Today as I was riding public transportation I started desiring to meet ordinary people who live or work here in The Bronx that were truly inspiring. Well, by the end of the night, I had met Bronx Inspiration #1. I give you his brief bio below.
Will is one of the many Bx5 bus (a route I often take home) drivers. He used to live in this borough but now lives in upstate New York. He gladly drives down just over 2 hours to drive the bus and even requests this line because as he said, "They don't treat my people right" on this line! He is super friendly and generous. The other night he actually drove me home as well; on my bus that night was an old lady with a walker that he helped and patiently waited upon to exit the bus. Tonight, he was the LAST bus home and let me get on the bus early so I didn't stand in the cold. Thank you Will for being such an inspiration to The Bronx!
Sunday, January 31
Saturday, January 30
DWB Dream
Meet DWB Team #9 - Jusup, myself, Yiu Cheong, Brian, and Linda (L-R). Shortly after moving to NYC, I heard about an outreach to the homeless here. It is called Don't Walk By. Over the course of five consecutive Saturdays, teams of 3-12 go out to look for the homeless on EVERY street and subway route in Manhattan! Thus far, I've been able to be a part of every single outreach they've had ... and it's been an AWESOME time for love, service, and learning about my community.Two interesting things came about today related to DWB and The Bronx. First was the passage I was up to in my study of Matthew was from Chapter 18. This essentially is half of the theme of DWB. The lost sheep are here in The Bronx; I am one as are all of my neighbors. Secondly, on the train ride in, I started dreaming about a DWB Bronx, so I asked if this outreach will spread to the other boroughs. I was told that next year, if possible, that there will be outreaches in the other boroughs too. Good news! So cool to see Abba intimately knowing the desires of my heart and putting them so apparently before me.
Friday, January 29
Reminder from Kaitlyn
One of the wonderful women in my life group reminded me of the following tonight. John 15:16 says that I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit. This is totally my heart for my time in The Bronx (and wherever else I am by God's grace). Thank you Kaitlyn for reminding me of this!
Thursday, January 28
Romans 8:28 = QBx1
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. - Romans 8:28
Tonight instead of taking my final bus home directly (had to take three to journey back from Sasha's), I ended up being driven through ALL of Co-Op City. I didn't set out to add to my journey, but I couldn't find the Bx5 bus and then spotted the QBx1 bus. Just before I got on though, some teenagers were really rude to my bus driver, so he wasn't helpful or even nice to me when I asked if he was going in my direction. He said eventually, and so 35 minutes later (it should have taken five), I finally made it to my destination.
Now maybe you would be upset if this had been your ride. I was tired and wanted to be home, but when my bus reached Co-Op City, I was blown away by how big this part of The Bronx is. Literally I would guess thousands of people live here alone. My heart went out to them assuming that many that live there are lost. I remembered that my good friend Jason lives there. I prayed for him and for God to put other Christians there to reach this "city" for Christ. I started dreaming of how Co-Op City would look if TGC Christians intentially lived there in community. I pray my dreams become reality one day!
Tonight instead of taking my final bus home directly (had to take three to journey back from Sasha's), I ended up being driven through ALL of Co-Op City. I didn't set out to add to my journey, but I couldn't find the Bx5 bus and then spotted the QBx1 bus. Just before I got on though, some teenagers were really rude to my bus driver, so he wasn't helpful or even nice to me when I asked if he was going in my direction. He said eventually, and so 35 minutes later (it should have taken five), I finally made it to my destination.
Now maybe you would be upset if this had been your ride. I was tired and wanted to be home, but when my bus reached Co-Op City, I was blown away by how big this part of The Bronx is. Literally I would guess thousands of people live here alone. My heart went out to them assuming that many that live there are lost. I remembered that my good friend Jason lives there. I prayed for him and for God to put other Christians there to reach this "city" for Christ. I started dreaming of how Co-Op City would look if TGC Christians intentially lived there in community. I pray my dreams become reality one day!
Sharing life in Riverdale
Allow me to introduce you to my friends and fellow Bronx TGCers Sasha (a fabulous stay-at-home mom and artist) and Creighton (an awesome future engineer and socialite) Cox. Ben and Cyan are also a part of the family but aren't in the picture. So, we all actually met back in early Autumn 2009 for a church outing but didn't connect again until two weeks ago. Then came a dinner invitation and opportunity to connect more.
Sasha and her family will only be in The Bronx until May (or September at the latest) of this year. While they are here though, they are pouring into their part of the borough, Riverdale, by reaching out to the families in their building which is housing for Columbia University students only. I don't know how often we'll be able to personally connect again. What I do know is that the Cox family will absolutely be faithful in coming alongside me to bring the Kingdom to The Bronx! (I love how they are already thinking of how to connect and continue this when they leave NYC and move to Atlanta, Georgia.) Sasha has also agreeded to co-author this blog and write a prayer guide for Riverdale to help myself and others know how to specifically pray for the needs of the people there.
