After six hours of uploading, over 600 pictures of the Mission Trip have been added to my website. While the youth have plenty of pictures of our free time, I have the most on our mission sites (since most did not take their cameras for these events.) But not all ministry sites are represented, as at some places I could not take any, or very few pictures. For example, the homeless ministry has no pictures, except for Roberto in the orientation session. As a result, the pictures do not tell the whole story.
The pictures can be accessed at http://johnhenry64.smugmug.com
Monday, March 21, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Saturday: The Long Journey Home
It was a long day. Up at 5, with the vans loaded at 5:30am and off to Penn Station. The drive in was easy and we had plenty of time to have breakfast at the train station and buy lunch. (Penn Station is under Madison Square Gardens so it had plenty of food options.)
The train left basically on time: 8:15am. Unfortuantely, it did not arrive on time. 7:10 became 8:35pm. The main reason was the border. It took nearly three hours to clear customs. While most had no issues, the few who had to answer further questions off the train took a lot of time. Still, the train ride allowed lots of leg room, walking, and sitting playing cards in the diner car. Plus, the scenery was great.
Ken Harbers was at the train waiting for us and we soon headed home. The group had a final prayer at the train station, as the three vechicles headed (eventually) in three different directions. It's now 11:25 and it's time for me to go to bed.
Hopefully, I'll some pictures up on my website as well as offer some further reflection on this trip. Until then, good night and God bless.
The train left basically on time: 8:15am. Unfortuantely, it did not arrive on time. 7:10 became 8:35pm. The main reason was the border. It took nearly three hours to clear customs. While most had no issues, the few who had to answer further questions off the train took a lot of time. Still, the train ride allowed lots of leg room, walking, and sitting playing cards in the diner car. Plus, the scenery was great.
Ken Harbers was at the train waiting for us and we soon headed home. The group had a final prayer at the train station, as the three vechicles headed (eventually) in three different directions. It's now 11:25 and it's time for me to go to bed.
Hopefully, I'll some pictures up on my website as well as offer some further reflection on this trip. Until then, good night and God bless.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Friday: Another Free Day
Originally this day was described as "Lodging Day", which I assumed meant working at NYSUM. It turns out it was just another free day, so we took opportunity for it. People could sleep in or go to breakfast at NYSUM. At 9am we headed to McDonalds down a few blocks. Many had breakfast there (the best breakfast many had all week). We then headed into Manhattan. The group divided into two: those who wanted to go shopping and those who just wanted to play sports. I was part of the latter group. We got off close to Central Park, but before we got there, we visited the Apple Store and was tempted to buy an iPod, even an iPad.
We then headed to Central Park, where we saw the ice rink still still in use, despite the warm weather. We played football for an hour. (Dan had bought a small football and a soccer ball.) When we went for a bite to eat and the other group found us. We returned to where we playing earlier and continued with some soccer. At 3pm we left and returned to NYMSUM.
After dinner, we walked to the store to buy things for the train. Then it was time to pack. The alarm will go off at 5am, for a 5:30 departure from here. The train should leave at 8:15am. It's time to come home.
We then headed to Central Park, where we saw the ice rink still still in use, despite the warm weather. We played football for an hour. (Dan had bought a small football and a soccer ball.) When we went for a bite to eat and the other group found us. We returned to where we playing earlier and continued with some soccer. At 3pm we left and returned to NYMSUM.
After dinner, we walked to the store to buy things for the train. Then it was time to pack. The alarm will go off at 5am, for a 5:30 departure from here. The train should leave at 8:15am. It's time to come home.
Thursday: Helping hands and smiles
The first ministry site was with World Vision, an organization that many of us are familiar with. In addition to all their work overseas, they also do work in the US, dealing with the poverty issues that exist in the US. In the US, they have five warehouses that serve as a collecting and distributing point for various items. They will collect stuff from stores that will not sell; sort them and distribute them to various agencies.
Our task was to empty boxes of donated clothes from stores (hence, these are new items, not used). We had to sort them according to type of clothing, eg pants. They then had to reboxed according to the type of item. And so, I counted and packed blouses--four boxes of them--about 150 per box. It was a very hands on ministry.
