We attended two different church services while in New York/New Jersey. The Bridge met at the Hope Center on Saturday night at 6:00. What an ecletic group of people, many living on the streets or just getting by, many struggling to have hope, to beat their addictions, to keep their heads above water. Jimmy, who we affectionately named "whack-a-mole" due to his showing up during the service in different locations, gave us one of our fondest memories from the trip. Every time another worship song was brought up on the screen, Jimmy would burst into song. When "Shout to the Lord" was brought up, Jimmy broke into a mixture of Darlene Zschech's beautiful worship song, and Jon Bon Jovi's "Shot Through the Heart." None of us will hear either song the same ever again.
What struck me the most was the hope and love that Pastor Miguel extended to these people. Miguel is a janitor at a local public school by occupation, a volunteer with New York City Relief, a husband and Father of 4 (ages 15 all the way down to 3 months)...but above all, has an amazing heart for the people in his church. We were all blessed to join with this small community for worship.
On Sunday morning a group of folks got up early to head into the city to check out Ground Zero. I was one of the few who stayed behind to maximize the hour of sleep that we gained from the time change. At 10:00, the group who went downtown returned in time to head out to New Brunswick to join with Abundant Life Family Church (http://www.alfwconline.com/splash.php). It was a vision morning and they were unveiling plans for a new building...total cost of the project equaling somewhere between 25 and 30 million dollars. The similarities between Grace Community Church and their church were striking. Both started in 1991, similar in size, similar fundraising campaigns. There was also a wonderful spirit of hospitality that I find at Grace. We felt very welcome.
The differences were also obvious at points as well...just take the worship for example. The worship was a full body experience, and EVERYONE was fully involved. It was awesome. And we were obviously visitors simply from the color of our skin. But never once did I feel out of place or unwelcome. Jasmine Graham and her friends made us feel right at home. We shared a wonderful meal at a Jersey diner after church with Kiki, Lorna, Jasmine, and Marcia. 
The worst part about the trip home was having to get on a plane, only to sit on the tarmac for nearly an hour, while our Colts played out the fourth quarter and we lost. Steve especially was thankful for his friend with the cell phone!
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