to the ends of the earth

 

" Loud. Big. Diverse. Powerful. Busy. Overwhelming. Intriguing. Incredible. Full of Opportunities."

 

   Yesterday, one of my instructors asked us to describe what a city means to us. As you see, the excerpt about was taken from my notes. That pretty much sums up what the city of New York is to me. The more I explore and mingle, the more I love it. The more often I walk the streets, the less intimidating they feel. The more I talk to people and observe their unique styles and languages, the more my heart just smiles at the creativity of my Creator! I love diversity. I love the fact that as a Caucasian, I represent the minority in this city. I love walking down Broadway Street and seeing hundreds of people. I love absorbing the incredible collage of words, faces, accents, dress, and hairstyles.

   On the contrary, there is so much hurt in this sea of people. It saddens me to see hollow stares and empty gazes. I cry when I see a hurting child or a lost mother. I pause when I hear a siren for the tenth time that day, and pray for peace. My heart aches when I see people so busy they fail to notice the buds on the trees or the daffodils or the birds fearlessly flitting about at their feet. I pray. I pray for His glory to be revealed in this city. I pray as my team heads out into the streets to interact and be a witness. I beg Him to soften hearts, to open blinded eyes, to break chains of bondage. I dance for joy when I have the opportunity to pray with a lady new to the city. I praise Jesus when I leave a Hindu temple, having experienced the blood of Jesus that lifts oppression and scatters evil.

   Amidst it all, I marvel. I marvel at His incredible love for me that allows me to be part of His purpose. I marvel at the fact that He goes before me, beside me, behind me. I marvel at the fact that though my team is small, we can be mighty warriors and channels of love.

   So, day in and day out, as we gather in the early mornings to study and worship, He is there, with purpose. As we venture out in the afternoons for ministry, He is there, with vision. In the parks, on the streets, in the darkest corners of this city, He is there, with love. We are reclaiming the City for Him, one prayer at a time. All is Grace.