36th meal served this morning.

What a lovely morning to serve those who gather in the park! It is overwhelming how many new people we meet each week now that the weather has warmed up. But we consider this increase a blessing because we are able to extend the love of Christ to even more of God’s children.

Each week in our update we share snippets of conversations we have in the park to help you get to know those we serve. Today one man shared a praise that he had received a car from his brother. We have been praying about this for him for several weeks. He sees this vehicle as the key to free him from the difficult situation (he has been homeless for about six months) in which he finds himself. Now that he has a car, he hopes to have an easier time finding a more permanent job (currently he picks up odd jobs here and there) and that will help him get an apartment—his main goal. What a blessing to share his joy in answered prayer!

At the other end of the spectrum, a woman who we have been praying will find a place to live told us today that she didn't want us to pray for her anymore. She doesn’t believe anything is going to change in her situation. After further conversation, the team member speaking with her learned that this precious woman has been particularly discouraged this week. The seemingly-hopeless situation she is in has simply overwhelmed her. The team member was able to share the hope that is found in Psalm 46:1—“God is my refuge and strength, an ever present help in time of trouble.” Through this verse the team member tried to encourage this precious woman to rest in God because He is all we need; only He can handle all that overwhelms us. Later this morning as the team member was praying for this woman, the following verses from Isaiah came into her mind: “ ‘Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.…For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord.” What a beautiful picture of God’s provision for His children!

Please join us in praying that God will show Himself to those we serve in the park and that they will be encouraged this week. Also pray that those who don’t know Him as their personal Savior will come to do so. Thank you for supporting this ministry.