Wednesday, January 27
ATTACK
Today was one of the worst ever for me!!! Satan has been attacking me hard-core all day long, but in the end, God wins and the South Bronx was prayer walked for an hour! There is so much more territory to prayer walk in The Bronx. My long-term goal is to prayer walk/ride the entire borough!!! This is the area that I covered in SoBro tonight for the first official prayer walk.
Maybe you're curious as to why the Mott Haven area should be prayed for first in The Bronx. Simply put, this area has been identified by many sources as one of two areas of greatest need, not only in NYC, but in ALL of America. You can check out some stats here.
Tuesday, January 26
Roommate connections growing
Tonight I had dinner with my roommates Gina and Angela. This was our second house dinner together. I am very thankful that my connections with my roommates are growing and that the dinner went so well. (I know God heard those prayers today.) I really want our relationships to go deep; I don't know if that is what they each desire. Time will tell. For now, I just need to love them well and be transparent.
A Good Morning Indeed!
I woke up to a really cool dream this morning. I was in the midst of a crowd of friends in The Bronx (some time in the future) and was saying goodbye to them. One lady kept saying over and over, "We're losing a good neighbor! We're losing a good neighbor!" She was crying some as she said it too. I pray that one day this becomes reality whenever I do leave The Bronx!
I also received an email from my friend Patricia who lives a little further north of me about 10 minutes away. I invited her and her husband Gareth into this growing community yesterday. She and her husband accepted my invitation into what will become The Bronx Missional Community and want to open up their home as well! It warms my heart to have two more friends joining me on this journey. God is beginning to answer my prayers for 30-50 people to be TGC's Bronx MC. :)
I also received an email from my friend Patricia who lives a little further north of me about 10 minutes away. I invited her and her husband Gareth into this growing community yesterday. She and her husband accepted my invitation into what will become The Bronx Missional Community and want to open up their home as well! It warms my heart to have two more friends joining me on this journey. God is beginning to answer my prayers for 30-50 people to be TGC's Bronx MC. :)
Monday, January 25
It's Week Three Already
Connections were slowly being made with my roommates, with the community, and with TGC Bronxites. God's providence is that this is going to be a SLOW process ... and I'm having a little difficulty with that. I've come to accept that Abba is sovereign and always has the best plans in mind which means for me that if He wants to do this slowly ... then it's a GOOD thing. As I dream of TGC Bronx, Rob Bell continues to succinctly word my dreams. I leave you with his words below from Velvet Elvis.
The goal is for the church to be these unique kinds of people who are transforming the places they live and work and play because they understand the whole earth is filled with the kavod [glory in Hebrew] of God. God isn't in one building only. Doing things for God happens all the time, everywhere. ... And our story is God's story. So many of us have been conditioned to think of our faith as solely an issue of us and God. But faith is a communal experience. A shared journey. ... the point of our stories and our faith journey is that they are about something much bigger.
The goal is for the church to be these unique kinds of people who are transforming the places they live and work and play because they understand the whole earth is filled with the kavod [glory in Hebrew] of God. God isn't in one building only. Doing things for God happens all the time, everywhere. ... And our story is God's story. So many of us have been conditioned to think of our faith as solely an issue of us and God. But faith is a communal experience. A shared journey. ... the point of our stories and our faith journey is that they are about something much bigger.
Friday, January 22
Tohu va vohu
Did you click to read this because you were wondering, "What the heck is "tohu va vohu?" I too had never heard those Hebrew words until this afternoon, but they perfectly describe what is going on in this picture and in The Bronx.So, what is tohu va vohu? Those Hebrew words mean "formless or void state." They are used in Genesis 1 when the story of how God created the world is retold. Last night, myself and three others (Amber, Joanlie, and Clinton) gathered to share life and discuss creating a new life group that will sometimes meet in The Bronx. It was a small step in creating something big out of that which is currently formless.
I think Rob Bell puts it best in describing how we are a part of God's continuing creation and how small steps actually have huge ripples. God's intent in creating these people was for them to continue the work of creating the world, moving it away from chaos and wild and waste and formlessness toward order and harmony and good. As human beings, we take part through our actions in the ongoing creation of the world. The question is, What kind of world are we going to make? What kind of world will our energies create? ... Either we're acting in ways that move the world away from the tohu va vohu or we're contributing to the chaos and lack of order. (from SEX GOD) I leave you all with a final thought shared last night from his other book Velvet Elvis. I assume you have had moments like this when you were caught up in something so much bigger than yourself that you couldn't even put it in words. What is it about certain things that ignite something within?
