Lockport, IL
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This story comes to us from station leader Michael and evangelist Suzy with our team in Joliet, IL:
Last weekend, myself (Michael), Suzy, and team leader Nick attended the annual Old Canal Days. SPSE was listed as a sponsor as we bought a booth with the help of the local Knights of Columbus. Except for the rocky start without knowing what entryway to use and where our booth was, it was a great experience! The Lord blessed us with sending the event manager to assist us, and fortunately the Knights of Columbus were very friendly and helpful as well. As far as evangelization goes, while not really crowded, we had some visitors and got about ten names of those who wanted prayer. One person that stood out is a woman whose family left the Church. I was able to identify with her and encouraged her to keep praying for them and shared some ideas of how I approach my family. She was grateful and happy she stopped by.
One inspiring experience was a young man, who after talking about his faith, stated he is thinking about becoming Catholic! Praise God! I gave him some reading materials and my contact information and told him he is welcome to contact me to discuss more. He was really appreciative. Let’s pray that God continues to lead him to the Catholic Church.
My favorite was seeing an old neighbor and his family who moved away about two years ago. They’re avid Catholics and their young daughter has a terminal disease where the white matter in her brain is dissolving. Doctors told them years ago that she wouldn’t make it to her teen years. They traveled the world looking for a cure, but found nothing. She’s still in a wheelchair and the disease is still active, but she has such a positive attitude and her parents are holy and so supportive that she’s now well into her teens! Suzy and I prayed with her and she expressed a warmth (the presence of the Holy Spirit, no doubt), and I felt a sense of joy that all is going to be well! I’m so glad to be part of this team and working with Suzy is awesome as she has so many gifts and is filled with the Holy Spirit. What a great way to begin Pentecost weekend! The Holy Spirit showed up and people were feeling his presence! I know I did!
Suzy had one more story that I didn’t. A young man, home from college, was wearing a Christian t-shirt and approached our table. His shirt was the conversation starter. Turns out, he & his family had attended St. Dennis in Lockport, but have fallen away. He very much believes but is searching to learn more “about God & my own spiritual journey.” He stated that he knows the Catholic Church is the true Church given to Peter, and he knows the power of the Eucharist. His stumbling block is the Blessed Mother. I asked if he was open to me explaining. He was. We had a beautiful sharing where I felt the Holy Spirit nudging him back to the Catholic Faith. So many non-Catholics have misconceptions about Our Lady. I felt blessed to clarify the role of our Blessed Mother in our faith. It was a Spirit-filled encounter.
Praised be Jesus Christ!