June 1st Prayer Update
“And you, who were once alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven”
We had numerous volunteers that helped us pack around 1,500 blessing bags for ministry. With much appreciation for supplies donated, nevertheless, Hope680 purchased additional items in order to pack the bags. This project was accomplished in under an hour and a half. What a sweet time of fellowship and service this was for all.
We are asking for a continued need for monthly packed lunches that are distributed during our outreaches. We know schedules change during the course of a year so we have an ebb and flow of lunch-packing volunteers. Of late there has been a larger gap in this area of our ministry. Pictured below is Terry. When we offered Terry a bagged lunch she opened it immediately and started eating as it was obvious she was quite hungry. Please prayerfully consider becoming a regular volunteer in this area of our ministry? This practical act of service is an immediate blessing for those we serve in the homeless community. It's difficult to have a gospel conversation with someone who hasn't eaten in awhile. At the moment, we don't have anyone signed up to bring bagged lunches to our next outreach event on June 15th. We are trusting the Lord's provision here.
Andrew's Story
We've been building a relationship spending significant time with Andrew since last August. About 20 years ago he had an accident on a construction site where he fell almost three stories. His accident led to an addiction to painkillers. His addiction led to separation from his wife and kids. This has impacted his homelessness. Andrew has also struggled with other health conditions since we've known him including a case of cellulitis in his legs.
Andrew has a church background and we've provided Andrew with a Bible and other gospel materials on various occasions. Lately, we've been encouraging him with the importance of church attendance. Please join us in praying that Andrew looks to the Lord first and foremost. Pray for him as well to attend church and walk away from life on the streets.
Chris’s Story
We've now had interaction with Chris over the last six outreaches. He told our team he has previously held a management position at a local hardware store. After losing that job he was kicked out of his permanent housing. Chris has some bible knowledge and a vague understanding of Christ having grown up in church, but he is open about his doubts which is refreshing because generally many we speak with agree with what we are saying in order to receive the items we offer them. He has had some limited success with his drug addiction being two weeks off of fentanyl. We provided Chris with a booklet on overcoming addiction which we hope he finds helpful. Chris seems thoughtful and engaging with his thoughts and concerns. He also shares his admiration for our firm faith in God and confidence in our standing before him. Please pray that God will move in Chris and grant him saving faith and the same confidence in our Savior. Also please pray he reads the addiction booklet and ultimately finds his help in Jesus.
JR’s Story:
JR is someone that we've seen several times this year and have a relationship that is growing. He has some connections to a local church. On some encounters with him, he has been too high on drugs to have a good conversation. In times past he has asked prayer concerning his drug use and we've given him copies of the freedom from addiction booklet on multiple occasions. He seems to have a desire to break free but it's our prayer we see some evidence this as we see him in the future.
During our last outreach event, the team was able to have an extended conversation with JR about the gospel. He had some knowledge of the good news but didn't seem to be aware of how that directly affected him. Our team explained Jesus' payment on the cross like a courtroom scenario how Jesus took the penalty for our crimes and JR stated that he had never heard it put like that before. We were encouraged by the thoughtful response. As we were leaving JR gave our volunteer Carolyn a big hug of thanks. Please be lifting up JR in prayer that the Holy Spirit would work in JR and bring him to salvation.
Anthony, Mario and Jay cooking breakfast.
Pray for these individuals who took Bibles or previously received a Bible. We ask that you pray that they would read the Bibles provided.
Anthony
Mario
Archer - good conversation
Leanna
Mike
Serrica - Had a pleasant conversation with our team
Ann - Previously stayed at the Bay Area Rescue Mission
Dominic
Nicole
Jason
Holly
Kim
Diamond
Pray for these people who were friendly but declined Bibles. We pray that they will be more open on our next outreach.
Jen
Sean
Nacho
Enricho
Cyprus - didn't show for our Bible study that he had committed to
Lisa
Philip
Susan
Vanessa
Lalani
Asandra
Romeo
Al
Pray for these people who were closed to a conversation that God would work to soften their hearts before our next outreach.
Jay
Terry - Said she has never heard of Jesus
George
Scott
James
Démonté
Starla
Jay
Jay 2.0
JOIN US!
Our Next Outreach is June 15th 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.