July 5th Prayer Update
“But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.”
On this last outreach, we were able to distribute nine English language Bibles, four Spanish language Bibles, and four "Cross Talking" books on overcoming addiction.
We continue to distribute pocket New Testaments as well. We are thankful we can get the word of God into so many hands. It's our prayer that God would soften hard hearts and allow people to taste and see that God is good. We know when God calls them, they will not be able to resist the sweet water of the Word. We are thankful to have partners enabling us to bring the gospel to those unhoused in our area. This past week, lunches were prepared by Faith Christian Fellowship, and one of their members volunteered with us. It's encouraging to have the greater body of Christ work together to make his name known here in Contra Costa County.
We had the opportunity to follow up with Eliseo (red pants) in Central Concord. Several weeks ago, we supplied some first aid supplies for a hand injury. While the bandages are off, his hand is still swollen. He told our team he thinks he needs surgery. Eliseo speaks broken English, but we were able to have a gospel conversation. He expressed a desire to get right with God and to attend church. Our team offered to provide Eliseo with a shower and transportation to church. Not only did he come to church but there were two additional women who came with him. He continues to battle addiction, and we provided him with a 'Cross Talking' book by Mark Shaw. We can see he is convicted by the truth we have shared with him and it's our prayer through continued kindness and practical care, the gospel message will be embraced.
We've regularly attempted ministry to Matt who has been more responsive in the last few months. In the past, when we talked to him about the gospel, he would respond, "I don't really need to talk about that." Now he is open to a Bible study. We have been trying to coordinate another Bible study with his friend Roger. Matt said, if Roger commits to a Bible study, he would be willing to participate. Matt is an ex-marine and has been homeless for around 15 years. Please join us in praying that we would be successful in coordinating with both Roger and Matt. We are committed to making Bible studies a top priority for those who are interested.
We once again had the joy of connecting with Sarah (not pictured), our recent Bible study participant. As we spoke with her, she was overflowing with enthusiasm about church. She was excited and attended Sunday services. She has said she reads the Bible regularly and is thankful for our ministry. She is a blessing to us, and is overflowing with joy. Continue to pray that the Lord will greatly bless her small steps towards faith.
We were blessed to have several pans of delicious cinnamon buns provided for our volunteers. We took some with us to Vallejo. Naturally, they were a big hit! Tom is one who enjoyed this breakfast treat. Tom asked for prayer for overcoming his Meth addiction and that he would be able to find work. He was willing to accept an addiction booklet, and we pray that he would read it and find it helpful. Tom has some family in Walnut Creek that will offer him occasional help. Tom was open to hearing the gospel message. We pray that we have the opportunity to follow up with Tom and continue to plant seeds of the gospel.
Demond (left center) has been closed to the gospel in the past, but on this outreach, he was willing to talk. We had an amazing opportunity to walk him through the gospel, starting with creation and his being made in God's image, but that we are all separated from God by our sin. He accepted prayer even though he doubts the existence of God. He asked us to pray for the resolution of a conflict he has with another person in the homeless encampment. Our team asked, "You are asking us to pray but who do you think will hear our prayers on your request?" The team compassionately shared with him the truth of his eternal destiny without Christ, and the free gift of salvation. At the end of our time with Desmond, he received a Bible. Please pray with us that as God reveals Himself to Desmond he would not doubt God is there, that He is real, and that He loves him and desires a relationship with him.
Randy and Denise in the Vallejo encampment
Our team made their way to the Antioch fairgrounds, where there is a more established homeless encampment of RVs. We have an ongoing relationship with a family there. When we arrived, we offered to sit down and study the Bible with Amanda, Monte, Josiah, and Ashlyn. The study focused on Romans 3:10-18. They read it together and gave the family examples of how to dig into the Word of God. Our team leader Don, provided the family with a future lesson and encouraged Monte to lead his family in Bible study. We praise the Lord for this family and their continued openness to studying God's word. We invited them to church, and we pray for the entire family to be saved.
Please pray these individuals read the Bibles they received.
Nacho
Timry
Adam - Spanish speaker attends a local church
Nash - Jehovah's Witness took our Bible to compare translations
Reanna - was receptive to the gospel
Kevin
Matt - Sweet conversation
Sarah
Alex - prayed with him
Fred - very upbeat and conversational
John
Caden - receptive to the gospel
Ashely
Lydia - immediately wrote her name in the cover
Rich - frequently distributes addiction booklets, nice to check in with him.
Pray for those who were friendly but declined Bibles.
Reggie
Roger
Roy
Kathy
Sarah
Jeff
Daryl
Barbara - heard the gospel
Matt
Israel
Eddy
Eliseo
Josh
Jarritt
Steven - listened attentively, appreciated us
Joe
Steve
Jackie - concerned about her dogs health
Daniel
Tommy
Stacy
Jim - potential Bible study candidate
Ryan - familiar with the Bible
Vicktor
Cathy
Randy
Denise
George
Dimples - pray for a softening of her heart to God's word.
Kenisha
Raymond
JOIN US!
Our Next Outreach is July 19th 2025
Please consider serving during a Saturday Outreach in one of the following ways:
1) Prepare Lunches
2) Evangelism at the Homeless Camps
3) Volunteer Breakfast
4) Cookies for Volunteers
Our ministry is a labor of love with the main purpose of providing gospel hope through practical means to the homeless. Thank you for serving alongside of us!
We continue to pray for those who might be able to contribute a small additional monthly gift of $25 or $50 a month to help with ongoing Hope680 expenses, including our ministry supplies, offices, and RV maintenance. We are trusting God to continue to provide through you!
FYI Our Executive Staff and Leaders (including Toby and all team leaders) are unpaid volunteers - all donations go 100% towards the running of Hope680, including administrative contractors, our facilities, and RV maintenance costs, as well as ministry supplies.