May 17th Prayer Update
“For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”
We were genuinely grateful to have five teams during our last outreach event. Many volunteers continue to sacrifice part of their Saturday to share the gospel and study the word of God with the homeless in our area. This last outreach brought teams to North and Central Concord, Martinez, Antioch/Pittsburg and Vallejo. 14 English language Bibles and five Crossing Talking books were distributed. (A bible study was also conducted in Central Concord).
The teams took time to discuss how to best share the gospel with individuals who have heard the truth over several years but continue to remain unmoved. We acknowledge we aren't those who save but are simply ambassadors to share the good news. The work of salvation is God's alone. We are aware of the need for the gospel to be deeply rooted in our own lives, that the message never changes and those God calls will be drawn in His perfect timing. The work that we are called to do is to is to share, and pray for the lost. Please pray with us for hearts to be transformed by our gospel witness.
In North Concord our team spoke with Aaron, a 32-year-old man who had almost no exposure to the Bible. He told our team he is likely headed out of state. The team had the opportunity to walk him through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation showing him what it means to personally follow the Lord. He listened to everything that was presented. He declined a copy of the Bible, but he did accept prayer. We are praying that the things that he heard will cause him to consider the truth.
In previous conversations with Matt, he expressed a hangup with his belief in secular science versus the Bible. One of our team members offered him the book 'Scientific Facts in the Bible, 100 Reasons to Believe the Bible is Supernatural in Origin" by Ray Comfort, and he accepted. The team was also able to read Psalm 1-2 with Matt. Each time we've talked with Matt, he has opened up a little more. Please pray that he reads the book but more importantly that God uses it to soften his heart towards the truth of the gospel. We are hopeful to talk to Matt again.
Our team found Scott sleeping on a little patch of land near the Mattress store in Martinez. Our volunteer Jim had a long conversation with him, in which he shared the gospel. Matt wouldn't come out of his cardboard shelter in the bushes, and the team could only see half of his face throughout the conversation. The Lord alone knows how much of what was shared impacted Scott's thinking. We pray the Lord will cause Scott to consider his need for repentance.
We met Danielle two years ago. She shared at the time her husband kicked her out of the house. At that time she began living in her car. She was extremely fearful and cried every time we shared with her. We've offered her information on various resources. She continues to be hesitant understandably when she is approached in her vehicle. Nevertheless, she was willing to come out of her car when our volunteer Sue approached her and they had a conversation. We are truly thankful to have women on each of our teams for just these scenarios. Please pray with us that Danielle would come to know her need for saving faith.
Steven was very open with our team and shared he wasn't raised in a Christian home. He found a Bible one day and opened it up, and started reading it. He said that it was difficult to understand. Our team suggested he read the book of John and they. had a good conversation with Steven. He listened to everything and genuinely seemed to comprehend what was explained to him. They offered to have a Bible study with Steven, but he declined due to his lack of knowledge. The team encouraged him with the purposes of the Bible study which would help to increase his understanding. Please pray that he will follow our advice, read the book of John and that he will be more open to a Bible study in the future.
As mentioned above, we were extremely happy to have a Bible study which included two participants. Our teams met with Sarah and Roger.
Our team was greatly encouraged that Sarah was eager to know more about God's word listening intently and participating in the study. It was a very uplifting study.
The study with Roger was a little more of a challenge. Roger has very firm ideas and didn't display a heart open to learn and grow from what the word was communicating. The team talked through the gospel, creation, the fall and redemption. They also discussed the person and work of Christ. Roger doesn't believe that Jesus is God. The team attempted to use Scripture to show the deity of Christ. Despite the conflict of perspective, Roger expressed an interest in coming back and doing another Bible study. We know that only God can change his heart and open his eyes to the truth of the gospel and the truth of the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Please pray these individuals read the Bibles they received.
Maria
Earl
Jessie
Marcus
Regina
Kevin
Ricky
Spanish Speaker from Columbia
Steven
Pray for those who were friendly but declined Bibles.
Bob
Dan
Kelly
Danielle
Stacy
Marissa - interested in a Bible study
Kyle
Scott
Daniel
Eric
Savonie
Randy
Max
Emmerson
Von
PJ
Desmond
Jess
Drey
Eric
Roberto
Steve
Kareem
Matt - accepted a book
Nacho
Bonnie
Roy
Randy
Maria
Cathy
Filicio
Debbie
Rick
Aaron
Samuel
Robert
Frank
Lupe
Pray for those who were closed to conversation, that God would soften their hearts before our next outreach.
Shamra
JOIN US!
Our Next Outreach is June 7th 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.