October 1, 2012
So thankful for the friends and family God has provided!
One year ago this week, I began the most incredible journey of my life when I moved to Elizabeth, NJ to begin working with The Relief Bus. In many ways, that day feels like just yesterday; in many others, it feels like a lifetime. I am definitely not the same person I was at this time last year. God has been doing an incredible work in my heart and life - I am so excited that this is just the beginning of the amazing journey He has me on!
I am also incredibly thankful for all of the family and friends that He has brought into my life during the last year. From my awesome roommates to the rocking Relief Bus staff, my new friends from the streets, to my amazing church family, He has used these people to build me up and begin to help shape me into the person He has made me to be.
I can't wait to see what the next year holds in store!
I am also incredibly thankful for all of the family and friends that He has brought into my life during the last year. From my awesome roommates to the rocking Relief Bus staff, my new friends from the streets, to my amazing church family, He has used these people to build me up and begin to help shape me into the person He has made me to be.
I can't wait to see what the next year holds in store!
September 17, 2012
God reminded Tanya that she is His princess
"You are a God-designed, purpose-intended, significant, lavishly-loved, prince/princess, son/daughter of the King of the Universe." ~ Louie Giglio
For 30 days this summer, I woke up to an email from Passion City Church in Atlanta, GA. The purpose of this email was to remind me who I am in Christ. Each one started started with the above quote, and went on to share a verse about who God says we are. The challenge was to not only receive these truths, but to pass them on to others.
My friend Tanya has been going through a rough time - health issues, depression, despair, the works. I've had the opportunity to come alongside her each week and remind her that God hasn't forgotten about her, that He loves her, and there is hope. And each week Tanya leaves The Relief Bus with a smile on her face, refreshed in the reality of who God says she is.
Who can you remind of their worth in Christ this week?
For 30 days this summer, I woke up to an email from Passion City Church in Atlanta, GA. The purpose of this email was to remind me who I am in Christ. Each one started started with the above quote, and went on to share a verse about who God says we are. The challenge was to not only receive these truths, but to pass them on to others.
My friend Tanya has been going through a rough time - health issues, depression, despair, the works. I've had the opportunity to come alongside her each week and remind her that God hasn't forgotten about her, that He loves her, and there is hope. And each week Tanya leaves The Relief Bus with a smile on her face, refreshed in the reality of who God says she is.
Who can you remind of their worth in Christ this week?
August 2, 2012
Kids at a VBS made cards for our friends on the street
Wow! It has been a crazy summer at The Relief Bus! It may sound cliche, but it's true. We've been blessed with many amazing teams of volunteers coming to serve and stay with us at The Relief Base. It's awesome to see how God uses them to minister to us as much as they are ministering to our friends on the street. I love meeting new brothers and sisters from all over the country (and the world!) and hope to see everyone again soon!
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of visiting Long Hill Chapel here in New Jersey and sharing about The Relief Bus with the kids at their vacation Bible school. I wasn't really sure what to do - how do you plan to engage k-5th graders while sharing about something like The Relief Bus? Well, God came through and one of the Long Hill workers had the idea of having the kids make cards to give away - a perfect way to connect kids of all ages with a practical way to minister to people on the street! The kids loved it and many people have been blessed by these awesome, heartfelt expressions of God's love and care!
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of visiting Long Hill Chapel here in New Jersey and sharing about The Relief Bus with the kids at their vacation Bible school. I wasn't really sure what to do - how do you plan to engage k-5th graders while sharing about something like The Relief Bus? Well, God came through and one of the Long Hill workers had the idea of having the kids make cards to give away - a perfect way to connect kids of all ages with a practical way to minister to people on the street! The kids loved it and many people have been blessed by these awesome, heartfelt expressions of God's love and care!
July 9, 2012 - Children of the Light
The Relief Bus staff, Fall 2011
Children of the light Running through the wild
Blazing through the night Dancing in the fire
Taking back what the devil had stolen Taking in what the devil had stolen
Calling on the Name Calling on the Name
Breaking every chain Breaking every chain
Jesus everlasting freedom Jesus everlasting freedom
This song, Children of the Light, from the new Hillsong Live album is The Relief Bus summed up in lyrics. You could easily replace the words "night" "wild" and "fire" with "Bronx" "Chelsea" and "Harlem". This is what we do. We go into the crazy places other people avoid to take the name of Jesus and let Him work through us to break every chain and bring everlasting freedom.
