Friday
Introduction - David Russell, 8:15 p.m. - Began the evening with a 6 p.m. Bible discussion at McDonalds. Good discussion. Was joined by a young man who we ministered to 5-6 years ago, who was a heroin addict. Now he is involved with the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Pray for Dylan to be delivered from that cult.
9-11 p.m. Lance & Dianne Micklus
9:05 p.m. – Lots of young people tonight. Lots of couples, young, middle-aged, older. Graduation weekend – lots of guests.
Saw a waitress giving service at the table – she had a ministry to serve, & lifted her up in prayer.
Saw a man in a wheelchair, rolling his wheelchair up the street with a great big smile on his face, and I knew that he wasn’t letting his handicap limit his joy.
9:10 p.m. – Walking into City Hall Park – felt the presence of the Spirit very strongly & prayed that the whole park would be filled with people listening to the message of salvation – and I saw a fountain – the one that’s in the park – being used as a baptismal pool.
Prayed for all Business Administration graduates who will be getting their graduation pictures taken on the City Hall steps on Sunday, that they may give their hearts to the Lord & run their businesses with Him at the helm.
Taxi driver sitting in cab reading a book under the light in the car while waiting for business.
9:20 p.m. - Main St. across from the Flynn Theater – loud sounds from Ruben James. Loud mufflers on cars. Loud music in cars that go by - giggling of a young couple walking by (she is blond & he’s Asian). We pass an older man walking by himself.
9:30 p.m. – I prayed at the intersection of Main St. and So. Winooski Ave. for the safety of all the people going thru the intersection.
9:35 p.m. – Young woman walking by with young man saying (re: marriage) … "They’ll be divorced within one year, so why celebrate?" We prayed that they would know the joys of commitment to one person that comes with a marriage.
9:40 p.m. – Father we pray for City Hall – let wise counsel permeate every wall and may everyone who works there have your wisdom and guidance. Many will be married there – we pray that each of them will know a life of peace & joy & come to know Jesus as their Savior, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Middle-aged men (4 of them) standing at corner of Church & Main laughing & telling stories as they wait for the light to change so they can cross the street.
There’s a hustle on the street – young people yelling & having a good time. Young woman with jeans on walks by with bride’s veil on & artificial white bride’s bouquet. She lost her veil & the girls all went to grab it – all jovial – joking around.
9:45 p.m. – 6 motorcycles parked out front of RiRa Irish Pub on Church St. Two more drive by. All the pubs have guys out front collecting ID’s before anyone can go in.
9:50 p.m. – A chauffeur from the Radisson waits by his van for guests from Sweetwaters Restaurant. A policeman in car waits at the intersection of Church and College St. for a minute to look over the situations. People eating outside at Sweetwaters seem more well-to-do and serious.
9:55 p.m. – Neon sign above Yankee Candle Co. says "Psychic Readings" "Open". We can’t tell if anyone is there.
We hear revved up motorcycle motors near Main St.
Couple eating pizza on the bench on Church St. We prayed that their feelings for each other will grow, and that from that commitment will come a blessing to many, many people.
God has made so many different people – all unique.
10:00 p.m. – Stores are closing.
Burlington Square Mall doors are locked. Restaurants with chairs & tables outdoors have stacked them up for the night. The church bell tolls.
Young man goes by on his small bicycle with 2 dogs pulling him; 3 people wait for the last run of the bus at the bus stop.
Go into Borders bookstore. Women’s room is unlocked; men have to get a token to enter. Young woman & 50-yr.-old woman in ladies’ room.
Plainly dressed young man – about 25 – said to Lance as he walked by, "Nice cross." (Lance had a cross around his neck.)
North end of Church Street – very dark – no lights in Eddie Bauer’s, etc.
Young girl yells down from 3rd floor window.
10:30 p.m. – Enter parking garage for a coffee & to warm up in pickup. Small group of young people talking loudly, enjoying their voices echoing in the garage.
10:35 p.m. – Looking over the side of the 3rd floor in parking garage, saw a young man crossing the street with a bottle of liquor in his arms. As we walked down from the garage, saw a young woman holding a bottle of liquor – it was wrapped in clear cellophane as if it was a gift. She was chatting with another young woman. (Maybe they just got out of work?)
