Liberty, MO
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The following is a continuation of yesterday’s story, which comes to us from team leader John with our team in Liberty, MO:
There were many families with younger kids that passed by our table and we were very successful in striking up some fruitful conversations and offering Miraculous Medals, colorful rosaries, brochures, and other printed materials. How gratifying it is to see those same families later on in the day with their kids happily wearing the medals and fidgeting with their rosaries. Even though many times the parents were either not religious or non-denominational Christians and initially wanted to keep on walking, when we joyfully engaged their kids with free stuff, they seemed more receptive to speaking with us about Jesus and Christianity. One family was non-religious, but ironically the mother works with the local Sisters of St. Joseph and mentioned their kindness and how much she enjoys working with them. Another very friendly mother of three attends the local non-denominational Liberty Christian Fellowship Church. We had a delightful conversation about much common ground we share as Christians and sent them off with Miraculous Medals. Holy Spirit, open their hearts to the fullness of the Catholic faith.
Two of our favorite encounters involved women on the verge of conversion and searching for their way. Biancha was a young lady pushing her daughter Olivia in a stroller, who was getting a bit fussy in the heat. One of our evangelists offered them some cold bottles of water and distracted Olivia with a colorful rosary and some comical baby talk. When we asked Biancha if there was anything we could pray with her about, we learned that she struggles with addiction to alcohol and recently had a falling out with her husband who also battles addiction. We assured her that even in the midst of our brokenness, we need to open our hearts to the love of Jesus, because that’s when we can truly let His grace and forgiveness pour in. Many reassuring tears were shed, and she parted with a Miraculous Medal, a rosary, and some helpful resources. Later on, we met Barbara, a fallen away Catholic whose son recently lost his wife. She hasn’t been to Mass in many years, as she was angry with God. But eventually Barbara softened and recalled the reverence at the Traditional Latin Mass from her childhood. She’d tried to go back to Mass over the years, but was frustrated with the lack of reverence she saw in the Ordinary form following Vatican II. I mentioned that a parish in a nearby community has a new, reverent priest who celebrates the Mass Ad Orientem with parts prayed in Latin. She was intrigued. I mentioned that their priest would love to hear her confession so she could return to sanctifying grace. I reminded her that there is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need repentance. We all prayed together for Jesus to soften her heart and return her to the Church.
Our team of evangelists are very grateful to God for the many fruitful and prayerful interactions we experienced that day, and we look forward to our next event in July.
Praised be Jesus Christ!