January 2026 Newsletter
The sidewalk...
The city rests when the sun goes down and those who don't want to be noticed, come out of hiding and appreciate the silence of the streets without the judgmental and critical looks that they would have to ignore throughout the daytime. Some would say that there's nothing to do after 8 pm. But, for us, that's when the streets come alive.
During a cold night, our son Ryan, his friend, and I were walking on the sidewalks of Old Colorado City. There weren't many people out that night, but the one's who were, quickly ducked into the nearest store or restaurant escaping the cold. We watched them and continued on, knowing the Lord had people for us to talk to. After a few conversations we found a lady in a wheelchair scooter. She had the front cart loaded with all of her belongings. Wrapped in blankets, she was prepared to survive the night. She told us that her lungs were in bad shape and she couldn't breathe well. We knew Jesus would heal her as we prayed. Her lungs cleared up, her eyes got bigger and she asked how we did that. We told her that Jesus loves her and also loves to heal. We ask and He heals. She smiled and talked with us about prayer and her relationship with Jesus.
We asked if she knew of anyone who could help her get out of the cold. She didn't. We asked about her family, they lived a few states away. "Uncle Jerry", she said, "If I could talk to him, I know he would help." I offered my phone and she called her Mom. From the conversation, on speakerphone, it seemed like they talk often. Her Mom said she hadn't talked to Jerry in years and if she contacted him, he's too old to help. They had a heartfelt conversation and then it made a cold turn. I couldn't believe what I was hearing her Mom say. "You have to make your own way", "I wish I could help you but I'm too old", "Why aren't the organizations there helping you?" Her daughter, now crying, softly responding, saying, "no one is open right now, I know Mom, I know, I'll be ok, I'll be ok." All of her responses being drowned out by her mother's irritated voice, not wanting to be bothered with her, making excuses for why she wouldn't help her. Her daughter is left another night, in freezing temperatures, with dangerous people, listening to the punishing voice of her Mom.
I asked to talk with her Mom after their conversation. Her Mom knew the streets of Colorado Springs and how dangerous they were. I let her know very gently that her daughter isn't safe and asked if there's a younger family member that could take her in. I didn't get anywhere. "God will take care of her if she makes the right choices". We hung up and comforted the lady, letting her know that it's not her fault, she deserves love from her family - and that wasn't loving.
Please pray for her. Sometimes it gets down to negative temperatures in February.
Have we seen Jesus hungry, thirsty, as a stranger, naked, sick, or in prison? If so, how did we respond?
Jesus said when you've done it to the least of these, you've done it to me. Matthew 25:31-46.
Happy Birthday Arabella!!!
Happy Birthday to our beautiful, sweet, and precious Arabella!! We love you so much and are so proud of your amazing heart towards your family and friends!! It's so fun to watch you grow and see your excitement for living to the fullest everyday!!!
Worship leading...
Our son Ryan has stepped into leading worship at the Vine youth group and we're so proud of how hard he's applying his leadership, communication, organization, and musical talent to facilitate times of worship for the youth group. He's being so intentional to steward God's heart and careful to hear the Lord's direction for them. We're so proud of him!!!
Loving little hearts...
Julia and Jackson making amazing things to eat! Julia has also stepped into ministry by working with the kids at our church and is loving the cuteness. We are so proud of her personal conviction and sense of responsibility to steward their hearts with God's word and planting seeds of love that can last their whole life!!
Christmas Caroling...
The Vine youth group Christmas caroling to unsuspecting neighbors. We had so much fun that night! One of the most memorable moments was when a lady and young girl answered the door. They were both looking at us, puzzled to see over 20 people standing at their door. They had big smiles on their faces when we asked to sing for them. The youth started singing Silent Night and the smiles got bigger. We learned that the girls' favorite song was Silent Night and her mom was recovering from a transplant surgery. It felt like the Lord sent us to them at just the right time. We were able to pray for them and wish them a good night. We will always treasure that moment!!
