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