Jesus on the Streets (on a beautiful day) - December 5, 2021

Another beautiful (but totally messed up) day in Brockton where we served 60 meals across 3 locations. Why was it messed up? Because there are too many victims walking the streets and too few people who notice or care. Today, two different women looked at me with terror in their eyes simply because I’m a man. What happened to them, and why? Deb forgot to ask permission to put her arm on one of these women to pray, and the woman jumped back like she’d been hit and yelled, “Don’t touch me!” I don’t mean to swear but WTF?! How can this be right? The streets are always worse around the holidays but this year has been extreme. (Sorry for venting.) There were a number of prayers that I hope you’ll keep in mind.

Dan is joyful because after 2 years outside he’s in an apartment. Wendy wants prayers for her brother Donny who’s wife died. Connie, who worked with Pastor Roberto died at night this week in her apartment. Our friend Will the singer (who drives people to church) is in the hospital after a car accident. Andrea wants prayers for her son (11) and daughter (7). A homeless woman named Charlie, who tries to look after her friend Moyo, wants to know why God lets her sleep outside and be constantly scared. She wants to know why God hears my prayers but not hers? (The answers from my theology degree don’t help much when you’re face to face with despair.) April (79) is hoping to move her apartment to a lower floor because she’s too weak to climb the stairs. Scott is brand new to Brockton (from Middleborough) has nothing but the clothes he’s wearing and doesn’t know how to be homeless, and someone stole his bank card. David wants prayers to overcome his addictions and for an apartment. Khashif said his prayers were answered as he doesn’t feel “sinister” stalking him anymore (but he still thinks God should give us a helicopter). Jessica wants prayers for her 2 kids and her mother who is dying. Vinnie has 4 kids that he doesn’t get to see but wants prayers for their moms. Jesse is hoping his 2 sons (14 & 11) are doing well. Sammy needs a car to get to his job.

I’m sorry for my earlier rant but today was hard. Last night I was thinking about all the people that get into ministry to fix things that we can’t fix. (Only God can.) Instead we need to love those who feel they don’t deserve it and hope that makes a difference. It’s the only thing we can actually do.

Thank you for loving our friends on the streets.