God has been stirring our hearts to seek out how we were to be involved in taking the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. We seemingly had conflicting desires of wanting to reach people in the United States and wanting to reach people in other countries where the gospel isn't known. In April of this year, He gave us a clear vision for taking a step of faith and showed us that we didn't have to choose one or the other. We could be used by Him to reach people "over here" and "over there" by planting a new church in New York City!
We are teaming up with another couple, Larry and Lindsey Mayberry, from Houston, TX. I'll give more info on them later. You will want to hear how God providentially crossed our paths two years ago on an airplane. They are a wonderful couple who are in the process of adopting their first son and also expecting a child in January!
This new church already has a name, Connection Church, even though we don't have a building yet! Church Planting (starting a church from scratch) is an extremely challenging endeavor that takes a lot of commitment, time, and resources to accomplish. God has given us a vision and a mission for this new work. For example, our mission is to reach the people of New York City who do not know God so that they may realize that their purpose in life is knowing God and becoming fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
Our family is moving to NYC on August 22, 2011. We will spend the fall living as missionaries in NYC, traveling on weekends to recruit partner churches and individuals, and doing all we can during the week to find the best place and method for reaching the people of our community.
We need to raise $20,000 before August 22nd to cover moving expenses, housing expenses, and living expenses for 3 months. Larry and his family are moving in late October and we need to raise $20,000 for their family as well. We believe God has already prepared the way to support our families financially through people who believe in us and what we are doing. Larry and I are also committed to working full time in a secular job until enough resources are available for us to go full-time at this new church.
This is where you step in the picture. We need people like you to commit to becoming a "partner" in this new work. We need individuals and churches to share our vision of reaching NYC and supporting us in one of, or a combination of, the following ways.
1. Prayer- We need people to pray for the Spirit of God to empower everyone involved.
2. People- We need short term mission teams to commit to traveling to NYC and serving with us.
3. Financially- We need people to commit to supporting this work with their money. It takes a lot of money to live and plant a new church in NYC. Financial partners can give either as a one-time love offering, monthly support, or both.
Why New York City?
Jesus has given the church the great commission to make disciples of all the nations (Matt 28:19b). Right now, God has providentially brought the nations to NYC. This unique city is the most populous city in the United States with more than 8.1 million people. In Metro New York (population over 22 million), there are approximately 2 million Jews, 800,000 Muslims, and 400,000 Hindus, and Metro New York is the American hub for Russians, Chinese, South Asians, West Africans, Caribbeans, South Americans, and so on. Over 700 different languages are spoken in NYC!
Our families are moving to the Astoria neighborhood of NYC. It is one of the most diverse neighborhoods and has been referred to as, "Little Greece." This neighborhood has since diversified with an influx of Egyptians, Bangladeshis, Brazilians, Colombians, Ecuadorians, Peruvians, and many more people groups. Astoria is also a magnet for attracting young actors, musicians, and artists hoping to make it big in NYC. We will be planting this new church among thousands of people who do not know who the Son of God is. This will be a church within the United States that will be reaching nations all over the world.
We want you to join us in reaching the world for Jesus' sake. Will you commit to pray for God to continue empowering this vision? Will you pray about coming to NYC and serving with us for a few days next year as we get the word out about this new church? And will you commit to asking God how you can help by contributing financially? Whether your budget allows you to give $25 or $25,000, your gift will be vital in seeing this new church start changing the world by the power of the gospel. (the mailing address for contributions is at the bottom of this page)
There are so many different people groups in New York, but there is only one true God. People need to know God through His Son, Jesus. God desires our two families to reach the people of New York City in this way, and He wants to use each of us in special ways to bring people peace through Christ. Our families are committed to going above and beyond to give sacrificially to the work of God in this city. Our continual priority will be reaching people who do not know God and focusing on the life-changing power of Jesus Christ. However the Lord leads you to give, we thank you for your faithfulness to Him.
For the glory of Christ!
Daniel McGhee, Lead Pastor
Connection Church, New York, NY
Your Tax-Deductible Contributions can be sent to:
Payable to: Grace Baptist Church
12 Queen Street
Whitehall, NY 12887
Designated to: Memo: Connection Church NYC
