Detroit, MI.
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The following report comes to us from team leader Beth with our National SPSE team in Warren, MI:
Two evangelists, Michael and I, made it out to evangelize on this windy Saturday on the long Memorial Day weekend. The gusts frequently blew our pamphlets off the table, so when we weren’t talking to people, we were busy chasing our literature down the street! Since we had celebrated Pentecost recently, the wind reminded us of the Holy Spirit’s active presence as we tried to share the truth and love of Jesus Christ and His bride, the Catholic Church.
Before we could even fully set up, people were stopping to talk to us! One of my first conversations took place with a gentleman who accepted the offer to pray together as he stopped at our corner waiting for the signal to cross the busy street. He was glad to see out on the street mentioning that the church needs a revival! I agreed and gave him one of our Gospel Message cards. It turns out he is a Protestant pastor who didn’t really think the Catholic Church was any different than any other Christian church. We were not able to continue the conversation and when he walked by later in the day he gave us some encouraging words.
We met two kind ladies who stopped to talk and received some of our free items, “Carol” and “Rashida.” Carol commented on how important it is to have faith. She said, “since I know Jesus, I am not afraid to die. I don’t want to die, but I’m not afraid.” Carol was also pushing a young child, “Jane”, in a stroller. Later on, “Jack” and “Carlo” visited us and were very open to receiving prayer and accepted rosaries. We first prayed for Jack, for some struggles in his life, and then next for Carlo, to learn how to trust God. For both of these encounters we explained how the rosary is a way to remember how Jesus is active in our lives. Using the 2nd Joyful Mystery as an example I asked them “Was there ever a time when you were having a boring day (like water) then Jesus jumped in and made it fruitful and beautiful (like wine) and both groups said “YES” and I asked them to share their stories. It was beautiful to see the Holy Spirit at work as they joyfully shared their experience of God active in their life making it fruitful. We explained that the rosary is a great way to give God those few minutes to focus on him and pray each day. Our lives are so busy. We are so easily distracted in prayer. Pick up the beads, ask God to help you listen, then pray away!!
Praised be Jesus Christ!