Box of Love Packing Party 2009

Here's Life Inner City along with volunteers packed 3,400 Boxes of Love for families in need last Saturday! A Box of Love is a tangible expression of Christ's love and opens the door to future and lasting ministry by connecting families to churches in their communities.

How Could A Box Of Love Change A Person's Life?

It happened for Sheela.

Last fall was a low point in Sheela’s life. Her husband had left her and their two teenagers. Sheela had never worked before and finances were really tight. Thanksgiving was going to be a very bleak day.

A woman from one of our partner churches, which is located in Sheela’s Queens’ neighborhood, knew about her situation and lovingly offered her a Box of Love containing a complete Thanksgiving dinner for six.

Sheela was so grateful. Soon after, she began attending the church along with her teenage son and daughter. Little by little, they learned about God’s love for them and became more deeply enfolded into the church family. Sheela committed her life to the Lord and was baptized in August. Her teenagers are now active in the church’s Sunday School program. Through another caring person in the church, Sheela got a job working in a store. Today she is a follower of Jesus and is able to provide for her family’s financial needs.

A Box of Love opens the door to future and lasting ministry by connecting families to churches in their communities. This theme was emphasized at a Here’s Life training last month in which more than 260 people gained practical evangelism and ministry skills in preparation for distributing Boxes of Love through their churches. They are excited about reaching more families like Sheela’s this Thanksgiving. Pray each box will provide an opportunity for a family to hear about Jesus.

November Newsletter

New York Friends: Volunteer with HLIC

Help pack Boxes of Love for Families in Need!

When: November 21, 2009

Where: Here's Life Inner City Warehouse
37-10 Skillman Avenue
Long Island City, NY 11101

Time: 9am-11am and 11am-2pm

Goodbye NYC, I'll be back

On August 31st I said goodbye to NYC for short time as my internship came to an end.

In September, I attended New Staff Training and was commissioned as a missionary with Campus Crusade for Christ. I will spend the next few months in South Carolina gathering financial support. Please pray with me as my hope is to complete my support team by Christmas and return to NYC after the New Year.



Vonette Bright, co-founder of Campus
Crusade for Christ welcomed me into
the staff family.

in humility consider others better than yourselves

Compassion is a gift from God. It allows us to see the suffering of other people and respond with love even if they are hard to love. Compassion has been grafted onto your spirit by the Spirit of God, and it is there to be exercised, developed and shown to others.

God expects us to care for the poor. Scripture is full of challenges to share ourselves with the less fortunate. Sadly, we have learned to give nothing away without some expectation of return. that is not God’s way. He has comissioned us to help the poor, lifting them up, without expectation of return or investment.

Is there a price for your compassion or is it unconditional?

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. -Philippians 2:1-4

From Lesson 3 of Compassion by Command

2 months to go....

I’m two months away from completing my yearlong internship with Here’s Life Inner City and very excited about what God has in store for the future! For those of you new to my blog, let me share my journey . . .

Five years ago God burdened my heart for the lost when I was a freshman at the University of South Carolina, involved with Campus Crusade for Christ. I developed a heart for the poor while serving with the 2006 Summer in the City project in New York, run by Here’s Life. What an amazing summer! I tutored inner-city kids, served in soup kitchens, ministered to women in shelters, shared God's love on the streets. In just a short time, these experiences changed my life! God gave me a vision to one day return to the inner-city to minister to people in need.

Back on campus as a junior at Carolina, God began to show me the needs of the poor in Columbia. I had to act. I teamed up with another Summer in the City alum and trained students at my church in evangelism and cross-cultural ministry. We volunteered at a shelter for women and a transitional home for children. Before long, 29 students developed a heart for the poor and followed me to New York for Spring Break. We spent a wonderful week serving the inner-city poor alongside Here’s Life!

God called me to become an intern on the Here’s Life team in New York City after graduating from college in May 2008. Whether I’m teaching kids about Jesus in Harlem, recruiting volunteers for our next event, praying with a 50-year-old homeless woman as she cries about her past, or helping teach a career development class to those deemed “unemployable” – God is being glorified. I have loved every moment of it!

