Boise

Country: United States
State or province: Idaho

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Lucy Stamm
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Seasoned Hope - 2023-12-03

December 10, 2023

We had some good surprises this time. So thank you again for your prayers for the Boise Catholic street evangelization effort.

Although it was pouring rain as we each headed downtown, the rain stopped and stayed stopped during our session. Therefore, some people were out where they could encounter us.

A woman stopped for a Rosary. I don’t think she was Catholic, but she was familiar with an area parish because of a program she had attended there. E. Lucy gave her a map of local parishes with Mass and Reconciliation times listed and encouraged her to get connected.

A family group stopped, consisting of a mom and 5 teens. They each accepted a Rosary while e. Lucy gave a brief description of the devotion. Then e. James helped them to see the Rosary as “the Gospel on a string”. We encouraged them to pray it, even if all they had were questions.

E. James gave another Rosary to the homeless woman with crippled hands.

“Justin” came walking toward the table from the opposite direction he usually travels. So, e. Chuck commented on his lack of a skateboard. He responded by gesturing toward the rain. He passed the table, then stopped, turned, and asked, “What about childhood cancer?” E. Chuck approached him because he was having trouble hearing the question and, once he understood, responded that things like that were tragic. “Justin” retorted that it was and yet our God does nothing about it. The evangelist tried to talk about the nature of our fallen world, but “Justin” interrupted to say that God doesn’t care about children’s lives. The evangelist replied that death is not the end of our lives. “Justin” laughed and said, “You’re fooling yourself”, and continued walking.

Amazed that “Justin” had finally paused and engaged in conversation with us, the evangelists received yet another surprise when he walked by again at his usual time. This time, he asked e. Chuck why he was Catholic when all priests are [a danger to children]. The evangelist walked with him and denied his gross exaggeration, explaining the Church’s reforms. But “Justin” laughed and repeated, “You’re fooling yourself.” E. Chuck persisted in defending the majority of good priests, but also noted that he thought that any priest caught should be arrested and jailed. “Justin” continued to laugh this off, then, whether in sarcasm or sincerely we don’t know, he said, “I appreciate you” before continuing on his way to work. Praise God for a slightly more open dialogue, and please continue to pray for “Justin” that his heart be softened and his eyes opened to the reality and goodness of God.

The outdoor skating rink was closed, due to inclement weather. However, the rain stopped just as we arrived and didn’t start up again until we were all packed up. Therefore, we were able to set up in our usual spot. Foot traffic was light, but we did receive some interest.

Altogether, we gave away 15-20 Rosaries and the pamphlet on how to pray it, as well as a copy of the map to area parishes.

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.

We try to be a trustworthy reminder of God’s love for us, and to provide a safe place for questions. 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).