Prayer for the Streets of Burlington, VT
Saturday, May 29, 2010
7:00–9:00 a.m. – Jim Fenimore
7:00 a.m.: Just arrived, and I was amazed to see that the city has removed many of the bench seats. Had to go down to the bagel shop to find one. Many street people are out getting coffee, etc. Not sure if they have been around all night. Almost every bench has someone on it. They seem very lonely and lost (probably most are).
7:30 a.m.: All quiet now. Most of the street folks have disappeared somewhere. Streets are basically empty except for garbage trucks and a couple of store workers setting up outside tables. Ran into “Steve”—he says that he is doing okay. Nothing ever seems to change with him. He needs prayers that someday God will do something in his life.
7:40 a.m.: Moved down to park—lots of people setting up for “Farmers' Market.” They now have taken over about half of the park. Someone put detergent in the fountain, and now it is full of soap bubbles—what a mess! Why would someone do that?
8:00 a.m.: Just realized where everyone went! They are over at the First Congregational Church getting breakfast. Must be part of their daily routine (Saturday, anyway).
Don just arrived early.
More people on the street, now—mostly runners and those out for caffeine, etc. They all seem to have some place to go!
8:20 a.m.: A few people coming back from breakfast, but streets are relatively empty.
8:40 a.m.: Starting to rain! Stopped at 8:45.
9:00 a.m.: Turned the book over to Don.
9:00–1:00 a.m. – Don Lyons
9:01 a.m.: Arrived here across from Ben & Jerry's a little early—about 8 a.m.—and talked with Jim. Things were quiet. Some of the delivery trucks were still on the street.
It is my hope that, from now and throughout the summer, the street ministries, and all involved, will have many divine encounters with, and outreaches to, the lost. Guide us, Lord, and show us Your plan. Except for Jesus, we are all lost.
9:30 a.m.: Walked the length of Church St., and found things to be peaceful. I am also sure that the Lord is in control.
9:45 a.m.: I walked through the Farmers' Market and was amazed at how it had grown. So many more and varied vendors than there used to be.
10:00 a.m.: Well, the rain has held off—only a few sprinkles. Thank You, Lord.
11:00 a.m.: Turned book over to Johnnie and Lahoma Loar.
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. – Johnnie and Lahoma Loar
11:00 a.m.: Arrived at Uncommon Grounds Coffee Shop and received the book from Don. Talked to him briefly.
Our initial thoughts are the number of people who are strolling up and down the street, most two-by-two, many with a dog in tow. Lots of couples pushing baby carriages. Aimlessness seems to be the order of the day.
11:20 a.m.: Walked up to the fountain [at the head of Church St.] and watched a little boy play in the water. Pray that his parents would show more interest in him, particularly in spiritual things—things that will lead to his eternal salvation.
11:35 a.m: Watched a young child, on a wooden bicycle with pedals, roll by us. Others on two- wheelers rolled by us. Our prayer is that they won't roll straight into Hell. We pray for Dave and his faithful workers, that they will touch many lives this summer.
11:40 a.m.: Lord, the beautiful mausoleum at the head of Church Street—such a vivid picture of most of the individuals that flood the streets, empty, serving no purpose,but taking up space. Lord, we pray for them, that Your Holy Spirit will put a hunger in that space for the things of God.
11:45 a.m.: We watched a family as they stopped and took pictures. They are probably on vacation. A man passed us dressed like everyone else—straggly hair and all the rest—but what set him apart was that he was ringing two red cowbells as he walked along.
11:47 a.m.: A sign [on a sandwich board outside the store] Good Stuff—“It's good to be bad.”
11:50 a.m.: People are beginning to fill up the restaurants' sidewalk chairs and form lines in front of vendors. Lord, please help them understand that the hunger in their souls is for You, and that nothing in this world will fill that hunger except You.
12:00 noon: We talked to a young man named Chris. He said he had a relationship with Jesus. He graduated last year and works with students. We invited him to stop by the Ministry and visit Dave.
12:20 p.m.: We stopped to watch a street orchestra. They're pretty good. Lots of people standing around listening and swaying with the music. Father, we are so thankful for the true music that comes only from You.
12:25 p.m.: We stopped by the Mall to go to the restrooms. It's sprinkling rain outside. Lord, we pray for the visitors that will stop by these restrooms and eat at this food court. Every one of them needs You in some way or another.