And now I’m excited to announce my decision to officially join the New York City staff team of Here’s Life Inner City. After much prayer, I know God has called me into full-time ministry. In September I'll head South to attend New Staff Training and raise financial support. I hope to be back in NYC after the New Year!

Poverty Simulation

Attempting to sleep on a cold concrete floor without a blanket, awaking to someone kicking you out of your shelter at six in the morning, hiding your sweatshirt only to discover hours later that it was stolen, walking the streets of New York in the rain with no umbrella and forget about brushing your teeth or showering…

The Summer in the City students participated in a three and a half day poverty simulation to help them experience the day to day struggles of the working poor and the homeless in a controlled environment.

Wednesday night we had the students meet for a scheduled “prayer meeting.” After praying, we told them they were entering a poverty simulation and they had fifteen minutes to grab three items – literally, three. After collecting all of their money, cell phones, room keys and extra belongings, they headed to the Here’s Life Inner City warehouse in Queens for what would turn into a very long three days.

Each day, students were given $20 in “simulation money.” They had to pay for their transportation, housing fee and all meals, which usually meant they only had enough money to buy a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and piece of fruit for dinner.

While participating in the simulation, students still served at their ministry sites, in the same clothes two days in a row. If any students ever arrived late or broke the rules of the simulation, they earned a chance card. Chance cards introduced various scenarios ranging from losing all of your possessions to paying for your child’s lunch. If someone couldn’t pay, they collected money from other group members. Just as in a real homeless shelter, if a student failed to carry all of their belongings at all times, it was stolen and had to be purchased to get it back.

In the evenings, we did various activities and studies to explore what poverty and the term, “working poor” truly means and how our stereotypes feed into our understanding of this culture. Saturday, students were sent out, in the rain again, to complete a scavenger hunt. They talked to homeless people and listened to their stories, gave away one of their possessions-a handmade blanket, collected cans from the trash and most ended up at various shelters across Manhattan to find lunch, all the while meeting people who live like this every day.

By the end of the simulation, they students were completely exhausted and sleep deprived, hungry and miserable. Let’s just say, their staff team were not their favorite people. But it was when they hit their breaking point that the Spirit really began to move in their hearts. Their perspectives were changing. Their hearts were softened. They were clinging to the only thing they had – their Savior.

Written by: Jamie, SITC staff

On the last morning, Dayne's barely hanging in there.

Just found out the poverty simulation is over!

Summer in the City (week 2)

Team 1 served in the Here’s Life warehouse on Monday. A shipment of food had arrived and needed to be sorted before it was picked up by our church partners. This food will fill food pantries across NYC. The rest of the week was spent serving in a food pantry in Brooklyn. The students worked with Omar, who is an amazing man of God with a powerful testimony. Here’s Life has partnered with his ministry for several years.

Team 2 served in Queens at a mission for men who are homeless and suffering from addiction. It was a lot of hard work but the students learned a lot from the program’s leadership and learned first hand about homelessness and steps that are taken to help people heal.

Team 3 served with Salt and Sea in Coney Island. Once again , students were blessed by working with Pastor Debbe. 20 years after being saved from a life of drugs, alcohol and living under the boardwalk, she is still amazed by God’s grace and forgiveness. She is a powerful spirit-filled woman. You never forget about time spent serving with Debbe. Students shared their testimonies, led worship and bible study for those who came for food.

Team 4 served with Coney Island Lighthouse. Lighthouse is a community centrer with a food pantry and after-school program. 50% of residents are below the poverty line. The team hosted a prayer station on the street. They were skeptical at first but had pages of prayer requests by the end of the day.

“Yesterday, there was a lady named Sheila who asked us to pray for her friend’s daughter. The daughter was in the hospital in a coma. It was wonderful to see Sheila again today passing by the mission & as she passed by she shouted that her friend’s daughter made it through last night, the day we prayed for her.”