On the street...
Praying over the blessing bags before we passed them out. Our family, friends, churches, and 2 local businesses in Colorado Springs came through to share the love of Jesus to the homeless population by giving time, money, and resources to make over 200 blessing bags - complete with Bibles, emergency blankets, gloves, socks, and hygiene materials; topped off with a coupon for a free warm drink from a local coffee shop. There are reported 1,745 homeless people living in Colorado Springs, a 34% increase from 2024. Close to fifty people making and passing out 200 bags served over 11% of the homeless population that day. Thank you Jesus for inviting us to love our neighbor. Also, thank you so much Shari, for organizing, ordering, managing all of these efforts during the Christmas season because of your huge heart for the overlooked and hurting on the streets. You are precious and a treasure to all of us!!!
Warming Shelters...
Please pray for the homeless this winter. A lot of people come to Colorado Springs from California and Texas, not aware of how cold it gets here during the winter. The temperature drops to negative numbers and we see the affects of frostbite with the homeless. The warming shelters open in churches and a lot of times they rely on volunteers for security. It's enough organization to keep them alive, but they're only open when the temperature is under 20 degrees. Please keep them in your prayers this winter.
Wrapping up...
Our team was heading home after another night of talking with people about Jesus. We had just had a great conversation with a husband and wife working together at a local pizza place called Hell's Kitchen. Feeling like it was a great end to the night, Ryan and I started walking through an outdoor pavilion towards the car. We stood and took one last look around to see if there was anyone else and noticed a man walking through the entrance.
"Can we pray with you?" we asked. He looked at us and said, "what are you guys doing out here?" We told him that we're finding people to pray for. "No, really. What are you doing?" he said. We asked him again if he would like to pray. He acted in disbelief and said yes, that he really needs to pray. He had been getting far away from the Lord and couldn't find his way back. His friends were encouraging him to join them in meditation. He was caught in confusion, unsure of which path to follow.
We reminded him that Jesus loves him and has never given up on him. Ryan and I both knew that this conversation was exactly what God had in mind for the night. We reminded him of his true identity in Christ and that Jesus looks at him like a son. He looked down, ashamed of being drunk, and felt sorry that we had to "deal" with him like that. We told him that it's ok, we didn't notice he had been drinking. His speech was clear and he was walking fine.
We asked if he was ready to rededicate his life to Jesus and he responded very quickly with, "Yes!" almost like we didn't ask soon enough. We prayed, renounced new age meditation, gave hugs, and exchanged phone numbers. Please pray for him as he's restarted his life with Jesus.
We're so grateful for all of you partnering with us in this work of reaching the lost through your friendship, prayers, and giving to the Lord that keeps us on the street. It literally saves lives❤️
*So much happens in ministry, too much to write about. We choose 1 or 2 stories each newsletter to share so it's not overwhelming.
Hope Ignited Ministries Giving Page
Navigators Giving Page
Our position with The Navigators is a donor based ministry meaning, we raise funds to do ministry, just like all other non-profits also have to raise funds to exist and help those in great need in our own country.
We would love to answer any questions you may have about the ministry we do, so please feel free to reach out❤️
Matt - 812-453-5406
Shari - 812-550-2777
Praises & Prayer...
- Please pray with us for this next season God is leading in digging wells within the community to reach the LOST. This is happening!!!
-Wisdom for our family in navigating this new chapter of life!
-For Ryan, our new friend, that gave his life to Jesus on the streets.
-For our friend who gave his life to the Lord in the mall.
- For Anne, who recently gave her heart to the Lord in a parking lot.
- For our new brother in Christ who met Jesus in an alley.
- For our new boxing friend who gave his life to the Lord in the park.
- Please pray for continued open doors and connections for the bus ministry and for us to be fully funded.