10:40 p.m. – Even Brooks is closed! Quiet & dark on Cherry St. A young man helps his girl out of his car, & then locks it. They walk toward Church St. Ben & Jerry’s still open. People walking around with ice cream cones.
A college-age young man paces back & forth in front of Uncommon Ground, speaking on the cell phone in German.
Man - about 50 – tourist – took flyer from the information booth & asked us where Ben & Jerry’s was.
Walk by the Daily Planet – very busy – lots of people – music.
Dianne – all night – didn’t know what to pray for, so prayed in tongues.
North end of the street (Church) – quieting down. Other end – near RiRa’s – getting louder & rowdier.
Near Yankee Candle – re: the Psychic Readings place we saw before – a sign on the street "Fortunes" – "Reader-Advisor" "Walk-in Welcome!"
11 p.m. - 1 a.m. Steve Jaramillo & Don Lyons
Steve: Don and I and Dennis walked down from fresh ground coffee house to the corner of Maple where the COTS shelter stands. We stopped by Alfredo’s and prayed for all the people steeped in darkness. We also prayed for the homeless people residing at COTS shelter. We entered City Hall Park and noticed no activity but were mindful of the drug dealing that takes place by day.
Don: I always feel a little empty when I pray on the street during Spring Fling. So many people getting drunk and getting high on drugs. It may be just a phase in their lives, but it also may be a continuing lifestyle. I pray even now that it may not be so. I pray that those newly graduated students will find purpose in the presence of their Maker.
Steve and I prayed over the whole city and all its people, including the students. We prayed the people who walk through City Hall Park, especially, will feel Your presence and that it will make a difference in their lives.
Steve: Toward the end of our shift we witnessed a middle-aged woman sleeping, sitting on a bench by the bus stop. Shortly thereafter three college boys proceeded down Church Street singing "Ring of Fire," probably in honor of June Carter, who passed away today. We then saw the woman again, headed in the same direction, with the blanket wrapped around her. Don and I assumed she might have been homeless because she had a bag of stuff with her. We prayed for her safety and for a warm place for her to spend the night.
Saturday
1-3:00 a.m. – Dennis Reagan
1:00 a.m. – The streets are still filled with people & noise. Someone is playing the drums on some metal containers; and a guy behind me on a bike, that stopped to talk, is playing the harmonica. People making strange noises. I think they’re high. Then we talked about music, and we ended up singing "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot." We got a few smiles. He really had quite a voice.
1:45 a.m. – The police are gathering to keep the peace I suppose. I see people are getting hungry, buying from the food vendors, acting quite silly, celebrating life the only way they know.
An ambulance & firetruck pull around to my right. A few Harleys start up and take off on my left, getting noisy.
2:00 a.m. – There’s more people coming out on the street. Their speech is slurred, lots of cursing, some bitter, some laughing. Some, with glazed eyes, just want to be friendly and shake my hand. Satan laughs and spreads his wings and says, "Aha, where’s your God now?" And I say, "With Christ in me. You’ve been defeated at the Cross, put to an open shame, and disarmed by the blood of an everlasting covenant that can’t be changed. So get behind me. I’m standing on holy ground and my God loves them all." I think this summer is going to be a good one. Yes, it is.
2:30 a.m. – Everyone’s out of the bars and on the street, looking for a place to pee. There is a big crowd on Church and Main. The police confidently stand close by. So, we watch and pray. No one knows the hour or the day, or who will be saved from His anger. So we water, and watch our God work.
2:55 a.m. – It’s starting to get quiet. They’re filtering out in cabs & cars. Goodnight.
3-5:00 a.m. – Bob Hatfield
3:00 a.m. – Friday night is closing down as I begin Saturday morning.
4:00 a.m. – What little traffic there is on the streets consists of taxis & police cruisers. Those who serve have the city to themselves.
At the corner of College & Pine: the house* is gone, the beautiful photo of it, & the one who took the photo. A bright moon is still overhead. [* In the early 70’s, a Christian communal house church was located here, of which Bob was a part. It made quite an impact in the area at the time.]
Along Battery St.: the birds are out. I don’t know what kind they are. (I don’t know birds’ songs.) He knows who they are – each one of them.
Church St. (where I am writing these notes): a security guard checks the doors below the "B" where the entrance to Jupiter Store used to be – next to Woolworth’s (also not there anymore). It’s time to walk.