As students approached people about prayer, a barrier was broken as people just shared from their heart. It was a perfect way to share the gospel and offer real hope.

summer begins for my harlem kids

With the start of Summer in the City, my schedule changed and I had to say goodbye to my Harlem kids in May. They go to school until the end of June so I was bummed knowing I would miss a whole month with them. I’ve missed them so much and have realized they are all a huge part of my life here. I got to drop in for a visit last week and help celebrate their last day of school. We had a cook-out with so much food- barbecue chicken, sausage, turkey legs, ribs and much more. They know how to eat in Harlem! It was so great to have fun with the kids and visit with some of their parents. Enjoy a few pictures from the cook-out below.

Summer in the City (week 1)

Team 1 served with a school in Brooklyn. There are about 12 kids of all different ages. They were in the hood for sure. The team got lessons on street slang, gang life in the neighborhood and a glimpse into what these kids deal with daily. One child prayed for his mom’s safety by asking God to not let her get shot on the way to work. They were able to love on these kids, be a positive example and share God’s truth.

Team 2 served with a church in an Asian neighborhood in Brooklyn. The mornings were spent preparing curriculum for the summer program starting soon. The afternoons were spent helping with the after-school program and loving on precious children. The leaders here are my age and sweet friends. I know they appreciated the help.

Team 3 served with the Salt and Sea mission in Coney Island. Serving alongside the leader- “the Mother Teresa of Coney Island” is a highlight for many. You see first hand what it is to walk in the spirit and to live out the gospel. Upon walking in the door this team prayed and read scripture to a crying woman. She was going to be evicted the following day because she didn’t have money for rent. Each member of the team had opportunities to step out in faith by praying with people or giving their testimony to those who came in for help.

Team 4 also served in Coney Island with another mission. They worked hard throughout the day cleaning and doing yard work. In the afternoon they helped with the after-school program. The team were blessed by the leadership here and the opportunity to work with them.

In the midst of completing their first week of ministry, the other staff and I put the students through a poverty simulation where they slept in the Here’s Life warehouse for 3 nights. More details to come….

*All of the ministries mentioned are partners with Here’s Life Inner City. Summer in the City is just another way we come alongside our partners and empower them to reach their communities for Christ.

God’s love transforms lives

Bethany experienced a very abusive childhood which left her heart filled with hatred and bitterness. These feelings grew into a life of self destructive behavior leading to over 40 years of substance abuse. Her last two years were spent homeless. She felt depressed, worthless and had no hope for change. She entered the Bowery Mission Women’s Center and found a loving stable environment where she learned about God’s love, forgiveness and transforming power. She’s gained the necessary tools to start over in her new life with Christ and be the woman He created her to be. I had the privilege of working with Bethany and 11 other women with similar stories once a week for a majority the last 9 months. I witnessed growth,strong faith and the freedom and joy in which they each tell their stories. Last Monday all 12 women graduated from the program! Many have jobs now, others are relocating to reunite with family.

God is so faithful.

Summer In the City Begins!

Summer in the City will be my life for the next few weeks! Summer in the City is an intensive 5 week project exposing college students to ministry to the poor. 19 students from across the nation have come together to serve full-time in some of the poorest neighborhoods while receiving ministry training and bible teaching at night. Fun and sightseeing will also be squeezed in.

For the last several weeks I have served as city-coordinator which means I had to figure out where and when the students would serve throughout their time here. Summer in the City is my summer assignment, so I’m taking a break from my regular Here’s Life responsibilities and helping make the next few weeks the best experience ever for our students. Along with some other planning – I’m co-leading a bible study and meeting weekly with four young ladies.

My life was changed 3 years ago on this same project and it’s exciting to be back as staff. God is going to do huge things in and through the lives of these students- I can’t wait!

It’s June and I’m just posting snow pictures and winter happenings! Better late than never, right? Stay tuned, because I am determined to catch you guys up on my life here in NYC!

