Monday, March 2, 2015 at 8:00 am, our small caravan left this cozy, safe and snowy New Brunswick town for a week of out-of-our-comfort zone experiences in New York.  I do believe our group left a bite mark in the Big Apple!  The purpose of our trip was to take the good news of God’s love to the people of this Big City.  We joined forces with an amazing family who don’t just serve the Lord day in and day out, they actually ENJOY IT! and their lives shine THE Light in all they do.  We traveled on subways, where we sang, passed out tracts and spoke to individuals about their eternal state.  We also (a majority of the time) walked the streets in the Bronx, handing out bagged lunches while sharing the news about the free gift of salvation; there were opportunities for preaching on street corners or in the subway stations, for praying with individuals and singing about our great God.  It was an amazing opportunity and one we are so glad to have been a part of.

What a stretching time, but one that showed growth, courage and a renewed focus for what the Lord has called us to do.  I am reminded of the lyrics from the song “Jesus Friend of Sinners” by Casting Crowns:

“Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks yours.”

This was definitely our prayer going into this trip, but I don’t think any of us expected the outcome we encountered.  Our hearts were broken and our eyes were opened to a world of hurting people.  People that have never even heard the simple (but BIG) truth that God loves them; that someone cares about and for them; that there is still hope in this lost, dark and chaotic world.  We were also exposed to the hatred and rejection of that same Good News.  This was something very difficult to face at first and I know for myself, I went through many emotions towards these individuals, however in the end I would just pray.  This then became my go-to action/reaction to those that were so against.  I came across this quote by John Piper today which brought back these memories and, I believe, has helped to be a reminder for the days to come:  “Because Christ  prayed for those who were crucifying Him, I will pray for those who crucify Him today afresh in their unbelief.”

There are definitely many ideas of the future (after death) and there are many ideas of how to get there, but according to the Bible which was inspired by the Alpha and Omega, when you see the sign for ETERNITY….all traffic must exit!  And on that day, the question will not be, “What did you do to get here?”, it will be, “What did you do with My Son, Jesus?” – a very sobering question for those that reject Him now.

There are people everywhere that so desperately need to hear this news.  We become so complacent, especially when we are in our “bubble” (church, Christian friends, family and jobs) we tend to forget about those on the outside.  When I returned from this trip, my pastor remarked how interesting it is that we have to leave our hometown to discover that there is a lost world.  This has since gone through my mind everyday.  It shouldn’t take us leaving our own neighbours and community to see the need.  Even in North America there are those that have never heard the name of Jesus and have no idea there is hope.  The Lord gave the command to Go and TELL! so why aren’t we obeying?  We have no problem telling others about the birthday or Christmas gifts we receive, so why can’t we, with joy and confidence, proclaim the greatest gift of all; the gift so freely given; the gift the we have accepted.  Jesus died so that we may live!  He saved us from Himself, by Himself, for Himself!  He is the hope for this world and the next.  I could go on and on, but just this should be enough to excite us and spur us on.  I know, I would want someone to tell me!