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:
Immediately after the “Dan encounter” ended, James was called into similar action:
A young 20ish man stopped to talk. His name, “Devonte”, had been tattooed on his bare chest. Ominously, his opening remark was the same as Dan’s: “What makes the Catholic Church different from Protestant denominations?” But this very friendly man seemed genuinely curious. He told us he was Christian. Then he listened as James answered his question by explaining about why the Catholic Church is the one true church, papal succession, the Eucharist and other Sacraments. Then Devonte brought up a “conspiracy myth” he had heard about the church “stealing money/riches” and hoarding enormous wealth. James dispelled that theory and gave him something new to think about. Devonte ended up selecting a Rosary and accepting its pamphlet, and he thanked us before taking his leave. Please pray for Devonte that he will continue seeking Truth.
A multi-generational Hispanic group was one of the first groups to squeeze between the bicycles to get Rosaries. The grandmother accepted the Rosary pamphlet in Spanish.
A young-adult woman showed interest in receiving a Rosary, and the man with her followed her lead. She was familiar with the Rosary, but the man was not Christian. He listened with interest to the description of the Rosary meditations as a way to encounter and get to know Jesus Christ. He also accepted our last copy of the Good News/kerygma pamphlet.
Later, when another man came for a Rosary and also admitted to not believing in Christ, the evangelist made do with encouraging the man to use the Rosary prayer itself to get to know Him and His great love.
“Roger” was a big 30-something guy, wearing orange sunglasses. He is Catholic, from a nearby state, but here in Boise for a temporary job. He chatted a bit, happily accepted our “Welcome to Boise” and chose a Rosary and pamphlet.
A large, extended Catholic family, some visiting from out of town, seemed like they were going to pass us by until one man came to the table. Then, little by little, encouraging each other and calling each other to the table, most of them picked out a Rosary. The father of the local part of the family was very appreciative of our public presence with the Rosary. The father of the visiting family affirmed the importance of visibly faithful adults in young people’s lives. Pray that this family remains united in faith, hope and love, and that all Catholic families take such joy in their faith.
Despite our table being blocked for much of the session by the loudly antagonistic group, we were still able to give away 20-25 Rosaries and its pamphlet (one in Spanish), and a copy of the Good News/kerygma pamphlet.
Often, when God calls someone new to our team, their first street evangelization session is a “trial by fire”. So, thank you for your prayers! In turn, may God protect and bless you and all those you love!