Our unchanging God still draws people to Himself. So, thank you again for your prayers for the Boise Catholic street evangelization effort.

This week, we tried changing one of our standard introductory questions from, “Are you Christian?”, to “Do you know that Jesus loves you and has an amazing plan for your life?” We plan to keep the new version because, over the years, we’ve run into a lot of (mostly teenage) folks who honestly didn’t know whether they’re Christian. Today, we got enthusiastic “Yes!” responses from non-Catholic Christians, which then led us into our usual brief description of the Rosary as a Christ-centered devotion that helps us grow closer to Christ.

During the session, we had several people say “no thank you” to our offer of a free Rosary but then, after taking a few more steps, turn back and choose one. Often a second person with them also chose a Rosary. Lord, please bless them for acting on their change of heart and let the Rosary devotion lead them closer to You!

A mom, along with her married son, his wife, and their two children, started to pass the table but then the woman decided to bring her two-year-old granddaughter back so she could pick out a Rosary. The family was Catholic, from a town about 50 miles away, and they stayed to chat for a while with e. Chuck. We asked them if they had any prayer requests and they said the woman’s mom (the two-year-old’s great grandma), who is in her late 70’s, has cancer. So, we prayed for her healing. Pray that this family remains united in love and trust in the Lord, and for healing for the great grandma.

A probably homeless and very near-sighted woman in dark blue came to the table. She was perhaps 30 years old. She bent over the table until her face was mere inches away from it and carefully looked at each Rosary. She ended up not taking one, but did accept a holy card of Our Lady Untier of Knots. She didn’t say much at all. Lord, let her know Your love for her, grant her healing, and restore her to society.

A young-adult couple stopped because she was curious about the Rosary. When asked, “Do you know Jesus loves you and has an amazing plan for your life?”, her face lit up and she enthusiastically responded “Yes!” This led to our presenting the Rosary in a Christ-centered way (as we do) and as a way to grow closer to Christ. She took a Rosary. I’m not sure if he did. Lord, confirm her in her love for You and help her grow in faith.

A mother and daughter (or granddaughter), coming from the ethnic gathering in the main convention center, stopped at our table for a Rosary. My impression was that they were already Catholic. After choosing a Rosary, she politely bowed to us. Lord, confirm them in their Faith and grant them safe travel.

A man with a foreign accent stopped for a Rosary. After choosing one, he said, “Now I need one for my wife and ...” We had to let him know we could only give one Rosary per person. He politely accepted that limitation and, instead, accepted a holy card or two. Lord, lead him to use the Rosary for prayer to You and bring his entire family closer to You.

A Catholic woman stopped, thrilled to have the chance to get a Rosary to carry with her. She asked for prayers for peace for herself, as she often suffers with anxiety. To her surprise, we prayed for her on the spot. She then went on her way with a big smile on her face. Pray that her life be filled with the peace and joy of salvation in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Two men declined our offer and got about halfway across the plaza before one of them turned around and came back to the table. He said he knew nothing about the Rosary but was Christian. After listening to e. Lucy give a brief explanation of the Rosary, he ended up choosing one and taking an Our Lady Untier of Knots prayer card. The other man approached us with reluctance and was not sure he wanted a Rosary. E. Chuck gave him a Rosary pamphlet and explained the prayer, emphasizing the Gospel message through the Mysteries. Our visitor remained quiet for a moment, then said, “You seem very optimistic.” The evangelist replied that we can be full of hope because the God of the universe shared our humanity, our suffering, and defeated sin and death for us. He gave no reply and joined his talkative friend as they prepared to leave. We then asked them if they had any prayer requests. They asked for prayers for health and happiness, so we prayed for them, body and soul. Pray that they will cooperate with the graces the Holy Spirit pours into them and devote their lives to faith, hope, and love in Christ their Savior.

A group of 4 (maybe 5?) young-adult men stopped and wanted a Rosary. One was especially outgoing. They took their time as each chose his Rosary. As they listened to the explanation of the devotion, one said the Rosary was very important to his culture. And at least some of them also got an Our Lady Untier of Knots holy card. Lord, inspire them to actually pray the Rosary devotion and grow closer to You.

A middle-aged lady, wearing a backpack and carrying about five books and another bag, walked past us. Then she came back but only wanted the Rosary booklet. She seemed a little down in her spirits. Lord, You know her heart and her challenges. Restore her to health and grant her salvation.

An older man said he made Rosaries. He said maybe he would bring us some to give away. He was wearing a necklace with a cross that he had constructed from all beads. It was actually very nice. Lord, please bless the man and his generous intentions. And Lord, please continue to bless all of our so-generous Rosary makers!

A couple walked past us, then the woman returned. She wanted a Rosary, but he did not. E. Nancy noticed that his t-shirt said, “Faith Over Fear.” That’s a very good thing to remember. Lord, help him get past his fear of the Catholic Church that You founded.

Three teenage boys rode by on their bicycles. Then two came back and were enthusiastic about receiving a Rosary and were well mannered. Blessed Mother, draw them to your Son through the Rosary they received.

As we were putting the Rosaries away at the end of our session, a 30-ish man approached us. He had declined our offer earlier but now wanted to ask a question. He wanted to know what the Rosary was all about, wondering if it was a toy or decoration or what. We explained the prayer to him. Then he wondered why it was the only prayer we were allowed to pray. We assured him it was NOT the only prayer Catholics pray but that it was, indeed, an important prayer. He then revealed that he had been raised Catholic, and that his mother had taught him the Sign of the Cross (which he tried to demonstrate, but his interpretation of the gesture was vague and inaccurate.) But then he “discovered” the Bible six years ago and left the Church. He even said he was trying to get his parents to leave the Church. (God, forbid!) His biggest objection to the Church was “traditions” but, as e. Chuck showed him Bible verses that contradicted his argument and emphasized Christ’s desire for a united Church, he began to say he had nothing against Catholics and moved on. Pray that the Holy Spirit will guide him as he reads the Bible and his eyes will be opened to the truth of the Catholic Church.

God granted us beautiful weather and that brought out lots of foot traffic. Thank you, God! A gymnastics meet for teens was just finishing in the sports area when we arrived. Only one of the participants stopped. Some kind of ethnic gathering seemed to be going on in the main convention center. One or two of the participants stopped.

Altogether, the three evangelists gave away 30-35 Rosaries and its pamphlet, at least 2 Our Lady Untier of Knots prayer cards, and perhaps a Divine Mercy prayer card.

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.

Jesus Christ is still the Prince of Peace, and people are drawn to Him. 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!

“Go with the strength you have” (Judg 6:14).