We were back by 2:30/3:00pm and so had some free time before dinner at 5. Andy and I scouted the area for breakfast spot for the next day, as well as possible places to buy food for the train. I walked out in shorts and T-shirt.
Our evening activity was changed. This was a disappointment for many, as many were looking forward to the Glory Train. Instead, we were asked to visit a hospital for long-term patients. This was one of our closest sites--just a 15/20 minute drive to Roosevelt Island.
Our task was to empty boxes of donated clothes from stores (hence, these are new items, not used). We had to sort them according to type of clothing, eg pants. They then had to reboxed according to the type of item. And so, I counted and packed blouses--four boxes of them--about 150 per box. It was a very hands on ministry.
We were back by 2:30/3:00pm and so had some free time before dinner at 5. Andy and I scouted the area for breakfast spot for the next day, as well as possible places to buy food for the train. I walked out in shorts and T-shirt.
Our evening activity was changed. This was a disappointment for many, as many were looking forward to the Glory Train. Instead, we were asked to visit a hospital for long-term patients. This was one of our closest sites--just a 15/20 minute drive to Roosevelt Island.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Wednesday: Free Day
A free day should be an easy day right?
Not necessarily; not when you're leading 13 teenagers through New York City for twelve hours.
We left NYSUM at 9:30 on subway into lower Manhattan. We got off, closest to the UN building, which was our first stop. (It was raining when we left but it soon stopped and eventually the clouds gave way to sunshine by the end of the day.) We only had a very short tour of the UN, but it was still worthwhile to a get a sense of the place. Afterwards we walked further into the city, stopping for lunch. We then stopped in at St. Patrick's Cathedral, where there was a service going on, so we could only view this church from the back. But it was an impressive cathedral.
Then we went to the Rockefeller Center, watching some figure skating on the outdoor rink, visiting a Lego store and the NBC store. From there we walked to Times Square and just absorbed that center of massive activity. Stopped at Tim Horton's for break and the M&M store (3 floors of candy!). We proceeded down to the Empire State Building. Those who did not want to go up it, went shopping at Macy's. I went up to the 86th observatory and then the 102th level. The view was just incredible and well worth the money. We rejoined together and went to a restaurant for supper (Jimmy's). By this time it was dark and we walked to Times Square, with all of its lights. (It almost felt like daylight.) A TV personality interviewed a few members of the group, for his show. (It was for a cable TV show). Back to the subway and to NYSUM by 9:30pm. A full day of activities.
Not necessarily; not when you're leading 13 teenagers through New York City for twelve hours.
We left NYSUM at 9:30 on subway into lower Manhattan. We got off, closest to the UN building, which was our first stop. (It was raining when we left but it soon stopped and eventually the clouds gave way to sunshine by the end of the day.) We only had a very short tour of the UN, but it was still worthwhile to a get a sense of the place. Afterwards we walked further into the city, stopping for lunch. We then stopped in at St. Patrick's Cathedral, where there was a service going on, so we could only view this church from the back. But it was an impressive cathedral.
Then we went to the Rockefeller Center, watching some figure skating on the outdoor rink, visiting a Lego store and the NBC store. From there we walked to Times Square and just absorbed that center of massive activity. Stopped at Tim Horton's for break and the M&M store (3 floors of candy!). We proceeded down to the Empire State Building. Those who did not want to go up it, went shopping at Macy's. I went up to the 86th observatory and then the 102th level. The view was just incredible and well worth the money. We rejoined together and went to a restaurant for supper (Jimmy's). By this time it was dark and we walked to Times Square, with all of its lights. (It almost felt like daylight.) A TV personality interviewed a few members of the group, for his show. (It was for a cable TV show). Back to the subway and to NYSUM by 9:30pm. A full day of activities.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Tuesday: Song and Streets
After a message about the importance of devotions, we headed off to our ministry site, which was in Bronx. They called this a ministry for Cerebral Palsy, but basically those in this institution have a wide variety of disabilities. We were led from "classroom" to "classroom" by Jason, a highly functional person with special needs. Each classroom had several clients. In each room, we sang 3-5 songs, most of them with an upbeat rhythm--all Christian songs. We also ended with a word of prayer. It is amazing that we could sing such explicitedly Christians songs and prayer in a public institution.
