Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
There is a church in New York City. It’s been there since the days of George Washington.
The Twin Towers stood across the street.
Saint Paul’s Chapel stood during the crashes, during the collapses of the towers–“without even a pane of glass broken.”
Soon this place became a refuge for first responders. Volunteers cooked. Different churches sent supplies and people to help.
The church called the work “unexpected ministry.”
In dark days, He reminds us,
He will never leave us, Never forsake us.
Surely–He is with us.
Surely–He promises.
He is with us in the darkness.
And He stands with us when we stand in unexpected ministry.
Unexpected ministry shines light in the dark.
[A]nd He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away. (Revelation 21:4 NASB)
Oh I have heard more than one story about this sacred church. Thank you, Nancy, for this timely reminder. God often works in the secret places, those unnoticed by others. Not glamorous, not flashy, but still used mightily by God. He is living, moving and bringing His purposes to pass!
Yes, He is, Melissa! Thanks and God bless!
Praying that more of us would make ourselves available for the unexpected ministry that pours out the grace and mercy of God on our neighbors!
Amen, Beth. Thanks and God bless!
It is so true God is with us in the darkness and there we find His treaaures!
Amen, Ava. Thanks and God bless!
So needed, thanks
Thanks, Yvonne. God bless!
This is beautiful. We think the good has to be a heroic act, but often it is simply showing up or opening our doors. We can impact the world for Christ in surprising ways, yet so very, very simple.
A cup of cold water… Thanks, Melinda! God bless!
I had never heard of this church!! What a wonderful thing. Thank you for sharing this, Nancy!!
God is so amazing, isn’t He? Thanks, Jessica! God bless!
I haven’t heard the stories about this church. How wonderful. Thank God for unexpected ministry.
I hadn’t heard about it either, Karen. A moment on the radio prompted me to look it up. Thanks and God bless!
I love that phrase: “unexpected ministry”!
Thank you, Ava. God bless!
This is refreshing. I think any of us who’ve been serving God for a while happens upon unexpected ministry. And when we embrace it, what a blessing it could be for all involved. Thank you for this pleasant story in the context of a disheartening reality.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Stephen. It’s a fallacy the terrorists just can’t get. They cause horror, and Christ’s people respond by showing beauty. God bless!