| |  | | The candy shop in Manitou Springs, from the story below, where Ryan and I met a new friend. |
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We're so grateful for all of you partnering with us in this work of reaching the lost through your friendship, prayers, and giving to the Lord that keeps us on the street. It literally saves lives❤️
*So much happens in ministry, too much to write about. We choose 1 or 2 stories each newsletter to share so it's not overwhelming. |
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It's not every day that you get to meet an ex-satanist, raised by a Wiccan family, who is now a professed Buddhist that doesn't believe everything in Buddhism. Only God can orchestrate meetings like this...
It was a quiet and very cold night. There were cars, but very few people on the sidewalk. God had impressed upon our team during prayer that we would meet an artist and that we should let him know that he had an opportunity to hear God's voice for himself by listening to the Holy Spirit.
Our ministry team went to Manitou Springs. Ryan, our son and I were walking together and we started to wonder if we would see anyone to talk to. It looked like a ghost town because it was so cold out. We decided to go into a candy store to warm up for a few minutes. We started talking with the worker there. We found out that he was an artist, so we asked him if he knew he could hear God's voice by listening to the Holy Spirit. From there, we had very peaceful conversations about religion, religious leaders, each religion's faults and successes etc... He mentioned some of his views that would typically repel a Christian from continuing the conversation. But, as he could see that Ryan and I weren't offended, he was able to feel like he was able to express his thoughts without criticism from us.
He dropped his guard and shared with us that he's Buddhist but doesn't believe everything in Buddhism and that there was a moment that he felt the Holy Spirit as the comforter. He was going through a divorce years ago and was feeling very low in life. He wanted to find peace and he went to a church and cried through the whole service. He said, "This is what God would feel like". He told us that he really enjoyed talking with us and that he didn't know if he would at first because of the other encounters with Christians that he had. We were able to share the Gospel with him 3 different ways, Biblical, historical, and relational. Ryan and I prayed that he would feel more of those peaceful moments of God's presence, the Holy Spirit and that we would find him again and talk.
He hugged us, thanked us, and is looking forward to talking with us again. Please pray that he would see and feel God throughout this month more powerfully than he ever has! |
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I remember the days before our family engaged the homeless with God's love and I believe we've all been there. Think back to a time where your family is driving all together. You're kind of in a hurry and you see a homeless person holding a cardboard sign at a stoplight. Unsure of what to do, your mind gets flooded with reasons you can't or shouldn't help. Ignoring the uncomfortable situation helps for a little while until one of your young children speak up. "Hey Dad, what's that guy doing?", "He looks cold". Think of some of your common responses. Remember that you're setting an example for your family of what Jesus would do.
Take your family to a Dollar store, buy freezer zip lock bags and fill them with socks, hats, scarfs, homemade cookies, triple antibiotic, etc... Have the bags ready in your car and meet them with a smile, blessing bag, and a prayer. You would be amazed at the adventure God has for you. Suddenly, it's no longer an awkward situation and you can be confident that you're leading your family in the right direction. "The Kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed..." Mark 4: 26
Please remember the poor this winter. |
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 | Just a little Instagram video for you?
Click the pic! |
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| **We've mailed our Christmas cards and our End of the Year Letter a little early this year, so look for that in the mail. We've included a testimony from Evansville, IN during street ministry. We had a great time and were able to see God move in people's lives! Back here in Colorado, the weather is changing and it's getting much colder. We'll keep you updated on the prayers and resources needed for the homeless this winter when the emergency shelters start, which will start soon. Thank you so much for your prayers and partnerships! Please consider our family when looking at your end of the year giving❤️ |
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Our position with The Navigators is a donor based ministry meaning, we raise funds to do ministry, just like all other non-profits also have to raise funds to exist and help those in great need in our own country.
We would love to answer any questions you may have about the ministry we do, so please feel free to reach out❤️
Have a Merry Christmas!!!
Matt - 812-453-5406
Shari - 812-550-2777
Praises & Prayer...
- Please pray with us for this next season God is leading in digging wells within the community to reach the LOST. This is happening!!!
-Wisdom for our family in navigating this new chapter of life!
-For Ryan, our new friend, that gave his life to Jesus on the streets.
-For our friend who gave his life to the Lord in the mall.
-For our friend who denounced wicca and is following Jesus.
-For our new friend in Manitou, to feel so pursued by Jesus.
- Please pray for continued open doors and connections for the bus ministry and for us to be fully funded. |
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With Love & Grateful Hearts,
Matt, Shari, Julia, Ryan, Arabella, & Jackson Devine |
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