IWC Bowery Mission Team 2011

John Brudermann Bowery 3 of 7

2011-11-15T09:16:00.002-04:00

John Brudermann Bowery 2 of 7

2011-11-14T20:51:00.003-04:00

John Brudermann Bowery 1 of 7

2011-11-14T20:51:00.000-04:00

Message by John Brudermann recorded at the Bowery Mission November 8, 2011 with the Island Wesleyan Mission Team to NYC.

Final Day at the Bowery - Thursday into Friday departure

2011-11-12T10:12:00.000-04:00

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

November 9-starting 10 5:30am , 2011 Bowery Mission IWC Trip

2011-11-10T14:04:00.000-04:00

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

After Brooklyn Outreach Thursday 10

2011-11-10T12:51:00.001-04:00

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.

Tuesday - November 8 Bowery Mission 2011

2011-11-09T11:27:00.000-04:00

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

November 6-7 First Full day in the Bowery.

2011-11-08T12:06:00.000-04:00

The rest of the team is touring the mission, so I thought I'd take a few moments to blog.

I went into this trip with excitement, but a very relaxed sense that things would be very different. Other than when my wife and I came here after 911, this is the smallest group I've taken. It really has been a wonderful and blessed mission so far.

Traveling into NYC on the Marathon day looked adventurous, but I had looked over the road closures online and felt I had mapped out a good route. Oh well - it was adventurous. I've never driven in the places we drove this time into Manhattan. God was good to us and we had no issues - it was actually very beautiful and peaceful a drive (for NYC driving).

Arriving at the Bowery was tight for making the 6pm service at Times Square Church, but we made it with minutes (2) to spare. The team did great in the subways too - it helped that most had been on subway systems in NYC, Toronto or London before.

The service at TSC was incredible, but warm. Connie and Mary Beth had to sit by an open exit stairwell because they were so hot. We were in the balcony too - so that didn't help. :) Chris already posted about the service so I'll continue. After touring Times Square we headed back into the mission to get some early rest.

You've already seen the posts for the rest of Monday AM. Once Chris and I returned we headed for coffee and breakfast up at Think Coffee above Houston and then into Washington Square. We walked back down through the Garment District and then somehow I was distracted and we went clear to Canal. After zig-zagging back (no noticed until I told them) we made it to Chapel on time. Charles and I sang together some Hymns and I brought the Word. God was moving - see previous posts.

After lunch we spread out in teams to work around the mission. I am refinishing some oak moldings for the entryway - Chris and Tanner are re-painting some doors (Tanner - himself) and the ladies worked all over the kitchen, pantry and back rooms. It was all our working until dinner time. Felt good to connect and contribute. Everyone is getting a chance to know the men and the staff. Good stuff happening. We need a bell on Tanner, but everyone is keeping and eye on him. He tends to wander off to chat around the mission. :) The men are all keeping an eye on him too - he has 80 big brothers now!

After the even chapel we ate and got some fresh air and coffee. Monday Night Football was next. Great time to hang out with the guys and enjoy an excellent game - at least for Chicago fans. :) Morning came early for me - again 5am. Chapel at 6:15 with John Brudermann.

I can't say enough about John. I love this guy. Four years ago he had a liver transplant and he has lost his ability to read, but he can still see distance. He can see spiritually 20/20! I videoed his message in five minute blocks. I'll post them later. John met our group and we talked for a while. He and 7 of his men are staying in the volunteer rooms with us Wednesday night!

Around 7:30 am Chris and I ran the Brooklyn Bridge. It is so beautiful weather wise here. 65 today! I should have just wore shorts and a t-shirt. Not to fast - not too slow a run - 44:29 from the Bowery. :)
We had a great talk on the run. John's message really hit home to both of us. Chris said that just that message alone from John Brudermann was worth the trip for him! Thank you God.

The team is off on the tour - so I thought I'd catch up on the blog.

We are off on outreach this afternoon and then to Brooklyn Tab for the prayer service tonight! 5pm the doors open. Thank you for praying for us - keep praying.

From Betty Caseley - AM Nov. 8th

2011-11-08T11:37:00.000-04:00

*
November 7-8 Bowery 2011

This place is amazing. The people are just so friendly and so thankful.
God is just so Here working with these great guys.

