The Big Apple Experience

I just returned from a mission trip to New York City with our High School youth. The scope of our effort was to team up with the New York School of Urban Ministry located in Queens. NYSUM is a non-denominational, evangelical, Christian organization that ministers to the homeless, lower income, and disabled of NYC. They allow churches to send mission teams there for hands-on evangelism and ministry training. NYSUM partners with and provides volunteers for dozens of Christian ministries, charities, and churches all over the city.

I was so blessed to see our youth and adults serve, evangelize, and basically love on arguably the poorest people in the country. The team served meals at soup kitchens, passed out toiletries and food to the homeless, sang songs and painted buildings for those with Cerebral Palsy, did clown evangelism in Times Square, and prayerwalked on Wall Street. Each of these ministries called for our team members to be stretched well outside of their comfort zones and to rely completely upon the Holy Spirit's resources.

I never heard a whine or complaint even when there were sudden schedule changes or when tiredness set in. I am always thankful for belonging to a church that provides members of all ages multiple opportunities to fulfill the Great Commission and the Great Commandment. I see in our High School youth a maturity level and an openness to give of themselves that truly amazes me at times.

This coming Thanksgiving, the Family Ministry has scheduled another trip to work with NYSUM. This will be a trip for youth and their families to go and serve primarily the homeless during the Holidays and during the cold November winter. I am praying the many families will take advantage of this opportunity to serve God together and reach out to those in desperate physical and spiritual need.