New Holland – 06/12/2025 – Stats

This work began in fall 2023; a woman in the area (lives in the boarding house above City Gate) asked Pete if she could hav $5. He was sorry to say he didn't have any cash on him. I (Janelle) checked my wallet and went over to give it to her. She hissed at us and told us angrily that she only asked because she was hoping that would cause us to never speak to her. (we had never spoken with her other than offering pleasantries in passing). She was clearly agitated, angry, talking to herself, gesturing to no one. Frankly, the evil spirit around her was frightening to us. Over time, she began coming closer and closer until we regularly found her on the front steps. She would glare at us, ignore us, run away from us when offered a simple greeting or remark on our way in the door. We noticed, however, that she kept moving closer, especially when worship music was played. (sometimes, she would lean against the door). Other times, I would notice her returning to an angry demeanor. She became our prayer project and Pete declared that she would one day come in and sit with us in the prayer room. Pete began having some small successes in speaking in a friendly way and introduced himself. Yesterday, on a July afternoon, I was there preparing for a meeting and she walked in, asked if she could have a cup of coffee with me and talk together. We had an ordinary, pleasant conversation and shared some of ourselves. She was happy to have me pray peace over her and around her (that was her request). I just want to add that we are very ordinary people, untrained outside of the Holy Spirit and the equipping from City Gate. We were intimidated to know how to pray in this climate of evil. I told God that I was helpless, but that I believe Jesus is her Deliverer. And He is!

She is interested in engaging more with us, but she works 2nd shift. She is invited to our ladies gathering on Friday mornings, but could surely use more support.

Pete & Janelle