Boise

Country: United States
State or province: Idaho

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Lucy Stamm
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Why Pray? - 2024-04-28

May 5, 2024

Jesus is “the one thing necessary” (cf. Luke 10:42). So thank you again for your prayers for the Boise Catholic street evangelization effort.

A repeat visitor from another country, who long since lost his faith, stopped and engaged e. Chuck in an extended chat about trivialities.

A group of young-adult women stopped. They wanted a pretty Rosary, but were not Christian and listened only somewhat politely as the evangelist tried to introduce Our Lord and encourage them to pray. One of the women accepted a Good News/kerygma pamphlet. May the Lord use the beauty of their new Rosary to draw them to Him and salvation.

Two grade-school-aged girls wanted a Rosary, and their mom (perhaps reluctantly) gave them permission to have one. We explained the devotion and the importance of learning Who Jesus is. The mom accepted a copy of the Rosary pamphlet.

A group of five polite and friendly high school students from out of state stopped when one of the girls wanted a Rosary. It turns out that they’re part of a track team, in town for a tournament the previous day. They were eager to tell us what event they specialized in and how they did at the track meet. Christians, they were unfamiliar with the Rosary and listened politely as we walked them through the hows and whys of the powerful prayer. Their reactions ranged from guarded thanks to a silly wondering if the beads matched their outfit. Pray that they persevere in faith and focus on the race that leads to everlasting life.

The man we think of as “the merchant” was back. (This is because he claims free Rosaries and then trades them for food and drink. This bothers us because the Rosaries are blessed and cannot be sold/exchanged for anything of value without incurring sin.) This time, he offered us a big bottle of iced tea and community magazines (usually found for free at stores), all of which we politely declined. We also refrained from offering him a Rosary. May God grant him an appreciation of the value of prayer in itself, not as a commodity.

Another group of teenagers stopped for a Rosary. E. Lucy talked with the girls of the group about the Rosary and encouraged them to learn to pray it to get to know Jesus.

Some teenage boys carrying skateboards came to the table, e. Chuck spoke to the one who was wearing his sweatshirt hood low over his face. At first, his responses to the evangelist seemed to be in jest and mocking. Then he said, “I was baptized Catholic, but have never gone to church. But I keep thinking maybe I should.” The evangelist said he should listen to his conscience, that God was calling him. As his friends were drawing away from the table, we gave him a “Come Home” pamphlet. Pray that this young man responds to the loving voice of God whispering in his ear.

At one point, e. Lucy’s back was causing so much pain that she took a moment to walk to a picnic table 30-50 ft away to sit down. She said a quick prayer, “Lord, would you be willing to give me a break from this pain? It’s distracting me from paying attention to the people.” Instantly, she felt a little click in her back and the pain went away! She was back at her station in less than two minutes. Thank you, Lord Jesus!

A non-Catholic Christian couple were suspicious about the Rosary at first. But once they understood how Christ-centered the devotion is, they relaxed enough to take one apiece.

A man wearing a t-shirt naming another conservative state skirted our table, and passed by on the far side of the walkway. E. Lucy called, ‘I like your shirt!” He glanced down at his shirt, smiled at us, and continued his way. (We conservatives need to stick together.)

“Uwe” greeted us as he passed by. “Marty” came to visit as we were packing up, but was a bit too impaired to say much. We saw no sign of “Steven”. Lord, bring all of these souls to you!

We saw lots of foot traffic, perhaps aided by the pleasant, sunny weather that God granted us. Most people seemed to be in a good mood. Altogether, we gave away 20-25 Rosaries and its pamphlet, 1-2 Good News/kerygma pamphlets, a “Come Home” pamphlet, and a Divine Mercy 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.

In a world that teaches self-sufficiency, we stand for dependence on God. 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).

P.S. A prayer for us from Fr. Tom:

NOT ONE SOUL BE LOST! We pray that the Holy Family, Jesus, Mary and St Joseph, gather the family of souls in Boise and bring them to the TABLE OF TRUTH, that families may be restored, their souls, their wills and their innocence, to be whom Father created them to be. May the TABLE OF TRUTH SET CAPTIVES FREE!

COME HOLY SPIRIT, LET YOUR FIRE FALL! HAVE MERCY!