Day 1
On Saturday March 22nd, eleven students and four adults embarked on mission to New York City. The team settled into their
lodging at the New York School of Urban Ministry and set out to see the city God has called them to serve this week.
As the team ascended from the steps of the NY subway system that transported them from Queens to Manhattan, their
senses were overwhelmed with the sights and sounds of Time Square. It was a sight to behold. As we navigated our way toward dinner we were face to face with those desperately in need of the love from a Heavenly Father that we have been blessed to represent and reflect this
week.
Day 2
This morning, the NYC student team navigated the subway and Time Square to arrive in Hell’s Kitchen and join our ministry
partner, One Community Church, for worship. Upon arrival, our team was welcomed warmly by church leaders and
broken up into several serve teams to pass out hand warmers and hot chocolate to neighbors in the street, assemble
community Easter invites, coordinate kids curriculum for the children’s lesson, and even leading congregational worship
with the OCC worship team. After church we had lunch with several staff members and leaders of the church.
Day 3
We began our day with New York bagels and a time of orientation with the pastor of One Community Church, Chris Mills.
Chris shared with us a biblical vision of mission within his community and how we would play an active role in “engaging
society” with the hope of sharing Gods love with those far from Him. Even though the weather was not great, it didn’t stop the Lord from accomplishing His plan. We completed a prayer walk through the community of Hell’s Kitchen focusing on the work God is doing through individuals of OCC in local parks and various ministry partners.
We also engaged in a “Blessing Outreach” to love on the community of HK as an extension of OCC.
Because of the cold and rain, the community was very responsive to our gifts of ponchos, hand warmers, and hot
chocolate and the Lord provided our student team with several opportunities to listen and learn about the people we have
been sent to serve. Our students took advantage of every opportunity that came their way to listen, encourage, and even
pray with the residents of Hell’s Kitchen.
Day 4
We started our day with a visit to our favorite breakfast spot, The Grind, just down the street from One Community
Church. Afterwards, we went on a prayer walk through the surrounding neighborhood. This area has so much potential to experience God’s light, and we’re praying that the community continues to feel the impact of God’s pursuit through the
work of One Community Church and their dedicated team. Please join us in praying for lasting change in this area.
We also ask for your prayers for Encore- a community meal delivery service that brings food and love to elderly residents.
The staff there are so patient, loving, and intentional in their work, and they pour their hearts into serving the community.
Please pray for the resources needed to continue this important ministry and for the clients who receive the meals.
In the afternoon, our group spent some time cleaning up the streets of New York City. It was humbling to see how much
the locals appreciated our efforts, with many thanking us for work that is so needed. The gratitude was overwhelming, and
we couldn’t help but give all the praise to God for allowing us to serve in this way.
Later, we had the chance to connect with people on the Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise and at Anita Gelato. The diversity
in the crowds was incredible and our students were bold in striking up conversations with anyone who would listen.
Please pray that the seeds we planted during these interactions will take root and lead to a deeper trust and faith in
Christ, especially for those who don’t yet know Him.