We returned around 2pm so we had a little extra time before dinner at 5pm, allowing me to finally catch up on this blog. Tonight is Homeless Ministry.
After supper a few people loaded the vans with blankets, tolietries, sandwiches and water bottles. We gather for a short time of worship and then Roberto gave an orientation about the homeless ministry. We prayed for a safe and successful evening. I think many of us were anxious about tonight, not knowing what to expect, or how we would we react. This was an activity outside our comfort zone.
But the location of this ministry made it is easier for us. Instead of heading into the dark alleys or parks, we went to the Sony Building, and its atrium. At night, the homeless gather in this well-lit, interior that has its own security. As a result, it was a mall like atmosphere and made it easier for us to approach the homeless. In addition, we probably didn't realize that the homeless are used to this type of ministry. As a result, some are loooking out for us. It's not like Jehovah Witnesses who knock on the door and we slam the door on the face. Instead, a few homeless even approached us.
The youth were the ones who went out (mostly in two's) to approach the homeless while the adults kept a very watchful eye. Many ended up having some long conversations with them. They realized the homeless are human beings, and many stereotypes were broken down. I think it was an eye-opening experience that they (and I) will not forget.
Back at NYSUM at midnight.
We returned around 2pm so we had a little extra time before dinner at 5pm, allowing me to finally catch up on this blog. Tonight is Homeless Ministry.
After supper a few people loaded the vans with blankets, tolietries, sandwiches and water bottles. We gather for a short time of worship and then Roberto gave an orientation about the homeless ministry. We prayed for a safe and successful evening. I think many of us were anxious about tonight, not knowing what to expect, or how we would we react. This was an activity outside our comfort zone.
But the location of this ministry made it is easier for us. Instead of heading into the dark alleys or parks, we went to the Sony Building, and its atrium. At night, the homeless gather in this well-lit, interior that has its own security. As a result, it was a mall like atmosphere and made it easier for us to approach the homeless. In addition, we probably didn't realize that the homeless are used to this type of ministry. As a result, some are loooking out for us. It's not like Jehovah Witnesses who knock on the door and we slam the door on the face. Instead, a few homeless even approached us.
The youth were the ones who went out (mostly in two's) to approach the homeless while the adults kept a very watchful eye. Many ended up having some long conversations with them. They realized the homeless are human beings, and many stereotypes were broken down. I think it was an eye-opening experience that they (and I) will not forget.
Back at NYSUM at midnight.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Monday: Soup Kitchen and Face Painting
F.A.T.
That stands for Flexible--Attitude--Teachable.
(After breakfast, we heard from one of the leaders of NYSUM, who spoke to all the groups staying here. It ended up being a 30-40 message, which made us late for the prep class for the next ministry site.)
We're learned the first aspect of FAT very quickly this morning. We went to a soup kitchen, where we would lead chapel and serve soup. Unfortuantely, it was closed. The person who ran it was sent to hospital the night before and it seems that her presence was necessary for the soup kitchen to run. It's sad to think a ministry depends so much on one person being there (church isn't like that is it?) While we waited for Robert to figure out an alternative, we sang a song outside the van.
An alternative was found and we went to another soup kitchen. Another group was there, but eventually there was plenty to do for us. While we did not lead a chapel service (it was not part of this ministry), we could see a soup kitchen at work. We served 100 people today. This soup kitchen is famous for its menu. They cook everything fresh--no canned stuff here. (It has a professional chef). They serve soup, salad, then main course and then desert. In order to add even more dignity to the clients, all food is served to them, with real plates and cutlery. They also offer other services to the people. (After the clients were served, we could eat the same meal and it was the best meal we've had so far on this trip.) Hopefully, we all became aware of the need for this type of ministry.
We returned to NYSUM by mid-afternoon and had a short rest before dinner at 5 (I wasn't too hungry). For our evening activity we went to Jamicia House, a residence for single moms, families and others that need temporary housing. There was a double booking as a lady was also there to do some musical lessons. We joined her from 6:30 to 7:00. After that we had an hour for our crafts and fun games for about the 15-20 kids who were there. There was play-dough for the younger kids, face painting, card tricks, crafts, and balloon popping. It was a fun night. Even I got my face painted--a tiger--pictures were taken! The parents enjoyed the crafts so much all the material were left with them to continue to work with. (The playdough was also given to the kids). At 8:30 we headed back to NYSUM. It was a fun evening.
