Jesus on the Streets (in the rain) - October 29, 2023

Sunday in Brockton was cold and wet, again, all of us were soaked but there was a lot of love shared. For those sleeping outside (and there are a lot of them) Saturday and Sunday were a whiplash of weather. We served 117 people today before running out of food and didn’t make it to our final stop at the Library. We stopped at the bridges instead where we know people are sleeping outdoors. The police have been forcing the homeless to move but there’s nowhere for them to go because the shelter and other locations are filled with new migrants seeking asylum. It makes for a toxic mix of emotions and misunderstandings.

Despite the bad weather there was a lot of joy shared and the provisions we had on hand were definitely appreciated. There were also a lot of requests for prayer.

- Richelle and Tyrone are thankful to be moving into an apartment on Nov 9. Tyrone has a job and they are both so excited about the prospect of a new beginning.

- Eddie was thankful to survive a grease fire at his apartment (thanks to an Army gas mask he still had on hand) and he was able to get everyone out of the house until the fire department arrived.

- Skyla was so happy to receive an Empowerment Plan Coat so she can be warm and dry tonight. Thank you to New England Patriots Foundation!)

- Jake was helpful by bringing new people to where we were serving.

- Harry needs encouragement and God's grace to find a job. He’s 65 and says no one will hire him because he’s too old and that makes his insurance premiums too high.

- Lisa just got out of the hospital and is asking for prayer because her family is messed up.

- Marie and I shared Communion.

- Rae is praying for a better week this week.

- King was very thankful for all the clothes and the sleeping bag we were able to provide.

- Donna has had some bad falls and is praying for healing.

- Chris was super happy that he was able to provide some beers to his friends. 🤦‍♂️ (I guess sharing is caring, right?)

- Pauline has some medical tests coming up on Tuesday and is asking for prayers that everything is OK.

- Terry is asking for bravery to take his complaints about bullying to the authorities.

- Brittany was sober for 54 days before relapsing, She’s sober again and trying to stay that way. The last time we saw her she was emaciated but has put on 40 pounds and looks healthy again. She was so full of thanks and encouragement for LYNN Ministries and all that we’re doing. It was heartwarming to hear the impact we’re having.

- Michael is Polish and doesn’t speak English well but he’s been on the streets for a long time and when I prayed with him he was overcome with emotion. It was sad, but also a privilege to share God’s grace with him.

It was a cold and wet but heartwarming day for us and we thank all those who made it possible.