New York Mission Trip

Broadway Baptist Church youth and leadership accepted the challenge to share God’s love with children at two sites in New York during the summer of 2004. Following months of preparation, the Mission Team was excited but sleepy, as they prepared to board an early morning flight on July 24.

The mission was coordinated by the Rauschenbusch Metro Ministries with Metro Baptist Church in Hell’s Kitchen and the Greater Restoration Baptist Church in Crown Heights. Broadway Baptist was one of six churches that staffed the summer day camps for children in these neighborhoods.

For many of Broadway’s young team members, this would be their first trip to New York City. A shout went up as the plane began its descent into LaGuardia Airport and Manhattan appeared.

Traveling by chartered bus to our home for the next week, it was clear that New York City is not Louisville, Kentucky! There are many, many more skyscrapers than in Louisville…

And, a lot more traffic…

So many things to see…

And, so many people!

Upon arrival at our home site, Metro Baptist on West 40th Street, we were introduced to the first challenge of the trip…the STAIRS!

Seventy-eight steps UP to our living quarters. Everyone carry your own luggage!

We quickly settled in and established our relaxation routine for the week.

Sunday was focused on orientation at both sites. The Manhattan team attended services in the Metro Baptist Church sanctuary.

The Brooklyn team traveled to the Greater Restoration Baptist Church in Brooklyn Heights.

The first day of the camp both teams learned --- it’s all about the kids! They challenged us every minute of the day to keep up with them and hold their interest. With our planned games,

Bible stories,

skits,

Crafts

and music,

we made new friends and created some unforgettable memories.

Exploring Manhattan gave the Broadway Baptist Youth a chance to learn what big city life is all about. Each night small groups went in search of new experiences.

A highlight of the week was a trip to Yankee Stadium. Kids of all ages were thrilled to be in the historic ballpark.

Some lucky fans toured the players’ facilities … and maybe even dreamed of their own futures!

There is a surprise around every corner in New York! It’s a place where you are forced to acknowledge the diversity of humankind.

Our last stop was Ground Zero – it brought us back to reality. The somber sight brought tears to more than a few eyes in the group.

At the end of our mission, each of us knew we’d learned an invaluable lesson about the strength we have and the impact we can each make when working together to build God’s world.

Copyright © 2004 Broadway Baptist Church