Thursday, January 21
Hearing my heartbeat
CO-MUN NI-TY. CO-MUN NI-TY. My heart is palpitating with desire for community here in The Bronx with my new roommates, with my neighbors, with others in TGC already here. Things are moving at the visible speed of molasses put in the refrigerator. I am trying to not lose hope, to simply wait with joy, and to do my part for now. I look forward to dinner with others (some living here and some not) tonight in SoBro. It is hard to wait and for me to accept things moving this slowly. For the past week, though slow, I have honestly seen Abba show me in little but profound ways that I am not forgotten nor has He forgotten about The Bronx.
I read something two days ago in Rob Bell's Velvet Elvis that continues to resonate with me. I was with my friends at one of our favorite restaurants the other night. We had been there at least three hours when I noticed we were the last ones in the place. The employees were starting to stack chairs and vacuum the floors, and we were still talking. I was looking around the table at my wife, whom I just adore; our friend Shauna, who may be one of the best storytellers on the planet; Tom, whom I would take a bullet for; and Tom's wife Cecilia, who is one of the most loving, authentic people I have ever met. And I'm sitting in this restaurant looking around the table, soaking it in, totally overwhelmed with the holiness of it all. The sacredness of the moment. That sense that in spite of everything awful I have ever seen we've going to make it. I know that sounds like it's from a greeting card, but I know you know what I'm talking about. Ordinary moments in ordinary settings that all of a sudden become infused with something else. With meaning. Significance. Hope. These kinds of moments are what I specifically began dreaming of last week with UES family and want with fellow Bronxites! I would love for us to be folks that are a combination of this, Philippians 2, and Ephesians.
I read something two days ago in Rob Bell's Velvet Elvis that continues to resonate with me. I was with my friends at one of our favorite restaurants the other night. We had been there at least three hours when I noticed we were the last ones in the place. The employees were starting to stack chairs and vacuum the floors, and we were still talking. I was looking around the table at my wife, whom I just adore; our friend Shauna, who may be one of the best storytellers on the planet; Tom, whom I would take a bullet for; and Tom's wife Cecilia, who is one of the most loving, authentic people I have ever met. And I'm sitting in this restaurant looking around the table, soaking it in, totally overwhelmed with the holiness of it all. The sacredness of the moment. That sense that in spite of everything awful I have ever seen we've going to make it. I know that sounds like it's from a greeting card, but I know you know what I'm talking about. Ordinary moments in ordinary settings that all of a sudden become infused with something else. With meaning. Significance. Hope. These kinds of moments are what I specifically began dreaming of last week with UES family and want with fellow Bronxites! I would love for us to be folks that are a combination of this, Philippians 2, and Ephesians.
Monday, January 18
Week Two Recap
At this point in my Bronx journey, it is still simply me although I know of about 10 others in TGC currently living in this borough. I am being faithful to pray for the people here as I ride the buses and trains and walk around. Though I physically see no fruit, I do not count these efforts as useless and unfruitful. They are absolutely essential to what will happen in the future. I would like to do more prayer riding and walking with others up here, want to make connections with my neighbors (I've met three more so far), and have started this blog so as to remember (especially during the hard, lonely times) all that Abba does here. I know that this will be a MUCH slower process than I anticipated and desired ... but then again, I am not in control just a vessel.
Perhaps you have wondered where the name The Mustard Seed Chronicles came from. I am reading through the entire book of Matthew with my friend Renee and read through Matthew 13 this week. When I got to verses 31 and 32, they resonated with me. "He (Jesus) told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches."" The mustard seed though small at first ultimately grows into a place of beauty, hope, and hospitality; these are my dreams for what TGC Bronx will be for each other and our community.
Perhaps you have wondered where the name The Mustard Seed Chronicles came from. I am reading through the entire book of Matthew with my friend Renee and read through Matthew 13 this week. When I got to verses 31 and 32, they resonated with me. "He (Jesus) told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches."" The mustard seed though small at first ultimately grows into a place of beauty, hope, and hospitality; these are my dreams for what TGC Bronx will be for each other and our community.
Thursday, January 14
Fumbling through this
I feel like Jacob after he wrestled with the angel/Lord all night. Been that sort of day and humbling (in a fumbling sort of way) for me. I have the direction that I need now though.
After talking with several friends yesterday and taking the time to prayerfully sleep on making a decision, I have come to a final decision. I am not going to be a part of the East Village plant or community. While it was/is totally possible for me to be with them, it just isn't ultimately most profitable. Now I let the UES and my all estrogen life group pour into me even more ... and wait ... until God and his timing bring TGC Bronx into reality. All of this fumbling and wrestling makes me so aware of how God loves me so much that he would let me wrestle until I come to the best path that he's had for me all along. C'est la vie.
