Bryant Park Life Hope Center has recently secured an operating grant to assist its evangelization mission.
As reported, the outreach center is a three-story establishment in midtown Manhattan. The Greater New York Conference (GNYC) of the Adventist Church manages the building.
Center Continues Evangelization Efforts
According to the Adventist Review, the funding would help the center continue its programs.
In an interview, GNYC president Henry Beras expressed his idea about evangelization. He argued that preaching does not equate to evangelizing.
Beras then reiterated that the grant would aid not just the Adventists but also the community. He attested that the start-up grant could impact the outreach center's "evangelism program."
The GNYC president also shared his formula for encouraging people to engage in the church. He explained that "the first thing you have to do is to show them that you love them."
Furthermore, Beras stated that it is important to "show that you have something different than other churches."
Inspiring People to Join Ministries
As per the report, the center's supervisor Bledi Leno disclosed the Adventist church's plans. He is also the current director of the GNYC multi-ethnic ministries.
According to him, the GNYC would utilize the resources to support the outreach center. The conference reportedly aims to help it get off to a good start.
Leno also emphasized that the GNYC desires to inspire midtown Manhattan residents. Additionally, the Adventist church also aspires to urge them to join urban ministries.
Parishioners Provide Support to Center
Adventist Review reported that Life Hope Center continues to receive support from parishioners.
An unnamed Adventist donor then reportedly chipped in funds for the center's renovation. The report revealed that the Life Hope Center had not been remodeled since the 1980s.
The GNYC is still generating additional funds for remodeling and capital enhancements. It also wants to purchase the necessary equipment to be used at the outreach center.
Center Partners With Young Professionals
Based on the report, the Life Hope Center aims to expand its reach. The center collaborated with a new breed of young professionals.
GNYC pastor Wayne Jamel expressed his sentiments about the start-up grant. Pastor Jamel is known for working alongside a team of youngsters.
"This [grant] gives us the confidence to move forward with our plans," the pastor stressed.
Pastor Wayne further said that he was thankful for the support from the parishioners.
He added that he was excited to see what God would do for the Adventist church and the center.
About Greater New York Conference
As stated on its website, the GNYC is a faith community of Seventh-day Adventists. It is one of the Seventh-day Adventist Church communities that assist New York residents.
The website said that the GNYC consists of more than 30,000 church members. These parishioners reportedly use various languages in worship.
Aside from that, the conference also embraces diversity as it serves several ethnic groups. The GNYC also has jurisdiction in more than 150 parishes and companies, the website said.
The religious community strives to inspire people to share their discoveries about God. Furthermore, the GNYC believes this can help "for the uplifting of the Kingdom of God."
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