Because of how hot this summer has been, this morning’s cloudy sky and cool breeze faintly hinted at fall to those who gathered in Linn Park. We are especially eager for the season change because many of our friends sleep outside. One of our prayers each week is that God will guide the conversations we have in the park—and He does. We’ve said this before and today it seemed even more apparent: The problems these precious people struggle with are not much different than the ones that we, who have so much more materially, face. This morning we spoke with people who are searching for jobs, who are struggling to find their purposes in life, who desire to overcome addictions, who are estranged from their families, who are lonely, who are discouraged, who are overwhelmed by their familial responsibilities, and the list goes on and on. How many of your friends are dealing with such issues? God wants to show us how similar we are. There is nothing any of us can do on our own to overcome these monumental issues. The only hope we have in this fallen world comes from a belief in Christ Jesus.

One team member was able to pray with a man who was very discouraged. This young man is trying to overcome a drug addiction and he has a prescribed path to follow. God is working in his life and strengthening him to succeed—because of this, he has been clean for several weeks. Although the man knows God is with him, he still feels alone and overwhelmed because his path has been blocked by some obstacles. Can you relate to this? The man knows he can’t give in; the result of this would be devastating. The team member was able to connect with him based on struggles in her own life and shared about God’s steadfastness. She prayed for God to meet this man where he is, to encourage him, and to strengthen him to stay on the straight and narrow path. This prayer wasn’t just for this man—it was for our team member, all the people in the park, and the rest of our team. Only our Heavenly Father who has overcome the world can equip us to live the abundant life His word promises. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Thank you for supporting this ministry and for your prayers!