4:15 a.m. – Winooski Ave.: Rock music comes from a gas pump at a filling station. No one else is around just now to listen to it. The music is tinny. Cars pull up to the loading dock to pick up the morning papers with yesterday’s news. Conversation overheard: "He doesn’t rebound well." A comment about a friend’s difficulty with personal tragedy? No, a basketball player.
There are first signs of light to the east. There were yesterday and the day before that. The moon is still bright. Maybe not as novel as a musical gas pump, but less tinny, more abiding. One more round of walking; the time is short.
4:55 a.m. – Bank St.: newspaper dispenser being filled.
City Hall Park: man walks his bike through the park. There were no bikes with those going home from the bars at 3:00 a.m. "last night."
Main St.: workman sweeps up the sidewalk of yesterday’s leavings. Up the street the gulls fight over the choicest pieces of trash.
Church St.: a man wishes me a good morning.
5-7:00 a.m. – Carol Jaramillo & Michelle Cheever
5:00 a.m. – Carol – Met Bob in front of Uncommon Ground. The birds are all awake and singing. The sky is glorious. Two older people walked by … very friendly.
5:30 a.m. – Very few people out. Garbage truck ready to start the day. Michele’s dog, Gabe, is with us. We’re in City Hall Park. Poor Gabe – whining, seems a little spooked. Backing away from the fountain. He is very agitated. Tail between his legs. What does he sense?
5:45 a.m. – Swung back to park. Once we left the park, Gabe was fine. He was perky and had his ears up – tail no longer between legs. Now that we’re back, he is whining again. He will not touch the water in fountain. (Michele says he always drinks wherever there is water.) Hmmm.
6:00 a.m. – We’re on upper Church Street. We prayed along the way at Michele’s place of work – that peace would abound. Have seen more people up and out: some seem homeless – have satchels, etc. The "flavor" of upper Church does not seem as eerie (as Michele put it) even though the building across from where we are sitting was once a Masonic Temple. The sun is starting to grace the tops of the buildings. God’s creation is just so beautiful. The birds are truly amazing – God has given them the instinct to do what they need to do for survival. They truly don’t worry about tomorrow.
6:15 a. m – Michele – It’s a beautiful sunny morning. More people out on Church St. now, mostly men. The tops of the buildings are aglow in the sunlight. A man jogs by. A boy riding his bike on his paper route. Gabe is more relaxed now as we continue to walk Church St.
6:30 a.m. – We’re in front of Spirit Dancer Books & Gifts on Winooski Ave., reading the notes on the window – an advertisement for witchcraft. Gabe is whining, tail between his legs and shivering. City is waking up. More traffic. Street sweepers/vacuum going down So. Winooski Ave. Prayed for my husband John’s workplace (Burlington Free Press), the peace of the Lord be upon John, and those he works with sense this peace.
6:45 a.m. – Carol – Michele & I are recapping what we’ve observed. We are talking about how lonely & cut off the City Hall Park is. It feels (?) sad (don’t trust feelings, but…). We are going to move on back to Uncommon Ground. Ran into a woman who really loved Gabe. Praying that she will fall in love with the Creator as much as His creation.
6:50 a.m. – Talked with a girl who had a 3-month old Akita-Shepherd puppy. The girl was from Toronto. Had just come up from NYC and making her way North, back to Toronto. Pray that she will be safe as she is hoping to "hop a freight train" to get home. Pray that she will meet only kind people. Pray that she, too, will come to know Christ and any Christians she comes into contact with will love her where she is, for who she is, and in a non-judgmental way. God, keep her safe.
7-9:00 a.m. – Kathy and Dewey Aiken
7:15 a.m. – Kathy – The streets of Burlington are waking up – trucks unloading supplies, vendors getting ready for business. The sun is shining, temperatures warming; and we praise You, Lord, for the opportunity to be here. A few folks with backpacks are walking. The coffee house is opening.
7:35 a.m. – Father, as we have passed by some people with sad faces, we pray for them: the girl wrapped in a blanket waiting for the bus, the old man picking up the change off the street, the woman walking with downcast eyes. I wonder what’s in their minds, on their hearts. They may not know the hope of Jesus. I pray for Dave, Restoration Church, as they continually minister here in Burlington. Please help them as they reach others with love and the truth of the Gospel. As we sit here in front of City Hall, we appreciate Your azaleas & daffodils. Please help the people of Burlington to worship the Creator instead of the creation. We pray they will come to know Him intimately.
