~One of our CRI students, Erica, shares her story with you today. Enjoy!~
I
would never expect me ever moving to New York City. Late June into July my
church Lighthouse Assembly of God in Lancaster, PA came to New York City to
serve at NYSUM for a short term mission’s trip. As I arrived I was greeted with
welcoming smiles and all in all I felt at home.
It was
the second day; during homeless ministry I had this strong tug, a thought of
staying here long term. My plans more focused on being a “regular school
graduate”, attending a college, which I was going to in august. Pushing my
thought aside I kept serving.
I walk
and approached three homeless individuals. Whenever I see a Homeless person, I have
so much respect and love for them. I couldn’t wait to give them what we had
with us. I and my friend Nicole told them of the food truck we had all set up
for them. Two men left to get food and we stayed back with the woman named
Karen. The first thing she asked was
“what is it you want to know?” “We are here to chat, how are you today”, I
replied. Right away I could see tension;
she wasn’t willing to open up, so I told her a testimony dear to my heart. My
brother was homeless. It was so hard to not know where he was but only know
that he was living on the streets, homeless and alone. I followed with how his
life led him to that current state. After I told of his progression and where
he is now and how proud I am of what he has accomplished. “I know you can come
out of this”, I told her. I lift my head and see her wiping her tears. She
finally released the tension and opened up. She told us her story of living on the
streets. She wasn’t homeless at first but her younger brother was for 4 months
so she left her world to come and take care of him. She finished telling me of
how she adopted a girl named Halo from the streets and how important she is to
her. “I know I’m going to see you again Erica”. “God bless Karen”.
As the week progressed God showed me many more
confirmations that I am supposed to be here in the city. The last day before
leaving I heard about the CRI program that NYSUM was offering for nine months. At this point I knew that “thought” which
popped into my head wasn’t merely a thought at all, it was God’s voice saying
“Go and build a city”.
“How
was your mission’s trip?”...“I’m moving to New York City”. These exchanges of
words were between me and my parents as soon I arrived home. You should have
seen their expressions, they were speechless. Through this whole transition my
parents are very supportive with my decision.
September eighth I left Pennsylvania to come to New York City of Urban
Ministry.
So
here I am, a country girl living in the “Big Apple”. It’s amazing what God has done and is still
doing in my life presently. There are 6 other students that are a part of this
program, and each and every one of us has a strong bond. Not only the students
but the staff have been a blessing as well. I feel such at peace here because I
know that this is where I am supposed to be. Over the few months that I’ve been
living here I have so much compassion for this city. There are so many hurting
and broken souls here that are of need of Jesus Christ.
Through
this program God has showed me how I can be a leader, and show others how to
lead as well. NYSUM provides classes which equip you to take what you’ve
learned and apply it to your daily life. These classes have really helped me to
be more courageous and to step up in my role of leadership. We are to be
disciples and leaders of Christ.
“The
Human Mind plans the way, but the Lord Directs the steps” (Proverbs 16:9).
Let’s
go build a city.
Some of the things we will be doing there: Prison Ministry, Rehab Center Ministry, Church Services, Immigrant Shelter Outreach, Church Plant Evangelism, Village Ministry, Dump Ministry (we go to the dump where people scavenge for food/supplies and bring them food and pray with them), Shut-In Ministry, and Children's ministry.
