Today, Gabriel and I met a woman sitting on a pillar at Union Square. She shared how disappointed she’s been in political leaders lately and how hard it’s been to find financial support. Though she has housing, she’s struggling to make ends meet each month and constantly fears she’ll come up short.
We listened and shared that while people may disappoint us, there is a God who is faithful and unchanging. She told us she believes in Jesus, so Gabriel gently asked, “Do you know what will happen one day when you die?” She paused, unsure how to answer.
That opened the door for us to share about the hope we have in Jesus — how His death on the cross offers us salvation and eternal life. She looked at us and asked, “Why would people want to kill Jesus if He was so good?”
I walked her through the New Testament, explaining why Jesus died and why people were so angry that He claimed to be the Son of God. Then she said something that stopped me: “I always hear people say He died on the cross. Do you think that really happened?”
I told her that more than 500 people witnessed Jesus after His resurrection and shared one of my favorite moments — when Thomas doubted and Jesus showed him His scars. As I spoke, Val touched her own hands and asked quietly, “He had holes in His hands from the cross?”
“Yes,” I told her, “and He did it for you, Val. Even if you had been the only person in creation, He still would have chosen to do it for you.”
She sat in amazement.
That moment reminded me that just because someone knows the name of Jesus doesn’t mean they know who He truly is. As followers of Christ, we’re called to be ready to share the reason for our hope — so others can see the beauty and wonder of our Savior too. - written by Lauren Strickland
5th Annual NYC-Brooklyn mission trip
The Walk Youth Group
Building 229
Venmo: oneneednow
Thomas County Area Ministry