Hello and Happy Spring to all,
Here is a brief what, when, and where since our last update. In early March, we helped NYSUM for spring break outreach. Approximately one hundred colleges from around the country came to NYC for urban ministry. Naomi was busy scheduling teams for outreach times and locations. I had the opportunity to speak to the students and lead outreaches. It was great to invest in the lives of college students. God was at work on the streets and during our times of classroom instruction. We walk by faith, not feelings but witnessing God’s transformation brought many tears of joy during this week.
One story of transformation is about a man named Eddie. We found him on one of our homeless outreaches. I had never seen him on this street before, so the team of students and I got down on the sidewalk to meet some of his needs (food, a blanket, hand warmers, etc.) and learn a bit about him. Eddie acknowledges that he is struggling with addiction and wants help. I gave him contact information for Teen Challenge. As we listened to him share his story, I asked if I could give him a hug. We both got up from the sidewalk, and when I hugged him I was also praying for him. This was an emotional moment and as we were leaving I asked him to “Tell God I said hi.”
I say these five words frequently on the streets and here is the message: God exists, God knows you by name, and God wants to hear from you. Eddie assured me that he was going to have a conversation with God. The team and I were on a coffee run and later that night saw Eddie again as we passed out coffee. I asked him if he had that talk with God yet. No, he hadn’t but was ready for me to lead him. I started, and he grabbed my hand. He repeated after me and was so broken and crying, asking for forgiveness and acknowledging Jesus as Lord of his life. When I prayed the words “thank you, Jesus, for loving me,” he could not get them out at first. In between sobs, he repeats over and over again, “Thank you, Jesus, for loving me when I don’t even love myself.” For the next several minutes we are huddled on the sidewalk with Eddie, college students from Vermont and a powerful presence of the living God. We continue to pray and sing songs of worship with tears in our eyes overwhelmed by God’s grace. As we left I gave Eddie my phone number so he could reach out to me.
On March 13th I was on my way back to Kenya again. Arriving in Nairobi I turned on my phone and had a message from Eddie that he was entering rehab.
This time back in Kenya, I continued to invest in the carpentry program. The students and I were able to build more desks for the school. We also made kindergarten tables and benches. I also had the opportunity to continue partnering with local churches, helping with a church building fund, Bible distribution, and encouraging pastors.
Everyone in Kenya missed Naomi as she stayed back in NYC preparing for outreach teams arriving in April. Her days helping NYSUM usually are 9-4 as she coordinates with team leaders and ministry locations. She also takes time to stay connected with our friends on the street and help me with my travel details.
God is always working, and sometimes we get to see just how much. We are grateful for all the “I spy God” stories we get to be a part of. I have been very encouraged by the transformations on the streets, and the college students with a desire to change their world.
Thank you for your prayers and continual support. Both are vital to our ongoing mission and what God has called us to do.
Blessings,
Paul and Naomi
Read more newsletters about our work teaching & volunteering at NYSUM here.
Read more newsletters about our work caring for the homeless in NYC here.
Read more newsletters about the Amagoro Carpentry Program here.
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