Detroit, MI
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This report comes from team leader Mark with the Eastern Market SPSE team in Detroit, MI:
Beth and Mark returned to Eastern Market last Saturday—it was a hot and sunny morning with a lot of foot traffic. Jehovah’s Witnesses were already set up at the sunny corner where we normally evangelize so we decided to go down half a block to a shaded spot next to a smaller crosswalk.
We were only halfway done setting up our table when Michael approached us. Beth asked him if he had any prayer intentions then Michael opened up and told us that his sister died two days before. He was visibly distraught and later told us that almost all of his family had died in recent years. Beth consoled him and said that death is not part of God’s plan. Beth asked Michael what his prayer life was like and he said he’s too busy to pray. Beth challenged him to spend time with God and pray at least 15 minutes in prayer and led him in a prayer: “Lord Jesus, I promise that today I will sit with you, I will talk to you, I will listen to you, and I will honor you, for at least 15 minutes.” Michael repeated the prayer, accepted medals and Rosaries, and left thankful for the interaction.
Two men on bicycles slowed and stopped at our table, looking at our Rosaries. They identified themselves as Robert and Maurice. I told them that there are two saints who share the same name and I gave them brief explanations of St. Robert Bellarmine and St. Maurice. Robert said that he is Baptist but he always feels at peace in a Catholic church. He used to work next door to a Catholic church and would often go inside the church before and after work. Robert always appreciated the beauty of sacred art and architecture. Maurice later talked about his fond memories of Catholic school. Beth asked Robert where he lived and I pointed out four churches in his neighborhood, including one that is open 12 hours a day and available for private prayer. They both accepted Rosaries, medals, and Why Be Catholic pamphlets. They both seemed genuinely happy to talk to us so we pray that our short interaction would bring greater fruit.
Praised be Jesus Christ!