7:50 a.m. – Lord, we notice there are few people on the street going to the waterfront. A few bikers, folks walking their dogs. Father, we pray for this father and his young son walking this morning. We know as we sit here overlooking Your lake, that Your sun unthawed, with Your bright purple azaleas and flowering trees surrounding us, that it is all about You. One day soon these boats will move with people, filling the lake. We pray for them and for their souls’ conditions. Through the light of the lives of believers in Burlington, may they know You.
8:10 a.m. – Father, as we go back up College St. to Church St., the street is quiet except for cars moving. Then as we approach the park, we see more people. Vendors are setting up their booths of plants, shirts, food. They are very busy and focused. But a few do speak as we speak to them. Now on Church St., more people are walking, pushing strollers. Sad faces except for the one grandmother and her happy grandson saying, "Yeah" for the sunshine this morning. Now noticing the sign, we realize all the park activity was preparation for "Farmers’ Market." As we stop in the bagel shop, we observe families getting breakfast: a mom with a stroller, a mom and her son, a young man reading the paper. Each is absorbed with concerns of the moment. I pray, Father, for each of these persons; for the concerns they have.
8:35 a.m. – Dewey – Finished having coffee and bagels. Kathie had time to talk with a young mother and her sick child. Leaving now to walk and pray before our relief comes on.
8:40 a.m. – Kathie – Slowly, the city pace is increasing. The city bus has stopped. Lord, there are several walking slowly, laden with backpacks & bags. Their walk is almost aimless. Please give them hope, Lord. This man is moving to the music in his ear. A bicycle rushes by – he appears late for something. Two pretty college-age girls, laughing, enjoying the Saturday off. There are a lot of children out with parents. A ball bounces. The street person continues to jive to his music as he searches through the trash cans. Another bus pulls in. An older lady in a pink sweater moves very slowly. More children with parents. A middle-aged man sitting on the sidewalk eating breakfast. The girl with blanket comes back by. Father, all these people You created; all of them You love; all of them You died for. I pray for Burlington’s salvation, for Jesus to be known, for Satan to have no victory. Thank you, Father, for the privilege of prayer. – Dewey & Kathie
9 – 11:00 a.m. – Meg Ellis
9:00 a.m. – I wait for Kathie & Dewey. I saw a woman wrapped in a blanket; she seemed to be wandering without a direction.
As I headed on walk around area, same lady passed by again. People waiting on benches by bus station; each isolated on separate bench. Pray that they find Jesus and are no longer alone.
9:20 a.m. – Kids’ Day families with children of all ages. There are tents lined up along the lake. They appear to be part of Kids’ Day. Some families seem like they are a single unit, while others are fractured.
9:50 a.m. – A parade went down Main Street. Street was lined with families and children. Families, children of all ages, adults. Just as I was thinking it would be a great place to witness, Main Christian School band came marching by playing "When the Saints Go Marching In." They went on to play a secular song. Father, I pray that the chance to share Christ has not passed by. I lift this city up to You, Lord. There are lost and hurting people here -- people looking for peace which only You can give; looking for it in drugs, alcohol, witchcraft.
10:10 a.m. – The vendors along College St. by the park selling food, plants, clothes. One was selling black and white pictures. They seemed to carry darkness with them.
10:30 a.m. – Saw an old man reading a newspaper, woman carrying her bags, a group of college-aged young adults hanging around looking sad. A group of high school kids hanging out.
10:35 a.m. – Biker drinking beer in a group by the parking garage. Two men in an alley exchanging something.
10:40 a.m. – A dance team from New England Performance of the Arts.
10:45 a.m. – I have met both who have spoken and those who have not. Lots of smiles; sad; some lonely. Town has really picked up with people. – Meg Ellis
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Johnnie and Lahoma Loar
11:00 a.m. – Church bells chimed! Once, Lord Jesus, You were preached by the ministers at that church. Now, oh, Father, how Your heart must ache. We sat at Uncommon Ground briefly with Meg Ellis as she shared her thoughts and impressions from her vigil. Lots of families on the streets. Kids Day.