After talking with several friends yesterday and taking the time to prayerfully sleep on making a decision, I have come to a final decision. I am not going to be a part of the East Village plant or community. While it was/is totally possible for me to be with them, it just isn't ultimately most profitable. Now I let the UES and my all estrogen life group pour into me even more ... and wait ... until God and his timing bring TGC Bronx into reality. All of this fumbling and wrestling makes me so aware of how God loves me so much that he would let me wrestle until I come to the best path that he's had for me all along. C'est la vie.
Wednesday, January 13
Hey, where's my path leading exactly?
The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. It is good for one to bear the yoke in youth, to sit alone in silence when the Lord has imposed it. - Lamentations 3:25-28
A new day. A new journey. A new path for me filled with questions today about what exactly the path even looks like for seeing TGC bring the Kingdom in The Bronx, a behemoth cry of my heart. This insanely piercing cry has led me to move and plant myself there in the borough that many have called hopeless, that is filled with so many needs, that literally was burning down in the 1970s, and that is still filled with prostitution and despair. This is the borough that I deeply and absolutely love!
Abba, you know that yesterday I sent out a post and some messages about the life group and dinner in The Bronx that is going down next week. Clinton responded, and his message sparked questions in my mind. Am I being too zealous about seeing TGC become planted in The Bronx? Am I on the right path but going about things in the wrong manner or off in the timing? Do I just need to pray more and chill out ... for now? What is the best way in seeing my heart’s desires and visions become reality?
As of this afternoon, I had only questions and thought of Sue E. So, I went to see her and asked her for advice. She listened really well and gave me the verses above. She said she’d pray for me. She said some of the same things basically verbatim as Clinton. Sue left me with even more questions (which isn’t bad) and ultimately proposed one lingering question. What would it look like for me to be planted in ONE missional community for a year and just pour into them as they pour into me? Good question.
And so, now I sit here in Wendy’s across the street writing these thoughts and a prayer out. I still don’t really have any answers ... but I know Daddy you are faithful and will show me the right path and the right timing. I know too that your will will become reality and that if I’m seeing anything that isn’t to become reality that you will lovingly guide me and steer me correctly. Abba, open my ears, eyes, spirit, and heart to know YOU and to accomplish your desires for The Bronx. I really love you and this borough. Show me what you see, what you desire, how you want to change things, and bring the people you want involved in this. May your Kingdom come in The Bronx and may the harvest be as plentiful as the workers! Amen.
It seems like all I do is ramble and take so long to express myself today. Just got off the phone with Heather S to ask her about her all female life group and the UES community. If I don’t give my all to the East Village community (which I feel connected to on so many levels) then I would definitely plant myself with either the LIC community or UES community. So many choices are before me ... BUT Abba will be faithful to show me the right path. Almost time to be with the EV peeps to talk about their vision and hopefully time for me to talk with Guy W about his thoughts on all of the above. Daddy, grant me wisdom and clear direction on where to be planted. My heart’s desire is so to be planted and pour into a community until you bring TGC Bronx into reality.
God, I believe that you can and will speak to me and give me the guidance I need concerning missional community and a life group. I didn’t expect today to have so many questions and to go through so much wrestling to find your will, but I thank you that you love me enough to guide me to the right path. Talking with Guy and doing more thinking it seems that you want me to give my all to the UESMC and Heather’s life group. My relationships with Queens peeps don’t have to stop; I’m not that far away from them and have Sundays if nothing else to invest in their lives. Guy’s words are still resonating with me and interesting to see him be in agreement with Sue, Jordan, and Bill (conversations from months ago about my future).
A new day. A new journey. A new path for me filled with questions today about what exactly the path even looks like for seeing TGC bring the Kingdom in The Bronx, a behemoth cry of my heart. This insanely piercing cry has led me to move and plant myself there in the borough that many have called hopeless, that is filled with so many needs, that literally was burning down in the 1970s, and that is still filled with prostitution and despair. This is the borough that I deeply and absolutely love!
Abba, you know that yesterday I sent out a post and some messages about the life group and dinner in The Bronx that is going down next week. Clinton responded, and his message sparked questions in my mind. Am I being too zealous about seeing TGC become planted in The Bronx? Am I on the right path but going about things in the wrong manner or off in the timing? Do I just need to pray more and chill out ... for now? What is the best way in seeing my heart’s desires and visions become reality?
As of this afternoon, I had only questions and thought of Sue E. So, I went to see her and asked her for advice. She listened really well and gave me the verses above. She said she’d pray for me. She said some of the same things basically verbatim as Clinton. Sue left me with even more questions (which isn’t bad) and ultimately proposed one lingering question. What would it look like for me to be planted in ONE missional community for a year and just pour into them as they pour into me? Good question.
