Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
John Brudermann Bowery 1 of 7
Message by John Brudermann recorded at the Bowery Mission November 8, 2011 with the Island Wesleyan Mission Team to NYC.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Final Day at the Bowery - Thursday into Friday departure
Thursday from Chris' perspective: Thursday was a great day. I was still nervous about sharing but I knew I had a lot of people praying for me (THANK YOU!) Joel shared a powerful word from Gal 5 and I shared about the point in my life I surrendered to God's leading in my life and about God's love for us all. I had asked God Wed night to show me how he loved us and it was a wonderful picture of his love, like liquid. pouring down over the Bowery chapel and unconditionally loving each and everyone of us there. Thanks be to God who's love and mercy are limitless. We had breakfast and took the packed subway to Brooklyn and joined with the other volunteers to serve and to pray with the community people. They had kids toys to give out to the children I loved seeing the joy it brought to there faces to receive the free gift. On the way back we got off the subway at chinatown. We shopped a little and had lunch at "Pizza Junkie" then worked at the Bowery getting ready for the fellowship hall to be painted. Joel and I went to NJ to get the van then had my fist canolli what a tasty treat. We spent some time with the Bowery Guys and hung out with John Brudermann then I went to sleep. Joel however, has many more adventures before dawn. But that is another story.
Chris Lee
Chris Lee
Thursday, November 10, 2011
November 9-starting 10 5:30am , 2011 Bowery Mission IWC Trip
This Blog was typed before the following blog, but not posted until 1pm. Lack of wifi.
November 9-starting 10 5:30am , 2011 Bowery Mission IWC Trip
The Bowery is a wonderful stretching and challenging place. I’ve been here with teams since 1993, shortly after the first attacks on the World Trade Centers parking garage. I remember coming my third time with a group from Moncton and being concerned about comparison and my own expectations on the trip and the Bowery experience, but this is place and mission all about relationships here at the Bowery. The men, the chapels, the outreaches; over the years I’ve seen relationships grow, my own relationships grow. Some have grown for a season and then I have been or they have been uprooted and transplanted somewhere else, but those days on the vine near each other were sweet and valuable. Relationships here at the Bowery have changed too - seeing John Brudermann and his team this morning, talking with Rocco, Matt, Peter and Brian Johansson - seeing James Macklem for a few stolen minutes. I love these old friends, but I try not to compare them to the past. We all need to be growing and changing.
I have loved being at the Bowery again. My relationship with my team and with my God have grown and changed again. My confidence and faith in the Holy Spirit have been stepped up a notch and I know Jesus is working in the rest of this house (my life) this house - our team, this house (the Bowery).
God gave me Gal. 5 this morning about freedom in Christ. I think that’s where I share from in Chapel (if I get to share). Keep praying for Chris - he’s struggling about speaking to this crowd. I’m going to try to interview him instead.
Here's a bit more of my thoughts from yesterday:
Wednesday we toured NYC together after serving lunch at the Bowery. We went up to Central Park and just enjoyed the peace of over 400 acres in the middle of this city. It was the most beautiful fall day I’ve ever seen in NYC. Some say it was almost 70 degrees - I know at 4:30 it was still 58 coming off the Statton Island Ferry.
We went by the Statue of Liberty on the Ferry and then walked up the South Street Seaport to have pizza at Pier 17. We then crossed into Wall Street - past Occupy (no comment, but praying for them) and then to the WTC (World Trade Centre) complex. It’s growing rapidly. We tried to get passes into the memorial back in September once it opened, but it was book clear to December a few day after opening up.
Once back into the mission the team went to work with painting. Tanner taped in the panty while Mary Beth and I repainted the floor grey - I don’t think the white is going to get done under the shelves - at least not by us. :) Betty and Connie go to work painting doors and freshin’ up the trim in the fellowship hall and kitchen. We all worked from 7-10 or so. After all the touring and painting we were ready to sleep easy.
John Budermann and his team of 7 guys showed up around 9pm - settle into our crowded room with us. They’ll be staying here until Saturday. Another example of coming to the Bowery with a ‘rigid commitment to total flexibility.’ (C.K. Chitty) This morning is outreach in Brooklyn and then finishing up projects around the Bowery. At some point I have to head back over to Jersey City Wesleyan and pick up our van and park it in Manhattan overnight for our Friday departure.
Lord Jesus - lead us this day. May we clearly hear Your Spirit voice saying do not turn to the right or left. This is the way - walk in it. May we glorify You Jesus in all we do and say this day.
