Boise, ID
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The following is a continuation of yesterday’s story and comes to us from team leader Lucy with our team in Boise, ID:
Two teenage girls approached the table in response to our offer of a free Rosary. Two teenage boys, who had been keeping an eye on them from nearby, took that as an excuse to come to the table at the same time. The two boys attended a local Catholic school. We introduced the Rosary devotion to the girls, and encouraged all four young people to pray it together.
A man stopped for a Rosary. He described himself as being on a spiritual journey returning him from out-and-out atheism. His was a world of confusion, trying to mix deism with pantheism. But he took a Rosary. Blessed Mother, draw him to your Son!
A young man on rollerblades, who had been hanging out with a nearby keyboard busker, rolled to the table. He told us he had been an atheist but had changed his mind. When asked what made him change, he admitted he had been into drugs but now realized he was responsible for all the wrongs he did to others. His theism was a mixed bag but centered around the idea that God gave us free will and so we are responsible for our actions and must choose to do good. When we told him of the saving power of Jesus Christ, he kind of assented to that idea but said the important thing is to strive to do good and to admit our mistakes. A good start on the road to Christianity! He chose a Rosary and listened as we encouraged him to get to know Jesus through the prayer. Pray that he will continue to move closer to God and he will learn to love Jesus Christ.
Two people, at different times, muttered a comment as they passed by without making eye contact nor slowing down. A woman said, “I’m a recovering Catholic” and a man said, “I don’t believe in God.” Please keep them in your prayers, that they will allow the Holy Spirit to break through the barriers that keep them separated from their Savior.
A couple stopped briefly so the man could dig out his wallet. We let him know that we couldn’t accept donations and suggested he give it to the poor. His wife piped up, “We’ll put it in the collection basket at church tonight!” May God bless them and keep them faithful!
The weather was sunny and warm, so foot traffic was heavy. Even so, the percentage of “no thanks” responses seemed considerably higher than typical. The one period of exception occurred when a group of people stopped, followed closely by other groups of people who had seen the groups ahead of them stop. So, in all, we were still able to give away 15-20 Rosaries and its pamphlet on how to pray it.
Please pray for us. Ask God to send people to us with hearts prepared to perceive their need for Our Savior Jesus Christ and His Holy Catholic Church, and that much good fruit for His Kingdom comes of today’s efforts.