And so, now I sit here in Wendy’s across the street writing these thoughts and a prayer out. I still don’t really have any answers ... but I know Daddy you are faithful and will show me the right path and the right timing. I know too that your will will become reality and that if I’m seeing anything that isn’t to become reality that you will lovingly guide me and steer me correctly. Abba, open my ears, eyes, spirit, and heart to know YOU and to accomplish your desires for The Bronx. I really love you and this borough. Show me what you see, what you desire, how you want to change things, and bring the people you want involved in this. May your Kingdom come in The Bronx and may the harvest be as plentiful as the workers! Amen.
It seems like all I do is ramble and take so long to express myself today. Just got off the phone with Heather S to ask her about her all female life group and the UES community. If I don’t give my all to the East Village community (which I feel connected to on so many levels) then I would definitely plant myself with either the LIC community or UES community. So many choices are before me ... BUT Abba will be faithful to show me the right path. Almost time to be with the EV peeps to talk about their vision and hopefully time for me to talk with Guy W about his thoughts on all of the above. Daddy, grant me wisdom and clear direction on where to be planted. My heart’s desire is so to be planted and pour into a community until you bring TGC Bronx into reality.
God, I believe that you can and will speak to me and give me the guidance I need concerning missional community and a life group. I didn’t expect today to have so many questions and to go through so much wrestling to find your will, but I thank you that you love me enough to guide me to the right path. Talking with Guy and doing more thinking it seems that you want me to give my all to the UESMC and Heather’s life group. My relationships with Queens peeps don’t have to stop; I’m not that far away from them and have Sundays if nothing else to invest in their lives. Guy’s words are still resonating with me and interesting to see him be in agreement with Sue, Jordan, and Bill (conversations from months ago about my future).
Tuesday, January 12
House dinner!!!
Reason #572 Why I LOVE The Bronx: First house dinner with my new roomies followed by American Idol. We are going to do this weekly or every other week if we can't do a meal a week. It's awesome!
Sunday, January 10
Vision casting (Part 3: Upper East Side)
From a movie and brunch this morning in a nearby diner to prayer and community time this evening, it has been such a full and satisfying day with my Upper East Side family! I really enjoyed just soaking in who I was with and the just fact that I got to share life locally with all of these amazing, inspiring folks. I look forward to moments like earlier today with Bronxites throughout 2010. It's going to be QUITE a good year!
Friday, January 8
Vision casting (Part 2: East Village)
WOW!!! What an amazing and unexpected fruit from my time praying with East Villagers tonight. What a group so abundant with passion for their community and loving each other well!
On the train ride down to meet them, I read Philippians 2:1-18 and saw this as a prophetic vision for what the East Village wants to become. When we prayed together, I prayed that we would be people like this. I pray it also be so for myself and those who eventually become the Bronx Missional Community. Between Guy praying and speaking, what follows are my notes, prayers, and vision casting for The Bronx from the rest of that amazing night.
What are the prayers that are on their (the people in The Bronx) hearts? What are the prayers and thoughts that echo with them? What are we going to do with the title (child of God) and light that the King of Kings has given us? Am I going to be the answer to people in this neighborhood's prayers?
A lot has been given to me. Now much is required. But the tasks ahead are absolutely doable because Jesus lives inside of me and will not fail in accomplishing his will. He is ever faithful. He is ever present. He is all sufficient. Is my way of living the way that Jesus would live? If not, what needs to change in my life? Let me and the others you bring to The Bronx have wisdom, to know your will, to truly bring the Kingdom and You incarnate.
Help us to be burden-lifters and burden-bearers. Make us strong in You. Let us be listening to You constantly and obeying You. Let us be as you were, giving our all knowing that the end is sure victory in You. Let us be rooted and have long-term relationships with each other and our neighborhood. Let us breathe life into this area. Let us be a warm, wonderful breath of fresh air and streams of living waters.
Imagine and see the people that are within 1-2 blocks of us and what they are feeling and experiencing. What is it that practically will give people here hope?
Help us to be faithful to You. Help us to be intentionally doing the little and big things to share life and love with our neighbors. Le us seek to actively bring hope to the hopeless and love to the lonely. Let us have life-giving, life-long friendships with people in our neighborhood. Let us be a clear picture of You on Earth. Let us recognize the image of God in every single person that is in our path!!! We celebrate that you will do all of these things. Let apathy never be a part of our being. Jesus let us know and clearly hear your heartbeat.
Am I bringing freedom and light?
Dear friend and Creator of all, I am thinking about this new year and of all of the transition that I'm in now. In the past two weeks or so, I've been quite sad about the changes that were coming mostly because I finally saw that close friends who've been an intimate part of my life over the past year were about to not be an active part of my life as I pursued the East Village Missional Community and life/pouring into The Bronx. I wanted both the changes that come with the new way of life and the old friendships and intimacy. Tonight it has finally hit me that pursuing both would be entirely too draining and reminds me of Matthew 9:16-17 with the patches and wineskins; the old and new just can't be one.
