Full of Turkey

We were thrilled to order about 3 dozen frozen turkeys to distribute the weekend before Thanksgiving.  Along with that, we added a 5-pound bag of potatoes, some sweet potatoes, boxed stuffing, vegetables, and fruit.  It was an extra blessing for those in need this Thanksgiving! 

Timing was everything as we never know 

when the food truck will arrive and we don't have 

a walk-in refrigerator or freezer to store the turkeys.  

God was on our side and the order came early in the morning.  We were able to make all the bags and bring them out to Northern Blvd where men were waiting to be picked up for work.  For those remaining, the prospect seemed low.

By the time we brought the bags out, it was late morning so we had just the right amount of bags (we had extra without turkeys as well) for distribution.  We also dropped off a few at our friend, Terry's house for other families in need.  

Of course, we were not the only ones to give out turkeys this year.  It is always a blessing to be able to give, especially now when so many have lost jobs and the lockdown seems to never end.  It is a year to be extra thankful for God's goodness!

Looking Out for Your Neighbors

 

I asked Terry (who comes to The King’s Fellowship here on Sunday evenings) to tell me about the people she has been giving the food to that Street LIFE Ministries drops off on her doorstep.  Here is what she said….

“First of all, I really appreciate the fact that I keep working with this ministry because I did have some health issues this summer (heart surgery).  I am getting a lot stronger.  As a Christian, you’re going to be friendly with your neighbors and so this gave me an opportunity to make sure they were handling this COVID pandemic decently.  Everybody has high rent and it leaves a lot less money for food. 

The lady next door to me lives with her son and because of the COVID lockdowns, he lost his job and hasn’t been able to find anything else. 

They told us that their rent is so high. So, I started bringing food to them.  I asked, “Would you like any of this?” They said, “Yes”.  I started bringing the boxes of food that Street LIFE Ministries would drop off and they were blown away.  She made me some Lasagna which tasted great in a gesture to pay back for the food.  I told her that it was not necessary because it was a ministry of the church and assured her, I was just glad to give it to her because I knew she needed it.

I was able to give it to another neighbor next door.  There is a lady who lost her husband a couple of years ago.  He went to the hospital and they wanted to admit him, but he refused.   He died that night.  She was left without him and now having to struggle financially.  I gave her one of the turkeys and she thanked me so much. Both neighbors were very happy and they were ready to give me a big hug, but of course, became hesitant with the fear of the COVID virus.

There is a lot of South American workers that work for my landlady’s son and I asked him if he knew of anyone I could give food to.  He said, “Yes, my workers”.  So, I have been leaving 8 bags of food to these guys.  It is not a whole lot but many are single, and they ride bikes for transportation. I think it’s been a surprise for them that someone would leave them food.  

A nearby town I used to live in was College Point.  I met this old lady one day and said hello to her because I am now an old lady.  She was hobbling by and I found out she has Gout and was on her way back from therapy.   That is how I met her.  We have been friends for over the last 3 years and when we were giving out food, I thought of her because I knew she was alone.  She would go out on her front stoop.  People would walk by and she would have dog treats.  Some of the people would come up because their dog ran to her. She knows how to get people to talk to her.  She’s 88 and she’s lived in that neighborhood, that one house, since 1963.  She said she was going to cut that turkey in half to make it stretch.  

She knew everybody and she knew several people who also needed food.  Her hairdresser was out of work and was stuck in his house.  There was a Chinese family that lived a couple of doors down and a single man who had hip surgery.  Then there were single old ladies who lived down the street that we delivered food to as well.  

I met this one woman with a sweet little daughter.  I’ve been bringing them food as well.  Her husband worked at the airport in the baggage department, but his job hours were drastically cut back to about one day a week.  She is not working, and they have a family of four. Before they had plenty of money, but now that has all changed.

I have been able to distribute the food around.  It’s been a way for me to keep up with people and every time I bring it, and they thank me."  

We are so thankful for Terry who has been able to reach out to NYC neighbors who have suffered through the lockdowns, with the love of Jesus and with food! These are just a few of the home deliveries that we have been doing since March! And we are so thankful to you for your support this year!

A Small Gift of Appreciation/Return to the Massage Parlors

A Small Gift of Appreciation

We had the joy of delivering groceries and hygiene products to one of our Beautiful One’s throughout the lockdown.  She loved the box of goodies that we would drop off.  We also made sure to throw in a little gift and an encouraging word.  Although she is back to work now, we have remained in touch.  Last week she reached out because she had a gift for me!  We expect nothing in return but she insisted on giving this present.  I think she wanted to show her appreciation to us and this was one way to show it. 

This was an answer to many prayers that we pray to be able to connect with the workers outside of the massage parlor.  

Return to the Massage Parlors

Last month Street LIFE Ministries’ Beautiful One ministry had the joy of returning to visit the women in the massage parlors.  Since March, we had to cancel outreaches due to COVID-19.  Yet during this time, we continued to pray for the ladies.  Several of them provided us with their contact information so we could check in with them.  A few had need of groceries and hygiene products which we delivered to them.  This month we started up again, dropping off gifts and befriending the ladies.  We weren’t sure what to expect but were happy to learn that many of the ladies we know were still around.  We visited 12 massage parlors, spoke with 12 women, and distributed 20 gifts.  We also spent time in prayer over each of the sites.  It was wonderful to be back!  The challenge remains for this ministry; we long to see the ladies’ hearts softened to the Lord and have more opportunity for relationship with them.  Prayer is what will make the difference.  Would you join with us in prayer and believe for powerful things to take place in the massage parlors?  

A Listening Ear

 

A few weeks ago a young woman came by Tompkins Square Park in desperate need of help. 

“Do you guys know of any housing or shelter options?”  she asked.

“Sure!  I can give you a listing of different places that may be able to help.”  I said.

As we spoke further, her story unfolded.  She had been staying in a shelter with her boyfriend who was abusive.  Thankfully she was able to get out of there but it’s left her in a tough position.  She’s even afraid that he’ll come after her. 

After talking over different options, I asked if she would like prayer. 

“Yes, please!” 

She was very grateful and even shared how she grew up Catholic and believed in the power of prayer. 

“Thank you for listening.  You have no idea how much it meant to me just to have someone to talk with.”