Real Snow

It snowed a lot this winter. I remember being so excited after the first snow fall in early December. I had no idea what was to come! Enjoy pictures of what I call the “real snow” Most of the pics were taken in March.

Purity Retreat

“I would like to give back everything that I have done in the past. Forgive me, Lord, for the wrong I have done. I learned a lot from this weekend and I want to start over. So I’m asking you to please forgive me.”

“Please forgive me for stealing things. Please have my dad not abuse me anymore. Have my family forgive me. Please, O Lord. Please, Father, take away all my bad sins and forgive me. Thank you.”

-Anonymous Prayer Request from inner-city teen girls

Where does a young girl in the inner-city turn for answers– about relationships, about love, about intimacy, about forgiveness?

Sixty-six teen girls attended the 5th Annual S.A.Y. Yes! Purity Retreat in March. Through music, dance, skits, art, recreation and relevant lessons, girls learned about God’s love and forgiveness. It was amazing to watch as God began to heal the girls’ broken lives and hardened hearts, as they received His Spirit in their lives. The tough attitudes that showed up on Friday night disappeared by the time Sunday rolled around.

During our Sunday morning service, girls brought their concerns to the foot of a cross: I want to make the right choices; I want to stop lying and cursing; I don’t want to get pregnant again; I want my mother to love me. I tearfully prayed with girls as they confessed sin and burdens. What a privilege to love these precious girls and watch God powerfully transform hearts and minds.

Check out our NEW Web site!

Introducing….

www.hlicnyc.org

I spent most of the snowy, blustery, below 20 degree days (…all of January) indoors developing our web site. We’re so excited about all the ways it will move our ministry forward. Visitors to our site can learn more about Here’s Life, sign-up to volunteer and give. We will also provide helpful resources for our partner ministries.

"I will never view the homeless the same again!"

On an unusual warm night in March, college students volunteering with Here’s Life Inner City ventured into Manhattan with Homeless Care Kits. Homeless Care Kits contain a blanket, toothbrush, soap, socks, warm gloves and Christian materials and often serve as the first step of a spiritual journey for a desperate person. Miami of Ohio students encountered over 20 homeless men and women in a dark alcove behind Penn Station. The kits were eagerly accepted.

Soon the students were running across the street to buy food for their new friends. Some sat on the curb carefully listening to a young woman’s story. She was new to the streets and 8 months pregnant. Others huddled closely and prayed for Janine, a woman who’s been homeless for 19 years. University of South Carolina students a few blocks away approached Olivia, an elderly woman sitting across from a dark park. She was nursing her infected foot as it hurt to even put her shoe on. Olivia received the kit and directions to receive medical care and prayer. Students walked away with new compassion, wondering how they could do more. One student said, “I will never view the homeless the same again!” Stereotypes were broken, steps of faith were taken, and the most unlikely friendships were formed.

God worked mightily through the students who gave their Spring Break to serve the needy people of New York. Students not only ministered to the homeless but also served with many of Here’s Life partners in soup kitchens, shelters and after-school programs.

I worked closely with a group from First Baptist Church of Columbia, SC! What a neat opportunity to serve alongside old friends. I even recognized a few students who used to be in the youth group when I helped out there my sophomore year of college. I was so excited to share with them all God is doing in New York City and how they can take what they learn back to South Carolina. I took one group to the after-school program in Harlem. One student enjoyed helping the students so much, she decided she wants to find a place to tutor kids in Columbia!

The students reflected on this verse all week and I encourage you to do the same. “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)

March 2009 Prayer Letter

“Andrea, I don’t know what you’ve done, but Tyron is like a different little boy when you’re around,” Mrs. Rogers exclaimed, as Tyron giggled with eyes full of mischief.”

