The Intension of Mission in New York (and some other thoughts)

The Intension of Mission in New York

This last week, I visited New York. Gabriella and I went to see friends and family, but I wanted to follow Christ for the Spirit of Christmas. I decided I wanted to go to NYC and spend time with the homeless.
“In the poor we find Jesus in His most distressing of disguises” – Mother Teresa
This idea started with the concept of spending three days on the streets of Manhattan. I had many ideas from open air preaching, loving on the homeless, and other books of Acts activities. As the weeks closed in on the time I would be going, plans got changed and I had to go for 2 nights in NYC. Still had all the anticipation in the world!
Finally, the day came. A friend of mine had said he wanted to join me, and I took this as a perfect opportunity to share the gospel and work toward discipleship. So, that day he decided not to wake up until 4pm. At the train station we met with some Christians evangelists who offered prayer and the million dollar bill tracts. So all in all, we ended up getting out there by 7pm.
As we set foot in NYC, I felt a sense of discouragement. I struggled against it and said I have committed myself to mission. We met a man who was raising money for a homeless charity, he himself was homeless. We talked with him for a while, shared testimonies (He had more faith than many Christians I know). Then, I met a man at McDonalds. He was very much in a hurry and just wanted $5 to get something to eat, so I gave him the money, asked his name, and prayed for him. (His name was really long and hard to pronounce- I know him as the guy who kind of looked like Borat).
As the time went on, I just didn’t feel the push like I originally had. I remember walking quietly behind my group of friends, and praying “But God I checked my motives, my attitude, and the concept makes perfect sense, where is the “Holy Spirit shove”?
We stayed in NYC until 3am that night, yes it was freezing, very bearable though.
That night I prayed and cried to God, why didn’t this go as planned? That was it!
“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps (Proverbs 16:9)”.
Quite humbling. Just when I think I have been humbled enough by the Lord, He continues to showing me it is Him who is Lord. Thanks be to God!
My Personal Survey of the Homeless People in NYC
To be quite honest, the homeless seem to be going at things pretty well. Most the homeless people in New York City are working as boosters or asking for change, quite boldly might I add. This trip I didn’t not see not even 1 sign that the homeless are famous for, as compared to the sign I bought right here in Fort Myers, Fl, from a homeless man.
I would extend thanks and support to the churches and outreaches in NYC that seem to be caring well for the homeless and the needs.


A Letter to My Friends and other Long Islanders

This past week I spent time on Long Island. I write this with the intension of sharing my thoughts during this trip.
Before I ventured to NY, I prayed that God would give me the wisdom to act in the ways needed to further the Gospel in the lives of my friends and loved ones. One particular thought that came to mind was that I needed to be relatable. In the words of Scripture, “All this to all men, that way I might save a few (I Corinthians 9:22-23)”. Last visit, I somewhat distanced myself, this visit I would “hang out”.
We had some good times and some rough times. But as I began to drive home, entering into the state of New Jersey, I began to think, “Did I make it serious enough? Today is the day of salvation!”
My heart and insight for Long Island is this:
You all need an elevated mindset. I wish I could take you into the Spiritual realm and show you why certain things you are doing and not doing just don’t make much sense. There is so much more. I can’t help but feel as if many of you are just getting by rather than truly living life. You only have one life to live, and I’m not talking about going “buck wild” but what about the greater things in life. Don’t push off importance until tomorrow.
Jesus Christ said “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life…” There is another way to do life, there is another truth to understand, and more purpose-filled life to be lived.
Really..Look around? Heroin Epidemic, job loss, everyone making babies,….etc,
What do you have to lose?


The Million Dollar Question

The million dollar question is: Where will you go when you die?
Many Christian evangelists use these million dollar bills as gospel tracts and I would like to add some detail. I myself, have taken a vow to no longer just hand out tracts that have the whole you are a sinner, repent, and be saved “gospel” on them. The gospel of Jesus Christ has a lot more to say than just you are a sinner, repent and be saved. Actually, the good news is that even thought you will always be a sinner, there is another way to live. We do need to repent, and live a life through missional transformation. The gospel truly is: there is abundant life in following Christ and being transformed and renewed as you follow Him.
We need to add the abundant life aspect and follow-ship to the gospel when we hand out these tracts or else we are misleading the lost.
I have blogged about this view of the gospel before:
http://newsfromthetribe.blogspot.com/2009/11/what-is-this.html

Primitive Christianity

I just finished reading Mark Batterson’s latest book, Primal: A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity. To be completely honest, when I first received the book in the mail and read the back and inside panel, a sense of disappointment gripped me. “A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity” is a very deep saying, and a similar quest is going on in various circles as we speak. When I read the brief descriptions, I questioned whether or not Pastor Mark would be able to give “primitive Christianity” its due respect.
As I read on, I realized I was wrong. Mark Batterson was to bring us back to simplicity and remind us of the most important aspects of the faith we claim. As stated by Batterson,
“Many Christians settle for simplicity on the near side of complexity. Their faith is only mind deep. They know what they believe, but they don’t know why they believe what they believe. Their faith is fragile because it has never been tested intellectually or experientially”.
We all know the Great Commandment that which I think we fail to internalize, “Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, mind, soul, and strength”. How many times have we recited this without thinking it through? Mr. Batterson breaks down the deeper thought of heart, mind, soul, and strength in ways I have never thought of.
As with all his books, Mark describes and explains things so well. Reminds me of a parable being told by Jesus Christ Himself, even if you don’t understand what he says, read further and you will. That’s the faith we can have in Mark Batterson as a writer.
The four elements that Mark described Great Commandment Christianity with, on the inside cover of the book, began to take on new meaning as you read through the book. Sure, you know and can define compassion, wonder, curiosity, and power, but let me say the way Mark Batterson adds personal testimony and descriptive insights of an intelligent mind, give you a sense of a true quest.
If I had to say one thing about how this book showed me a sense of primitive Christianity and the character of the author, Mark Batterson, I would say this;
Mark Batterson is an excellent example of a modern day apostle equipped with experiential stories, vast knowledge told in a parabolic way, and truly a life worth talking about. Without being to “blasphemous”, let me say, this book is a great addition to the Book of Acts!
Go out, get this book for the beginning of 2010. Read it, and let’s “start a coup de compassion the likes of which has not been seen since the first century”.