12:30 p.m.: The man with the red cow bells passed us again, this time hoola-hooping as he walked. We saw a couple that, from their body language, were clearly having an argument. Lord, I pray that if they are married, Your Holy Spirit will reveal to them how to love each other as You love Your church; and if they are just living together, show them the error of their ways.
We saw an emaciated little girl that obviously was suffering from some kind of malady. Father, heal her physical problems and the spiritual ones she'll have as she grows up. Guide someone to tell her about You.
We watched many people pass who have been to the Farmers' Market. We were there earlier this morning before our shift began. So many Vermonters have gone back to the basics, but most have left off a foundation that can only be found in Jesus.
12:50 p.m.: We've arrived back at Uncommon Grounds—unsure what it is. Met Steve and Nellene, and are passing the book to them. As we leave, we leave confident that God is in control, even though most we've seen this morning do not know it.
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. – Steve and Nellene Carter
12:50 p.m.: Steve and Nellene Carter received the book from Johnnie and Lahoma. It is raining heavier now. We wonder where the street people find shelter.
1:06 p.m.: Rain has abated. We passed immigration protesters, and we thank God for sending people to America where they might hear the Gospel.
1:12 p.m.: So many people walking and milling about like sheep without a shepherd. They so need a Shepherd.
1:17 p.m.: Saw some obviously gay couples—just sinners, like us, who need Jesus. There are people from various ethnic groups. Each one was created to walk with God. We pray for the many family groups and young people we see. And, of course, we see those that we believe are homeless. Our hearts break for them, and we pray that their situations cause them to seek a Savior, Jesus Christ.
1:30 p.m.: We strolled through City Hall Park. We prayed for the vendors who are probably suffering from these economic times. We want them to know the great Provider.
1:50 p.m.: We're standing outside the Spectrum Youth Center. We see kids inside playing chess, watching TV. No one is coming or going. We stand silently and pray. The Unitarian Church across the street gets our attention. Sunday's sermon is “The Mundane Magic of Ministry.” We are led to pray around that building.
2:05 p.m.: Prayed around the church. We noticed there was a weather vane on top of the steeple instead of a cross. How sad! That church needs Christ as their head.
2:12 p.m.: Saw children playing in the fountain at the North end of Church St. Prayed they could experience the living water of Jesus Christ. Also, prayed for the Masonic Temple, that they could know the “Cornerstone.” We prayed for the homeless who would sleep on the benches tonight. May the stars and moon be evidence of the Creator who loves and cares for them.
2:18 p.m.: The crowd is growing. If the rapture came right now, how many would be left here? How many will be in church tomorrow? Of those in church, how many actually know Christ?
2:40 p.m.: There are several street performers on Church Street. We pray for God to send His people to speak and sing on the streets of Burlington. We just learned that several class reunions are tonight, which probably explains the many young families we have seen.
We're having a conversation with a man named Mark. When asked if he had a prayer need, he said he was good. We prayed silently for salvation to come to him through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
2:55 p.m.: We are awaiting Leigh's arrival. And we pray for her to be filled with the Holy Spirit as she walks and prays. May we live in an attitude of prayer wherever we are. God bless you.--Nellene and Steve
3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. – Leigh Smith
It is a pleasantly hot, but hazy afternoon with crowds of people on Church Street.
I walk south to King [St.], and by the house of two known prayer warriors who were part of a ministry to this city with a fellowship house back in the early '70s. I pray for them. I continue up past the Edmunds schools on Main Street, praying for the children–especially for the refugee children, in their midst, who must learn another language.
I walk up to South Prospect, in an aspect of prayer for the college life of Burlington. Both Champlain College and UVM are sprawled in that vicinity. One of the frat houses (shall I say stereotypically?) featured an empty beer bottle on a picnic table outside. The academy is puffed up and can puncture easily without Jesus. Blessed are they who minister in their midst, despite the hardship this poses for their relationships and “career paths.”
I walk down College Street, which has a nearly reverential sequence of shading trees.College Street Church brings painful memories to me. Bless its pastor and the congregation to believe the whole gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I return to Church Street—people parading their babies and dogs, people walking and hoping they are talking importantly into their cell phones and to their companions.
In the Burlington Mall, I meet a man I had for Practicum—a refugee, a Muslim—I forget his name, and he does not recognize me. He is wearing a cap and sweeping. I wonder what he did back in his own country—that, also, I have forgotten.
The burden for the foreigner here is heavy on me. Vermont's climate is not always welcoming. And, its spiritual climate needs a refreshed infusion of the Lord.