God is doing amazing things in New York City. Chains are being broken. Lives are changing. People are meeting Jesus. I'm so thankful to be a part of it!!
You can check out the full Children of the Light song here.
Blazing through the night Dancing in the fire
Taking back what the devil had stolen Taking in what the devil had stolen
Calling on the Name Calling on the Name
Breaking every chain Breaking every chain
Jesus everlasting freedom Jesus everlasting freedom
This song, Children of the Light, from the new Hillsong Live album is The Relief Bus summed up in lyrics. You could easily replace the words "night" "wild" and "fire" with "Bronx" "Chelsea" and "Harlem". This is what we do. We go into the crazy places other people avoid to take the name of Jesus and let Him work through us to break every chain and bring everlasting freedom.
God is doing amazing things in New York City. Chains are being broken. Lives are changing. People are meeting Jesus. I'm so thankful to be a part of it!!
You can check out the full Children of the Light song here.
June 25, 2012
Anthony with Relief Bus volunteers from PA
"Our God, our God has done great things. Our God, is greater than all." ~ Hillsong
The words from this song have been echoing in my head since I left church (Hillsong NYC) last night. God has truly done great things this week. On Thursday night, some volunteers from Pennsylvania and I met a man named Anthony at Penn Station. He had been attacked a few days before and had staples in his head. He wanted to go to detox, but because he was on a high dose of methadone, he was unable to. However, we were able to put him on a Long Island Railroad train to see his grandmother. Please pray for Anthony!
The words from this song have been echoing in my head since I left church (Hillsong NYC) last night. God has truly done great things this week. On Thursday night, some volunteers from Pennsylvania and I met a man named Anthony at Penn Station. He had been attacked a few days before and had staples in his head. He wanted to go to detox, but because he was on a high dose of methadone, he was unable to. However, we were able to put him on a Long Island Railroad train to see his grandmother. Please pray for Anthony!
June 19, 2012
Cutting Angel's nails in Harlem
Have you ever been asked to do something so far outside your comfort zone that you weren't sure you could actually do it? Last week while serving on The Relief Bus in Harlem, my friend Angel came up to me and asked if I would cut his nails. Now, this is not the first time Angel has asked this. I cut his nails a few months ago with no problems. Still, everything inside me wanted to say no. But I couldn't. Hadn't I just prayed that morning "God, let me die to myself today?" Here was the opportunity to live that out.
I'm not sure why cutting Angel's nails is so hard for me, but every time I do it, I'm glad I did. It gives me a chance to sit down with him and have a good conversation while meeting a real physical need. It may feel uncomfortable at the time, but Angel's smile and his sincere gratitude remind me why it's always better to die to myself and let God shine through me as I become His hands and feet.
He must become greater; I must become less ~ John 3:30
I'm not sure why cutting Angel's nails is so hard for me, but every time I do it, I'm glad I did. It gives me a chance to sit down with him and have a good conversation while meeting a real physical need. It may feel uncomfortable at the time, but Angel's smile and his sincere gratitude remind me why it's always better to die to myself and let God shine through me as I become His hands and feet.
He must become greater; I must become less ~ John 3:30
June 6, 2012
Shooting some video on location in the Bronx!
Last Saturday (June 2nd), I met an Army veteran in East Harlem. His name is Kevin, and he lives and works on an Army base in New York. He comes to NYC every few weeks to visit his sister, and has recently started stopping by for some soup on the way. He told me that he enjoys stopping not only for the delicious soup, but also because everyone he has talked to has been so nice and everyone is always smiling. That makes you want to come back, he said.
As we talked, Kevin opened up and told me that he has a problem with drinking. He has been trying to quit, but he's not there yet. Before he left, I prayed for him and gave him information about Christian 12 step programs as well as a list of AA meetings. I don't think I've ever seen anyone so happy to receive information!
Please pray for Kevin, that God would break the bondage of alcoholism in him!
As we talked, Kevin opened up and told me that he has a problem with drinking. He has been trying to quit, but he's not there yet. Before he left, I prayed for him and gave him information about Christian 12 step programs as well as a list of AA meetings. I don't think I've ever seen anyone so happy to receive information!
Please pray for Kevin, that God would break the bondage of alcoholism in him!
May 29, 2012
Fundraising boot camp group photo
It's officially summer time! At The Relief Bus this means it's time for lots of lemonade, lots of hot days on the streets, and of course, lots of volunteers! We have teams scheduled to stay at The Relief Base with us almost every week this summer. That's lots of opportunities to transform lives and share our vision and God's heart!
