New York Part Two: Our Mission

This spring break was the best I've ever had. Through CRUsades for Christ at the University of Georgia, I was able to go on a mission trip this past week and to help share the gospel with hundreds of students on college campuses in NYC.

"And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation." [Mark 16:15]

At first, I really didn't understand the idea of going to New York City on a mission trip. It sounds quite—glamorous—don't ya think? I mean... mission trips usually mean you get to shower once a week if you are lucky. And you are building and painting and loving on people and wearing long skirts and your hair is mostly a hot mess the entire time....not visiting a giant city with bright lights and Broadway and delicious food every corner. Right? 

But this trip revealed a lot to me. Our mission isn't to set apart time to share the gospel a few times a year in a foreign country (although that's great too...), but better- it is to share the gospel everyday and to live our lives reflecting Jesus in everything we do, everywhere we go.

We visited different college campuses throughout NYC and were able to speak with students about their faith, cultural background, and to really just have some deep conversations about our religious beliefs and values. Most students at the campus I visited have never even had a conversation with another person at their school. They are only there for classes, then head to work, then hop on a subway, and head home to sleep before doing it again the next day. It was really great to be able to show them some love and to be able to sit and hear their thoughts.

I've come back from this trip so equipped to share my faith with others and with a passion and heart for cities and travel. This experience was really life changing and I know the Lord has already shaped my life through this trip.

"Cities no longer shape just their surrounding regions—they now shape the whole world. This new world presents Christians and the church with an unprecedented opportunity to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ into every dimension of human life. God is doing something new and big in our cities, and he’s calling some of us to participate in it." -Why Cities Matter by Stephen T. Um and Justin Buzzard

Cities are the growth centers for business. for new ideas. for culture. for diversity. Movements start in cities, so they are the perfect growth hubs for LIFE as well! The people, my CRU community, and the city have forever changed me. And I can't wait to see how the seeds we have planted will foster new life to come.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" John 3:16