Detroit, MI

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This report comes from team leader Mark with the Eastern Market SPSE team in Detroit, MI:

Three evangelists—Beth, Mark, and Silvia—returned to Eastern Market on a cool and windy morning on what might be our last outing of the year.

One of the flower vendors, smoking a cigarette, stopped to take a break. I offered him some rosaries and medals, which he politely declined. Beth asked if he had any prayer intentions, and he asked us to pray for his business. Sensing some defensiveness, Beth asked if he’s Christian and if he goes to church. Gary said that he’s Catholic but doesn’t go to church. We pressed him on the issue and encouraged him to return to the Church. He said that he was trying to avoid the conversation, and it was clear that he was guarded. Gary eventually opened up and said that he disagreed with some of the doctrines and political activity of the Church. I challenged him to study the social teachings of the Church, telling Gary that there are wise and good reasons for why the Church teaches what She teaches. At that point, she started to become less defensive and more conversational. We prayed for Gary, for his business, and more importantly, that God would give him guidance, faith, and wisdom. He accepted a Miraculous Medal on a chain as well as a Common Objections pamphlet.

Beth prayed with three sisters who were grieving the recent death of their mother—she prayed out loud for their consolation, peace in the family, and that they would hope in the resurrection. Beth prayed that this death may be a reminder of what is most important in life—faith in God and their relationships with family. Silvia and Mark prayed with several people, most of whom requested prayers for physical health. We prayed out loud with them for physical healing, but also prayed for their spiritual health—that each person would grow in grace, faith, and virtue. Most importantly, we prayed that they would do the will of God in their life and would eventually be welcomed into Heaven.

Praised be Jesus Christ!