11:30 a.m. – Very few people are walking with a purpose; most seem aimless. Lord, how will they know unless someone tells them? Give Dave’s ministry purpose and effectiveness.
11:35 a.m. – A plane takes off and flies across the lake. Father, even in the heavens You are there. A young man passed, speaking into a cellphone in a foreign language. A middle-class couple walks arm in arm. I pray that they know how much You love them. A white man on crutches has an animated conversation with a younger black man.
11:45 a.m. – A family that looked like tourists passed. Perhaps they are vacationing. People are beginning to sit at the restaurant tables, some are walking around with various kinds of bags: Eddie Bauer, backpacks, shopping bags. A father with a "together" look pushes a double-decker stroller with small babies covered with identical blankets. Twins, double blessing. We pray that they know how blessed they are and will bring these little ones up to know Jesus.
11:55 a.m. – Stopped to watch the NEPAC Dance Team do an exercise routine. Lots of children. You do want us to take care of our bodies. They are Your temple; but, Lord, what’s in our hearts is so much more important. You love these people so much. Please bring someone into their lives to tell them.
12:10 p.m. – In front of Bruegger’s Bagels, a young woman was crying. A young man was trying to comfort her. I pray, Lord, she will know You. You are the true Comforter.
12:15 p.m. – We walked through the Farmers’ Market area. These people selling flowers, food, vegetable plants and herbs, and probably other things, seemed to have more purpose and direction. They are "good" honest folk. We pray they know You, Lord.
12:20 p.m. – A young couple were letting their pre-schooler climb on the rock in front of Learning Express. They appear to be good parents. I pray they will be wise also and bring these children up in Your nurture and wisdom. A man was also sitting on the rock in front of the body shop wearing a black sweatshirt with a large (?) question mark on it. I wonder why?
12:25 p.m. – We passed a couple. She was wearing a shiny, sparkly dress with silver shoes, almost after-5-ish. Her companion had a sports suit and tie on. He asked, "Do you suppose there is any place to sit down?"
12:35 p.m. – At the Fair Play Street vendors place we saw him demonstrate some kind of noisemaker. A lady bought one for a little boy. He walked off swinging it, having a good time. A bunch of mid-teenage boys carrying their skateboards passed. Sometimes people are very loud as if to draw attention to themselves.
12:40 p.m. – We heard an ambulance. We prayed for the person being transported. This was followed by 2 firetrucks. Perhaps it is a wreck down close to the waterfront.
12:45 p.m. – We feel the concept of Church Street is good. Most small towns need to have their downtown area revitalized. The problems are built in, however. Anything and almost everything "goes." We have seen all kinds of people, all nationalities, many varieties of dress (rags to riches). We’ve heard people speaking languages we didn’t understand, the old and very young, buyers and sellers. I suppose if we sat here long enough, the whole world would pass by.
God loves them all! Thank You, Father, for Your infinite love. Again, we ask You to bless Dave and his small congregation, that they may reach as many as possible with the gospel. Thank You, Lord, for giving us this opportunity to pray for Dave’s ministry and all these people.
1-3:00 p.m. – David and Leigh Smith
1-2:00 p.m. - David and Leigh Smith of St. Albans assume the baton. David whistles and notes, "I’ve never seen so many people on Church Street."
It’s a day of graduations, Kids’ Parade, friends getting together – underneath the canopy of a brilliant blue sky.
Leigh had determined that it may be others’ gift to search for Satan’s stamp and to speak out against it, but today she is focused on finding where God is bursting out and to celebrate those things – in fact, "call out for more."
We start south on Church Street – florists’ places spilling forth beautiful colors and varieties of flowers – the blend of nationalities, ages, interests, backgrounds – all over Church Street.
An old man pushes his wife in a wheelchair – she is covered with a red, white, and blue afghan. So much has happened in this city since 9/11. So much has happened since their day – World War II, Vietnam, Korea, Kuwait, now Iraq…
We pass a man blowing up balloons and shaping them into animals for children who pass by. Like Jesus, he laughs and the children want to come to him. He stoops low to talk to a very little person. He doesn’t mind wearing a silly balloon hat. He also is covered in colors.
Festivity is calling God’s name to come and play, come and bless; and God turns His handsome eyes, playful and adoring, on His bride.
