I performed this walk along the downtown area before the Transitus so I did not have much time before I had to go assist in the festivities; however, during this period I came across some great people who are very warm hearted and kind, so here are their stories:

 

Near the square, I came across Amber, Andrew, and Phil hanging out by the corner on the steps near a makeshift shelter with many supplies and personal home items. When I approached them, they were very welcoming. We discussed faith, Christ’s love, and the Holy Rosary, to include some of their stories. Amber has been on the street for about three years and is from the Alexandria Bay area. She has been suffering from addiction, homelessness, the loss of the father of her children, and encounters with law enforcement. She used to take care of a group of dogs in an alleyway shelter awhile back as well until a situation came about where she could not care for them anymore. She is very resilient and has a tremendous amount of faith in Christ Jesus. She is also very innovative and adapted to her situation, as she attached a sled to a scooter to transport some of her supplies from area to area.

 

Amber was also suffering from a burn on her lower lip that has been infected. She appreciated some of the supplies that were given to from my ruck sack to help her treat the wound and prevent it from potentially getting worse, although she did reject suggestions to seek medical attention. Amber also accepted personal hygiene items, along with canned food and water, Good News/Salvation pamphlets, rosaries, and crucifixes, along with instructions on how to pray the Rosary. Andrew was very supportive of her as well and mentioned how he liked to attend St. Patrick’s Catholic Church for mass on Saturdays in Watertown. Phil was very quiet and mainly observed, as he did not seem to be too keen on the religious message. Amber gave me a synthetic white flower as a sign of friendship which I placed on my waist side pouch. I would later place it on the heap of my natural stone memorial to God in my backyard I collected long ago after my conversion from atheism to Lord Jesus Christ when I returned home after the mission.

 

Before I proceeded along with my route on foot, we prayed together holding hands according to the St. Paul Street Evangelization method – ACTS, that is:

 

ADORATION – Lord we praise you…

CONTRITION – We are sorry for our sins and times we fall short…

THANKSGIVING – We thank you for bringing us together today…

SUPPLICATION – We ask you bring the Holy Spirit into our friends here and protect them on the streets while providing for their needs and drawing them always closer to you…

 

All in the Name of Christ Jesus, AMEN!

 

Amber and Andrew were pleased with this as I proceeded on. Further down the route around the city, I was looking for any potential unhoused people to engage with but did not really find any. After walking for some time, I came across St. Patrick Church’s Fatima memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary where I stopped to put my rucksack down and pray during a water break. I felt this was very fruitful because I had some time to ponder some mysteries and things. Afterwards, I picked up back to the city center where I came across a gentleman in a hoodie climbing up the side of a large metal waste container that looks like it could be used for scrap metal (almost as if he was using it as shelter) in an empty parking lot. I approached him on the other side of the container, as the wall was so high he couldn’t see me. From there I slipped him some alms and a rosary, saying “Hey man, this is from Jesus!” The man named Justin poked his head up revealing his eyes and the top of his head, then proceeded to thank me kindly. As I walked away, I reminded him to praise God. His reply; “I do sometimes!”

 

On my way back in, I was going to head into the square to see if anyone else might have trickled in so as to provide them aid, but realized the 40 Days for Life group took over the square with signs to end abortion and protect life. I figured they got that territory covered for now in the Name of Jesus, so I ended the day back to my truck.

If you support this mission or know anyone else who wants to help the homeless and those suffering from lack of physical or spiritual needs, please reach out to me with personal hygiene or canned good supplies. Additionally, winter is coming and warm clothes would also be much appreciated as I will walk the streets in the winter too so as to pass out supplies the homeless may need.

 

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