To say the least, there is a lot happening with the outreach in SE. We continue to see a lot of new people. Amazing that there is always more. There are also a lot of regulars that we are continuing to pray for every time we see them. Slowly, we are seeing a softening of hearts from them. Some are open to hearing the gospel with small amounts of fruit actually coming of it. I am sorry to say this, but there is much work but few workers. So many lost and dying and yet so much time waisted on my desires and wants. And it is tough, hard ground.

Please keep us in prayer, as Satan does not like what the outreach is doing and would gladly break it up internally, if he could. I especially ask for prayer for me, I am questioning my role. God keeps giving me a verse that has always meant so much to me and that I often quote to others.. “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding, but in all of your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.” Proverbs 3:5-6 Now, I have to take it to hart, and it is not so easy when it is for me, rather than others. I also want to clarify that Derek Buchanan founded and is leading this outreach. If you would like more information about it, call me and I will get you his contact info.

Lately, we have seen a lot more fear on women at the outreach. Several, this last week expressed great anxiety in wanting to get away from their male companions and desire to get off the street but where too afraid to try. There have also been several instances where people have been in trouble because of their own stupidity and immoral behavior. A young man named “E” that we had been ministering to and had expectations for, all of the sudden just disappeared. Word on the street was he was stealing from too many and now people where looking for revenge. We hope he skipped town but still want to help him get clean, if he is willing.

About 4 weeks ago, a gentleman from Mexico, I’ll call him “G”, repented and committed his life to the Lord. We got him into detox for 3 weeks and then took him over to The Hope Center in Boones Mill. The Hope Center is a year long, in-house program, Biblically based, that helps people with addictions get their lives straight with God. They provide all the individuals needs including room and board, job training, financial accountability training, Spiritual Counseling and daily Bible Studies. “G” was excited about it, but then that evening, learned that he would not be able to earn any money the whole year he was there. He bailed out of the program stating that he had to support his mother in Mexico so therefore could not do the program. Understandable, but then he did not tell anybody where he went. I have been searching on the streets for the last 4 days with no luck. Very few know him, and those that do, have not seen him in awhile. Please pray for him.

While searching for “G” on Friday morning, I ran into “C” a middle aged man, at the Jackson Park pavilion. He was very open to the gospel and also might consider The Hope Center. He said he would call me yesterday after talking to his family. That has not happened yet. Please pray for him.

Friday afternoon, at the Elm exit of HWY 581, I drove up on a young lady, “R” who was panhandling at that intersection. (I encourage you to never just give out money to panhandlers. Take the time to hear their story, tell them about Jesus and see if they are open to help getting off the street and off of drugs. If you do not have time for all that, just do what Peter and John did and tell them “I do not have money to give, but what I do have, I will give to you”, and then pray for them. Prayer, goes a long way. I also carry water bottles with me.) Back to “R”. She was burning up and sweating up a storm, so I offered here a couple of water bottles and a Gatorade. I went ahead and pulled my car over just because I had a little bit of time to talk to her. She stated that she was a Christian, not on drugs, but was struggling a lot and living on the street. Reading between the lines, I believe that she was sincere and does know Jesus, just a little misled. I asked her about the begging on the corner and she said it was her only way to provide for herself without doing something immoral, although she did just recently get a job that she was getting ready to start. I encouraged her to not beg on the corner anymore but to trust God with all of her heart and lean not on her own understanding. I then asked her if I could buy her sign, killing 2 birds with one stone (helping her and get her to stop begging – at least temporarily). She got a disappointed look on her face but then agreed, knowing it was the right thing to do. The day before, one of my Airbnb guests left me a $50 tip (rarely happens). So I bought her sign for $50. She got an astonished look on her face and was very thankful. I told her I could help her get off the street. But she had to call me. I have not heard from her yet. Please pray.

There are a lot more good stories coming out of the SE Outreach. Too many to talk about here. I just wanted to share a few that I have been directly involved with. The others in the outreach all have their own great stories to share. You will have to talk to them to get their experiences. Or, you can join us and have your own stories. If you would like to join me on another day or evening, I am starting to make it a habit of driving SE quite frequently praying and talking to anybody who would listen.

Needs:
• Our biggest need, at this time, is always more people. (I know, I keep beating the same drum.) Again, If you are
antsy about sharing with others, we can train you on how to share the gospel and you can watch and observe.
You can pray. You can help us pass out goodies. Help set up including tables and shade tarps. Pick up trash.
Keep a watchful eye. (When we are sharing the gospel with people, we can not be aware of our surroundings so
it is always nice to have somebody keeping an eye open for our safety.) Help break down. Pray. And finally Pray.
• Water, Juices, Gatorade, Popsicles.
• Snacks i.e. granola bars, anything with nutritional value that is pre-packaged.

If you would like to donate funds, speak with Derek Buchanan. I can put you in touch with him.

Thanks again for reading my ramblings. I will continue to try and get these out on a more consistent basis. As always, please pray for this very rocky and hard ground, and we look forward to seeing you out there with us.

Your Brother in Christ

Jeff
540-467-0452
jefferycass@gmail.com