The city is very big so many people,so many buildings,so much noise,so many billboards so much need for so many things.

GOD is here . We are off for a tour of the Bowery.

Betty Caseley

*Photo is from coffee cup cake place on Prince Street - evening Nov. 7th.

November 5-6 - Another perspective into NYC

2011-11-07T18:12:00.000-04:00

November 5-6, 2011

We left the hotel in Tewksbury ,Mass around 8:30. Chris and Joel went for a run early that morning because they knew they could do laundry right after. A great breakfast hot buffet breakfast. Awesome. We were on the road and Chris drove to New Haven Connecticut. Joel took over there when we stopped at the Walmart for groceries. We arrived in Manhattan around 3 pm. The NYC marathon was going on and we were re routed many times.

Arrived at the Bowery around 4:30. Dropped off our stuff and headed to Time Square Church for the 6 pm service.

Amazing testimonies and an awesome message from the bible. Connie and I nearly passed out because it was so hot. So we left and went to the back door to get some air. Beautiful service and God was really moving.
Headed to an italian restaurant for supper after Church and we were all quite tired and walked through time square on our way back to the Bowery.

Monday morning Joel and Chris left to take the van to New Jersey at 6 am. Below is the church in Jersey City where the van is parked.

The rest of us woke around 7-8am and we cleaned up the rooms and bathroom for our stay. We had coffee when Joel/Chris returned and then started in the mission at 11:30 with the church service. Pastor Joel gave the message today. Connie, betty, and myself sorted toilet paper that was donated from the Marriott hotel and kleenex for the people from the community out in the street. Chris and Tanner Painted a door, Joel stained some wood not sure what for just yet. After we finished we went through the pantry and sorted food for the community for the out reach project that we plan to go on tomorrow. This is a soup line and groceries for the neighboring community in the parks. The plan for tonight is to watch the football game with the men in the program. I plan to read my Bible and our Relationship principals of Jesus study book tonight too to get caught up. Continue to keep us in your prayers and Bye for now
Mary Beth

Welcome to NY

2011-11-07T08:15:00.001-04:00

Joel and I are waiting to drop off the van in Jersey and I am thinking about what an awesome day we had yesterday. I have never been in NYC and was feeling nervous and as we were being detoured due to the marathon Joel said " I have never been this way before". That did not instill confidence but I soon got distracted with central park and the huge buildings then a cruise ship called the Norwegian gem followed by an aircraft
carrier. It was so nice to (after two year since Kim has come to the Bowery and I decided that I wanted to go) finally be here. We got to meet a few people that will take me a few days to remember there names and got settled in our room. We then rushed off to Times Square Church. It was so overwhelming and powerful. The spirit of God was moving and the testimony 's were tremendous! To top
It off we toured Time square. WOW, Grace, Hannah and Gabriel there is a Toys'R'Us with a ferris wheel in it! I slept well last night and we are ready for what God has for us today. However that may look.
Chris

November 4-5 The Beginning

2011-11-06T06:30:00.000-04:00

November 4-5, 2011

I guess our trip began months ago. Everything begins with a word. “Yes”.

Each of us said, “Yes” to some (even many) soft and clear calls from God to step out of routine, comfort or ‘normal’ for a week of stretching, seeking, serving and blessing. There were lot’s of times when ‘no’ was our response. “No” is always an option, but even if we did say it or feel it, we are here now. ‘Yes’ to God has moved us this far and will continue to carry all our moments. By saying ‘yes’ to God we don’t all know the reason or purpose FOR going, but we can see some of the BECAUSE reasons already.

BECAUSE… We’re here BECAUSE. First, because we said yes, but also because of so much prayer, encouragement and help from all our CHURCH (God’s big universal church) family. Thanks - keep praying.

Friday the 4th, I (Pastor Joel) went and picked up our van in Ch’ton. Right away I was seeing God’s blessing for us. Wow - this vehicle is so comfortable and nice. It’s like sitting in a leather couch instead of driving. Our vehicle is a 2009 Honda Odyssey. We chose not to fly because of the cost, but we are definitely in first call still. After packing up and getting the luggage pod on top of the van and the rest inside, we were met at the church by a wonder group of family and friends. It was an encouraging, but windy cold farewell. Not too many tears. Actually, we all were amazed with how well we did do. But parting was sad.

