School Returns for 10th Year in a Row

Each year students from Troy Christian School in Ohio have the opportunity to take a class trip to serve at Street LIFE Ministries.  Here is some of what they learned this year in their own words:

"God showed up on this trip while we prayed.  Before this trip, I would pray just because I had to.  Now I understand more of the meaning of prayer and that prayer is not just talking but believing."

"This trip this year, taught me about humility and relying on God's strength through all of it.  SLM has always been a place that I see God show up time and time again.  I know I must rely on His strength; it is challenging and grows me up.  I leave with the fire of the Holy Spirit, showing me again the power of prayer and I'm forever grateful for my times here."

"I watched a team of students show up in New York City with fear and nervousness but leave with Spirit-empowered boldness and courage.  God really gifted this group with love, compassion, and His power.  They responded by blessing all they encountered." -from a team leader

Sharing Warmth at Tompkins Square Park

Several weeks ago, two of our friends at Tompkins Square Park made a special request.  “Do you have a sleeping bag?  It’s getting cold and we sleep outside.”  They also asked for some particular items of clothing.  When someone asks for certain things, we try our best but can’t make a guarantee or promise that we have what they need.  However, this time we were able to easily find the items of clothing they wanted in their sizes.  Usually we don’t have sleeping bags, but we managed to find a few to give to them.  The next week we gave them everything and the week after they were wearing some of the items.  They expressed how grateful they were and even gave us a small gift in return. 

I had a chance to learn a little more about their lives.  They immigrated to the U.S., fleeing the dangers of their home country.  Unfortunately, life’s challenges caught up with them and they started drinking.  They confessed they want to stop; one guy has been in and out of detoxes multiple times.  Yet alcohol still has a grip on them.  We talked about how it is possible to be free from the bondage of alcoholism.  Our prayer is to see them redeemed and restored to the life that God has for them.