God continues to attract a diversity of people to Himself through the Rosary. So, thank you again for your prayers for the Boise Catholic street evangelization effort.

The animal-rights group had already taken “our spot” when e. Chuck arrived with the signs and Rosaries. So, we set up across the plaza, near the circle’s north entrance.

Before the table was fully set up a young couple, who said they knew “all about the Rosary”, stopped to select one each. The young man wasn’t fond of the few colors that were out but saw a color he liked still in our bag and asked if he could have that color. The more that e. Chuck talked to them, though, the less it seemed they knew about the actual prayer. It became evident that, to them, the Rosary was just something the family had lying around. So, the evangelist made sure to show them the how and why of praying the Rosary with reverence. Pray that this couple recognize their need to be catechized and to seek a deeper conversion to Christ.

The previous couple had just left the table when e. Chuck offered a Rosary to two college-aged men. The tall, thin one of the pair stopped. But the other rolled his eyes, shook his head in disgust, and continued on his way. The tall man was unfamiliar with the Rosary and balked when asked if he was a Christian, saying he had quit going to church two months ago. When asked why, he said that was about the time he’d moved back to America after living overseas for some time. His complaint was that it seemed like everybody went to church here and he felt compelled to go rather than wanting to. The evangelist explained why he wanted to go to church and the great attraction of the Eucharist in the Mass and his need for the grace of the Sacraments. The evangelist agreed that one shouldn’t go to church just to fit in, but that there is a certain compulsion to it, considering what Christ did for us on the Cross. Our visitor decided to select a Rosary and politely heard the evangelist out as he explained and extolled the prayer. Pray that the man will let the Mysteries of the Rosary draw him into a loving relationship with Jesus, and that he will not just want to go to church but will recognize his need to do so.

A group of teens passed by, all but one of them declining our offer of a free Rosary. The brave redhead, though, came to the table. He wasn’t familiar with the Rosary, or Jesus. So, we explained the devotion as a way to get to know Jesus. Besides the Rosary and booklet, we gave him a copy of the Good News/kerygma pamphlet. Before he had taken his leave, four or five other members of the group returned and all of them wanted a Rosary, too. Lord, bless each of these teens and draw them into lifelong intimacy with You.

Four of the animal-rights people, all dressed in black and two of them wearing derby hats, passed us by, declining our offer. Then a group of teens stopped and were talking to e. Lucy, when a 30-something businesswoman approached e. Chuck asking about the Rosary. She was wearing a name badge from the conference being held in the east convention hall. Although she was unfamiliar with the Rosary, she knew Jesus loved her and she listened with some attention as the evangelist explained the wonders of the prayer. Out of the corner of his eye, e. Chuck noticed that the animal-rights quartet who had passed by before were now standing a couple steps away, listening as the evangelists spoke to the two groups. After the businesswoman had selected a Rosary and e. Chuck was showing her the parts of it, one of the guys in a derby hat reached in and took a Rosary; but he left before we could give him the pamphlet. An older lady also came to the table during this sudden rush. She, too, chose a Rosary without interacting with us. Please pray that everyone in this eclectic crowd who received a Rosary has their eyes opened to Our Lady’s role in drawing them closer to her Son.

The couple who always remembers our names (I think of them as “Olivier” and “Kate”) stopped to chat for a moment. Referring to the animal-rights group, Olivier said he was grateful that we live in an area where people with “unusual ideologies” are allowed to express them in public. We expressed gratitude that we could set up in public, too. Just as they were leaving, e. Lucy turned to offer a Rosary to another passerby. Surprisingly, Kate responded that she wanted a Rosary to send to her daughter and came around the table to choose one. I think it’s the first time they’ve shown any interest in the Rosaries.

We saw “Marty” cross the plaza, but he didn’t come visit with us. Please continue to pray for his healing and conversion.

A large man wearing blue came to the table for a Rosary. Although the evangelist doesn’t remember any more about the encounter, please pray for this man and his needs.

Yet another group of teens responded to the word “free” and came for Rosaries. They were not familiar with the devotion but were Christian. Lord, draw them closer to You through the Mysteries of the Rosary.

A man speeding by on a skateboard decided to stop. He circled the table, riding his board, and then stumbled a little as he dismounted, sending the skateboard rolling across the plaza. He just let it go as he looked over the Rosaries. He didn’t know anything about the Rosary and, when asked if he knew that Jesus loved him and had a plan for his life, he made a pained face. Yet he still smiled, simply telling us he really wasn’t sure. So, we explained the prayer and Jesus through the Mysteries.  Then both evangelists grabbed for the Good News/kerygma pamphlet at the same time to give to him. Funny enough, due to the bowl-shaped slope of the plaza his skateboard had begun to roll back to the table from a good 40 paces away. Pray for his conversion!

Foot traffic was fairly light; the weather was sunny but on the cool side. Still the two evangelists gave away another 20-25 Rosaries and its pamphlet, as well as 1-2 Good News/kerygma pamphlets.

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 is borne from today’s efforts.

People still need God, and He is calling them. 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).