Read more about Graffiti 2 in the link above. I have posted pictures of the Graffiti 2 staff and a short blurb about each of them at the end of my post. They are truly making an eternal impact in so many lives in the Bronx. One of their biggest ministries involves their after school programs. They have one for children in 1st-5th grades and one for teens in grades 6-12. In the after school programs, the students participate in a Bible study, work on their homework, and have the opportunity to participate in some enrichment activities. I got to work with the 1st-5th grade students on Monday and Tuesday.
On Monday night we had an evangelism training at Graffiti 2. We learned how to "Share Jesus without Fear." It was a great way to practice sharing your faith in everyday conversations that you have with people.
On Tuesday night, we served a Thanksgiving meal to the community around Graffiti 2. I think about 200 people were served a Thanksgiving meal. The gospel was also presented at Thanksgiving meal. This meal serves as a great way for the staff and church members of Graffiti 2 to get to interact with a lot of people in their community and begin planting seeds for the gospel!
Me and Ashley (one of Graffiti 2's staff members) waiting to pass out boxes
Some of the food we put into the boxes.
Each family got a HUGE turkey with their box of food. :)
On Wednesday night, we headed to lower Manhattan to serve a Thanksgiving meal at Graffiti. This is a neat opportunity for some of the teenagers from Graffiti 2's after school program to go and serve. The next 2 pictures are some of the teenagers of Graffiti 2 that went and helped serve the meal at Graffiti in lower Manhattan. This was on the subway headed back to the Bronx.
On Thursday, I got to eat 2 Thanksgiving dinners! Thanks to those families for making me feel welcome and at home during the holiday away from my family! :)
On Thursday night, we went "Black Friday" shopping for the kids in the after school program. We had a very successful shopping trip at Toys R Us and then ventured to Target for some extra fun! :) We began about 10:00 on Thursday night and got home about 4:00 Friday morning!
Ashley and I waiting in line at Toys R Us.
Kerri, her mom, and me waiting in line at Toys R Us.
Friday was a day of rest and relaxation! It was much needed after a busy week. I came back to Texas on Saturday....definitely left my heart in New York!!!
Here are pictures of the staff and a little blurb about each of them (from what I learned this week!)! This is totally my knowledge that I gained in the few short days that I spent with each of them.... :) :) :)
This is Ashley. She is the Children's Director at Graffiti 2 and was my awesome roomie for the week! I am so thankful that she opened up her apartment for me for the entire week! She is also a Texas girl! She has an amazing heart for sharing the love of Jesus to her community. She is AWESOME!!!! :) Be praying for her as she leads the after school program for the 1st-5th grade students. You can read more about Ashley here.
This is Jess. About a year ago, Jess felt the Lord was leading him to go to New York City, so he moved there. He got hooked up with Graffiti 2. He helps keep up all of the facilities that Graffiti 2 uses. He has a great sense of humor and a very meek personality. He is a hard worker with a willing heart--such an awesome combination! Be praying that God would continue to use him in ministering to the people of Graffiti 2.
This is Josh and Kerri. Josh serves as Graffiti 2's youth pastor. Kerri serves as the office manager and also helps out with the youth. They also felt called to New York and moved their family to the Bronx from West Virginia to serve with Graffiti 2. Their faith and commitment to God's calling on their lives is an awesome testimony to those around them. Be praying for Josh and Kerri as they lead the after school program for the teens. Also pray for their 2 children who are adjusting to life in the city.
This is me with the entire staff of Graffiti 2 along with some of their church members. It was such a huge blessing for me to get to serve alongside them for the week.
This is Andrew and Proof. Andrew serves as the Pastor of Graffiti 2. He is truly making an eternal impact in the community in which God has called him to serve. Andrew strives to make every conversation point toward Christ to earn the opportunity to share Christ's love with that person. Pray for God's guidance in Andrew's life as he leads the staff and members of Graffiti 2.
This is Denny. Denny serves as Graffiti 2's worship pastor on Sundays. He also helps with the enrichment activities for the after school programs during the week. The 1st-5th grade students absolutely adore Denny. He is serving with Graffiti 2 this year while he transitions from college graduation to medical school. He has a servant's heart and always had a smile on his face. Be praying for Denny as he seeks guidance for the next step in his life.
I am so thankful that I got to spend my Thanksgiving break serving with Graffiti 2. Please check out their website and consider making a donation to their ministry. They are all amazing people with huge hearts for spreading Jesus in their community in the Bronx.
I'm sure I left out a ton of details from my trip...so ask me if you have a specific questions! :)
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