Tonight was so life giving praying with the EVMC. I believe that you want me to be a part of this MC and church plant so that I can humbly serve and learn and use what I learn to birth a Bronx missional community and TGC Bronx. There is a lot to learn and grow in. There is equally as much on my mind about all this. I see so much potential in The Bronx; it is a case of Hebrews 11:1, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." At the same time, I am reminded of an unconditional commitment between a groom and his bride, how they stick with each other in the good and very tough times because of love. I expect tough times on some of the journey. I want to be a faithful bride to Christ through the entire process of birthing TGC Bronx and in all of the fruit that comes from it. I think now of Abram being told his descendants would number the stars though he had no kids at the time. Your fruit in The Bronx will number the stars ... and that fills my heart with hope and love.
On the train ride down to meet them, I read Philippians 2:1-18 and saw this as a prophetic vision for what the East Village wants to become. When we prayed together, I prayed that we would be people like this. I pray it also be so for myself and those who eventually become the Bronx Missional Community. Between Guy praying and speaking, what follows are my notes, prayers, and vision casting for The Bronx from the rest of that amazing night.
What are the prayers that are on their (the people in The Bronx) hearts? What are the prayers and thoughts that echo with them? What are we going to do with the title (child of God) and light that the King of Kings has given us? Am I going to be the answer to people in this neighborhood's prayers?
A lot has been given to me. Now much is required. But the tasks ahead are absolutely doable because Jesus lives inside of me and will not fail in accomplishing his will. He is ever faithful. He is ever present. He is all sufficient. Is my way of living the way that Jesus would live? If not, what needs to change in my life? Let me and the others you bring to The Bronx have wisdom, to know your will, to truly bring the Kingdom and You incarnate.
Help us to be burden-lifters and burden-bearers. Make us strong in You. Let us be listening to You constantly and obeying You. Let us be as you were, giving our all knowing that the end is sure victory in You. Let us be rooted and have long-term relationships with each other and our neighborhood. Let us breathe life into this area. Let us be a warm, wonderful breath of fresh air and streams of living waters.
Imagine and see the people that are within 1-2 blocks of us and what they are feeling and experiencing. What is it that practically will give people here hope?
Help us to be faithful to You. Help us to be intentionally doing the little and big things to share life and love with our neighbors. Le us seek to actively bring hope to the hopeless and love to the lonely. Let us have life-giving, life-long friendships with people in our neighborhood. Let us be a clear picture of You on Earth. Let us recognize the image of God in every single person that is in our path!!! We celebrate that you will do all of these things. Let apathy never be a part of our being. Jesus let us know and clearly hear your heartbeat.
Am I bringing freedom and light?
Dear friend and Creator of all, I am thinking about this new year and of all of the transition that I'm in now. In the past two weeks or so, I've been quite sad about the changes that were coming mostly because I finally saw that close friends who've been an intimate part of my life over the past year were about to not be an active part of my life as I pursued the East Village Missional Community and life/pouring into The Bronx. I wanted both the changes that come with the new way of life and the old friendships and intimacy. Tonight it has finally hit me that pursuing both would be entirely too draining and reminds me of Matthew 9:16-17 with the patches and wineskins; the old and new just can't be one.
Tonight was so life giving praying with the EVMC. I believe that you want me to be a part of this MC and church plant so that I can humbly serve and learn and use what I learn to birth a Bronx missional community and TGC Bronx. There is a lot to learn and grow in. There is equally as much on my mind about all this. I see so much potential in The Bronx; it is a case of Hebrews 11:1, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." At the same time, I am reminded of an unconditional commitment between a groom and his bride, how they stick with each other in the good and very tough times because of love. I expect tough times on some of the journey. I want to be a faithful bride to Christ through the entire process of birthing TGC Bronx and in all of the fruit that comes from it. I think now of Abram being told his descendants would number the stars though he had no kids at the time. Your fruit in The Bronx will number the stars ... and that fills my heart with hope and love.
Vision casting (Part 1: Midtown East)
For a little over a year, I have been a part of Trinity Grace Church. In that year, my church has grown TREMENDOUSLY, and I have developed relationships with lots of people in numerous circles! The vision and heart for my church though is to really serve locally and have a strong impact and connection with our neighbors. My church is also about enabling whatever spiritual gifts you have to be used to the full wherever you've been planted!
This past week, I had two opportunities with friends in other TGC communities, the Midtown East group and the East Village group. I went just to share life with my friends, but out of those experiences I did some vision casting for The Bronx. I really want to chronicle this for the future and put it into practice with folks in The Bronx. What I learned was very good stuff! So, from Midtown East, I give you a weekly rhythm to share life with others on a monthly basis.
