For this first post I would like to share my support letter so you all can get an idea of what I will be doing starting in September.
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
My life has changed ever since I had a
conversation with a homeless man about three years ago. Ever since that day God
has opened my eyes to a specific area of brokenness in the world and has given
me a compassionate heart to suffer alongside the people who, at times, need it
most. I have been serving as a volunteer at an organization called Circle City
Relief, which meets the needs of a poorer community just north of Indianapolis.
I have been apart of that program for around three years now. Along with that
God has sent me out on the streets of Indianapolis where I have sat with many
people who have hit the bottom or things just aren’t going so well. Whether it
was a listening ear or offering them some food I was there because God has
continued to call me to love “the least of these” just as it says in Matthew
25. This past April I was able to show this same love to people in New York
City with The Relief Bus. It was here that I experienced God in a whole new
way. I have heard so many stories that just make my heart ache, but it was here
In NYC that God broke my heart for what breaks His. I remember in each location
Harlem, Bronx, and a few others I had talked to one person that just broke my
heart and most of the time brought me to tears. It was a reassuring trip of my
call to love others with a compassionate heart.
So after the hundreds of hugs, talks with
strangers, and listening to stories I have once again been called by God to
take a step out into the world. At this moment in my life I believe God has
called me to go do an internship at NYC Relief Bus after high school for 6
months. This decision in no way, shape, or form came over night, as I spent
lots of time in discernment and seeking advice from others as well.
The Relief Bus is an organization based out
of New Jersey, and four days a week they load up buses with soup, bread,
clothing, and hygiene items to then drive into New York City to love and serve
the low-income and homeless families. The bus also has info and resources to
help people get into shelters, detox centers, and even jobs. I would be working
alongside the employees at The Relief Bus and learning a lot about ministry and
how to effectively love others.
My time spent with The Relief Bus I hope to
gain leadership skills, see the ins and outs of outreach in NYC, and grow further
in my relationship with God. I understand that I have lots of room for learning
about outreach and I can’t wait to learn from the incredible people at the
Relief Bus. I hope to learn how to be more effective as a leader and better
understand the ways I interact with the people that I will encounter. I also
want to learn how to effectively assist someone who is hurting while realizing
that the decision to change must be made personally. I understand that I have
lots of room for learning about outreach and I can’t wait to learn from the
incredible people at the Relief Bus.
I am asking you to join me in this journey.
The internship is unpaid, and there are some basic expenses that I have to cover
in order to be able to participate (housing, transportation, trip insurance,
etc.). I am asking you to come along side me in prayer, finances, or both. I am
not naive enough to think that I can do this on my own, and I know with your
support, in whatever way you choose to give, we can spread the love of God to
the broken places of the world.
If you would like to support me
financially, I can provide the link to where you can give a donation that is
tax deductible. I can send the link via email or whatever way is convenient for
you. Also if you would like to further know my story and what I’ll be doing in
NYC starting at the beginning of September 2015 feel free to contact me at
either my email or phone below. I’d love to set up a meeting with you and answer
any questions you may have.
Or
Phone: (317)-517-7369
Peace and Love,
Grant Lewandowski
If you are interested in supporting me in this journey you can give here at this link:
https://moderndayoutreach.ministrygive.com/client/index.php
More information on New York City Relief:
