Jesus on the Streets (in the rain) - December 3, 2023

Cold. Wet. Cold and wet. It was a rough day serving in Brockton on Sunday but nowhere near as rough on us as on those we were serving. Because of the weather, we only saw 58 of our friends to serve Kitchen Sink Soup, which is way tastier than it may otherwise sound. We gave Deb the day off because, well, she really needed it. (Thank you Donna for recognizing her need and stepping up.)

There were so many requests for sleeping bags, tents, Empowerment Coats, and blankets, but our supplies are already becoming scarce and, as a result, many of our friends left empty handed. It is especially sad for us, when things that we have already provided disappear due to loss, theft, or when the city collects and destroys those belongings in the hope that “those people” will find somewhere else to “live.” Where are they supposed to go? Especially when the homeless shelter is overflowing. Physically it was a rough day, but it was even more difficult emotionally which is why it has taken me two days to write this. What a team we had on the streets of Brockton. These women are awesome!

There were many prayer requests although the prayer journal is a bit difficult to read due to the ink running from all the rain.

- Bruins John wants God to make it stop rainin. (Amen to that!)

- Bob is praying for an apartment.

- Freddy wanted to know where Deb was?

- Clean-cut Chris just wants peace on the streets

- Jacqueline is still struggling with her addiction.

- Alejandro is excited and thankful that he received his certification for waste water treatment

- Reschel is praying for her son Noah to recover from a motorcycle accident and for her to be able to stop drinking.

- Christian is praying that his 2 brothers (Joshua & Michael) are in heaven.

- Sal was thankful to see us for a dose of sunshine.

- Junior was in really rough shape, and he now looks as bad as we’ve seen him in years.

- Linda is asking for prayers for Stephanie, who is pregnant but not taking good care of herself.

- It was Donna H’s birthday so we sang to her.

- Regina is praying to get out of Brockton to Savannah, GA.

- Janet just got out of the hospital but looks pretty good. She agreed to have a payee control her money so that she doesn’t spend it on alcohol. (This was a really big decision for her!) She is hoping to be allowed into elderly housing in Stoughton. (She has a meeting on Thursday.)

- Dawn and Autumn (mother and daughter) are living in the woods and praying to stay safe.

- Marie and I shared communion

- George is waiting for results on his brain scan and simply wants to see his kids, but his wife won’t let him.

- Jeanette was so heartbreaking as she is small, and frail, and an addict, and living outdoors and keeps losing the things we provide. She is so distraught but her mental state is not letting her get the care she needs.

Thank you all for continuing to read our weekly updates and supporting LYNN Ministries. We need your continued prayers as it looks to be a long winter.