New Life


1To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; 3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. -Ecclesiastes 3:1-8



 April in New York City is still so chilly and windy and rainy. But, it's beautiful in it's own way. How could one enjoy the beauty of the spring or the warmth of the summer if one never had to endure the harsh winter conditions? How could one really appreciate their good health if they never once were very ill? How could one be continually grateful and worship Christ for setting one free from sin if no one ever told them? Every thing does happen in it's season and in it's time (Ecclesiastes 3).

 For the trees and flowers to grow the seeds must die first before they can come to life and grow into a new beautiful creation. We used this illustration for our Kid's Club programs that we have at our South Asian Center. We planted seeds and told them the story of the Resurrection. That Jesus didn't have to die for our sins but He chose to and He came back to life. And we can have new life just like the seeds have new life. We can be new creations by accepting Christ as our Lord and Savior. We share Christ with these kids and with our ESL students. Our desire for them is to have new life in Christ and to share it with their friends, family, and take it to their country when they go to visit. Please pray for our ESL students and Kid's Club children' salvation, discipleship, and that they would share Christ with others as well. 

 I became a member at a church I have been going to in Queens called All Nations Baptist Church. I have been helping them with their children's ministry and we have started a new ministry, Kid's Church, which is a service made for children. On Resurrection Sunday we had an Easter day for them where we told them the Resurrection story and they went on an egg hunt. The next Sunday we had a special movie for them and they were able to use their Kid's Bucks for the Kidzone store which they obtained by memorizing verses and being involved in devotions and sunday school. May is going to be a big month for this ministry because May 4th is the official launch day for this ministry. Please pray for this ministry: that the families and children would come to Christ and that they would be discipled and be motivated to evangelize others.

 I have been dealing with health issues with my GI tract and nose, and throat. For awhile, I was bitter that I kept getting so sick here. Now, a lot of things are better and I am able to eat more food. My lungs are not using their full capacity due to a lot of allergy and asthma problems that have resurfaced. The doctor said I have the lungs of an 87 year old. But, inhalers are a big improvement for that. Now I just want to know what's wrong in the GI department, which I'm doing the proper steps to get these things done. I feel great though. I know that people are praying for me. I actually have a lot more energy now. New breath, new life. It's good. God is good. This sickness will not keep me from sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

 "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." Romans 5: 1-5

 I'm so proud of my hometown. Tornadoes ripped through it and the rest of the state and other states. So many people lost so many things and loved ones. But, the whole community came together to meet people's needs and to pray for them. Praise God for a community like that. I'm still praying for you Mississippi.

 Also, on the update front. I have finally decided on a major for my seminary degree. I had been taking the Master of Art core requirements and was debating between Missiology, Youth and Family Ministry, and Biblical Counseling. I have decided to double major in Youth and Family Ministry and Biblical Counseling. I want to disciple and counsel kids and families in a bivocational way. I do not know what that will look like in the long run but God does and he holds the future.

 May will bring exciting new things such as teams and so much more! :)

 Thank you guys for reading this huge blog with tons of info! 

 -Pray for our ESL students and Kid's club children to know Christ and accept Him as their Lord and Savior. Pray that they would have dreams and visions of Christ and that they would share Christ with the world.
-Pray for the new church plant in Jackson Heights. Pray for provision of leaders and volunteers.
-Pray for the Kid's church at All Nations. Pray for provision of leaders and volunteers.
-Pray for more staff and volunteers for Urban Nations Outreach. Pray for more summer intern applicants. Pray for financial provision.
-Pray for Larry Holcomb, the director of UNO and his family.
-Pray for our staff to have financial provision and that they would have adequate rest.

May the peace and joy and love of Christ fill your hearts and minds,
Amy Drake

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