/By Jessica Deeb/
On June 5th, Christ Church NYC hosted its first annual Mission’s Dinner. The theme verse for the night was Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” It may be surprising, but the Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA)—the Diocese which CCNYC is part of—is an Anglican missionary effort in the United States sponsored by the Anglican Church of Nigeria. Opposite of what is typically believed, we are the mission field!
With the focus on New York City, the church Council invited a representative from The Bowery Mission to speak at our dinner. Cheryl Mitchell, the Senior Director of Adult Programs at the Bowery, provided staggering statistics about homelessness in NYC. There are over 56,000 people living in shelters, including children. Another 3,000—5,000 are thought to be living on the streets. It is an overwhelming number, but The Bowery Mission has been ministering to this growing population since the 19th Century. Though certainly focused on meeting the practical needs of the homeless, their end goal is to see lives transformed through the power of Jesus Christ and the proclamation of His gospel.
Ms. Mitchell shared how God tugged on her heart throughout her adult life, preparing her for this position. She reminded us that God will use our life experiences and moments to shape us, bringing us exactly where He wants us to be. Those present were inspired to see a local organization meeting the needs of one of the most vulnerable populations in NYC. We as individuals, and as a church, have a unique opportunity to share the gospel mission to the homeless. It is through relationships and church support that many of these individuals can turn their life around, hopefully while turning it over to God.
The evening also included an opportunity for each person present to personally reflect on the gifts, passions, skills, and resources God has given them and, in light of that, how they might begin to more fully engage in hands on ministry in this city. People were able to reflect on this by completing a survey—the results of which the church Council hopes to collate as we seek to more fully connect people in the church with the appropriate ministry. (If you were unable to attend but would like to fill out the survey, please contact the church office at info@christchurchnyc.com.)
In your quiet time this week, take time to consider how God has brought you to New York City. Perhaps you have never considered yourself a missionary, but that might just be what you are! Ask God for opportunities to share His transforming gospel message to friends, family, co-workers and maybe even the homeless person you pass everyday.
For further information on helping the homeless you meet out on the street, check out their tips here.