We are bringing a gift to a friend – a son of the King – on King Street. We pass the VFW on So. Winooski Ave., and pray for veterans everywhere, that their meeting together would be a wholesome, helpful venture and made free from trauma and bitterness.
My husband remembers his brother, Doug, a Vietnam medic, who died.
On King Street, a lively yellow tent is for sale at a yard sale among multi-family houses. My husband considers it for our 12-year-old daughter. He buys a video, cheap - one he’s been looking for, for a long time. God’s lavish grace is present even at a yard sale. We celebrate the very nature of multi-family housing, and cities, the call of being close to one another, benefiting from each other, looking out over a glistening lake – the streaming water from God’s throne.
His mercies are new every morning.
People are eating and drinking at many booths and roadside cafés. How many times, Jesus, did you sit with friends and enjoy the sun on your face, and a glass of wine? You are fasting from it, Lord, until you return – we are humbled at that.
We stand before the Merrill Lynch building – symbol of high finance – a bull. I prayed, Lord Jesus, wouldn’t you be a bull Yourself in that china Shop? Come and have Your way among those whose joy is manna and not yet You.
We pause at the County Courthouse where David notes Senator Leahy was a county official. We are sobered to pray for justice – especially for "the widows and orphans" – and for those who serve in government and law. I now work for an attorney who has represented clients in family court before a number of other attorneys whose offices we pass, one by one, down to the Lake.
They make beaucoup bucks.
But You can turn it around in a second, Lord. They might have a 9/11 of their own. They might have a night where You wash their feet, and their faces are sunk in their hands, not able to take in such meekness and majesty.
Kids are in strollers, on bikes, in dazzling outfits, in backpacked arrangements on their parents’ shoulders, as they come up from the waterfront.
We pass an infant crying, "Ah-ooooh, ah-ooooh," who reminds us of Patience.
We pass a tiny girl dressed as a butterfly, with ringlets of black curls.
We pass a woman who shouts gleefully to an older man, "We’re all kids today!"
And, we are.
"Come and feed Your lambs."
At the Radisson we pause, remembering a murder known to us here. We pray the residue of crime might be cleansed – Your own blood does it, Lord, and this would be a wonderful meeting ground of people coming, and going, and finding rest and retreat while overlooking the Lake to our sister, New York.
2:20 p.m. – We continue to be baffled by the artwork south of Battery Park. "Is that art, or did they just refuse to fix it?" Dave asks with half a smile.
Walking up from Battery along Pearl St. Leigh reflects on the days of "March for Jesus" – we are swimming against the direction of a flow of worshippers along these same streets from 1994 – 2000. Her heart aches – "Will we never again see these streets flooded with Christians singing Your praise, Lord Jesus?"
Everything seems red. A couple’s twin T-shirts. Red tulips. Red cars. Red pickups. Red canopies. Red tulips, again. Your blood, Lord Jesus. Your sacrifice.
A little girl stops on a curb to tie her sneakers. A dollar bill lies before her – all she has and she feels very rich with it, a big grin on her face.
May we be content with what we have, Lord Jesus.
We look for areas to pause and pray and write in the sun. These Son-splashed areas are cause to celebrate and call for more.
We reflect on who is to follow us – a deacon in the Catholic church – a peacemaker, a healer – and a woman devoted to prayer, a Canadian, who has made this city her home and her calling. Their backgrounds will mingle in prayer that brings glory to further hours – soup without such curry is tasteless.
We love you, Jesus.
3-5 p.m. Eileen Beer, Ivan Hawk, Dan Bergeron
Eileen – Eileen here. I pray for His kingdom to come, His will to be done in our city. The spirit of wisdom & revelation to be released – the knowledge of God would cover the earth the way the water covers the sea. Revival, unity, salvation, healing, restoration. Light, truth, hope.
Ivan – While walking on Church Street, the feeling I have is of people having a good time, but only in the moment. One young man was complaining about where he will eat. I opened my Bible to 1 Corinthians 15:29-35. In essence, St. Paul is saying that if there is no resurrection, no hope in the future, "Let us eat & drink, for tomorrow we will die." The next verse reads: "Bad company ruins good morals." My sense is of many searching, but not sure what for. We know that it is the Lord. The feelings I have are not overwhelming, but there is a definite sense of searching while living only in the moment, i.e., "Let’s eat & drink."
