UPDATE from The Brook 8/3

"3">Sunday was "Italian Food" at The Brook and thanks to everyone that pitched in ... we not only had enough to fill everyone up, we had a little bit left to put in to-go boxes for a few folks to take with them. I didn't get around to taking a head count -- but, let's just say that we fed a bunch of friends and saw several new faces too!

Next Sunday is a "Picnic Theme" -- which simply means, bring anything that you'd bring to a picnic. Fried chicken, sandwiches, pizza, snacks, fruit, drinks, etc. Or whatever sounds good. And, please try to sign up early so that we know how things look before Sunday

Sunday was Hanks 60th Birthday and he was thrilled that we all remembered. The Ruckel Family brought him a birthday cake and he was in the best mood ever! He is doing well -- he is working and has a place to stay and best of all he has recommitted his life to Christ. Please continue to pray for him as he does battle with some mental issues from time to time. Pray for the Lord's healing in his life and that He will continue to heal relationships within Hanks family.

Last week Rick also celebrated a birthday. Every week you can see a look on his face that tells us how amazed he is to be where he is right now. His life has been a series of bad choices, but he has hope for the first time in a very long time. He keeps telling us that it's the fact that we continued to show up. Even when they all said we wouldn't. We did. The members of The Brook have been a consistent source of God's love in their lives for a year and a half so far. Don't get me wrong, there have been wonderful, loving individuals in their lives (like Kathy V. and others) who have been loving on them for years ... but, The Brook was something that they all said would fade away. They even had bets on it! But, because we have consistently showed up every week with our only agenda being to eat with them, hang out with them and more specifically to love on them -- they've had to hold their bets and accept that God loves them and so do we

Please pray for the men in the condo ... they are struggling to find steady work, but are truly out there seeking it. 3 out of the 4 are actively seeking the Lord and are getting very close ... I'll keep you posted, but there may be a baptism or two or more in the near future :-) The 4th sees it all around him, but is remaining a bit more hesitant. They all need constant prayer for protection and encouragement and for steady work.

Pray for Steve. He has been homeless for 4 years now and was one of the first people that we met at the park. He is known and loved, but tends to be a bit sceptical of some things. We are praying for him to be the next man that gets off the streets. He was given a chance to be in the condo, but turned it down for some reason. Personally ... I think he's afraid. Pray for him to find his strength in the Lord and for him to be given another chance to move forward.

Jackie and Jose were placed this past week in temporary housing at a hotel in San Jacinto while they await a more "permanent" home. They are both so excited to see God working in their lives. Jose's grown son, daughter in law and beautiful baby granddaughter even came to the park to visit them and share a meal with us. Jackie and Jose have a car and came all the way to the park to hang out because it's become a connection place for them. Now let's pray that they get married Also, they need continued prayer for peace and encouragement.

Lindsey has been struggling with many issues long before her pregnancy, but now faced with becoming a mother, she is feeling overwhelmed and lost. There are people in her life actively offering her support and sharing the Truth with her, but she is still resisting help. On Sunday, she broke down and agreed that she needs to think of her unborn child before herself, she has agreed to give the child up for adoption and there is at least one family that has already stepped forward. However, she is still over a month away from her delivery date and she is under attack in so many ways. Please cover her and the unborn little baby girl in prayer. They need protection, guidance, security, peace, forgiveness and mercy.

On a rather sad note ... the woman that we helped last week and placed in a safe house, has chosen to go back to the man that is abusing her. At this point, we know that she is in God's hands and pray for her safety and also for her unborn child. Pray that the father/partner receives help and that restoration happens.

Pray for continued connections to other churches and organizations in our community that have a heart to help those in need ... no matter if the need is food or friendship. Please pray that God will be gloried as we all continue to work together to bring about wonderful changes within our local cities.

We are in need of a few items for our supply buckets ... well, we are always in need of personal care items -- such as: soap, shampoo, lotion, etc. But, specifically this time around we need small packages of wet wipes, antibacterial lotion, batteries (C and AA).

And, finally ... as always -- we want to thank all of the members of The Brook and those that hold us in your prayers. God IS our strength. He has blessed us all and given all of us gifts that work so well together when we let Him lead ... He is good

Have a very happy, healthy and blessed week!

Theresa

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The Brook - "Sharing a meal, making friends and meeting needs in our community"