With Love & Grateful Hearts,
Matt, Shari, Julia, Ryan, Arabella, & Jackson Devine
The city rests when the sun goes down and those who don't want to be noticed, come out of hiding and appreciate the silence of the streets without the judgmental and critical looks that they would have to ignore throughout the daytime. Some would say that there's nothing to do after 8 pm. But, for us, that's when the streets come alive.
During a cold night, our son Ryan, his friend, and I were walking on the sidewalks of Old Colorado City. There weren't many people out that night, but the one's who were, quickly ducked into the nearest store or restaurant escaping the cold. We watched them and continued on, knowing the Lord had people for us to talk to. After a few conversations we found a lady in a wheelchair scooter. She had the front cart loaded with all of her belongings. Wrapped in blankets, she was prepared to survive the night. She told us that her lungs were in bad shape and she couldn't breathe well. We knew Jesus would heal her as we prayed. Her lungs cleared up, her eyes got bigger and she asked how we did that. We told her that Jesus loves her and also loves to heal. We ask and He heals. She smiled and talked with us about prayer and her relationship with Jesus.
We asked if she knew of anyone who could help her get out of the cold. She didn't. We asked about her family, they lived a few states away. "Uncle Jerry", she said, "If I could talk to him, I know he would help." I offered my phone and she called her Mom. From the conversation, on speakerphone, it seemed like they talk often. Her Mom said she hadn't talked to Jerry in years and if she contacted him, he's too old to help. They had a heartfelt conversation and then it made a cold turn. I couldn't believe what I was hearing her Mom say. "You have to make your own way", "I wish I could help you but I'm too old", "Why aren't the organizations there helping you?" Her daughter, now crying, softly responding, saying, "no one is open right now, I know Mom, I know, I'll be ok, I'll be ok." All of her responses being drowned out by her mother's irritated voice, not wanting to be bothered with her, making excuses for why she wouldn't help her. Her daughter is left another night, in freezing temperatures, with dangerous people, listening to the punishing voice of her Mom.
I asked to talk with her Mom after their conversation. Her Mom knew the streets of Colorado Springs and how dangerous they were. I let her know very gently that her daughter isn't safe and asked if there's a younger family member that could take her in. I didn't get anywhere. "God will take care of her if she makes the right choices". We hung up and comforted the lady, letting her know that it's not her fault, she deserves love from her family - and that wasn't loving.
Please pray for her. Sometimes it gets down to negative temperatures in February.
Have we seen Jesus hungry, thirsty, as a stranger, naked, sick, or in prison? If so, how did we respond?
Jesus said when you've done it to the least of these, you've done it to me. Matthew 25:31-46.
Happy Birthday Arabella!!!
Happy Birthday to our beautiful, sweet, and precious Arabella!! We love you so much and are so proud of your amazing heart towards your family and friends!! It's so fun to watch you grow and see your excitement for living to the fullest everyday!!!
Worship leading...
Our son Ryan has stepped into leading worship at the Vine youth group and we're so proud of how hard he's applying his leadership, communication, organization, and musical talent to facilitate times of worship for the youth group. He's being so intentional to steward God's heart and careful to hear the Lord's direction for them. We're so proud of him!!!
Loving little hearts...
Julia and Jackson making amazing things to eat! Julia has also stepped into ministry by working with the kids at our church and is loving the cuteness. We are so proud of her personal conviction and sense of responsibility to steward their hearts with God's word and planting seeds of love that can last their whole life!!
Christmas Caroling...
The Vine youth group Christmas caroling to unsuspecting neighbors. We had so much fun that night! One of the most memorable moments was when a lady and young girl answered the door. They were both looking at us, puzzled to see over 20 people standing at their door. They had big smiles on their faces when we asked to sing for them. The youth started singing Silent Night and the smiles got bigger. We learned that the girls' favorite song was Silent Night and her mom was recovering from a transplant surgery. It felt like the Lord sent us to them at just the right time. We were able to pray for them and wish them a good night. We will always treasure that moment!!
