stonehill College making their second trip with us. It was an exciting day as we were inundated by desperate people at one of our stops, and later we were met by a police officer who told us about a fight nearby and asked us to be aware and stay safe. (This officer accepted our offer to pray for peace in the City of Brockton and safety for the citizens and first responders.)

There is still a lot of emotion on the streets regarding the way the city is treating the homeless, as they are shutting down warming centers or making them run on limited hours. We are also hearing reports that the city is enforcing regulations in an inconsistent manner, choosing to close down churches that serve the poor until all repairs are complete (rather than allowing them to stay open during the process) while at the same time turning a blind eye to commercial businesses that are operating under the same/similar conditions. (We don’t have all the facts but we’ve heard this from multiple credible sources.)

There were so many prayer requests that we couldn’t get them all written down:

• Mike is praying for housing

• Andrew is praying for strength, knowledge, and wisdom

• Jose is asking for blessings isn’t he New Year

• Elizabeth 1 is praying for safety on the streets and successful detox

• Elizabeth 2 is praying for health and to get clean from drugs

• Jay is praying for successful hand surgery

• Reschel and Christian continue to pray for her son Noah (healing and following rules in recovery) and for Christian’s faith to grow

• Andy is praying for safety

• Gabriel is thankful to be with family and to be sober (10 years) but is struggling with the desire to drink again. Unfortunately, no sober house will accept him unless he relapses.

• Ashley overdosed this morning but one of her friends helped her recover. She is asking for help getting into a drug program.

• Anthony needs prayers for his ankle to be healed so he can go back to work.

• I ask for prayers for the Brockton first responders, who must quickly evaluate emergency situations and determine appropriate actions that are both just and compassionate.

Thank you all for your ongoing support of LYNN Ministries, and your care and concern for our health and well-being. May God bless you this week!