We prayed as a team and headed off Island. God blessed me earlier in the day - coming back from Charlottetown with the van, with seeing a double rainbow. Going over the Confederation bridge as we left He blessed us again with a beautiful sunset all the way toward Fredericton, NB.

We arrived to spend the night in Fredericton by 9pm - after stopping to get some things from my son Colin at Saint Thomas University and a short tour of downtown Fredericton. (I was really glad to see Colin and say good-bye to him too.) First Wesleyan allowed us again to sleep in their church. (Last time was in 2009) They blessed us doubly with air mattresses for sleeping and towels for showers in the morning. That was a wonderful sleep. In the AM (I was up by 5 :) we read, repacked, showered and found tons more room in the van on the cold clear −1 morning on Duncan Lane. Tanner took a typical teenage shower and we all waited in the van. We had time to tape up the straps on the pod on top the van. It sounded like a dog barking most of the way to Fredericton. NO sounds at all after.

Thank you First Wesleyan for the blessings and accommodations. May you receive blessings for sending us along so well.

Free coffee at McD’s has been most of our Canadian experience on the team since Halloween - except for Connie, who is a tea drinker. But she did get an extra coffee to give to us. We McD-ed breakfast in Fredericton and were off to the border in Woodstock, NB/ Houlton, ME. Along the way we watched (yeah - full DVD player built in) the second to last session of the study we’ve been doing from Jim Cymbala’s church (Brooklyn Tabernacle) called “When God’s People Pray.” It was excellent and we chatted and prayed right up to the border. Blessings again - the border crossing and immigration official was wonderful and kind.

Once into the US we hit the washrooms! First line of the Canadian invasion - empty the bladders :). Walmart was the choice. Extra snacks, pop, water and a pillow for Chris were on the list. Next stop Freeport and L.L. Bean. Another reason for stopping to see my son Colin in Fredericton was to try to replace his old backpack from LL Bean that he had since grade 8 or earlier. The zippers hardly worked and there was a hole burnt in one side. In hope, I stopped at LL Bean. Best return policy ever! New backpack - no charge! Cool. On at least an eight year old garment that is amazing. Mary Beth took over driving from Houlton to Freeport from Pastor Joel.

We all got to eat and shop. DQ only had hot dogs, but the McDonald’s house was nice and cheap again. OK - that’s enough of that place. A few other necessary items were purchased and a few other good deals. (Second wave of the Canadian invasion is shopping.) Then we left Freeport for the final leg to the Hotel in Tewksbury, MA. All but Mary Beth and I (because we’re upfront) watched The Boy in the Stripped Pajamas. Impacting, moving and perspective altering movie; lots of tears at the end. There is such a picture of friendship in the little German boy. Such a picture of Christ in how he holds the other boys hand - I won’t spoil it, but worth seeing.

We arrived at our hotel around 4PM. I need to remember exiting for route 133. We’re staying tonight at Residents Inn in Tewksbury. What a place!

We settled in, walked to the restaurant (Cracker Barrels) had a wonderful mean. After the meal we all had some personal times and then team meetings at 8PM.

Connie has been battling bronchitis and I have a bit of a sore throat. Tanner has a bad cough too, but we prayed for each other, exchange cough drops and remedies - keep this in prayer too. We read Psalm 37 together and share for a while longer too. After prayer and the meeting we all spread out to call home, workout in the gym, or read by the fireplace. :) The team showed up in my room a little later and prayed for me. I must confess, I was a little overwhelmed and cut them short after one prayer and laying on hands for me. I don’t know why - I need the prayers and want to be healthy, but God rebuked me for cutting them short. So I’m blogging this first and then later in the morning I’ll confess to them.

I was such a encouragement to see the whole team come like that to pray for me. I need to lead them in receiving from them and recognizing their example of loving each other. I was so cool that they all came like that. Mary Beth prayed. I am so blessed to be with this group and to be able to serve God like this. I love going to the Bowery, I love seeing all that God does in us and through us - I love getting out of my routine to spend this special time seeing and seeking what Jesus longs to do in all of us. It like a vacation from distractions to what is most important. Loving God and Loving others - plus responding to His call to love each other just like Jesus is loving us. (We’re all reading “The Relationship Principles of Jesus” too - day twelve is coming.

Let’s see what Sunday holds! Sleep well.

Pastor Joel