Last week, we had the privilege of embarking on a mission trip to NYC, sharing the love of Jesus and evangelizing in Union Square, Madison Square Park, Washington Square Park, and Central Park. We spent hours on park benches, engaging with people from all walks of life. We prayed for Holocaust survivors, Muslims, agnostics, atheists, individuals battling mental illness, drug dealers, addicts, a deaf individual, soldiers in our military, and so many others. We even prayed in the name of Jesus for people while a Palestinian protest unfolded right beside us. God led us to people who were hurting, lost, and in need of love.
One student was especially honored to pray for two best friends, one of whom was dying of cancer. Another powerful moment was when one of our teens recited the Roman’s Road to salvation and what they believed to a woman who told them she had been a missionary in NYC for 12 years. She was amazed, sharing that no one had ever approached her with the gospel in all her time in the city. We also prayed for a minister resting on a bench, foreign tourists, and countless police officers—one of whom commented that no one had ever prayed for him before.
Throughout the week, people stopped, watched, and even took pictures as we prayed. Sometimes, we prayed for those who didn’t share their struggles but were open to receiving prayer, like a woman who allowed one of our teens to pray for her despite not revealing why she was upset. It was a powerful reminder of how deeply God moves, even in the busiest places.
Our group of 10 teenagers, ages 12 to 16, walked in obedience to God’s call, and while we sought to bless others, we were also touched by those we encountered. As we reflected on our journey, we realized that we were fulfilling the Great Commission from Matthew 28:19: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,” a calling that drove us to step out in faith and share the love of Jesus.
We are so thankful for all who prayed for us and supported this mission. Your prayers gave us the courage and boldness to speak the words Jesus placed on our hearts. God alone gets the glory for all that was done!