A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend a fundraising boot camp (see photo) in Kansas City. This intense, 2 day seminar gave me a new perspective on support raising as I prepare to launch into this crazy journey as a staff member at The Relief Bus!
A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend a fundraising boot camp (see photo) in Kansas City. This intense, 2 day seminar gave me a new perspective on support raising as I prepare to launch into this crazy journey as a staff member at The Relief Bus!
May 14, 2012
Rita left The Relief Bus with a sense of hope
Where do I start? These past two weeks have been full of amazing God experiences. This past Wednesday (May 9) I was at our West Harlem location when I met Rita. She is an educated, incredibly well-spoken, strong woman who has struggled to find a job and is now homeless. Because she has never done drugs, been an alcoholic, or gone to jail, it has been nearly impossible for Rita to find the help she needs to get back on her feet. "I am the new face of homelessness," she said. Josiah and I did everything we could to find Rita a place to stay while she continues to look for work. Just being there and trying to help gave Rita a new sense of hope. "For the first time in a very long time, I feel you gave me what I deserve. Thank you so much. Thank you."
On Thursday evening (May 10) I took a team of volunteers from the Slavic Full Gospel Assembly in Syracuse, NY (awesome people!) into Penn Station in NYC to hand out flyers and connect with the people living there. While we were there, we saw a man named Vinnie digging through the trash looking for something to eat. We offerred to buy him dinner, and as we were sitting there eating, a cop walked by and said "Vinnie, what are you doing?" Vinnie looked him in the eye and said "I'm hanging with the right people." I was able to tell Vinnie about a shelter/detox program that night and give him a referral. Praise God!
On Thursday evening (May 10) I took a team of volunteers from the Slavic Full Gospel Assembly in Syracuse, NY (awesome people!) into Penn Station in NYC to hand out flyers and connect with the people living there. While we were there, we saw a man named Vinnie digging through the trash looking for something to eat. We offerred to buy him dinner, and as we were sitting there eating, a cop walked by and said "Vinnie, what are you doing?" Vinnie looked him in the eye and said "I'm hanging with the right people." I was able to tell Vinnie about a shelter/detox program that night and give him a referral. Praise God!
April 30, 2012
Bible study with Megan in Central Park!
God is so amazing! Every day that I am here, He continues to reveal more and more of Himself. I had the privilege of studying the Bible with Megan again this past weekend. Her passion for learning and studying God's Word is contagious! This week we read Matthew 3-4, discussing John the Baptist, Jesus' baptism, and the beginning of His ministry. It's such an honor to be able to introduce someone to who Jesus really is!
Now it's off to do some Bible study of my own in preparation for fundraising boot camp May 18-19! Then it's time to head into the Bronx with some fellow Relief Busers to take our friend Angel to the Yankees game!
Please pray with me this week that God would continue to move in Megan, drawing her closer to Him. Please pray for me also as I prepare for boot camp, that God would keep revealing Himself to me, and that I would be able to absorb all of the info I need in this intense time!
Now it's off to do some Bible study of my own in preparation for fundraising boot camp May 18-19! Then it's time to head into the Bronx with some fellow Relief Busers to take our friend Angel to the Yankees game!
Please pray with me this week that God would continue to move in Megan, drawing her closer to Him. Please pray for me also as I prepare for boot camp, that God would keep revealing Himself to me, and that I would be able to absorb all of the info I need in this intense time!
April 23, 2012
Handing out bread at the end of the day in the South
Bronx
It's spring!! Unfortunately, that also means my allergies are in full swing! Despite my constant sneezing, this past week was awesome! I got to go to our South Bronx locations on Thursday and Saturday for the first time since about October! Our locations are in the poorest congressional district in America. We don't see a lot of truly homeless people, but the need is still great. Food is a precious commodity here, and we have a crowd for bread at the end of the day (see photo).
In addition to going out on the bus this week, yesterday (Sunday) I went into New York City to hang out with my friend Megan. Johanna and I took her out to eat at her favorite restaurant, Olive Garden, and then had a time of Bible study together before going to Hillsong NYC for church. Megan and I plan on getting together at least twice a month to study the book of Matthew and go to church together!
Please pray for me this week that my allergies would disappear and that I would be able to stay focused on all of the work I have to do!
