Today was my first day in New York City and I thought I'd share my thoughts throughout my journey. The thought that consumed my mind the most is, "Even with these great works of man, all of it is vanity if they do not know Christ." Many of you will not understand my thoughts here, especially those who do not know Christ, but I thought I'd share them regardless.

I came to New York in the hope to not only minister to these people but to find out what God would have me to do with my life. I've heavily considered starting churches in urban areas so what better way to find this out than help a serve a church plant in the the greatest urban center in the United States?

With regards to the thought of trying to start a church in a city like New York, my initial thought is simply being overwhelmed. How can I, a boy from the small town of Mullins, South Carolina do anything to help these people? I've now walked Times Square barely even able to walk due to the multitudes of people. What can I do for them? If I made it my goal in life to help these people, how would I even start? Would it not just be easier for me to become a pastor of a small country church? That would be good enough, wouldn't it? I still would be serving after all.

That was my initial thought. However, my heart broke for these people. After looking at the dazed looks of people in the subways, after looking at the vulgar advertisements at every turn, after looking at the thousands of people looking the the great sights of New York, my heart was torn apart. These people do not know Christ! How could I live a life of "Southern comfort" when there are millions of people in one city alone who are going to die and spend eternity in hell? How can I live a life with my biggest worry being how to stop people arguing about the color of the carpet in the church?

I can and will not live my life in peace unless I know I am being faithful to the call that God has called of me. I cannot bare to stay in the "Bible belt" with people who are apathetic to the Gospel message when there are people who need to hear the message of Christ crucified. These people need to hear and be transformed by the Gospel.

Today, it was not seeing the Statue of Liberty from miles away that inspired me. It was not the Empire State building that made me want to be a better person. It was not Times Square that entertained me. It was the multitudes of people who are heading straight to hell that drove me to compassion. People can do some wonderful things, but none of it of any worth apart from Jesus Christ.

Oh what a struggle this is! Why would God not put a simple life in front of me? But God responds, "simple like my Son's?" Why does God not convict me to stay home? But God responds, "Because others need to hear the gospel." Why me Lord, why not someone else? But God responds, "Who else will go?" Lord, I do not know and that is why I must.

I hope this simple writing has been an inspiration to you. I have not done much serving today but I certainly have been convicted. Pray God will work miracles this week. :)