Las Cruces, NM. There’s only so much we can control in this world. If we do our part, and leave the rest to God, we don’t have to worry so much about numbers as we do aligning our hearts with His and trusting that Our Lord is putting our efforts to use. As Colossians 3:23-24 reminds us, “Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others, knowing that you will receive from the Lord the due payment of the inheritance; be slaves of the Lord Christ.” Today’s story shows us a good example of evangelists being prepared and willing to do God’s will, even when people are often ignoring them. When a person does stop, they are ready to speak God’s truth with love.
The following report comes from evangelist Greg G. in Las Cruces:
There was a mix of nervousness and excitement as we set up our booth and prepared our area, covering it with prayer, holy water, and blessed salt. We offered small bottles of free water to passersby as an “ice breaker”. If we did get them to stop, we’d say, “Would you like a free rosary or a Miraculous Medal?” Most people kept on walking, barely acknowledging us. However, some did stop and look at the rosaries and medals and were willing to strike up conversations with us.
One man talked to us about his family being the “pillars of his church community”, and that he used to go to Mass, but no longer does because there are too many people. He prefers to spend his Sundays communing with God at the lake while fishing. We invited him to once again try to start going to Mass. He said he’ll think about it.
Another family stopped to speak with us, interested in the rosaries and medals. It was a grandmother and three of her grandchildren. They were not going to any church but did believe in God and Jesus. We told them how much Jesus loved them and that the rosary is a physical, tangible way to think about the life of Christ., through the eyes and heart of his Blessed Mother. The grandmother shared the boy’s mom was just sent to jail last night. We asked if they would mind if we prayed with them. We gathered in a small circle and praised God for his greatness and for bringing this family to the market and asked that God would be with them. As for the woman that was in jail, we asked God to give them all peace in their hearts and that whatever it was that He wanted to teach them through this that they would know that he loved them very much. We invited them to come to our church and handed them an IHM bulletin. These are just two stories of our interactions with the people at the farmer’s market. It was a very blessed day indeed!
Praised be Jesus Christ! As folks across America wander through farmer’s markets like this searching for fresh fruits, vegetables, and other various food items, let’s make sure to show them (whether they know it or not) the One whom they truly hunger for.