Week 1 of each month (In): Community dinner - These are great opportunities for us to grow as a community, get to know one another, share stories of God’s work in our lives, and invite our nonbelieving friends to a home-cooked meal.
Week 2 of each month (Up): Missional Community - If we are going to learn what it looks like to have a fully-functioning group of 30-50 individuals loving God, pursuing the character of Christ, loving one another, and serving our neighbors, then it is important that we participate in an already-existing, full-size group already doing just this. Thus, every second (day of the week to be picked later) of the month we will join our neighbors at their missional community. Again, please invite your nonbelieving friends to this event.
Week 3 of each month (Inside): Pointed Discussion dinner - While sharing a meal together, we will have a pointed discussion as a group on a relevant Christian topic (faith and work, Christian ethics, etc.), a short video, an article, a Scripture, or some other contemporary issue and how it relates to our faith and our lives. This will be a great way for us to enter into in each other’s walks and refine our hearts and minds into those of Christ. Friends are also welcome!
Week 4 of each month (Outside): Serving our community - It is important that we serve our neighbors and invite our friends into the Body of Christ through such acts of service. This is not simply about service but also about building strong, deep relationships. Thus, we will have as a group an ongoing relationship with an organization and a group of people that we serve alongside once (or more) each month.
Week 5 of each month (Celebration): Celebration time - If there is a fifth (day of the week to be picked later) in a month then, we will do something fun as a group (a Knicks game, going out for drinks, watching a movie, going to a museum, etc.). This is also a great way to bring nonbelieving friends into our community!
This past week, I had two opportunities with friends in other TGC communities, the Midtown East group and the East Village group. I went just to share life with my friends, but out of those experiences I did some vision casting for The Bronx. I really want to chronicle this for the future and put it into practice with folks in The Bronx. What I learned was very good stuff! So, from Midtown East, I give you a weekly rhythm to share life with others on a monthly basis.
Week 1 of each month (In): Community dinner - These are great opportunities for us to grow as a community, get to know one another, share stories of God’s work in our lives, and invite our nonbelieving friends to a home-cooked meal.
Week 2 of each month (Up): Missional Community - If we are going to learn what it looks like to have a fully-functioning group of 30-50 individuals loving God, pursuing the character of Christ, loving one another, and serving our neighbors, then it is important that we participate in an already-existing, full-size group already doing just this. Thus, every second (day of the week to be picked later) of the month we will join our neighbors at their missional community. Again, please invite your nonbelieving friends to this event.
Week 3 of each month (Inside): Pointed Discussion dinner - While sharing a meal together, we will have a pointed discussion as a group on a relevant Christian topic (faith and work, Christian ethics, etc.), a short video, an article, a Scripture, or some other contemporary issue and how it relates to our faith and our lives. This will be a great way for us to enter into in each other’s walks and refine our hearts and minds into those of Christ. Friends are also welcome!
Week 4 of each month (Outside): Serving our community - It is important that we serve our neighbors and invite our friends into the Body of Christ through such acts of service. This is not simply about service but also about building strong, deep relationships. Thus, we will have as a group an ongoing relationship with an organization and a group of people that we serve alongside once (or more) each month.
Week 5 of each month (Celebration): Celebration time - If there is a fifth (day of the week to be picked later) in a month then, we will do something fun as a group (a Knicks game, going out for drinks, watching a movie, going to a museum, etc.). This is also a great way to bring nonbelieving friends into our community!
Thursday, January 7
Bronx Underground and Throggs Neck church
Anyone else interested in possibly checking this out with me? I'm for real. Also, if this church is still hosting these events, then I want to go some time. It's close to my house too. :)
My first week in The Bronx
This is the recap of my first week here ...
Jan 1: Unofficially have begun renting in Throggs Neck, Bronx.
Jan 4: Officially move with the help of my roommate Angela and her car to The Bronx. The moving is slower than expected because of traffic towards Queens. The loading of stuff and unloading of stuff is quick. Quickly pay rent and meet my landlords Danny and Maureen. Then, immediately leave for Alfie's birthday party. Come home at nearly 2 AM and have a disastrous evening with my neighbor downstairs and sleep horribly.
Jan 5: Too exhausted. Finally get to blow up my air mattress. Sleep, sleep, sleep ... like nearly the whole day. Write my downstairs neighbor Manny a note explaining what happened last night and why I woke him up so late.
Jan 6: Slowly getting all my stuff organized and acquainted with my new neck of the woods, Throggs Neck in The Bronx. Housewarming goodness and fun probably in two weeks. :) AMAZING time praying with East Village folks at Guy's house and lots of inspiration for what I want to see started in The Bronx asap!!!
