Spring 2024: Spring in NYC

Hello again, dear friends:

I apologize for the delay in updating you. Our days have been eventful, filled with exciting ministry opportunities and some health challenges. In April, we had the privilege of sharing at a supporting church, Soldier Church, in DuBois, Pennsylvania. In May, Paul had an opportunity to speak to the Outreach Ministry at our home Church, Brooklyn Tabernacle. Naomi is continuing her treatment for chronic headaches, and Paul has recently recovered from shingles. We are both dealing with other ongoing health issues, and we appreciate your prayers during this time.

Our summer has been off to a busy start as we continue to reach out to the needs of New York City. Paul continues to help lead  NYSUM’s (New York School of Urban Ministry) short-term mission team outreaches through the city to serve our unhoused neighbors. Paul’s outreach missions not only supply our neighbors with daily needs like a pair of shoes or clothes that fit, but the experience frequently deeply impacts the team members from all over the United States who come to serve. At the end of an outreach night, Paul holds a debriefing session for the team. Many team members recount stories of their experiences through tears. “This has been life-changing,” they say. “I will never forget this experience.”

Paul has also had the opportunity to teach an urban evangelism class for the NYSUM teams. Many who come to serve here are nervous, overwhelmed, or unprepared to share Jesus. God has blessed Paul with the ability to teach this class in a way that makes the teams feel more comfortable and much better prepared when they go out on the streets. Your support and prayers have made all this possible, and we are deeply grateful for your partnership in this transformative work.

You cannot walk the streets of our city without seeing the families of migrants and asylum seekers. This has given us another opportunity to show the love of Jesus through candy, socks, Spanish Bibles, devotionals, and more.  They are grateful!

Our partnership here at NYSUM is such a blessing. I am very grateful for how Naomi supports and encourages me in my many roles. Seeing her impact so many lives is a joy, as she wears many hats at NYSUM.

In May, NYSUM held its annual Women’s Makeover, a day dedicated to showing love to homeless women in shelters around NYC. Naomi was in charge of planning, preparing, and executing this event. She chose the theme “Bloom where you are planted,” and she did a fantastic job.

Over 120 women from all over the US volunteered to serve. Many flew into the city, while several drove in from surrounding states to show the love of Jesus to approximately 400 hurting women. The outreach included manicures, pedicures, facials, hair, and shopping at a “boutique” of donated clothes and accessories. Each woman from the shelter was paired with a “personal shopper” (one of our volunteers), and they could choose several outfits, purses, and lotions to keep.  Many women enter the shelter with little or no possessions, so receiving personal items is a special treat.

Naomi took her team of over fifty women to a shelter in the Bronx. When she spoke to the administration ahead of time, she was told they could not bring a prayer station, and open prayer was prohibited. Well, God had different plans and had the final say! As the day started, so did the prayers. Not prayers that were quiet and few or secret; there was much prayer, and it was loud for all to hear. Women experienced God’s love, grace, and deliverance. At one point, four NYPD officers who were assigned to the facility got involved. Not shutting it down, as some would imagine, but they came up to see what was happening and joined them in prayer. That night, as Naomi shared with excitement how God had shown up, I had tears in my eyes. Indeed, God was in that place.

God is amazing and at work in our city! After the Women’s Makeover, the shelter administration who said “no prayer” called to request that we visit again, and soon! WOW…to God be the glory!

Progress in Kenya is slow but moving forward as we continue to fund and support projects there. Windows and doors are currently being installed in the church building and Pastor Issac’s house. There are some upcoming construction needs at the life center project in Namaga. I am planning to go in late summer or early fall.

I would appreciate your prayers for God’s timing of our schedule and for the health and strength of my body.

Thank you for your prayers and support. You are a blessing!
Paul and Naomi

Read more newsletters about our work caring for the homeless in NYC here.
Read more newsletters about our work with NYSUM here.