July 6th Prayer Update
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
We are thankful for the efforts and time of a Sophmore Girl's Discipleship Group who made serving our ministry one of their summer outreach activities. Pictured here they are making lunches for the homeless that we distributed on this last outreach. They were sweet enough to prepare 40 lunches with 40 handwritten notes and Bible verses that were included. We know many were blessed by their act of service. Specifically, Tony and Kat are a couple who were very hungry when we approached them on Saturday and they devoured their lunches and asked for more, which we were happy to provide.
On this last outreach, we were also able to distribute the following gospel materials:
Cross Talking booklets - A Daily Gospel for Transforming Addicts - 3
Spanish language Bibles - 2
English language Bibles - 7
Mark’s Story
Our RV team was very pleased to have Mark participate in a Bible study with us on Saturday. He was one of the most engaged Bible study candidates that we have had to date. He works at a local 7-Eleven that pays him a small amount to break up boxes and put them in the dumpster.
Our topic of study with Mark was 'God is Creator.' He demonstrated some solid Biblical understanding during the lesson. The team was very encouraged by the study and want to meet with him again. Prior to the Bible study, God provided a spare bicycle and we were looking for the right person to give it to. Mark previously mentioned his desire for a bicycle and his face lit up when we offered it to him. He had been without transportation so this will help him to stay more connected to a local Filipino church he has been attending.
In the meantime, he accepted an invitation to attend NorthCreek Church and sat in on a Sunday school class and the main service. After church was over, Mark was enabled to take a shower and a change of clothes in the RV. He was very appreciative for all of it and we were most thankful to serve him in these ways.
Kasey’s Story
Kasey had a very engaging conversation with our team. He shared he was saved in 2008 but continues to struggle with addiction. Our team offered him a freedom from addiction booklet which he received. Kasey is a good example of someone who would benefit from the addiction counseling training we are looking to focus on in Hope680 over the next six months. Once there are people trained in addiction counseling, it's our desire to effectively come alongside those like Kasey to provide help in overcoming addiction. Kasey lives in his camper in the Civic Center area of Central Concord.
His testimony was that he had plans to end his life in 2008. He had a very well trained dog who never jumped up on people or licked their face. As he was preparing to carry out his plan, the dog gently jumped up on him and licked his face. Kasey then believes he heard a voice say 'you are my son and I love you.' He started searching to find out about God and found Him in the pages of the Bible. Our team took down Kasey's phone number with hopes to build a relationship.
Scott’s Story:
There was a fire on June 4th in Scott's homeless encampment and Scott lost all of his belongings. When our team found him he was living in someone else's tent but the heavy smell of a recent fire hung in the air. Scott shared his experience of how he survived. When the encampment caught on fire he was asleep in his tent. Through God's providence and provision, a couple of off-duty firefighters happened to be nearby and helped to make sure all of the residents of the encampment got out of their tents in time and summoned help to put out the fire which prevented it from spreading further.
Our team provided Scott with as many items. We offered him a few t-shirts, two Bibles, a flashlight, as well as food. The team brought encouragement that God wants him to live and have a relationship with him. They prayed for and with him and shared God's word with him. We were thankful to be able to make that connection with Scott.
Granville (left) appeared to be really downcast. Our team did their best to encourage him.
Pray for these individuals who took Bibles or previously received a Bible. We ask that you pray that they would read the Bibles provided.
Aramus - Spanish speaker
Serica - praying she continues to soften to the gospel
Kasey - featured story
Steve
Scott
Andrew - open to attending church
Danielle
Kelly
David
Dennis - listened to the gospel but wasn't keen on talking
Michelo
Chris - caretaking for the horse - interested in a Bible study
Iriv - likes to look up bible passages on his phone.
Pray for these people who were friendly but declined Bibles. We pray that they will be more open on our next outreach.
Chris
Ryan
Mike
Jeff - willing to hear the gospel presentation
Tony
Kat
Chris
Granville - looked rather discouraged
Shelly
Teresa
Lamare
Roy
Dion
Pray for these people who were closed to a conversation that God would work to soften their hearts before our next outreach.
Archer
Unnamed woman - who was unresponsive to a conversation but accepted water
Ken
Elijah engaging Irv in a conversation
JOIN US!
Our Next Outreach is July 20th 2024
Please consider serving during a Saturday Outreach in one of the following ways:
1) Prepare Lunches
2) Serving at the Homeless Camps
3) Volunteer Breakfast
4) Cookies for Volunteers
Our ministry is a labor of love with the main purpose of providing gospel hope through practical means to the homeless. Thank you for serving alongside of us!
We continue to pray for those who might be able to contribute a small additional monthly gift of $25 or $50 a month to help with ongoing Hope680 expenses, including our ministry supplies, offices, and RV maintenance. We are trusting God to continue to provide through you!
FYI Our Executive Staff and Leaders (including Toby and all team leaders) are unpaid volunteers - all donations go 100% towards the running of Hope680, including administrative contractors, our facilities, and RV maintenance costs, as well as ministry supplies.