Sharing the Real Presence
In this newsletter
Evangelists Need to be Holy by Griffin Rain
Upcoming Events
Volunteers Needed
Evangelists need to be Holy by Griffin Rain
Street evangelization is one of the most difficult types of evangelization to get into for most people because of the common fears and anxieties etc, but it is by no means the most difficult kind of evangelization. I think it is far more difficult to evangelize those who are very close to us like family and people who know our flaws well. For them, we must actually be transformed in Christ so that they see a new man. The old man has passed away and gives testimony to God's love. We cannot remain in our sins and testify to those close to us well or else they see this is just a show with no depth. Those we are evangelizing that are far away eventually become close as we invite them into this life with Christ. We must not neglect our own spiritual life. The external activity of evangelization must be backed up with the internal conformity of one's heart to Christ and a life of prayer. If all we are doing is external than those who we are evangelizing will be unable to feel the love of God as we have distanced ourselves from Christ. We are not machines that spit out information and make converts.
Recently I have been trying to evangelize a Protestant street preacher who is the pastor of a church that is pretty much devoted entirely to evangelizing and has very little to do with prayer. I can tell that he turns more people off to the faith than he wins converts because there is very little love that comes out through conversations with him. When I am evangelizing in the same areas as him, people often are hesitant to get into a conversation because of their bad experience with him and his people. He told me how many Catholics he has “saved” each time I see him and it is just a number. It's sad to hear this, but many Catholics do not know their faith and fall prey to some of these false preachers. Each person is more than a number that we can add a tally mark to our list of converts. Jesus calls us to make disciples of every nation. Conversion is the first step, but if we push them away by our actions, they will not become a true disciple. I try to have deeper conversations with him, but he always pushes it off and will only talk with me on the street and with his prescripted talking points. We need evangelists who are striving for holiness themselves!
How do you think we can best reach people like this?
Upcoming Events
Be sure to check the bottom of our homepage for our upcoming events calendar
Men's Open House Discipleship Night - Join us for the Men's Open House Discipleship Night on Friday nights at the Street Disciple House. We will have this each Friday going forward. This Friday March 7th we will be having Jerome Schroeder OFM Cap. coming to discuss the basics of prayer for our formation time. It will be a open house so come when you can. The plan for the night is to prepare dinner 5pm until ready, eat; evening prayer 6:30pm; 7pm Formation on the basics of prayer; 8pm to 10pm game night/ social. We will conclude with Night Prayer at 10pm. Feel free to invite friends!
Also if you would like to help with organizing the night, communication, cooking, finding speakers etc. please let us know!
Come and See – We are encouraging men who are interested in our way of life to visit for a come and see. We encourage longer visits such as a week-long visit. We are open to having visitors most weeks so if you have a week that will work for you, contact us and we can have you for a visit. To set up a visit call/text (414) 235-7307 or e-mail vocations@reaplresencemissionaries.org
Lunch in the Park - We will be serving food at the Cream City Garden homeless camp (1307 N 13th st) Saturday March 15th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Volunteers are needed on two teams. Kitchen team and Evangelist team. Please contact us if you can make it. We begin at the Street disciple house at 11am. You are encouraged to join us for Mass beforehand at the Joan of Arc Chapel at 10am.
Missionary Associates – Join us for our next Missionary Associates Dinner. Next month it will take place on Monday March 24th. This is for people who volunteer with the missionaries or are interested in volunteering/supporting our work. We hope that this continues building up the community around the missionaries, getting to know others and energizing more people to start working for the salvation of souls here in Milwaukee. This occurs at the Street Disciple House located at 2126 W Michigan St. Milwaukee, WI 53233. The schedule for the event is as follows:
● Evening Prayer 5:30 pm - 5:45 pm
● Short talk from Griffin with discussion 5:50 pm - 6:10 pm
● Dinner and socializing 6:15 pm onward
If you can't make it this time, plan for the 4th Monday of each month. If you would like to be on our text updates list, please text (414)235-7307 your name and we will add you.
Volunteers Needed
(Contact 414-235-7307 to help)
Way of the Cross through the city streets. Fridays @ 3 pm @ 12th and Wisconsin av.
Saturday big group evangelization at high foot traffic area 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
Needed Items
(Click underline for link to donate)
Street Disciple House Items
twin size box springs & frames
Street Evangelization/Preaching Items
Amazon List (microphone, camera battery, note taker bible, voice recorder)
Financial Donations for Missionary Formation and Street Disciple House
Wood 2x4's (8ft) for the Weekly Way of the Cross
About the Missionaries of the Real Presence
The Missionaries of the Real Presence aims to assist in the apostolic renewal of the church by intentionally discipling men living in community and encouraging missionary vocations in the church. We participate in Christ’s evangelizing work for the salvation of souls especially seeking out those who have been spiritually neglected. We introduce people to Jesus through intentional conversation, preaching, teaching, and prayer. We engage in direct evangelization in the public forum on the city streets, on public transit, in homes and share the good news of Christ with those we meet. All of this flows from a life of prayer and union with Jesus as our source.
Support the Mission, Join the Mission
If you appreciate the work we are doing, consider supporting our mission financially Here.
Volunteer with us with our street ministry and house visits Here
If reading about some of our stories inspires you, come and see what life as a missionary is like and visit us for a day or longer for prayer and ministry as you discern Here.
If you want to learn how we evangelize, consider watching videos on our YouTube Channel, Missionaries of the Real Presence
Check out our Facebook Here or our Instagram Here
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