Saturday, When we were at metro, we helped out with their regular Sunday school program. They bring in more than 15 full buses of children for middle school and preschool programs, and that happens three times within the day, because they have three services, all new faces at every service.. It was amazing witnessing the amount of kids singing praises, in the heart of Brooklyn. Metro reaches thousands of children weekly and daily with their sidewalk Sunday school...
In becoming a youth worker, I've quickly learned I really need to know what I represent and who I stand for. People love to pick out flaws, and yes, obviously I have imperfections, but in striving to live like Jesus and for him, I am on solid ground and embraced with his grace, therefore so people can see that, and respect, and seek out themselves in that. As a leader you are very much noticed and held accountable, which is good. The sweetest story of accountability for me happened at metro as we were volunteering, when a little girl in the bleachers repeatedly tapped me on the shoulder, so she could get my attention and point to the Salvation Army shield on my sweater, and to tell me that she goes there. I replied simply, "Me too," and she hugged me. God is so good.
Tuesday we went to the Bronx to minister with Metro once again. Their sidewalk Sunday school program is phenomenal. They literally set up on the sidewalk and begin preaching the gospel, sometimes parents stick around and here the word of God themselves. It is so empowering. They have two locations and different locations everyday throughout New York City. The locations are in a project/housing type setting, and it's so good to see God there.
* In the streets, Metro Ministries is known as "yogi bear", because when their Pastor had started this ministry he paid two crack addicts to help him out. One drove a bus, and the other he dressed up, and the only costume he could get a hold of was a yogi bear costume. The pastor, Pastor Bill, started this ministry because he had a calling on his heart to reach the inner city kids, because that is how he came to know Christ. This evangelistic movement has grown so much, it is known worldwide, they have international staff, and right now Pastor Bill is actually in South Africa. I really feel that God is working there, and so I look forward to maybe going back to volunteer and minister with Metro again.
Empire Youth Councils: Sept. 16-18, 2011.
Headed out to Long Point Camp, very early on that Friday morning, I had never been to this camp.. well, I haven't been to many camps.. but all in all I was excited. We spent the previous day and week in preparation, so we knew most of what was to come. There's always the "planned" and "unplanned" learnings, and I think that's something we all could attest to from that weekend.
"Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."
Jamie Grace was there! Yeah, I ate dinner with a celebrity.. no biggie ;) But on a more serious note, it was truly a blessing for her to be there. Her testimony is amazing, God is definitely working in her life. She's 'infiltrating'.
"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:17)
This verse has been a sort of constant occurrence in my life, lately. And I feel like if we are to infiltrate, for lack of a better phrase.. "do what you do" but do it in the name of Christ and make it pleasing to Him.
This was the first group of teens that as a "special guest" I introduced myself to. Throughout the weekend, these people were on my heart.
I was so impressed blessed by this group of people. They're all a part of the Albany Corp. God is doing something big there; you could see that simply in the passion of their youth pastors. I was honestly taken back by their faith and trust in God. Seeing such a strong group of people was so humbling. Especially at the last service when they were at the altar, all together, praying, and laying it all down there.
Blood and Fire: Salvation Army History:
The week before this event, the history of the Salvation Army was the workshop that had taken place at Railton. I learned SO much... as to where this evangelical movement, and army built up for God began and came from, of the God-seeking leaders that started it all, and after taking a look at the past, at youth councils we turned to where it is going.
Lincoln Hawk, this band was simply amazing. God was constructing their music, it was so uplifting. And to hear stories of their discipleship was so encouraging. They're most all from a corp in Long Beach, California. The lead singer is a youth worker, and the guitarist as well. The praise and worship was so fulfilling, one with their uplifting prayers, and the knowing of God's presence. The holy spirit was moving, and you couldn't ignore it.
Of course, God had a lesson for me in this all. I'd been constantly battling these thoughts, such as "God has so much work to do on me, still.." "How could God be working on me, and working through me?" I was given peace with this, because it is a process, receiving and giving grace. God can use you at any part of your walk, I think the story of Rahab reminded me of that. God really spoke to me through Lt. Hussey. I'm constantly reminded to just leave everything at the cross. Bring everything through prayer, and leave everything with Him.
Most all of these photos are credited to Sammy G. This one in particular.. Long Point was beautiful. God is good.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Here's a little intro... Well, My name is Melanie DeMatteo, I'm a fairly new salvationist, I grew up in Massachusetts uninvolved in the army, through working at Camp Sebago the NNE division easily became what I could call home. At this point in my life I'm finding myself listening to God, to hear His calling on my heart. As of right now youth ministry seems to be where He wants me, and I feel like He has definitely made that evident to me, through working at camp and with my younger siblings. With my past and through my future I've learned to bring everything through prayer and I'm trying to lean not on my own understanding, but to just have trust as to where He will lead me. I guess you could say that right now, I'm 'on the boat' and enjoying my journey thus far at Railton, and looking forward to everything that God has planned.
* In the streets, Metro Ministries is known as "yogi bear", because when their Pastor had started this ministry he paid two crack addicts to help him out. One drove a bus, and the other he dressed up, and the only costume he could get a hold of was a yogi bear costume. The pastor, Pastor Bill, started this ministry because he had a calling on his heart to reach the inner city kids, because that is how he came to know Christ. This evangelistic movement has grown so much, it is known worldwide, they have international staff, and right now Pastor Bill is actually in South Africa. I really feel that God is working there, and so I look forward to maybe going back to volunteer and minister with Metro again.
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