Boise

Country: United States
State or province: Idaho

Team Leader
Lucy Stamm
Contact

Admin
Login

Team Badges

Unexpected Blessings - 2023-10-29

November 5, 2023

God knows what we need! So thank you again for your prayers for the Boise Catholic street evangelization effort.

E. Lucy saw a man approaching. About the same time that she offered a Rosary, she noticed the Roman collar he was wearing. She asked if he was a priest. Yes, a Catholic priest, he said. Then, having been fooled before, she asked his parish, relaxing when he readily named the nearest one. Just then, e. James arrived. So we asked “Fr. Tim” for his blessing. He extended his arms and prayed over us, asking the Holy Spirit’s empowerment and protection. In the middle of his prayer, a man went by and used a loud profanity to voice his contempt for the sacred moment. Lord, save that man! And please bless Fr. Tim and keep him faithful.

“Tom” was walking two beautifully groomed standard poodles and a small dog, all off leash. E. Lucy complimented the dogs’ grooming and the man approached our table. She offered him a Rosary and he opened up. He had been raised in a pseudo-Christian sect, but had left a couple of years ago because he got tired of their cult-like control and burdensome tithing requirements. But he now feels the need to reconnect with a church, he said. However, he finds himself easily triggered. He had begun attending a non-Catholic Christian church but, after only a few weeks, was approached and told he needed to start tithing. He didn’t go back. He was intrigued by the Rosary and open to learning about the Catholic Church, expressing a genuine interest in the Mass. We set him up with a map to area parishes and helped him identify his parish. He also accepted a Rosary, a “Why Be Catholic?” pamphlet, and we referred him to Catholic media sources. May God lead him all the way home!

“Jacoby”, a young adult woman, stopped to tell us she has recently become Catholic, and chose a Rosary. E. James then suggested she take a Divine Mercy prayer card, the short prayer that uses the same beads. She enthusiastically accepted, telling us she would send a picture of it to her friend, on the other side of the country, who had led her into the Catholic Church. Lord, grant her an ever-growing awareness of the treasure trove of graces she’s stepped into!

A large Catholic family from e. Chuck’s parish stopped. After they learned the Rosaries were free, two of the children and the mother accepted one. We encouraged them to pray it together as a family. They joyfully shook hands with us before leaving.

Two women in costume stopped to receive a Rosary apiece. They were dressed as a cowgirl and a mermaid, but e. Lucy was greatly edified to see how modest their clothing was. A woman who was standing nearby, waiting to meet someone, also gladly commented on the dignity that lent to their womanhood.

A group of adults stopped early in the session and accepted a Rosary apiece. They were Christian, but were unfamiliar with the Rosary. E. Lucy explained how meditating on the scenes from the life of Christ helps one grow closer to Him, and how He often responds to those who use the Rosary reverently by blessing them with protection and peace.

A middle-aged couple, pulling a brightly costumed child in a wagon, paused at our offer of a free Rosary. They hesitantly approached, and listened to e. Lucy’s explanation of the devotion. They cordially accepted Rosaries and pamphlets.

A young man, from a group of similar-aged youth, had “no time to talk” but grabbed a Rosary and its pamphlet in passing. Blessed Mother, lead him to pray it and get to know your Son!

A middle-aged guy gruffly refused receiving a Rosary, declaring his belief that there is no God to believe in.

On his second pass, an antagonistic man asked, “Are these [Rosaries] for prayer?” E. James responded, “Yes.” The man immediately challenged, “What about, ‘You shall have no other gods before me?’” The evangelist replied, “We believe that Jesus is God, and that the Rosary is all about His life, death and resurrection.“ Our visitor quickly turned and exited. May the Holy Spirit prompt him to investigate further.

A young adult couple, carrying a handwritten “Conspiracies? Ask me” sign, stopped as we were packing up to leave. He talked disapprovingly about world politics, a secret ruling group, and various socioeconomic concerns. He did mention the Bible and God as truth, and so e. James responded that Christ, the Incarnate Word, is our guiding light amid the formidable troubles of this world. The evangelist then suggested we focus on what we as individuals can do. The couple stayed respectful, but didn’t seem to take in his comments. They declined our Rosary offer.

An outdoor ice skating rink is being constructed in the middle of “our” business park, so the entire center area is fenced off. The weather had also suddenly turned cold overnight, so foot traffic was light. However, we were still able to give away the same number of Rosaries during the session that we typically do. God is good!

Altogether, we gave away 15-20 Rosaries and its pamphlet, as well as 2 Divine Mercy prayer cards, 2 maps to area parishes, 1 “Come Home” pamphlet, and 1 “Why Be Catholic?” pamphlet.

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 continues to bless 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!

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