That stands for Flexible--Attitude--Teachable.
(After breakfast, we heard from one of the leaders of NYSUM, who spoke to all the groups staying here. It ended up being a 30-40 message, which made us late for the prep class for the next ministry site.)
We're learned the first aspect of FAT very quickly this morning. We went to a soup kitchen, where we would lead chapel and serve soup. Unfortuantely, it was closed. The person who ran it was sent to hospital the night before and it seems that her presence was necessary for the soup kitchen to run. It's sad to think a ministry depends so much on one person being there (church isn't like that is it?) While we waited for Robert to figure out an alternative, we sang a song outside the van.
An alternative was found and we went to another soup kitchen. Another group was there, but eventually there was plenty to do for us. While we did not lead a chapel service (it was not part of this ministry), we could see a soup kitchen at work. We served 100 people today. This soup kitchen is famous for its menu. They cook everything fresh--no canned stuff here. (It has a professional chef). They serve soup, salad, then main course and then desert. In order to add even more dignity to the clients, all food is served to them, with real plates and cutlery. They also offer other services to the people. (After the clients were served, we could eat the same meal and it was the best meal we've had so far on this trip.) Hopefully, we all became aware of the need for this type of ministry.
We returned to NYSUM by mid-afternoon and had a short rest before dinner at 5 (I wasn't too hungry). For our evening activity we went to Jamicia House, a residence for single moms, families and others that need temporary housing. There was a double booking as a lady was also there to do some musical lessons. We joined her from 6:30 to 7:00. After that we had an hour for our crafts and fun games for about the 15-20 kids who were there. There was play-dough for the younger kids, face painting, card tricks, crafts, and balloon popping. It was a fun night. Even I got my face painted--a tiger--pictures were taken! The parents enjoyed the crafts so much all the material were left with them to continue to work with. (The playdough was also given to the kids). At 8:30 we headed back to NYSUM. It was a fun evening.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Sunday: Worship
Thankfully we did not have breakfast duty and since breakfast was served till 9am, many took opportunity to sleep in. At 9:45 we began the journey to church in Harlem (around 120 St by Lexington Ave). I had asked for a good large African American church to attend and this was recommended to us. Of course, we had to find it on our own, and with a little detour at the beginning and a little more at the end (my map sent us a few blocks in the wrong direction) but we made to the church just in time for the service.
When we entered we were asked we had a confirmation letter to attend as a group. We didn't, so we were sent to the balcony. (The church gets lots of tourist visitors like us and surprisingly many left just before the sermon. We stayed till the end.) The service lasted 2.5 hours and the message which was at the end was 1.25 hours long. The beginning was songs, then a child dedication, prayer, a choreograph dance, a choir song and announcements (recorded on video) and the message.
By the time we left the church building it was 2:30. We had a bite to eat and then walked from 120th Street to 81 st to the Museum of Natural History. This lead us through some parts of Harlem, and then 5th Ave and Central Park. Because the Museum was closing in an hour, we could enter for free. We saw a few of the galleries of this massive Museum. It closed at 5:45. We then took the subway back to NYSUM, getting there by 7:00pm. We had pizza for supper.
A full day experiencing God's revelation in Word and Creation.
When we entered we were asked we had a confirmation letter to attend as a group. We didn't, so we were sent to the balcony. (The church gets lots of tourist visitors like us and surprisingly many left just before the sermon. We stayed till the end.) The service lasted 2.5 hours and the message which was at the end was 1.25 hours long. The beginning was songs, then a child dedication, prayer, a choreograph dance, a choir song and announcements (recorded on video) and the message.
By the time we left the church building it was 2:30. We had a bite to eat and then walked from 120th Street to 81 st to the Museum of Natural History. This lead us through some parts of Harlem, and then 5th Ave and Central Park. Because the Museum was closing in an hour, we could enter for free. We saw a few of the galleries of this massive Museum. It closed at 5:45. We then took the subway back to NYSUM, getting there by 7:00pm. We had pizza for supper.
