Boise, ID
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The following story comes to us from team leader Lucy with our team in Boise, ID:
God’s love can break through even the darkness of sin. So, thank you again for your prayers for the Boise Catholic street evangelization effort.
A possibly homeless man in his late 20s, seemed as if he were trying to catch up with two ladies who were a few steps ahead of him. But he got distracted when the evangelist offered him a free Rosary, and stopped at our table. Around his neck, he was wearing most of a dark-colored Rosary (missing the Crucifix and introductory beads.) The evangelist asked if he’d like a new one and he accepted. She handed him the pamphlet on how to pray it, and asked if he had a parish. He didn’t answer, so I pulled out one of our maps of area parishes that lists Mass times. She pointed out to our visitor the closest Catholic church, letting him know that he’d be welcome at any of the services. He took the map, but then suddenly seemed to remember the women he’d been trailing, because he quickly took his leave. Lord, you know this man’s needs and the troubles he faces. Please save him!
A non-Catholic woman at first declined our offer of a free Rosary. Then she came back, saying, “I’m a nurse and some of my patients are Catholic.” She grabbed three of our prettiest blue Rosaries, so the evangelist also offered her three copies of the Rosary pamphlet to go with them. Lord, may those Rosaries comfort the people into whose hands they are given! Later, two men were walking by. When offered a free Rosary, the one wearing a shirt associated with a sinful lifestyle, came for a Rosary. He listened politely to the evangelist’s quick explanation of the devotion and the encouragement for him to use it reverently. Besides a Rosary, I think he also asked for (and received) an Our Lady Undoer of Knots prayer card. His companion silently waited for him a short distance away. Lord, you drew this man to the Rosary. Please draw him out of darkness and into salvation!
A woman almost went by without accepting a Rosary. Then she returned to the table, and said she’d like one for her friend who lives in another country. Of course, we let her have one. Then I asked if she thought her friend would like the pamphlet in the native language of that country. “Yes, I think she would!” the lady exclaimed. She then took a moment to explain that her friend’s husband was also a good friend of hers, and was evidently currently in town. She held up the Rosary and said that by this time the following day it would be in the far-away country. Lord, bless our Rosary makers and all the people touched by their gift!
Three boys in their early teens were skidding around the business park on their fat-wheeled bicycles. They finally came close enough to hear our offer of a free Rosary. They immediately accepted our offer and chose one apiece. They were not familiar with the devotion, and when asked if they were Christian, one boy happily claimed that he was. So, the evangelist described the Rosary devotion, emphasizing its Christ-centeredness, and showed how the Mysteries can help them get to know Who Jesus is, suggesting that the Christian boy help his friends to understand. Lord, please lead them all to You and salvation!
God granted beautiful weather for last week’s session, so there was lots of foot traffic. Altogether, the apostolate gave away 25-30 Rosaries and its pamphlet, 5-6 Divine Mercy prayer cards, 2 Our Lady Undoer of Knots prayer cards, and a map of area parishes.
Please pray for us again today. 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.
We all carry guilt and fear judgment, but God still calls us to Himself and life. So, thank you again for your prayers and other support for this apostolate. In turn, may God protect and greatly bless you and all those you love!