Joel
November 9-starting 10 5:30am , 2011 Bowery Mission IWC Trip
The Bowery is a wonderful stretching and challenging place. I’ve been here with teams since 1993, shortly after the first attacks on the World Trade Centers parking garage. I remember coming my third time with a group from Moncton and being concerned about comparison and my own expectations on the trip and the Bowery experience, but this is place and mission all about relationships here at the Bowery. The men, the chapels, the outreaches; over the years I’ve seen relationships grow, my own relationships grow. Some have grown for a season and then I have been or they have been uprooted and transplanted somewhere else, but those days on the vine near each other were sweet and valuable. Relationships here at the Bowery have changed too - seeing John Brudermann and his team this morning, talking with Rocco, Matt, Peter and Brian Johansson - seeing James Macklem for a few stolen minutes. I love these old friends, but I try not to compare them to the past. We all need to be growing and changing.
I have loved being at the Bowery again. My relationship with my team and with my God have grown and changed again. My confidence and faith in the Holy Spirit have been stepped up a notch and I know Jesus is working in the rest of this house (my life) this house - our team, this house (the Bowery).
God gave me Gal. 5 this morning about freedom in Christ. I think that’s where I share from in Chapel (if I get to share). Keep praying for Chris - he’s struggling about speaking to this crowd. I’m going to try to interview him instead.
Here's a bit more of my thoughts from yesterday:
Wednesday we toured NYC together after serving lunch at the Bowery. We went up to Central Park and just enjoyed the peace of over 400 acres in the middle of this city. It was the most beautiful fall day I’ve ever seen in NYC. Some say it was almost 70 degrees - I know at 4:30 it was still 58 coming off the Statton Island Ferry.
We went by the Statue of Liberty on the Ferry and then walked up the South Street Seaport to have pizza at Pier 17. We then crossed into Wall Street - past Occupy (no comment, but praying for them) and then to the WTC (World Trade Centre) complex. It’s growing rapidly. We tried to get passes into the memorial back in September once it opened, but it was book clear to December a few day after opening up.
Once back into the mission the team went to work with painting. Tanner taped in the panty while Mary Beth and I repainted the floor grey - I don’t think the white is going to get done under the shelves - at least not by us. :) Betty and Connie go to work painting doors and freshin’ up the trim in the fellowship hall and kitchen. We all worked from 7-10 or so. After all the touring and painting we were ready to sleep easy.
John Budermann and his team of 7 guys showed up around 9pm - settle into our crowded room with us. They’ll be staying here until Saturday. Another example of coming to the Bowery with a ‘rigid commitment to total flexibility.’ (C.K. Chitty) This morning is outreach in Brooklyn and then finishing up projects around the Bowery. At some point I have to head back over to Jersey City Wesleyan and pick up our van and park it in Manhattan overnight for our Friday departure.
Lord Jesus - lead us this day. May we clearly hear Your Spirit voice saying do not turn to the right or left. This is the way - walk in it. May we glorify You Jesus in all we do and say this day.
Joel
After Brooklyn Outreach Thursday 10
It's hard to believe blessed we've been this week. The weather has been incredible, the mission has been organized, the prayers have been answered and all have shown and received love.
It was so wonderful to travel with this team. I've loved all the times I've come to NYC, but this size so nice. We've laughed, cried, prayed, picked on each other - normal trip with Joel, eh?
Got to tell a story on Tanner while I'm sitting here in Starbucks in Chinatown :
The other day I was blogging in the computer lab and keeping Tanner from wandering with me. As I typed and uploaded pictures, he looked around and drank his water. After a few minutes he was really squirming around and a caught him out of the corner of my eye struggling with something.
I looked up at him, as I made eye contact a sheepish look came across his face. Then I noticed why. His half-full water bottle was between his knees with his thumb stuck in it! I started laughing uncontrollably as he frantically pulled at the bottle. It is a picture I'll never forget.
Thanks for letting me tell this story Tanner. It was great. You have been amazing and entertaining all week. I love what God is doing in you.
It was so wonderful to travel with this team. I've loved all the times I've come to NYC, but this size so nice. We've laughed, cried, prayed, picked on each other - normal trip with Joel, eh?
Got to tell a story on Tanner while I'm sitting here in Starbucks in Chinatown :
The other day I was blogging in the computer lab and keeping Tanner from wandering with me. As I typed and uploaded pictures, he looked around and drank his water. After a few minutes he was really squirming around and a caught him out of the corner of my eye struggling with something.
I looked up at him, as I made eye contact a sheepish look came across his face. Then I noticed why. His half-full water bottle was between his knees with his thumb stuck in it! I started laughing uncontrollably as he frantically pulled at the bottle. It is a picture I'll never forget.
