Boise

Country: United States
State or province: Idaho

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Lucy Stamm
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Souls for Jesus! - 2023-06-18

June 25, 2023

God has blessed our team. And so I thank you again for your prayers for the Boise Catholic street evangelization effort.

Early in the session, a teen dropped back from his parents to stop at our table. He thanked us for being there, but then warned ominously that we should expect trouble since public expression of religion is under attack, especially right now. E. Lucy set him up with a Rosary, asked his prayers, and tried not to worry whether he were speaking prophetically.

Not long after, a uniformed employee of the business park approached. His name tag read, “Alexander”. He asked if we had permission to be there. “Why, yes!”, e. Lucy replied, remembering our last encounter with park authority, albeit more than a year ago. She went on to explain that we’d been there every week for more than 10 years, and that we didn’t accept donations. Alexander seemed quite surprised at our claim to have permission, and said he had to call his supervisor. E. Lucy continued to offer Rosaries, wondering if time in “our spot” was nearing an end. Foot traffic was so heavy, though, and so many people wanted a Rosary, that e. Lucy found it a challenge to squeeze in even a short prayer or two about our status. She saw Alexander at a distance a few minutes later, holding up his phone. “They wanted a picture of you,” he called. A “Memorare” and one each of the Divine Mercy prayers were offered up, and a few more Rosaries given away. Then Alexander returned. “Well?” e. Lucy asked. “It’s okay, you can stay.” “Oh, thank God!” But then Alexander walked around to the front of the table, and humbly added, “May I have a Rosary, too?” Of course! May God bless Alexander for his obedience to those in authority over him, and may God continue to bless the business park and guide its decision makers!

A recent Catholic high school graduate stopped for a Rosary. E. Lucy encouraged her to pray it once for us.

A toothless older woman, perhaps homeless, stopped for a free Rosary. She felt very rejected and thrown away by society. E. Lucy let her know she understood and assured her that she wasn’t alone. The woman seemed a bit more encouraged when she left. God, heal her and let her know You have people who do care, even for the poor.

Though about 90% of people still said no thank you, lots of families did stop for Rosaries. E. Lucy encouraged them to pray it together, since it is such a powerful prayer for peace and protection. She wished a “Happy Father’s Day” to men with families . Most seemed pleased.

A non-Catholic Christian family stopped, a dad and two children. E. Lucy explained how using the Rosary to meditate on Jesus’ life can help you deepen your relationship with Him. Every member of the family chose one.

Several people, from different groups, called out that they “love Jesus!” Amen!, the evangelist called back. Maybe they’re just glad to see Christianity in public.

A Catholic woman asked why we don’t accept donations. E. Lucy gave her three reasons. First, so we don’t need a permit. Also, should someone accept a Rosary but then give us money, he may think he has purchased the Rosary. This would be very bad for two reasons: 1) he would lose the blessing attached to the Rosary, and 2) we would be guilty of the sacrilegious sin of simony, selling blessed items. So, we don’t accept donations during our time on the street.

A woman and her husband stopped. They were from a city west of here, where perhaps it’s not okay to be public about being Christian. They were not Catholic, but the wife followed Catholic doings in the news, especially this week. She teared up when given a Rosary. and said she would pray for us.

While e. Lucy was talking with her, ”Justin” (my nickname for the man who repeatedly hailed the enemy of his soul and made himself unpleasant week after week) went by. He again called out a false accusation about the Catholic Church, rushing past without slowing down. Though his language was still somewhat moderated, his tone was not. And the lady with whom e. Lucy was speaking seemed frightened at the intrusive outburst. Please keep praying? God can reach them, hot or cold.

God granted us a pleasant afternoon of sunshine, which was a welcome break from weeks of thunderstorms. Foot traffic was heavy. The evangelist gave away at least 30 Rosaries and its pamphlet, 2 Divine Mercy prayer cards, and a Jesus Knocking 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.

God confirmed us in “our spot” again. And, knowing that God wants the sinner to turn from evil and live (cf. Ezek 33:11), we continue our efforts. 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!

“Have no anxiety at all” (Phil 4:6a).