Sept 7th Prayer Update
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.”
We had a packed house last Saturday when five staff members from Bay Area Rescue Mission joined us on our last outreach. With the addition of these brothers in Christ it enabled us to send five teams throughout the county which facilitated increased gospel conversations. Thank you for your prayers for our ministry!
In total our team handed out 14 English Bibles, four Spanish Bibles, and five "Freedom from Addiction" books.
One of our conversations was with Cindy who was just released from the hospital. She was still clothed in her hospital gown and hospital bracelet. She spoke about several of her health problems. She remembered previous interactions with our team. This time she was receptive and took a large print Bible. She was more engaged in conversation and allowed for prayer. The team asked her to read the book of John and a bookmark was in place so she would know where to begin.
The team had a good conversation with Tommy who was refreshingly forthright with us and courageously honest while speaking of his additions. Please pray with us that he become open to his need for the Savior and that he radically turns from his addictions to Christ.
We were grateful that several staff from the Bay Area Rescue Mission joined us on this outreach. They struck up a good conversation with Roy (left). He explained that he was going to his sister's house who provides him with safety. He allowed the team to pray for him stating he wants to be a better man. He claimed he is a man of faith and that he has his own Bible. We gave Roy the address and directions for the Bay Area Rescue Mission so he can take advantage of their various programs.
We were recently contacted by someone setting up “base camps” for the homeless on a piece of land in Antioch. The gentleman has purchased RVs providing places to stay for those without a home. He has three RVs set up with hookups. We were able to check out the camp for future ministry. This is an ideal place to offer a Bible study since we can meet with folks directly in that base camp.
We happened to meet a family of six. Amanda the mother shared they lost their house during the Covid-19 crisis and were appreciative for a place to live. Some time was spent getting to know the family and offered them a Bible. The husband and teen children have jobs and continue to attend school. The creator of the base camp equipped their RV with a ramp for the youngest disabled child. We look forward to continuing to minister to Amanda and her family.
Deoanna looked somewhat disheveled and needed extra clothes as it's a little cool in Martinez. She didn't have a tent or sleeping bag but was just sitting next to the road. Having expressed interest in the programs offered by the Bay Area Rescue Mission a plan was made to return and pick her up.
That evening we returned to help her get to the Rescue Mission but when we found her, she was very disoriented/confused. A group including some from Hope 680, the police, CORE, and the Bay Area Rescue Mission attempted to help her but she declined. It's heartbreaking to know that help is available but there are times people are unwilling to take advantage of what's offered. Please pray with us that God moves in Deoanna's heart to be willing to accept the help offered.
Pray for these individuals who took Bibles or previously received a Bible. We ask that you pray that they would read the Bibles provided.
Amanda - Living in Antioch
Mike - Catholic background, read Isaiah 53 with our team
Christina - asked for prayer for faith when life gets hard
Leo - accepted medical attention after a dog bit him. He took a small Bible and a pair of reading glasses
Mitch - immediately asked for prayer when we approached
Kevin
Effron - responsive to the gospel presentation, accepted a Bible, expressed interested in the Bay Area Rescue Mission
Jonny
Roy
Gary - asked for a ride to the Bay Area Rescue Mission
Carlos
Sergio
Jesus
Pray for these people who were friendly but declined Bibles. We pray that they will be more open on our next outreach.
Mike - wouldn't take the Bible but accepted a gospel of John pamphlet
PJ
'T'
Oscar
Kim
Frank
Amy
Phil
Donald
Ken
Shamra - believes in God but not in Jesus
Darryl - grateful that he continues to be willing to engage with us
Ricky - long time drug user, often difficult to understand
Kareem
Pray for these people who were closed to a conversation that God would work to soften their hearts before our next outreach.
Randy
Jack - Struggling with mental clarity
Maria
Mike
Jen
Kevin
JOIN US!
Our Next Outreach is September 21st 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.