Thanks for letting me tell this story Tanner. It was great. You have been amazing and entertaining all week. I love what God is doing in you.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Tuesday - November 8 Bowery Mission 2011
November 8, 2011 Bowery Mission
Good morning everyone. We woke at 5:45. We went to chapel service and John Bruederman gave the message. He has a true heart for Jesus, Awesome guy. I met him the last time I was here.
Joel and Chris then left and went and ran the brooklyn bridge, I was Jealous but I knew I would be too tired if I did that. After chapel service we served the men in the program and following this we served the men and women living in the community. Then we went and got a coffee around the corner. I discover I am not a coffee mate girl. Betty and I did not know we should have asked for steamed milk. 1:50 for a large. Following our coffee we had a tour with university students from virginia who were here for the day. we prayed over Betty as her back has been sore. She is doing better now. Praise God.
Ate lunch around 11:30, went out on outreach with Keith, Larry, Domingo, Greg, and Spencer. They took good care of us. After outreach we came back to our room to re coop. All morning we were chatting and saying Betty, Connie and I that we didn’t seem to be feeling the power of the Holy spirit in us. That quicky changed after outreach, handing out groceries and food to people in the park. We were bothered by seeing the children come through the line with their moms or guardians.
We had a snack and set out to Brooklyn Tab for prayer services with Jim Cymbala. We arrived at 5:30 and the service at begAN at 7 pm. I felt led to go to the alter to pray about our being there and for continued feeling of God’s presence. I was in Awe the whole service. The power of prayer is amazing and so evident last night. I was flying after that. We all were. Connie and Betty,Chris and Tanner went to meet him after the service. After the service I ran out of the church to call Corey as I was so amazed. It was so amazing to hear his voice. I miss you so much dear.
After the service around 9 pm we went for another snack and walked around Rockefeller center where the big Christmas tree gets lit up over the season. Awesome day arrived back at the Bowery around 11pm. Lights out. Were all so tired. Thank you Lord for an awesome day.
Mary Beth
Nov 9/11-Up at 5:20 too early. Went down to Chapel service and I gave an opening prayer followed by Joel speaking and Tanner giving his testimony. Tanner did an amazing job. Joel began to speak again and we had to interrupt him because Raymond needed to then give his testimony. He said it can’t wait any longer. It was powerful. The girls and I served breakfast this morning too. Joel, Chris and Golden went for a run this am while we did this.
Mary Beth
Good morning everyone. We woke at 5:45. We went to chapel service and John Bruederman gave the message. He has a true heart for Jesus, Awesome guy. I met him the last time I was here.
Joel and Chris then left and went and ran the brooklyn bridge, I was Jealous but I knew I would be too tired if I did that. After chapel service we served the men in the program and following this we served the men and women living in the community. Then we went and got a coffee around the corner. I discover I am not a coffee mate girl. Betty and I did not know we should have asked for steamed milk. 1:50 for a large. Following our coffee we had a tour with university students from virginia who were here for the day. we prayed over Betty as her back has been sore. She is doing better now. Praise God.
Ate lunch around 11:30, went out on outreach with Keith, Larry, Domingo, Greg, and Spencer. They took good care of us. After outreach we came back to our room to re coop. All morning we were chatting and saying Betty, Connie and I that we didn’t seem to be feeling the power of the Holy spirit in us. That quicky changed after outreach, handing out groceries and food to people in the park. We were bothered by seeing the children come through the line with their moms or guardians.
We had a snack and set out to Brooklyn Tab for prayer services with Jim Cymbala. We arrived at 5:30 and the service at begAN at 7 pm. I felt led to go to the alter to pray about our being there and for continued feeling of God’s presence. I was in Awe the whole service. The power of prayer is amazing and so evident last night. I was flying after that. We all were. Connie and Betty,Chris and Tanner went to meet him after the service. After the service I ran out of the church to call Corey as I was so amazed. It was so amazing to hear his voice. I miss you so much dear.
After the service around 9 pm we went for another snack and walked around Rockefeller center where the big Christmas tree gets lit up over the season. Awesome day arrived back at the Bowery around 11pm. Lights out. Were all so tired. Thank you Lord for an awesome day.
Mary Beth
Nov 9/11-Up at 5:20 too early. Went down to Chapel service and I gave an opening prayer followed by Joel speaking and Tanner giving his testimony. Tanner did an amazing job. Joel began to speak again and we had to interrupt him because Raymond needed to then give his testimony. He said it can’t wait any longer. It was powerful. The girls and I served breakfast this morning too. Joel, Chris and Golden went for a run this am while we did this.
Mary Beth
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