We spent the first part of day at Yorkville Common Pantry. YCP is New York City’s largest community-based food pantry, providing food and support services to 100,000 New Yorkers and over two million meals each year. Gladys is their Volunteer Coordinator and let me say she rocks! You have got to be one organized, persistent person to be in that role! Their warehouse of food was overwhelming! Some team members were in the kitchen area, packaging up fruit and meat etc (and even packing up dog food for the clients who can't afford to feed their pets, how awesome!) while myself and another team member were in the warehouse area working a factory line with others of packing bags of food for all size families starting with a family of 1-2 and going up to 5+. Later in the day clients would arrive to pick up their pre-packed groceries. It was a very well organized organization.
We then set off to the New York City Rescue Mission. NYC Rescue Mission was the first homeless shelter in NYC to open its doors every day to alcoholics and the undeserving poor for its soup kitchen meals and Christian gospel services. This non-profit ministry has helped alleviate homelessness, hunger and addiction by providing emergency services such as food, clothing, shelter, counseling and spiritual hope. While there, this was a men's only facility since their doors opened in 1872. However, they informed us that they had just purchased 2 additional floors of the building and were going to open that up to women and children! Fantastic! We helped serve dinner while there...some were cleaning tables, some getting drinks, and a few of us were in the kitchen filling up the plates with food. Afterwards, we got to sit down with a few of the men living there and hear their stories...one of them, Joe, told us that once he turned everything over to God, and with the help of the Rescue Mission program (similar to a 12-step program), his life has turned around and he has been sober for 2 years. He mentioned that he volunteers with the fire firefighters and when we asked how he is able to support himself he responded with "God always provides" (as he raises his hands above his head). He leaves it in His hands. Joe was such an inspiration in so many ways...spiritually...and in giving hope to others with families/friends that are stuck in an addiction that they can overcome it...if they hand it all over to God...something very close to my heart.
Later that evening, as our teams gathered together to reflect & debrief on our days activities (as we did every night), we were finishing up some discussions and readings from the Bible led by one of our team leaders Craig. And then, to finish it off with a prayer, he called on me! Ok big deal for me! I've NEVER prayed out loud in front of others! At this point, I'm only 6 months into my spiritual journey (yes, I grew up Catholic and have always prayed over the years, but I'm surrounded by Christians who have been in this WAY longer than me and have set the standards high...I'm just in kindergarten learning the basics at this point!). I know there is no right or wrong way to pray, but it was still nerve-racking and a big deal to me! But I did it! With a few um's here and there ;-) It was a HUGE spiritual growing moment for me! What better opportunity would I have than on a mission trip in front of other Christians who love God? : )
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