I love New York!

As I write these words, I can overhear the English as a Second Language (ESL) class that is taking place in the room next to my study. I hear a young man from a Muslim country reading a Bible story to his discussion group. This past year dozens of immigrants, from all over the world, have come to our church office to be trained in English by our volunteers. It has been exciting to see them form solid friendships with members of our church.

Earlier this week I attended our church’s newest Fellowship Group. They were meeting in the home of a couple who connected with our church through ESL. The group meets in Spanish, singing, studying the Bible and praying together. I was thrilled to hear them intercede for God’s mercy on our neighborhood, praying that many would come to faith in Christ.

Just this morning I learned that a prayer walk through our neighborhood is being organized this weekend by one of the elders of our church. If it is anything like the prayer walk we had last month, it will be an exciting time. How thrilling to walk past the homes and businesses of Astoria, praying for the Kingdom of God to be manifest here.

This weekend a member of our Mercy Ministry Team will be organizing an outreach event at a local street fair. With God’s help, she and her team will be reaching out to befriend our neighbors, to share with them the love of Christ.

These are just a few examples of why Queens, NY is an exciting place to serve the Lord. I feel so privileged to be involved with Astoria Community Church.