Jan 7: Getting my spring cleaning done a few months early today as I unpack and recycle/throw away stuff. It's been a good day especially a letter I received today (from Manny) and the nachos I made.
Jan 1: Unofficially have begun renting in Throggs Neck, Bronx.
Jan 4: Officially move with the help of my roommate Angela and her car to The Bronx. The moving is slower than expected because of traffic towards Queens. The loading of stuff and unloading of stuff is quick. Quickly pay rent and meet my landlords Danny and Maureen. Then, immediately leave for Alfie's birthday party. Come home at nearly 2 AM and have a disastrous evening with my neighbor downstairs and sleep horribly.
Jan 5: Too exhausted. Finally get to blow up my air mattress. Sleep, sleep, sleep ... like nearly the whole day. Write my downstairs neighbor Manny a note explaining what happened last night and why I woke him up so late.
Jan 6: Slowly getting all my stuff organized and acquainted with my new neck of the woods, Throggs Neck in The Bronx. Housewarming goodness and fun probably in two weeks. :) AMAZING time praying with East Village folks at Guy's house and lots of inspiration for what I want to see started in The Bronx asap!!!
Jan 7: Getting my spring cleaning done a few months early today as I unpack and recycle/throw away stuff. It's been a good day especially a letter I received today (from Manny) and the nachos I made.
Sunday, January 3
Packing done!
Packing for the Bronx done! It's quite surreal to see all of my things packed up except for what I'll be using the next two days. When I moved to NYC in late Aug '08 I literally came with only one 57 lb bag.
Saturday, January 2
Articles to acquaint you with my area
Friends, here are some articles to get you acquainted with the area where I'll be living. One article I read said that the original Dutch name (Vriedelandt) for the area means "Land of Peace." :)
New York Times Article #1
Wikipedia Article
New York Times Article #2
New York Times Article #1
Wikipedia Article
New York Times Article #2
Friday, January 1
Packing begins
Hey, it's a new year baby which means (finally) packing up my things to move to a new home in the Bronx!!! So excited to officially be there in a few days! Thanks to all who prayed this into reality! :)
How this all the began for me ...
Hi. I'm Amanda Kay, and I'd like to introduce how all this began. I grew up in Florida, began traveling all over the state, the USA, and then the world. By the time I was 27, I had been to several countries and was teaching music and special needs students. One day in the fall of 2007, I saw an ad to come teach in New York City which sparked something in my heart and spirit. I prayed about it, and by December 2007, I was sure that at the end of the school year that I'd be leaving Florida and moving 1,200 miles away to NYC. I had a heart to teach and heard how no one wanted to teach in The Bronx for a lot of reasons. I considered the area but began pursuing a teaching job in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn (knowing nothing of the poverty there). Ultimately I moved to NYC on August 21, 2008 with no job, no permanent housing, one 57 pound bag, and only two phone contacts I had never actually met.
Maybe you're thinking now I was fool to move to so far away under those circumstances, but I had solid faith that this was what I was called to do. I'm a Christian, and immediately saw God provide temporary cheap housing in Harlem right where I wanted to live. Within four days, I had permanent housing and moved to East New York, Brooklyn. Three days later I had a full-time job at the school in Bed-Stuy. I lived in Brooklyn until late September 2009. During the 13 months I was there, my God burdened my heart for two areas, The Bronx and the East Village. A feasible door never opened for me to move to the East Village but a temporary door opened for me to live in Queens for three months. Spiritually speaking, it was like I was preparing to give birth during that time; my burden for and desire to live in The Bronx grew --- just as a baby would --- so much during those three months! Finally after six months of praying and trying to move to The Bronx, a door opened up on December 29th to be planted in a new home in Throggs Neck, the southeastern corner of this borough I truly and deeply love. More will follow, but that's how this seed was birthed. I look forward to its growth!
Maybe you're thinking now I was fool to move to so far away under those circumstances, but I had solid faith that this was what I was called to do. I'm a Christian, and immediately saw God provide temporary cheap housing in Harlem right where I wanted to live. Within four days, I had permanent housing and moved to East New York, Brooklyn. Three days later I had a full-time job at the school in Bed-Stuy. I lived in Brooklyn until late September 2009. During the 13 months I was there, my God burdened my heart for two areas, The Bronx and the East Village. A feasible door never opened for me to move to the East Village but a temporary door opened for me to live in Queens for three months. Spiritually speaking, it was like I was preparing to give birth during that time; my burden for and desire to live in The Bronx grew --- just as a baby would --- so much during those three months! Finally after six months of praying and trying to move to The Bronx, a door opened up on December 29th to be planted in a new home in Throggs Neck, the southeastern corner of this borough I truly and deeply love. More will follow, but that's how this seed was birthed. I look forward to its growth!
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