NEW YORK CITY — We conduct outreaches, equip churches, empower leaders and serve the body of Christ to become a force of change in the inner city. We do all of these things because of one soul.
My son Tommy recently wanted to go to Toys-R-Us in Times Square. He had a gift card and a list. As we entered the train to get there, a tall, kind-looking young man got in behind me. I began a conversation with him. Armando has three children, including one stepson he has raised since he was five months old. Armando really wants to be a good father. Tragically, this is far too often a rarity in the inner city.
I saw very quickly that Armando was hungry for God and that God’s providence had landed me beside him on the train that day. We spoke about fatherhood, children, and injustice in our community. I then turned the conversation to the importance of raising children to honor God. He recognized how important it is. I invited him to The Harvest Center. Armando said he would be there. But many have said the same and never showed up.
The Harvest Center began filling with people that Sunday. Then Armando walked in with his wife Tabitha and their three children. They had walked more than 24 New York City blocks in the ice and snow. I ran to greet him with a hug.
Armando sat attentively, soaking up the children’s Christmas presentation and the word about wise men following the light, bowing in worship and bringing their treasures to Jesus. He was one of the first of nine adults and six children who came to the altar to receive Christ Jesus as their personal Savior.
This is why we do what we do. We conduct outreaches, equip churches, empower leaders and serve the body of Christ to become a force of change in the inner city. We do all of these things because of one soul, one person who needs Christ, whose heart is open and ready to hear the truth. We do it for one soul like Armando who wants to find peace, hope and the truth for himself and his family.
Dr. Tom and Lidia Grassano, Urban Harvest New York
Project Number 7901061
© 2009 Church of God World Missions
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