March 2014 - A Word from our Newest Intern, Nicole Pannasch

We asked our newest intern, Nicole Pannasch to share a little about what she's been doing and learning since she came to Street LIFE Ministries. She said, "Interning at Street LIFE has been a life-changing experience.  Over the past six months, I have learned much about evangelism, discipleship, and what faith in action looks like.  While there have been countless meaningful lessons and experiences during my time here, one of the things that has really impacted me has been seeing God’s heart to go after the 'one' (Luke 15).  At prayer stations, at Tompkins Square Park, in intercessory prayer watches, and even in our own community here at SLM, experiencing God’s personal, fervent pursuit of individuals has been life-altering.  God loves to go out of His way to demonstrate His love and mercy to people.  Seeing His heart in action motivates me to trust Him more, to be more loving towards others, and to step out in faith when He speaks.  I am so thankful to have the opportunity to intern at Street LIFE, and I am very excited for what is yet to come during my time here!"

March 2014 - Hurricane Sandy Update

This February we revisited Far Rockaway in Queens where we served with relief efforts after Hurricane Sandy hit in October of 2013. We went to Sylvia and Mike's home and saw the almost finished work sixteen months later. Through the devastation, repair, and restoration we formed a special relationship with this family. We were overjoyed to see Sylvia and her ten month old Rachel whom she had been pregnant with when we first met her. Sylvia shared honestly how things still don’t feel normal even after all the time that has passed. Having her home flooded and possessions ruined was very traumatic. “I still feel numb about it all. It is very shocking to think that it happened." Unfortunately their home was not fully back to normal either. The stairs were bare and they are currently using a fold up table and chairs in their dining room. Also there were a few areas in the walls that were cut out for electrical work and never repaired. Even with receiving aid from FEMA and their insurance, Sylvia and Mike took a big hit financially and haven’t recovered which adds to the emotional strain. Despite the pain and destruction the storm brought, Sylvia shared with us how she has “never felt this close” to God. She said she still wonders why God sent us to her and her family which opened the door for us to remind her of His faithfulness, commitment and love to her and her family. Through her tears she expressed how thankful she is to the Lord for bringing us together and all the help He provided through Street LIFE Ministries and the teams that served with us. We are very thankful as well! The Lord’s provision of clothing, food, laborers and building materials as well as His grace and mercy were such a testimony to our team and those we were able to reach out to. Thank you for your prayers and giving through that time as well!

HURRICANE SANDY

Our region has been devastated by what came to be known as Superstorm Sandy. Flooding, downed trees and power lines, millions without electricity, and at least 40 dead in NYC alone characterize some of the aftermath. While we are giving thanks and praise to the Lord that none of our staff members or property was harmed, we are also grieving for those around us who have lost homes, family members, and more. We have been making trips to the Lower East Side of Manhattan and Far Rockaway, where many continue to lack even the most basic necessities. With temperatures dropping and supplies low, the soup, hot chocolate, toiletries, blankets, and coats have been most welcome gifts. 

Our friend Rich had no power, food, or money after the storm. The first day we were able to get into Manhattan we brought him more than 10 bags of non-perishable food items, as well as fruit. He shared with us that none of his other “friends” have helped him. Another man in the Lower East Side thanked us profusely for coming to serve, saying, “Despite what the media is saying, we’ve been forgotten about down here.” A family we met in Jamaica, Queens lost everything, so they have moved into a church warehouse and are giving all their time to serve others. Dawn from Far Rockaway told us how she and her family weathered the storm on the third floor of their home because the first and second floors were completely flooded. Thankfully they survived but they have lost everything. These are just a few of the stories of those we are now serving. 

As long as there is need, we will continue to go to these communities, according to the mandate God has given us to bring LIFE to the streets of New York City! This is a tremendous time for the Body to rise up and demonstrate His love and power to the hurting and poor. See next page for ways to help us help them.

Faithful in the Storm

Meet Sylvia and her family. Imagine enduring one of the worst storms to hit the northeast in a long time and watching your first floor fill with water, all in the midst of your second pregnancy. Weeks without power, extensive home repairs, and preparation for the new baby engulfed their lives since Hurricane Sandy in late October. Yet all the while, God has been revealing His love and care for this family. Numerous times we have seen Sylvia weep as she experienced His faithfulness through the Body of Christ during one of the most difficult seasons of their lives. 

Street LIFE Ministries and others have provided basic needs and worked with them through the process of repairing their home. More recently we have been able to help organize the nursery for the new baby who comes in April! Though they heard of God when they were children, Sylvia and Mike are now seeing for themselves how loving, attentive, and personal He actually is. It is such a beautiful thing for us to witness.

Please pray that the Lord would continue to pursue this family until they are His completely. They are not far from the Kingdom of God.