A full day experiencing God's revelation in Word and Creation.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Saturday: An Introduction to NYC
All credit to Betty-Ann, who read her schedule that said something about "Kitchen ministry" at 6am. So she had the girls up and ready for 6am kitchen duty. When Dan checked on the kitchen at 6:30, he discovered them at work. The guys eventually joined the girls and we helped serve breakfast, as well as do dishes (via a dishwasher).
At 8:00am, we had a brief orientation meeting for 3/4 of an hour about NYSUM and our week here. Afterwards we had a little bit of free time before our 9:30 meeting about our first ministry activity. We met Dan, who would lead us through a walk of Lower Manhattan. We had a brief time of worship (where our singing suffered due to lack of sleep). We shared why we were here and had a prayer.
Dan (not our Dan) then led us to the Subway. This was the first time for many on our trip to take the subway. It took three different trains and about an hour to get to the base of the Brooklyn Bridge. We walked this famous bridge, with its incredible views of the Manhattan. At the middle and highest point, we stopped for a time of prayer. On the other side, we had our boxed lunch. We then walked to St. Paul's Chapel, where there are many momentoes of 9/11. This historic church was where George Washington also worshipped. We then walked by the 9/11 site which is under major reconstruction.
We made our way to the Staten Island Ferry. It is a short journey across to Staten Island, but it provided a great view of the Statute of Liberty as well as the New York Sky Line. We did the sight seeing on the way out.
On the way back, we conducted surveys. These surveys asked religious questions and were intended to get a religious conversation going. The youth were divided into teams of 2 (and one into 3). The leaders held back, allowing the youth to do this on their own. While many people didn't want to answer a survey, everyone managed to complete at least one survey. This activity was clearly out of their comfort zone, as it would be to most of us, but it was a good experience. It got them to talk about Christianity with complete strangers.
We returned back to NYSUM around 4:30, with dinner being at 5pm. At 6pm we had a ministry prep class. We were expecting and prepared to do a Women's Shelter Ministry, but there was a last minute change. Instead, we were asked to go to the Teen Challenge center in Brooklyn. Teen Challenge, here, offers a residence program for those dealing with alcohol and drug addictions. At the center, the girls and guys were divided (so I can't speak about how it went with the women--but I think they ended up with more interaction than we did).
As this was a last minute change, they were not really prepared for us. They were just finishing support, so while they were cleaning up, we heard about the start of Teen Challenge (and the story written in the book The Cross and the Switchblade.) One person explained his journey to the program. We also were led in a tour of the facility, which houses 28 men.
Our goal was merely to interact with the men. This was slow in starting. A card game was started, but it mostly our group. Snack time helped start the interaction better, but soon we had to board the van back for the return trip. (On the way back we drove through an Orthodox Jewish neighborhood, as they were finishing worship.)
We were back at NYSUM around 9:30/10pm. By 11pm it was lights out, as we needed sleep and we were going to miss a night's sleep.
At 8:00am, we had a brief orientation meeting for 3/4 of an hour about NYSUM and our week here. Afterwards we had a little bit of free time before our 9:30 meeting about our first ministry activity. We met Dan, who would lead us through a walk of Lower Manhattan. We had a brief time of worship (where our singing suffered due to lack of sleep). We shared why we were here and had a prayer.
Dan (not our Dan) then led us to the Subway. This was the first time for many on our trip to take the subway. It took three different trains and about an hour to get to the base of the Brooklyn Bridge. We walked this famous bridge, with its incredible views of the Manhattan. At the middle and highest point, we stopped for a time of prayer. On the other side, we had our boxed lunch. We then walked to St. Paul's Chapel, where there are many momentoes of 9/11. This historic church was where George Washington also worshipped. We then walked by the 9/11 site which is under major reconstruction.
We made our way to the Staten Island Ferry. It is a short journey across to Staten Island, but it provided a great view of the Statute of Liberty as well as the New York Sky Line. We did the sight seeing on the way out.
On the way back, we conducted surveys. These surveys asked religious questions and were intended to get a religious conversation going. The youth were divided into teams of 2 (and one into 3). The leaders held back, allowing the youth to do this on their own. While many people didn't want to answer a survey, everyone managed to complete at least one survey. This activity was clearly out of their comfort zone, as it would be to most of us, but it was a good experience. It got them to talk about Christianity with complete strangers.
