“Yeah, yeah, I’m up in Brooklyn.”

Jay- Z and Alicia Keys, not bad timing for a trip to New York, though I promise no one is taking Ambein as the Yankees battle the Phillies for the World Series. A common stereotype exists of rude New Yorkers, and while they may be a city of incessant horn-honkers, it is also a city of great camaraderie during a time as crucial as a World Series pennant. The city’s dedication can be noted from a “pep rally” held by Mayor Bloomberg (who also unofficially declared the first game day “Wear Your Yankee Gear To Work Day”) held in Times Square during a torrential downpour.              

 That’s right, a truly committed people will not let a small thing like major road flooding or non-functioning traffic lights keep them from celebrating. Nor, apparently, will an area director, which is how I found myself arriving to meeting after meeting with water sloshing out my shoes, a slight puddle forming under the chairs where I sat, and my hair increasingly acquiring eau de “Wet Dog” as the day progressed. And so, as Philadelphia dominated Game 1 despite foreign ground, so did I take heart and manage to meet many of the kind souls who embody Brooklyn.

I had the joy of stumbling upon the dear Norwegian Christian Home during their October Celebration which can only be described with the words: Elvis Impersonator. I am also quite confident through Arnie’s YW montage I have now seen every volunteer who has ever been to Brooklyn. Sister Mary, of CHIPS, had volunteers busy preparing a beef stew for the stormy day and multiple food donations were carted in by trusty volunteers who could have benefited from the gear lobstermen wear to stay dry. David of East New York Farms prepared himself for a wet afternoon at their farm stand and Sunset Park remained desolate, its green grass hidden by soaked leaves and puddles. The seniors at AMICO arrived smiling, despite the inclement weather, umbrellas shielding their faces and spirits from the dismal, dripping weather. Our beloved seniors everywhere, remained lighthearted, years of weather giving them the wisdom to know that tomorrow would be a new day and a detail as slight as a monsoon was no reason to miss cribbage, aerobics or bingo.

59^th St Lutheran Brethren and all of our friends remain well. Pastor Roger awaits a season of transition for their church body that shows the fruit of abiding in God’s will and looks forward to the ministry that their church will be able to continue doing in the Brooklyn area. The dungeon remains dark and full of doom, and though perhaps fitting for a Halloween visit, stayed quite happily unexplored.

Since my visit, I can only imagine the heightened excitement that floods the streets of Brooklyn and all of New York, as the Yankees return home awaiting a celebratory parade and, oh yeah, one more game to win. I can assure you that every hour, on the hour, in case you might forget during your time there, you can be reminded—”New York… concrete jungles where dreams are made of… there’s nothing you can’t do…these streets will make you feel brand new… and of course, big lights will inspire you.  That’s right, let’s hear it for New York.”

 

Chroma’s Magnum Opus

Chroma, is the conductor of the color symphony in one of my favorite books. I thought of him, leading the orchestra to construct a vibrant, vivid, and variegated day in Washington D.C. during a recent trip.

Right now, DC is the color of fall. Tomato red walls encapsulate volunteers at Food and Friends who help cook meals and prepare bags for food delivery. Leaves of saffron, bisque, auburn, gold and rust are raked from the yards of the elderly by Age in Place.  Bread for the City has waiting rooms full of people with the colds, coughs, and other phlegmy sicknesses that arise with fluctuating temperatures and the crisp, cool air of a changing season. CCNV watches fall sneak up on the street—sunlight burning darker oranges on the skin of those who stand outside, gusts of wind swirling cyclones of browns, crimson, and amber in circles on the sidewalk, and brusque air beats through jackets, scarves and gloves drumming winter’s approach. Capital Area Food Bank is the color of Thanksgiving—a cornucopia of cranberry, gravy, sweet yellow corn, green bean casserole and turkeys. The Salvation Army’s begin their busiest season with fall the color of food, can and turkey drives and hints of red Santa’s and Christmas toys lining the sidewalks of shopping centers.

At Douglas Memorial, beloved brothers and sisters, refuse to let the impending winter threaten their ministry to the city of DC. They continue to celebrate God’s beautiful creation, his perfect sovereignty and his full glory. Brother Thompson prepares the church for a season of hibernation—getting things ready in anticipation for the hundreds of students who will call their beloved church “home” for one week this coming summer. Rev. Flemming looks forward to a season of growth—a church body learning true rest in the Lord so that they might be sustained in dry times, valley times, and the flurries of winter. Sister Cindy eagerly awaits four new friends who she can laugh with and love.

It can be easy to forget that DC, just like the window outside our rooms, changes on a constant basis. We forget that it is not always summer in the District, that children return to school, that families need heat and hot water, that the need for a roof over one’s head only increases during the bitter cold months, and that life continues beyond August.  This is when the reminder of our ministry partners proves most reassuring and comforting—they remain, constant, seasoned and ready to bless their city.

 

Pennsylvania’s Capital- Harrisburg

Lauren and I had the opportunity to travel to Harrisburg and begin preparations for our new site this past week.  We were initially met with a group of 12 people eagerly awaiting our arrival including members of Swatara Church of God as well as others, including the County Commissioner.  The community of Harrisburg and surrounding townships are very excited to have welcome YouthWorks volunteers to the area.

Here are some of the wonderful community initiatives in Harrisburg that we are hopeful to be a part of.  Joshua Group is an organization that seeks to provide support for at-risk youth primarily through educational and vocational opportunities.  One way they do this is through Joshua Farm, an urban farm that grows and sells organic vegetables while providing educational, service and vocational opportunities to youth.

Paxton Ministries is a Christian ministry providing long term affordable housing, food and support to low income and disadvantaged adults.  At Paxton Ministries, God has called them to be a home for the poor, the disadvantaged, the mentally challenged, and the downcast.  Following this calling has not alway been easy, but God goes with them and before them in all they do.  The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, Mission Central, The Salvation Army, Weed and Seed, and Allison Hill Community Ministry are other organizations that we hope to work with this summer. We met passionate people at work in each of these organizations and we are excited at the possibility of partnering with them in the future.

Lauren and I were also able to explore some evening activity possibilities, such as taking the Hershey’s Chocolate Factory tour and then we stopped by and walked through the new Civil War Museum.  We also went to City Island, an island in the middle of the Susquehanna River with various attractions including a minor league baseball team.  Lastly, we drove around the capital building.

Harrisburg is a lovely city with much to offer!  We are excited about the possibility of serving alongside people in this community, but we need help.  We need people to register for Harrisburg.  Please pray that this YouthWorks site would come to fruition and that youth from around the country would experience the great ministry going on in Harrisburg!