It was only four months ago, when I met a withdrawn little boy at a S.A.Y Yes! after-school program in the heart of East Harlem. Tyron, a second-grader, bobbed his head in all directions as he tried to keep up with everything happening in the room. It was almost like he was frightened and had to know where every sound was coming from. He was constantly distracted and often detached from those around him. As I tried to help with his homework, I quickly became discouraged. He never wrote his homework down or brought his books from school! I soon learned more about Tyron’s life and poor performance in school.

“Lord, how do I minister to this little boy?” I prayed. I believe I am here to love this child and build him up by sharing the truth of God’s love with him. Many inner-city kids lack structure and positive attention, so I set expectations for our time together and developed a reward system to enforce good behavior and improvement in his schoolwork. I am amazed at the progress I’ve seen.

I also have the privilege of teaching Tyron about Jesus. I find creative ways to teach him biblical lessons and help him learn bible verses. Tyron is in process and God is working in his life. Please pray with me that Tyron will continue to understand what it means to receive Christ in his life.

Now, Tyron walks in with a grin on his face and pulls out a new book for us to read. He is like a different little boy. He stays completely engaged during our time together. Just last week he wrote his homework assignment down in his notebook for the first time since October. What huge progress! We’ve had our difficult moments as many things are going on in Tyron’s life. I thank God for the after-school program. It’s a much-needed safe environment where kids are loved, tutored and taught about Jesus. I’m excited to see what God has in store for Tyron’s life. Tyron is only one of the many children who benefit from S.A.Y. Yes! after school programs around the city.

February 2009 Prayer Letter

"We went from nothing to everything!"

“Is this for me?” The question came from Carlton as a bulging box of food was lifted out of the car. Horns were blowing and arms were waving as Brother Dwayne held up traffic in East Harlem to present a Box of Love to Carlton, the corner newspaper man. “I want you to be blessed and know that God is able to provide for you and your family.”

Carlton was so overwhelmed and in need of the food, he immediately abandoned his news stand and rushed home to share the box with his family!

Dwayne sees Carlton every Sunday on the street corner selling papers. He can tell Carlton is struggling to make a living and often looks frustrated and tired. Every Sunday, Dwayne stops to buy a paper. He often prays with Carlton and offers encouragement.

With the help of Here’s Life Inner City, Dwayne was able to meet an immediate need of a struggling family and tell Carlton of God’s ability to provide. He also invited him to church.

The following Sunday, Carlton greeted Dwayne, “If you only knew how bad I needed that food. It came just in time!” Brother Dwayne replied, “God is able, God is able!”

Carlton and his family plan to attend a special Christmas service at the church, where they will hear God’s word, receive food and gifts for the children.

-December 2008 Prayer Lettter

New Begginings

Happy 2009! I just got back into the city on Sunday. This week has passed quickly as I’ve gotten back into the swing of things. A new WorkNet course started Monday at the Bowery Women’s Mission. We have a few new women this time around. It was a very sweet time. Before introducing the curriculum, we spent time sharing about Christmas. A few of the women are in stage 2 of the program and were allowed to go home for 3 days over Christmas. Others are new and are not allowed to leave the house. One woman seemed sad about not being with her family but lit up when she told us it was her first Christmas clean in many years. She was a heroine addict for 12 years walking away from it when she entered the Bowery 5 weeks ago. “I made memories I’ll actually remember.”

Tuesday I traveled to Harlem to continue with the after-school program. I was so happy to see the kids. I think my boys missed me because they were out of control. Yann joined us for the day. He’s another second grader who usually sits with another volunteer. Tyron, Glenroy and Yann were a handful. They didn’t stop giggling from the time they walked in the door. Once again I found myself looking around as every other kid in the place sat like angels leaning over their text books quietly studying. I enjoy every minute of loving on these kids and helping them in every way I can… even when its difficult. Tyron has changed so much and is improving greatly in his school work. He brought homework to do on Tuesday- which is huge for him. Mother Helen (the director) looked over and said, “I don’t know what you do to Tyron but he is a different little boy when you’re around. While you were gone he just sat in his chair doing nothing.” I’m thankful for how the Lord is working through my relationship with Tyron.