My personal prayers and problems break in on me here. The person is never really divorced from the community, nor a member of the body from her Lord. Praise God.
Peace be to these streets in the Name of Jesus. A little girl goes to wash her hands in the bathroom, declaring to her mother, “The water's still on.” Her mother thanks her: “Thank you for being so green.”
A trek through the book store where I am continuously reminded how out of touch I am
with new titles, forms of communication, and such provocative poses on magazines. I
ponder how the church can engage with those drawn to the culture of Borders and Barnes and Noble—the sip-a-cup, try-a-chapter, leave-when-you-want devotions. For those repeatedly let down by family and friends, how can a busy church make a difference?
I wish I could remember the Muslim worker's name.
5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. – Nancy Davis
5:00 p.m.: I picked up the book from Leigh at the Mall, and walked up to my car, which is parked in front of Spectrum, to read the entries and to pray. I don't really
know how to pray for these kids who hang out here, so I praise God and ask for guidance.
5:10 p.m.: I start walking.
5:30 p.m.: Walked down Church [St.]—so many people, some laughing, smiling—couples holding hands—parents following giggling toddlers as they run toward the cows [decorated cow sculptures on display]—the outdoor tables at the various restaurants are full. Some are chatting while they eat, others chewing quietly. One well-dressed older woman, leaning on the table with a half-full wine glass in front of her, stares blankly at the couple with her. She looks like she's going to fall over. Hope the couple notices her.
I stop and talk with a guy named Jesse—homeless—with a sign saying, “Down on my luck. God bless.” We talk for a minute or two. I tell him, “Sorry, I don't have any money.”
He says, “It's okay. At least you stopped and talked.” The conversation turns to Jesus. He's a believer, a warrior even. Then some kids come by. He turns his attention to them. I say “God bless” and leave.
Over the years, I have noticed many street people are believers—so why are they still on the streets panhandling money for a bottle of booze? Sometimes, I think they've learned the lingo just so they don't have to listen to preaching from well-meaning Christians who don't have a clue.
5:50 p.m.: City Hall Park: Kids playing around the bubble-filled fountain. Some kids, teens, playing some kind of ball game; other teens are laughing, joking around. A few street people sitting on benches, some people just walking through the park. Most people don't seem to really have any needs, even the homeless. There are so many places for them to eat and sleep. I am reminded of the verse that says something like, “I am rich, and in need of nothing.” Oh, how I pray we all would know just how poor we really are, and how much our Father in heaven loves us. I continue my prayer walk.
6:20 p.m.: Sitting on a bench on Church Street by City Hall, homeless guy on the next bench. I'm watching people walk by, trying to figure out what's going on. Everyone—
homeless, non-homeless, all seem content—not content like “things are good and I'm content,” but like “this is the way it is, and nothing is going to change, so might as well accept it.” It's passion that is missing, even in the laughter and giggles of children.
6:35 p.m.: It started raining, so I headed to Brueggers to reread what I wrote and finish journaling. The more I think about it, the more it seems to be true that people have lost their passion. I do believe I will talk with God about this.
:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. – David Russell
7:00 p.m.: I make my way to the alley on College Street—Fibber and Charlie sharing a bottle of booze. Fibber seems quite wasted.
7:30 p.m.: I go to the alley on Main Street. Meet Cheryl and Zoe, shooting heroine. There were three other guys with them I did not know. One gets in my face, yells at me.
8:00 p.m.: Back on Church Street by Borders. Mostly families and kids out, street musicians, and vendors.
8:15 p.m.: I run into Frank W., a homeless man I have known since 1989. He says he is
still a Christian and reads his Bible, but he looks pretty wasted. He swears he is clean, but still homeless—twenty-one years of sleeping on the streets will take a toll on you.
8:30 p.m.: Decide to check out the alley on Cherry Street. About nine people are back there smoking pot and passing a bottle. I recognize Doria and Cindi. They asked if
I had any spare change, and for a Bible. I told them I didn't have either on me, and
Doria said she would stop by the booth on Friday.
9:00 p.m.: Behind the parking garage, I hear someone call my name. It is Eli—haven't seen him in a couple of years. The guy he was with, Derrick, takes out this pretty impressive knife for “show,” but Eli tells him to put it away. He does. I get to shake his hand and introduce myself.
I am finished with my shift, and thinking that, after thirty-five years ministering on the street, nothing has really changed. It is depressing, discouraging; but I also thank God for allowing me to be His witness to so many who would never have been ministered to if I were not out here.
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