NYC Mission Trip 2011

Day 1.  Saturday, July 23, 2011

Praise God!  After 12 hours, and one broken down vehicle, all 29 members of the mission team made it to Woodside Community Baptist Church, in Queens, New York.  The trip was not without its side tracks, as God showed us right away that our plan is not always His plan.  About half way through our drive to NYC, one of the vans decided it was time to shut down.  After a brief 20 minute rest, it started up again and we were back on the road.  We made it all the way to New Jersey, less than a quarter of a mile from the George Washington Bridge that leads into New York City, when the van once again, decided to shut down.  This time it was in the middle of a traffic jam.  Thankfully, the guys were able to push the van to the side of the road, while the girls made their way to the church in the other vehicles.  An hour and a half later, the van was given a jump by port authority, and is currently at a local garage waiting to be fixed.  The teens showed great maturity through being flexible and doing everything without griping or complaining.  God showed His provision by keeping everyone safe through potentially harmful circumstances.

When the girls arrived to the church, we were reintroduced to Sam Frey, our guide for the week, and his three summer interns, Amanda, Makayla, and Micah.  We unpacked the trailer and waited for the guys to arrive by enjoying some New York style pizza for dinner (messy!).  When the whole group was finally back together again, we had a brief together time where we discussed the house rules for the week, and found out that there are two, yes, two showers for a group of over 30 to share!  To end the night we had mail delivery, which is cards and letters that family and friends back home have written to the team.  The mail will continue daily throughout the week, and is a source of encouragement to everyone.  We finally had much anticipated lights out at about 12:30! 

Please pray that the van situation will be easily fixed, and not an issue that will hinder our ministry here this week.  Please continue praying for the team, that we will be stretched this week as we allow God to use us for His Glory.  Pray also for the physical needs of the team, as it is expected to be a hot week, and we will be spending 8-10 hours a day on the streets of NYC.   Finally, pray that God will open up divine appointments this week for us to share the Good News of the Gospel.