June 7th Prayer Update
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’”
Summer is a busy time of year, so we are thankful for those who were available to serve on our last outreach. We have some more volunteer slots open on June 21st. If you are able, we would love to have you join us!
On our last outreach we were able to distribute, four Spanish language Bibles, eight English language Bibles, and 10 New Testaments.
Our team joyfully hosted a second RV Bible study with Sarah. She took the initiative to transfer contact information for us when she had to replace a dying phone. She actually reached out to connect for another Bible study. This level of commitment to studying God's word is very encouraging to our team. We see Sarah as a plant that is beginning to blossom; time will tell what type of soil she is planted in.
She told us she is applying what she is learning to a family situation that is causing her some difficulty. She had questions about trusting the Lord and asked the team, "Will God really forgive me even with all of my sin? Am I really worthy?" The team was able to show her that none of us are worthy, but Jesus does forgive those of us who confess our sin in true repentance. The Bible study focused on Romans 3:10-18; 23. The study ended with a homework assignment for Sarah and an invitation to attend church. Please pray for God's continued work in Sarah's life. She has lived a rough life and calls herself a bit of a rough lady.
In Central Concord's Baldwin Park, we were able to have a lengthy conversation with Chris. He specifically asked our team for a small Bible, and we also offered him some reading glasses so he could read the tiny print more easily. He had some distorted ideas about God and the Bible, but he was open and interested in doing a Bible study with us to learn more about what the Bible says about who God is. We took down his number and pray that we are able to connect with Chris and that he will still be willing to study God's word with us.
As our Concord team attempted to access the community living under the overpass, a Sheriff was parked near the entrance and was trying to keep people out. The city had posted eviction notices to this community, and those folks have to look for another place to live. Our team was able to discuss their purpose in offering sandwiches and coffee to those living in the area, and the Sheriff allowed them entry.
The team was able to have a conversation with Samuel. Samuel shared that he is 63 years old and that he struggles with some foot problems. The team gave him food and coffee and offered him a Bible, which he declined, saying that he already had a Bible. The team prayed with him and had a long conversation, sharing the gospel with him. He wants peace, and the team was able to share the source of the peace he is looking for can be found in Jesus Christ. He has problems with other homeless people and property owners harassing him. He is confused about various religions and what to believe. The team pointed him to his Bible. He was told that everything we believe is found in the Bible, that we study it and we can trust it.
Our team met John on a previous outreach in Vallejo, and he remembered our team leader, Don. He was very friendly, and we think he is a strong Bible study candidate. John has a job but doesn't have a place to live. He was very open to talking about the Lord. When we asked him if he has ever given his life to the Lord, he said he wasn't sure. Pray that he would consider his eternity even today.
Our team came across this tent housing Kathy. She said she is stuck in her tent all of the time because part of her foot was removed, and she can't get out very easily. She seemed lonely and wants people to visit her. Kathy told us she comes from a place where faith was promoted. She was happy to receive a Bible, coffee, lunch, and prayer. She also expressed interest in doing a Bible study with us. Please pray with us as she doesn't have a phone, so connecting with her to set that up will be a challenge.
A gentleman in the Vallejo encampment constructed this impressive bridge.
Our team approached a couple behind Walmart, Cynthia and Matthew, who told us that right before they approached, they were having a conversation about God. Cynthia has some strange ideas about God and declined a Bible, but Matthew was happy to take a Bible and receive prayer. Matthew says he comes from a background where the Bible was encouraged, and he remembers that the letters in red are the words of Jesus. Matthew was the more receptive of the two to a gospel conversation. We encouraged Matthew to open up his Bible with Cynthia, and read it together.
Please pray these individuals read the Bibles they received.
Chris
Nacho - Spanish Bible
Narvell
Little LeAnne
Samuel
John - good conversation about "what is sin"
Andre
Bishop
John
Matthew - happy to take a Bible
Enrique - Spanish Bible
Kathy
Lisa
Pray for those who were friendly but declined Bibles.
Matt
Pasha
Maria
Kareem
Bonnie
Jeff
Heidi - new to us
Roy
Adam
Sicily - just recently homeless
Joshua - prayed with him
Joe
Viktor
Cynthia
Roy
Pray for those who were closed to conversation, that God would soften their hearts before our next outreach.
Man in a tent
Felix - more interested in receiving physical goods
Marco
Sam
Quiet Guy
Joshua
JOIN US!
Our Next Outreach is June 21st 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.