In addition to going out on the bus this week, yesterday (Sunday) I went into New York City to hang out with my friend Megan. Johanna and I took her out to eat at her favorite restaurant, Olive Garden, and then had a time of Bible study together before going to Hillsong NYC for church. Megan and I plan on getting together at least twice a month to study the book of Matthew and go to church together!
Please pray for me this week that my allergies would disappear and that I would be able to stay focused on all of the work I have to do!
March 27, 2012
Hanging out with Rosa and Ellie in Harlem!
Whew! It's been a crazy few weeks! Johanna had to go back to Finland to renew her visa, so we all had to step up and fill in the gap. We're so thankful she's back now! In the midst of the craziness though, I have had the chance to go to Harlem on Friday for the last two weeks, which means I've gotten to spend some time with Rosa and Ellie! Ellie's new favorite game is climbing up and down the bus steps - I want to borrow some of her energy!
This coming October, The Relief Bus staff will be taking a staff mission trip to Haiti! I'm excited for this opportunity; I've never traveled to a place I needed a passport! Check back soon for more info on this trip!
This coming October, The Relief Bus staff will be taking a staff mission trip to Haiti! I'm excited for this opportunity; I've never traveled to a place I needed a passport! Check back soon for more info on this trip!
March 15, 2012
Central Park, Summer 2011
Spring is here! Maybe not officially on the calendar, but it sure feels like it! I spent most of this past weekend outside, going on adventures with my roommate Caitlin and hanging out in Central Park. The warmer weather also means more volunteers on a regular basis. The Relief Base is going to be crazy busy this summer!
This past Saturday I met a couple in Harlem named Liz and Matt. They have been married for 3 years and are living on the street. The only shelter they could get into was on the outskirts of town, and they were getting arrested for jumping onto the subway. Josiah was able to connect them to a possible shelter just a few blocks from our location in Harlem. Please pray for Liz and Matt as they look for a place to stay and try to get off Methadone!
This past Saturday I met a couple in Harlem named Liz and Matt. They have been married for 3 years and are living on the street. The only shelter they could get into was on the outskirts of town, and they were getting arrested for jumping onto the subway. Josiah was able to connect them to a possible shelter just a few blocks from our location in Harlem. Please pray for Liz and Matt as they look for a place to stay and try to get off Methadone!
March 5, 2012
Getting ready to drive home from West Harlem!
I haven't been very good at updating lately! February was a very busy month for everyone at The Relief Bus. Each Saturday night I had the opportunity to play a role in this massive search and rescue mission on the streets of Manhattan. During this event volunteers walk the streets, engaging with the homeless and inviting them back to an anchor church where they could receive a hot meal, clothing, and medical care as well the chance to meet with representatives from various Christian programs and to spend the night in a private shelter. Two of the weeks I served as a videographer, capturing the testimonies of volunteers as they returned from walking the streets. One week I had the privilege of driving one of the Relief Bus vans around mid-town to pick up the homeless and bring them back to the anchor church and vice verses. The final week I helped coordinate the transportation for those going to a shelter, program, or back to the area where they lived.
In other news, I am now officially a Relief Bus driver! I have driven the bus to and from our outreach location several times now. Look out New York!
Please join me in praying this week for my good friend, roommate, and fellow Relief Buser Johanna who has gone home to Finland for the next 3 weeks to renew her visa. Please pray also for the rest of the staff as we carry on the ministry - we have some big shoes to fill while she's gone!
In other news, I am now officially a Relief Bus driver! I have driven the bus to and from our outreach location several times now. Look out New York!
Please join me in praying this week for my good friend, roommate, and fellow Relief Buser Johanna who has gone home to Finland for the next 3 weeks to renew her visa. Please pray also for the rest of the staff as we carry on the ministry - we have some big shoes to fill while she's gone!
Penn Station
This past Thursday Johanna and I had the opportunity to take a team of volunteers into New York City to hand out flyers and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches at Penn Station. There are a lot of homeless that sleep there, and our location at Chelsea Park the next day is only about 5 blocks away. It was incredible to see how something as "simple" as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich could make a difference in someone's life. I was able to give one sandwich to a woman who was looking for food in a trash can. The look on her face when I asked if she would like a sandwich reminded me why it is that I do what I do. I also had the chance to spend a few minutes with my friend Valerie, who I've met at the Chelsea Park location sometimes. It's a unique perspective to be able to spend time with the people we serve in their "home" and see what life is like for them after we pull away. God had one more very special appointment for me that night. On Wednesday I was serving on The Relief Bus at Chelsea Park when I met a man named Benny B. We had a very good conversation and he was open to me sharing more about God. Well, on Thursday evening Johanna and I decided to wash our hands before grabbing some dinner, and who did I see sitting in the NJ Transit waiting area but Benny B. I bought him a simple dinner - two hot dogs and a drink - and when I brought it back to him, he exclaimed "Someone in this world does care about me!" I was once again struck by how simple my act seemed to me, but how much it meant to the person I was serving. I pray that God keeps bringing Benny to the bus to learn more about Him!
