Youth and Discipleship Hosts “New York / City Vision Expedition”
The Church of God International Department of Youth and Discipleship is committed to helping students and young adults become effective Disciples of Jesus and to get them prepared for and engaged in world-changing ministry in places like New York City.
Recently, a group of 154 young people from across the U.S.A., representing eight different local churches, shared in service, ministry, and evangelism in New York City for an entire week. These students converged on the “Big Apple” for ministry in Brooklyn, Yonkers, Harlem, Queens, and the Bronx sharing the love of Christ.
Youth Pastor Adam Baird, (Dalton, GA) whose students participated in NYC City Vision recalls, “It was amazing to see our students be the hands and feet of Jesus in places outside of their comfort zone. It was a tremendous growth experience for us all.”
Students were engaged in a spectrum of opportunities including feeding the homeless, evangelism/witnessing, drama, children’s and youth ministry, service and outreach events, local Vacation Bible School and worship services! Through cooperation with Church of God Operation Compassion, an entire truck load of supplies were distributed by these students to churches in the city and then provided to people and families who needed them the most!
Block Parties in several communities focused on meeting the physical and spiritual needs of children and their families. The groups created an atmosphere of fun, love and care through the creative means of sharing the gospel through drama, music and evangelism. Youth and Discipleship International Director Tom Madden indicated, “The goals of this City Vision trip were to reach the lost and strengthen local churches by partnering with them to positively strengthen their community.”
The lives of people these students served in NYC were not the only ones that were positively influenced by this ministry. Youth Pastor Bo Madden, from the Praise Cathedral Church of God in Greer, South Carolina stated, “The NYC City Vision Trip is truly a life-changing experience. It has ignited a fire in our students to win our own community for Christ!”
The Urban harvest is ripe and ready. By challenging students to be real Disciples and “GO,” (Matthew 28:19-20) they are fulfilling the Great Commission! For more information about Global & Stateside Expeditions and City Vision opportunities, contact Randall Parris, YWEA / Leadership Development Coordinator at 423-478-7883 or rparris@churchofgod.org .