Walking through the park I spoke to many who were sitting on the benches. Some were friendly, some were not. Most sat alone.
My overall sense of my time today goes with the words of a song by Michelle Branch, a young contemporary singer: "I’m busy on the outside, but lonely on the inside." That would summarize what I feel here on Church Street. Jesus, may they soon see You and feel Your presence. They need never to be lonely when they know You, the author of life.
5-7:00 p.m. – Dr. H. B. and Jo Graves
5:00 p.m. – My first thought as I sat in Starbucks Coffee, looking out the window, "O Jesus, let these people know that You love them and died for them."
We see all kinds of people in need of a touch of the Father.
5:30 p.m. – We see lots of people with their dogs – well-dressed people and people dressed casually or shamefully – some looked very needy – lots of couples – constant flow of people in and out of Ben & Jerry Ice Cream. All tables have been full until now.
We have walked up and back all of the way – going in and out of shops – witnessed to man in one of the bookstores.
We see lots of young people full of life and fun. We wonder if they know the Giver of life. Many with shopping bags.
We are praying for a divine appointment with someone – one we can talk to.
We have the tract "Hearttalk" and will give them all out. We gave one to the man in the bookstore.
5:40 p.m. – Three old men across from us, sitting in the last of the sun. One nods, one reads the paper, and the other just looks around.
Earlier, we saw a young man playing the violin.
One small group goes by, a lady is pointing out different things as if she is a guide.
A street person goes by.
We see children on the big rock in front of Debbie’s Circle. We pray that someone will teach them about Jesus.
5:45 p.m. – The crowds are thinning out – one girl goes by. She looks like she is about to cry.
H. B. talks to a man named John. He said he was a Christian. He asked, "What do you say to people?" I said, "Jesus loves them, died for them. I lift up Jesus."
5:50 p.m. – I talked with a young man named Scott. He says he is an artist, music writer, and is writing a comic book – we had a good talk. He did not know what a Baptist was.
Crowds changing – becoming more loud. Loud curses come from the alley by the flower shop.
Group of young men goes by dressed in black, followed by some in regular clothing, followed by a group of 4 girls.
Man goes by on bicycle. He carries a long cane pole, weaving in and out of the people.
6:00 p.m. – We begin another walk. Went down a block, sat on benches, spoke to a man there. He got up and left.
We wonder, since there are so many young people, if a group of 20+ college kids could pass out tracts, preach & sing. Would help.
All the way down and back up Church Street.
6:15 p.m. – We see a man with tattoos all over him.
6:25 p.m. - We met the young couple we have been watching – Amanda and Josh. We gave them the tract and had a good visit with them – a sweet couple.
We met a young woman from Conn. She was easy to visit with.
6:30 p.m. – Stopped for pizza.
6:40 p.m. – Many going by in formal clothes. We feel more Baptist Churches in this area would help the work.
6:45 p.m. – Crowds very quiet – people going home, shops closing.
Ambulance and firetruck go screaming by – police striding up and down the street.
Loud voices, more now.
7-9:00 p.m. – Julie and Marty Bascomb
7:00 p.m. – We prayed for revival on Church Street and that it would be a sanctuary for this city. We also prayed for Burlington Street Ministries. We started by praying at ONE Church Street. We found a bench that faces down Church Street.
We prayed for the kids going to Prom tonight, that are walking up and down the streets.
We prayed for a senior adult that has been moving from bench to bench. We prayed that he would not keep walking away from You.
We prayed for the children on the street.
We prayed for the Unitarian Church, that God would bring someone to preach the Word no matter what the consequences.
Dear Lord, I pray that this season people would see Dave and those involved in street ministry differently. I pray that the penetrating light of Christ would illuminate like never before. I pray that hurting people that have seen Dave several times before would see something differently. The foul, hurtful words that are yelled in the streets would cease as the love of Christ would pour out on the streets.
We prayed for the "dancing girl."
As we watch people, we pray they would find Jesus. We pray that they would see His light shining through Burlington Street Ministries, and that their lives would be changed forever. I pray that the "dancing girl" would begin dancing for Jesus. I pray that Your Spirit would fill this place.
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BURLINGTON STREET MINISTRIES is dependent on the financial support of Churches and individuals. Please keep us in mind.