The Tunnel

You know the tunnel that takes you from Port Authority to the NRQW line? It's that super long, hot, slanted tunnel that seems to take forever, especially on those hot humid days. I've passed through that tunnel numerous times as I'm sure many of you have too. You may also have seen the large area that has been taken over by tables of information about Christianity.

Recently, the amount of activity through these tunnels have increased. For the past 2 weeks or so, a group of men/women wearing "Jews for Jesus" t-shirts quietly hand out fliers about their faith. A couple of steps later, there is another handing out yoga instruction manuals, not only for exercising but actually as a religion. Then, a couple of more steps later, you start to hear yelling. Constant yelling, which at first, you aren't able to make out what that person is yelling about. As I near that person, I realize that person was sharing the gospel, yelling bible verses and yelling about how we are all judged at the end of time. He continues to yell that if we don't convert and believe in God, you will be casted into hell forever.

It was annoying at first, but then i thought to myself as I got on the subway, how many people he has actually helped yelling in that manner. Do these tactics really work? To me, it was a bit scary and overwhelming. I almost wanted to stop and ask them if they thought how they were getting the message across was effective, but I quickly erased that thought as the tunnel was pounding with his yelling.

Lately, I've been seeing and hearing more and more people yelling out bible verses in almost a forceful manner. Shouldn't they share about the gospel and about God's love in a loving way? Is there an effective way to share the great news? It's a hard one.

As I prepare to go on a mission trip this weekend to share the gospel with children and families in a domestic outreach, I have been struggling to think of ways to effectively get the message across. God's love is so great. It's hard to get it all out in one weekend. Especially for those who are pre-christians. The best I can do, is to share my experiences, to share the love God has given me and to pray for them.

Debora Suk