After graduating from college, I volunteered as a NYCUP co-director Spring Break ’06 with my friend Marcella. We had both taken a week off work in our corporate jobs to lead college students through this catalytic experience (our co-workers raised eyebrows when we told them we were going to the South Bronx for our “vacation”).
I was once told that the poor is not a problem to be solved, but a portal to the heart of God. Because I serve a God who cares deeply about justice, to follow Him means to love Him, love others…do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with him (Micah 6:8) – and invite others to do the same.
I support NYCUP because I believe it is one of the best service/immersion/internship opportunities out there. Through it, I’ve seen students grow in so many ways, including:
· Justice - by being placed to work in quality, faith-based, non-profit organizations that serves the under resourced in NYC
· Spiritual formation - through meaty Bible studies on poverty and service & deep theological reflections
· Leadership – because once you experience all this, you’ll be bolstered in faith to be a part of God’s transformative work in bringing change and renewal to the places of deepest brokenness
...that’s only a part of it.
NYCUP provides a robust context to live out these values and delve deeply into God’s heart by investing one’s time, energy, talents, and resources into His city. In the process, students are empowered to be agents of restoration and justice in areas of desperate need, and serve as the prophetic voice and life-giving hope in the midst of poverty and despair. I pray that God will continue to use NYCUP to raise up leaders who will advance his kingdom in his city.
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