We returned back to NYSUM around 4:30, with dinner being at 5pm. At 6pm we had a ministry prep class. We were expecting and prepared to do a Women's Shelter Ministry, but there was a last minute change. Instead, we were asked to go to the Teen Challenge center in Brooklyn. Teen Challenge, here, offers a residence program for those dealing with alcohol and drug addictions. At the center, the girls and guys were divided (so I can't speak about how it went with the women--but I think they ended up with more interaction than we did).
As this was a last minute change, they were not really prepared for us. They were just finishing support, so while they were cleaning up, we heard about the start of Teen Challenge (and the story written in the book The Cross and the Switchblade.) One person explained his journey to the program. We also were led in a tour of the facility, which houses 28 men.
Our goal was merely to interact with the men. This was slow in starting. A card game was started, but it mostly our group. Snack time helped start the interaction better, but soon we had to board the van back for the return trip. (On the way back we drove through an Orthodox Jewish neighborhood, as they were finishing worship.)
We were back at NYSUM around 9:30/10pm. By 11pm it was lights out, as we needed sleep and we were going to miss a night's sleep.
The Travelling Day
March 11, 2011
Thirteen youth and four leaders left at 6:15 am from the Church for our mission trip to New York City. It was good to have had such a good start since, we encountered some heavy traffic in Montreal. But we made it to the parking lot by 8:30. But it was still a maze to find the train station. (Whether I can find my car back will be an interesting question.) Thankfully we were able to preboard and have the last section of the last car of the train.
We left at 9:30, on time. Unfortunately, we did not arrive in NYC on time. Instead of arriving at 8:40pm, we came instead past 10:40pm. The reason for the delay was due to extra time at the border, but especially a broken down (train) snowplough. The food on the train was not great, but the space was fanatastic. It was a relaxing way to travel.
We arrived at Penn Station, waiting to be picked up. But no one showed up for a long time. There was some miscommunication about our delay and cell phone numbers. While we waited we were able to eat some food from the plenty of fast food places that were by the train station. Eventually, the people of NYSUM found us and we were loaded into three vans. By this time it was 12:30pm.
It took an hour to get to NYSUM--traffic was still bad at this time of night. So it was 1:30 am when we arrived. We quicked found our rooms--we have one womens' room and two guys' rooms. (We don't have to share these rooms with others.) By 2am, we were in bed, looking for much needed sleep, though it would be short as we were called to breakfast duty at 6:30 am. (More about that in the next post).
It was a long day of traveling. But the train was still an excellent choice. Having seen the traffic in NYC, Montreal is a breeze. I would not want to drive here, especially not a van. As well, the train allowed a lot of interaction within the members of the group. If only they could do something about the food...
Thirteen youth and four leaders left at 6:15 am from the Church for our mission trip to New York City. It was good to have had such a good start since, we encountered some heavy traffic in Montreal. But we made it to the parking lot by 8:30. But it was still a maze to find the train station. (Whether I can find my car back will be an interesting question.) Thankfully we were able to preboard and have the last section of the last car of the train.
We left at 9:30, on time. Unfortunately, we did not arrive in NYC on time. Instead of arriving at 8:40pm, we came instead past 10:40pm. The reason for the delay was due to extra time at the border, but especially a broken down (train) snowplough. The food on the train was not great, but the space was fanatastic. It was a relaxing way to travel.
We arrived at Penn Station, waiting to be picked up. But no one showed up for a long time. There was some miscommunication about our delay and cell phone numbers. While we waited we were able to eat some food from the plenty of fast food places that were by the train station. Eventually, the people of NYSUM found us and we were loaded into three vans. By this time it was 12:30pm.
It took an hour to get to NYSUM--traffic was still bad at this time of night. So it was 1:30 am when we arrived. We quicked found our rooms--we have one womens' room and two guys' rooms. (We don't have to share these rooms with others.) By 2am, we were in bed, looking for much needed sleep, though it would be short as we were called to breakfast duty at 6:30 am. (More about that in the next post).
It was a long day of traveling. But the train was still an excellent choice. Having seen the traffic in NYC, Montreal is a breeze. I would not want to drive here, especially not a van. As well, the train allowed a lot of interaction within the members of the group. If only they could do something about the food...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)