Monday, August 5, 2013

The Catholic Defender: Catholics on the Streets of Dallas

Deepertruth and St. Paul's Street Evangelization teams up in Dallas Texas.

Despite the 100 plus degree heat, it was a great day to share the Catholic Faith.

St Jude has some real advice stating, "Beloved, although I was making every effort to write to you about our common salvation, I now feel a need to write to encourage you to contend for the faith that was once handed down to the holy ones. Keep yourselves in the love of God and wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. ON THOSE WHO WAIVER, HAVE MERCY; SAVE OTHERS BY SNATCHING THEM OUT OF THE FIRE; ON OTHERS HAVE MERCY WITH FEAR, ABHORRING EVEN THE OUTER GARMENT STAINED BY THE FLESH" (Jude 3,21). 


Paul Mathers (Local Leader of the St. Paul's Street Evangelization team) writes, "At times we had 2, 3, 4 groups of people walk by our table and we had several different conversations going on at the same time! We gave away 2 or 3 dozen rosaries this day and lots of pamphlets, and copies of Pillar of Fire, Pillar of Truth. It was a good day, although about 100 degrees and little air movement, but at least we had a bit of shade to work under."

This is my favorite picture of the day because it gives an example of everyone being gainfully employed.  We had many people stop and talk with us.

It is amazing how much information is provided in the span of a few hours.  It seems like volumes.

I like the quote from Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta when she encouraged the Church reminding us that it is not our success that is most important, but our faithfulness.  That is so important to note, if we can help one person then this is all worth it.


Jesus Commands the Church to "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19-20). 
  
Paul Mathers, "This is Sage. Sage is not a Catholic, yet. She said she was exploring the Catholic Faith. I spoke with her for a while and loaded her down with good reading materials. I gave her a card with my name and email. She lives in East Dallas not too far from me. I hope to get together with her to talk at length and get her in RCIA if that is what the Holy Spirit guides her to do. Pray for her conversion."


What a great opportunity to reach people where they are at.  The Lord is calling us to do this kind of work to be his voice out on the street, to be his feet to go where he needs us.  

To be his hands to reach out to those who are searching.  Sometimes this is within our own families.

St. Paul writes, "I, then, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you o live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace: one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all"(Ephesians 4:1-5).
  
Paul Mathers "This person was an Agnostic. Tyler, who is moving to Scotland to get his Doctorate in Philosophy, was the perfect person to speak with. Tyler talked with this fellow at length about the existence of God and why we worship him in the Catholic Church."

 Tyler is a recent convert to the Catholic Faith and in the short time since his conversion has been active with St. Paul's Street Evangelization.  Formerly based in a Calvinistic group, his story is really an inspiration.  

This coming Wednesday evening, he will be giving his testimony live on Deepertruth.  

This is a powerful story that will touch your heart.  Many of you might remember the debates we have had in the past with Calvinists.  This is a great story.


St. James echos this teaching, "My brothers, if anyone among you should stray from the truth and someone bring him back, he should know that whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins" (James 5:19-20).

 Paul Mathers "Jeff Hutchins, We are fortunate to have folks like Jeff, who converted from the Church of Christ 5 yrs ago."

Jeff will also appear on Deepertruth this coming Wednesday evening to share his conversion story.  What a night this is to have two dynamite guys who both have inspiring story's to tell.

I have had people ask us to do more conversion stories and here is a great opportunity. 

This work is very important and how great it is knowing that what is happening here is also happening throughout the Country and abroad to other Countries.  This is becoming a great asset for the Church.

1 Corinthians 1:10 commands us, "I urge you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, and that there be know divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and purpose".

I had a great time spending the day in Dallas getting the chance to be a part of this great work despite when Paul snaps a picture (lol).

We spoke to many people who were Catholic and was glad to see us out there.  Many are not used to seeing Catholics on the street witnessing for the Catholic Faith.  We got some double looks for sure.

One guy was running past us when he suddenly stopped literally dropping his sunglasses to get a second look.  I picked up his sunglasses for him (lol).

We had people who had left the faith who were surprised to see us and some did stop to talk to us.  It was a great opportunity to plant seeds.  There were many non-Catholic who were glad to see us out there as well.  I encourage you to find where St. Paul's Street Evangelization is setting up near you and get involved.  This will increase your faith.


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