On a more serious note...

So my last few posts have been mainly about the touristy activities that I have done since I have been here, but I want to let you know more about the ministry here and what else we have done. We really got thrown into the life of the church fast. Last week, on three different occasions we went out and did Servant Evangelism projects, which Saturday was our biggest day. We had a service day with the church so about 15 people were there to help us distribute 2500 fliers and granola bars to people. For the most part people were very glad and willing to take it. Some were more reluctant and would give us the flier back but that was ok. They still had a chance to see that there is a church out there that cares for them.

A common misconception for New Yorkers is that they are rude and unfriendly people. I do want to say that it easy to see that perception, but really the people here are friendly. It is just that no one wants to break the barrier of silence. Whenever I go into a store or even on my block I will try to say hello to everyone. In stores I will most always ask how they are doing and how their day is going. You can tell that it really brings a smile to their face. Some people here can go an entire day with ever having someone smile at them--crazy! So I will try to smile at people. Sometimes that is all it takes. No words are necessary.

Jacob, the pastor that is in charge of the internship program gave us all a challenge for the summer. He wanted us to find a verse in the Bible that would act as our theme verse for the summer. This is a verse for us to fall on when times get rough or when we lose focus. I chose Mark 6:34, which says

When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things."

This is what I want my heart to molded to be like. Jesus was a man of compassion, who saw people as image-bearers of God and loved them all, no matter what economical status they were, or what religion, or what social status they belonged too. Jesus loved them all. He had compassion on them. He wanted them to have shepherd to guide them and to help lead them from not going astray. This is who I want to become this summer. Someone who sees people all the same, no matter their status. I want to have compassion and show love to everyone I meet. I want to have my heart broken for those who are helpless and without a shepherd.