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.