Experiences in the Big Apple
I just got back from a field trip to New York City with my high school. We saw a lot of interesting things including essentials like the World Trade Center site, the ‘Statue-of-all-we-hold-dear’, Times Square, and Broadway.
While on liberty island, I was deep in thought about the statue that once beckoned a free, easily accessed country, and today exists only as a taunt to some poor immigrants who have been on immigration lists for years. I was just walking around the island when I happened to notice an inconspicuous man in black following me. I wasn’t really worried, as I observed tactical weapons on him and a little wire coming out of his ear [now trust me, you don't wanna mess with these guys, but they're supposedly the “good guys” when it comes to national security].
I took a shortcut through some bushes. Bad idea. Next thing I knew I had like 3 SWAT guys yelling at me and pointing objects at me [I kept hoping they were just tasors and not guns]. “Oh all right, Mr. Officer, I didn’t see the sign, I promise.” “Yes I am here with a group.” “No, I’m not going to do it again”. I am altogether too docile when it comes to ‘authority’.
Well I made it off the island soon enough because I got tired of secret service agents following me around [c'mon are Asian people so suspicious?].
It was only a day earlier that I had got converted on the street of Times Square. I was minding my business walking along down the street with my friends when we were assaulted by an African-American young man yelling Jesus’ name like he was selling hot dogs [“git yur Jesus here...premium prices, excellent quality...” Okay not quite.]
Me and my lousy friends must have looked like good bait. After a lively dialog and a soothing prayer [with right hands all connected of course...don't ask!] he sent us on our merry way [like sheep in the middle of wolves].
Experiences recently have gotten my mind churning about the most missional way to present the reality of the Kingdom of God to street passerby’s [or is it even possible?]. I was completely turned off by this man’s evangelism [as I usually am with such going-ons].
As Rich Mullins used to say, “Tell people about Jesus…use words if necessary.” Now. How do we do that to a postmodern culture? God, I wish old Rich was still around!
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