in the mist of all this brokenness.

And He said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves." Luke 10:2

We went to the Bronx today to meet some friends. I was in for an unexpected reality check. The bronx is one of the roughest parts of town. It was composed of mainly hispanic and african american people. Besides the consistent smell of sewer, there were cars honking obnoxiously, people cursing and yelling at each other, teen moms strolling their babies around.  Even using the restroom was impossible. There was one bathroom in the whole community that was available and that was in the Wendy's near the subway station. You would have to purchase food in order to use their facility. I didn't realize how hard it was to use the bathroom, especially growing up in the suburbs where public restrooms are pretty sanitized and frequently in use for everyone. That was something I definitely take for granted at home.

Obviously, the neighborhood was very broken. The safety factor of this place wasn't even a factor. It was the immense feeling of a lost hope that is in bondage and held captive by societal standards. I felt as if I was standing in a dark room with one candle representing that tiny ounce of hope and new beginnings. I believe that the Lord does that for the goodness of who He is. To reel His people back to Himself.

I never prayed so much in my life.

That is definitely something I have gained through this experience.

Praise God.

Reliance on Him. Growing with Him.

Thank you for showing me the brokenness in this world so that I can rely on Your Spirit to bring light into this world. 


I love You, Jesus. 


There is hope.
We met our friend named Constancio and He is a believer and devout Christian. Born and raised in Mexico, he recently became a Christian along with his wife and kids about 4 years ago. When I first saw him standing behind the counter in his luggage store, I noticed this huge, sweet smile that painted across his face. It was humbling knowing that he lives in this tiny apartment with his wife and kids barely making it through. But his contentment with where he was filled by the joy that He had through the cross. When he began to speak about Jesus and how much God was doing in his life, I couldn't help but rejoice with him. His English is wonderful for somebody who didn't know a lick beforehand. I was impressed by what the Lord is doing and how He is using Constancio for the Kingdom and the depths of the people in that community that God has placed him in.

Quiet the inspiring story huh?

Totes.

Going to an african party late tomorrow afternoon.

M.