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May 1st OUTREACH MINISTRY TO DUDLEY SQUARE IN ROXBURY , MASSACHUSETTS
The weather was perfect for this 1st day of May, and as we embarked, we asked the Lord to send the people. We had a team of ten and the anticipation of great numbers in Roxbury was soon to be realized.
As we arrived, we were welcomed with love and great joy by the women of this ministry.
We had such an abundance of clothing, food, beverages, tracts, and bibles to give away; it was difficult fitting it all into our van. But, we transported everything there and as the day progressed, many came and were blessed with the generosity of the Lord.
We decided to send a team to the sidewalks of Dudley Square to minister to the homeless, hopeless, broken people of the streets. The sidewalks were full of people! We approached everyone we could, handing out sandwiches, crackers, and bottled water. We offered prayer for salvation and healing to those we ministered to.
As we were praying for one man among the people on this busy sidewalk, we were encouraged by a man passing by to “keep it up!” and “God bless you”. One man received salvation right there on the sidewalk as he was walking aimlessly in search for hope. We then met a man named Moses. He had just started a new church in the area and we prayed for the Holy Spirit to guide this man and the Lord’s newest church. We encouraged him in the Lord and asked him to serve and worship with us next month in June.
We then crossed the street toward the bus stop where the Lord has brought us appointments every trip this year. This time we met people from the “Pit” who were provided water and sandwiches. The “Pit” is notorious as a hangout for prostitutes, pushers, addicts, and the hardcore of the area. They were open and receptive to us and we left them with the love message of the gospel.
Then as we approached the bus stop we saw a young woman, Nalene White, incoherent, dehydrated, recently released from the hospital, laying on a bench, and in distress. We went to her and gave her water and prayed over her. Laying hands upon her, we asked the Lord to have mercy on her. Again, a man walked by as we questioned what we should do next, and he said, “Keep doing what you’re doing! Keep praying! Lay your hands on her! You are doing what you are supposed to do!”
We knew the Lord was instructing us and encouraging us through this man.
We eventually called 911 and had paramedics come. She was in good hands as we left. We are expecting a great and wonderful touch of the Lord upon this woman.
We went back to our outpost and headed out. What a day! But, we were not done. As we drove out of the square we were led to a shaded grotto by a city bus terminal, where a group of homeless people were congregating. We met them where they were, and greeted them in the Lord, with clothing, water, and whatever provisions we had left. They praised God. We then joined hands in prayer; all of us about twenty people, and we asked the Lord‘s mercy, grace, and love upon them. They were grateful. Seeds were planted today! The Lord was in our midst. He was in the people. This is a special place.
Matthew 25:40 “And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to the one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.”
Mike Stainsby
Merrimack Valley Church - Epsom , New Hampshire
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