Boise

Country: United States
State or province: Idaho

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Lucy Stamm
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Evangelizing the Evangelizers - 2025-02-09

February 16, 2025

Sometimes, Catholics are recognized as Christian, but questions remain. So, thank you again for your prayers for the Boise Catholic street evangelization effort.

As the first evangelist arrived at “our spot”, a long-haired, perhaps 20-year-old man (“Maxwell”) was standing somewhat near where we set up. It looked like he was preaching to 3 other young men (including “Jake” and “Levi”). The evangelist couldn't quite hear enough to figure out his message, but heard the words "Catholic" and "church" and "Lord" several times. When the second evangelist arrived with "our wagonload o' stuff" and we started setting up, the discussion broke up and the two groups parted ways, “Maxwell” heading north.

But soon the other three teens returned from the south, accompanied by a fourth, taller young man (“Cody”). They came purposefully toward our table. Cody was an articulate high school junior. They explained that they were in a non-denominational church and, therefore, unfamiliar with “denominational churches” and wondered what it meant to be Catholic. This was the start of a good 45-minute conversation. Their group encourages members to come up with their own interpretations of Scripture. This gave e. Chuck an opportunity to tell his own testimony on how he searched all the denominations searching for consistent truth, finally discovering the Catholic Church, "the pillar and bulwark of truth" (1 Tim 3:15). Evidently, the teens’ pastor does not focus on anti-Catholic rhetoric because their only objections, praying to Saints and faith vs works, were half-hearted and they recognized, even before we replied, that the objections were over-simplifications. Though they asked good questions and listened politely, they still declined to take a Rosary. We showed them how to make the Sign of the Cross and explained its meaning and purpose. As they prepared to leave, Cody gave a heartfelt prayer for us all. We praise God for the courage of these budding evangelists and pray that the seeds of our conversation will grow into an unflinching search for truth that leads to unification and conversion.

While e. Chuck was talking with the three young men, e. Lucy offered a Rosary to a young couple. The man, who had been raised Catholic, told how he got in with the wrong crowd when he was young and his mother prayed that the group would reject him. He said, "And they did." But from his sadness, it seemed as if he still felt the pain of it and blamed the pain on his childhood religion. The evangelist assured him, "God won't reject you," and encouraged him to get reconnected with his Faith. He accepted a map to area parishes, and both of them chose a Rosary apiece.

Later, “Maxwell” (from our first story for this session) returned, accompanied by a second college-aged man, “August”. The long-haired youth enthusiastically accepted a Rosary. The two belong to an ancient, national, non-Catholic Christian religion. Maxwell was very talkative and enthusiastic about his faith and all its commonalities with Catholicism. He showed us his Orthodox prayer beads, but was excited about the beauty of the Rosary and looked forward to praying with it. They both liked going to the campus Catholic center and were interested in attending a Catholic Mass at the cathedral. Maxwell also said he was neither working nor attending school, but "spent all day praying." Perhaps he has a vocation to the monastic life? Thank you, Lord, for the earnest faith of these young men. May they grow in virtue and love for God.

Altogether, we gave away 12-15 Rosaries and its pamphlet, 2 Our Lady un-tier of Knots cards, 1 Divine Mercy prayer card, and 1 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 effort.

We’re happy to answer serious questions about Catholicism. 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).