February 5, 2012
The first night of Don't Walk By 2012 was great!
Another week on The Relief Bus has come and gone! The highlight of this week was the start of the annual Don't Walk By Campaign. Every Saturday night in February volunteers will walk the streets of Manhattan engaging with the homeless and inviting them back to an anchor church. At that church individuals can receive a meal, medical care, and clothing as well as meet with representatives from various detox and rehab programs. If someone that comes to the anchor church wants to go to a shelter, they can be placed that very night. It's a lot like what The Relief Bus does, but on a much bigger scale! Each week a different area of Manhattan will be covered - this week it was the uptown/Harlem area. My role this time was to capture video testimonies of volunteers as they returned from walking the streets. It was amazing to hear and see what God is doing in the city!
January 30, 2012
Angel blowing out the candles on his birthday cakes!
This past week has been a crazy roller coaster ride! I started out the week by coming down with a cold - AGAIN! It seems like a plague at The Relief Bus as nearly everyone has been sick lately! Fortunately I wasn't too sick so I was still able to go out on the bus Thursday and Saturday. Thursday was a crazy day at our Love Gospel location in the Bronx. We were short a bus all week, so we took two vans to do the outreach. After driving into the Bronx, we discovered that we did not have any extra hot water containers for the hot chocolate - so I hopped in the van and followed the GPS directions through the Bronx to our other Thursday location on Courtlandt Ave. At the end of the outreach that day we actually brought my friend Megan back to Elizabeth with us for the night. Johanna, Caitlin, and I had a sleepover with her at the Relief Base, then on Friday morning Megan and I drove about an hour south to Lakewood, NJ so that we could get a copy of her birth certificate, without which they were going to close her welfare case meaning she would be out of the shelter and living on the streets again. It took some persistence, frustration, and a lot of phone calls in the week leading up to going, but we got it! This Saturday in Harlem was much warmer than last week! We had an awesome team of volunteers from Grace Community Church in Indianapolis - several of them were even fellow Ball State Cardinals! We also had the privilege of celebrating our good friend Angel's birthday with cake and candles!
Please join me in praying for the following requests this week:
- restored health for everyone working at The Relief Bus
- Don't Walk By outreach - every Saturday night in February volunteers will be walking the streets of Manhattan reaching out to the homeless, offering them many of the same services as The Relief Bus. Every street in Manhattan will be walked at least once during this upcoming month.
Please join me in praying for the following requests this week:
- restored health for everyone working at The Relief Bus
- Don't Walk By outreach - every Saturday night in February volunteers will be walking the streets of Manhattan reaching out to the homeless, offering them many of the same services as The Relief Bus. Every street in Manhattan will be walked at least once during this upcoming month.
January 22, 2012
It was a beautiful day at Chelsea Park
on Friday!
This was a busy week at The Relief Bus! Winter has finally set in, and we were short on volunteers for most of the week, so I was out on the street more than normal. Thursday I headed to the Bronx to serve and get some footage for a video project that I am working on - my first one in Spanish! On Friday I had the opportunity to go to our Chelsea Park location and spend most of the day in the back of the bus giving out clothing. I got to spend some one-on-one time with a lot of people that day, learning their needs and praying for them as I helped them pick out clothing. Saturday was another new adventure as we faced our first significant snowfall since October. We only had about 4 people serving on each bus, but we still made it out and had a great time hanging out in the snow with the people in the Bronx and Harlem! I'm looking forward to a little bit of a warm up next week!
Please join me in praying for the following requests this week:
- restored health for everyone working at The Relief Bus
- 2 working buses each day (we need the old bus to hang on for a little longer!)
- my friend Megan as we work to get a copy of her birth certificate so that she can keep her welfare case open
Please join me in praying for the following requests this week:
- restored health for everyone working at The Relief Bus
- 2 working buses each day (we need the old bus to hang on for a little longer!)
- my friend Megan as we work to get a copy of her birth certificate so that she can keep her welfare case open