On the street...
Praying over the blessing bags before we passed them out. Our family, friends, churches, and 2 local businesses in Colorado Springs came through to share the love of Jesus to the homeless population by giving time, money, and resources to make over 200 blessing bags - complete with Bibles, emergency blankets, gloves, socks, and hygiene materials; topped off with a coupon for a free warm drink from a local coffee shop. There are reported 1,745 homeless people living in Colorado Springs, a 34% increase from 2024. Close to fifty people making and passing out 200 bags served over 11% of the homeless population that day. Thank you Jesus for inviting us to love our neighbor. Also, thank you so much Shari, for organizing, ordering, managing all of these efforts during the Christmas season because of your huge heart for the overlooked and hurting on the streets. You are precious and a treasure to all of us!!!
Warming Shelters...
Please pray for the homeless this winter. A lot of people come to Colorado Springs from California and Texas, not aware of how cold it gets here during the winter. The temperature drops to negative numbers and we see the affects of frostbite with the homeless. The warming shelters open in churches and a lot of times they rely on volunteers for security. It's enough organization to keep them alive, but they're only open when the temperature is under 20 degrees. Please keep them in your prayers this winter.
Wrapping up...
Our team was heading home after another night of talking with people about Jesus. We had just had a great conversation with a husband and wife working together at a local pizza place called Hell's Kitchen. Feeling like it was a great end to the night, Ryan and I started walking through an outdoor pavilion towards the car. We stood and took one last look around to see if there was anyone else and noticed a man walking through the entrance.
"Can we pray with you?" we asked. He looked at us and said, "what are you guys doing out here?" We told him that we're finding people to pray for. "No, really. What are you doing?" he said. We asked him again if he would like to pray. He acted in disbelief and said yes, that he really needs to pray. He had been getting far away from the Lord and couldn't find his way back. His friends were encouraging him to join them in meditation. He was caught in confusion, unsure of which path to follow.
We reminded him that Jesus loves him and has never given up on him. Ryan and I both knew that this conversation was exactly what God had in mind for the night. We reminded him of his true identity in Christ and that Jesus looks at him like a son. He looked down, ashamed of being drunk, and felt sorry that we had to "deal" with him like that. We told him that it's ok, we didn't notice he had been drinking. His speech was clear and he was walking fine.
We asked if he was ready to rededicate his life to Jesus and he responded very quickly with, "Yes!" almost like we didn't ask soon enough. We prayed, renounced new age meditation, gave hugs, and exchanged phone numbers. Please pray for him as he's restarted his life with Jesus.
We're so grateful for all of you partnering with us in this work of reaching the lost through your friendship, prayers, and giving to the Lord that keeps us on the street. It literally saves lives❤️
*So much happens in ministry, too much to write about. We choose 1 or 2 stories each newsletter to share so it's not overwhelming.
Hope Ignited Ministries Giving Page
Navigators Giving Page
Our position with The Navigators is a donor based ministry meaning, we raise funds to do ministry, just like all other non-profits also have to raise funds to exist and help those in great need in our own country.
We would love to answer any questions you may have about the ministry we do, so please feel free to reach out❤️
Matt - 812-453-5406
Shari - 812-550-2777
Praises & Prayer...
- Please pray with us for this next season God is leading in digging wells within the community to reach the LOST. This is happening!!!
-Wisdom for our family in navigating this new chapter of life!
-For Ryan, our new friend, that gave his life to Jesus on the streets.
-For our friend who gave his life to the Lord in the mall.
- For Anne, who recently gave her heart to the Lord in a parking lot.
- For our new brother in Christ who met Jesus in an alley.
- For our new boxing friend who gave his life to the Lord in the park.
- Please pray for continued open doors and connections for the bus ministry and for us to be fully funded.
With Love & Grateful Hearts,
Matt, Shari, Julia, Ryan, Arabella, & Jackson Devine
Posted in Devine Calling
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