To Those Looking for Greatness:
If greatness has eluded you, and the ache for success is still deep in your heart, then you might think about reaching greatness with us in the way Jesus prescribed. “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave to all” (Mark 10:43-44). You want greatness or success? Then come serve in the lowest place in Manhattan.
To Those Who are Faithful:
Your faithfulness is a fruit of the Spirit and maybe feels negligible or unnoticed in the place you currently serve because there is abundant fruit there. But what happens when you bring the fruit of faithfulness in a place where it is scarce? You will find hungry and appreciative people, that will gain understanding of how this fruit can change the culture to become an overcoming church.
To the Young Marrieds:
Did you know it is rare when you find a couple who faithfully love each other and love the Lord? Your marriage produces a light others can then see and understand why marriage is good. You become a lighthouse of hope to the children, teens, and young adults who grew up without. They need to know it's possible. They need to see you and hear from you.
To the Evangelists:
Some people think that there is a hardness to the Gospel in the affluence of Manhattan. But not in East Harlem where the under-resourced, the new Americans first come, and where scrappy but lonely young people find the cheapest housing. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Come to the humble place of Manhattan where God’s grace is abounding and people are ready to receive the Good News.
To the Successful:
There really is no reason for you to leave where you have found success, unless you are called to give yourself away in a new way. There is no monetary ROI (return on investment) here, but you will be investing in the Kingdom of God and storing up treasure in heaven. But test it out. Come to the most downtrodden place in Manhattan and see if you can outgive God. My guess is you will come to enjoy different kinds of blessings from God than just success.
To Families with Children & Teens:
If you have parents who are not divorced, love each other, love God, and love their kids—you got something doubly rare. Be a lighthouse of hope for what a family can look like to those who have NO IDEA whatsoever. And what did you really hope to pass on to your children anyway? “Niceness” with an affiliation with a church, or an activated faith that is a dangerous good challenging nominal faith? How does faith grow? Isn’t through moments that stretch us to where we realize we really must depend upon God? You might find the best environment for raising passionate Jesus followers is here in East Harlem.
To Those Looking For a Fresh Start:
If you’re looking to hit the “restart” button of life, and want to recreate yourself in the city, then definitely consider inviting Jesus into that recreating. Whether you are building a foundation of faith for the first time or reconstructing what’s been torn down over time, here and now is the most unexpected place for a fresh start.
