First off, we were late.
New York subways on weekends are so crazy that a normal 30-minute travel can become two hours due to construction, hence a lot of re-routing.
Add to that, we met a Filipina lady, helpless and confused as she tried to find the right train to go to Roosevelt, Queens.
Next, just as we thought we were lost, we resorted to riding a cab, only to find out that we were one block away from our destination. We had to convince the cab driver the give us a $5 discount since it was so close. And that took time.
We arrived at church right when they were doing announcements between Sabbath School and Divine Worship. We missed our 5-minute slot to promote. Nevertheless, my friend Jacob, was able to fill in the gap for us and invited everyone to come for the afternoon so the church members can hear what we have to share.
For the first time in many years, I became a recipient of good music making in the church. This church’s pianist really played from the heart, who was equally skillful as well. As I sat there, I was reminded of the silent power of music to touch hearts and to to draw us closer to our Maker.
Divine hour message was basically about the change people go through when they meet Jesus Christ. Conversion, in a nutshell. However, it was shared on Zaccheus’ perspective as a tax collector and his experience in meeting other people who changed because they met Christ.
We were given an hour in the afternoon to share our testimonies. But 45 minutes into the talk, the church decided to give us the whole afternoon. Afterwards, we were invited to have supper at the Pastor’s house and continue to fellowship with other church members.
We met so many wonderful people at this church. One particular lady I will never forget was that one who used to be a Catholic nun for many years and ended up becoming an active member of the SDA church. She also went to Wildwood College of Health Evangelism, a few years before I came there. She had so many interesting stories that made me really meditate of how God is moving upon people hearts in these last days.
All in all, our experience was very sweet. Ever since we took the plunge into full-time ministry, the saying “we meet as strangers, we part as friends” has become a reality for us almost every weekend. However, to put things in a deeper perspective, our experience with this church has really been like meeting strangers, but parting as family.
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For more information about this church, you may contact:
Pastor James N. Wong
(718) 482-0505
Currently Meeting at:
Queensboro Hill Community Church
6002 138th St.
Flushing, NY 11355
United States
