We Painted the Town
Today was a great day!!! We went up to the Bronx and helped in an effort through the North American Mission Board and New Hope New York called "Paint the Town". This project is where Baptist volunteers come to NYC and give their time to help paint and improve public school facilities. We were at PS 117 (public school). The principal is a believer, but her associate Blanche is not. Blanche shared with us today about how she has been so moved by the work done and that she admired us for our faith. She then said that she didn't have that same faith. Blanche was hilarious. She is a HUGE New York Yankees fan and even has season tickets. Right after 911 she bought an authentic Derek Jetter jersey for $400. She said, "Next to the cat and the man I live with this is my most prized possession." Because she has been so touched by the efforts of Southern Baptists in her school she brought the jersey and asked everyone to sign it and snip off a little piece to take home to remember them by. Please pray for for Blanche's salvation. Also pray for the 1000 children that will flood this school in just a few weeks. I met some of them on the playground today and it just broke my heart. One little girl named Sondra and I had time to visit. She admited to me that she didn't know who Jesus was and that she had never been to church. She was one of 9 children and they all live with their parents in a tiny apartment. Pray for this family as well that they will come to know Christ and that they will have their physical needs met as well.
posted by celestecade at 10:44 PM
5 Comments:
It's always amazing to me the ways in which God chooses to use us. Who knew that by helping paint a school you would be planting seeds of faith. I was thinking about your group's ministry on Tuesday while I was doing some work in the yard. There is a very stubborn patch of ground in my back yard that seems to refuse to grow grass. I was bound and determined to get some grass to grow there asap. All it takes on that hard packed dirt is to simply scratch the ground, throw out the seed, and water, water, water. You're in an area that reminds me of the ground in my back yard. But all it takes is a tiny scratch and that seed you have planted will take root and grow while being aided by your prayers (water,water,water). I continue to pray for y'all every day. I can't wait to hear all the details. I miss you and love you!!!
Wonderful to read your report. In what part of the Bronx is PS 117 located? Which train line did you take to get there?
I will let you know about it next time I see you. I know all of you are doing such a wonderful job. What a wonderful experience it has to be. I know New York is a much better place today!
celeste, i know you were in heaven sharing with that little girl about who our savior is! and this reminder of the neediness of school children has help with some of my own anxieties about starting another school year. i am so excited for this faith strengthening day you all experienced. i can't wait to see y'alls stinky tails again. with love and prayers, shelly
hey gang,
wish I had been able to get in on that "painting the town". You know, painting is my specialty anyway. It sounds like ya'll had another day with heartfelt moving emotions. I feel like everyone of you will never forget these people you have encountered on this journey. God has put each one in the right place at the right time for a purpose. My prayers are with each of you daily.
ps. Let Josh know I had triple chocolate cake for dessert this afternoon, was delicious, and wished he had some of it.
Diane
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