Do The Harlem "Shine"

With Christmas being just around the corner, many are feeling the spirit of

 service! That was the exact case for two awesome missionaries in the

 New York New York Mission (Elder Jeffrey Kerr and Elder James Pickard)

and their Zone in Harlem. In the spirit of Christlike service, they offered 

to shine the shoes of the people of New York City. 

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865591940/Mormon-missionaries-shine-shoes-teach-the-gospel-in-Harlem.html?pg=1

  "I feel like when you're doing service, Heavenly Father blesses you with opportunities to share the gospel and helps the hearts of those we are serving to be softened." -Elder Jeffrey Kerr

 "We noticed as we were shining people's shoes, we had a lot of time to talk with people, and as the conversation began we started talking about how people's days were, and it led in to a more gospel-centered conversation, which is exactly what they needed." Elder James Pickard

Mosiah 2:17 "And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."

Jesus Christ is the perfect example of service.

We invite all to follow in his footsteps....

 ... and serve those around you this Christmas season.

Check out the inspiring article of this story written by Sarah Petersen on deseretnews.com

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865591940/Mormon-missionaries-shine-shoes-teach-the-gospel-in-Harlem.html?pg=1

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving!

 One simple question...

 Plus several artistic people with chalk...

 Multiplied by the fullness of the everlasting gospel...

 To the power of the people of the Bronx...

 Equals one wonderful opportunity to share gratitude!

 Whether old,

Or young,

  All had something to be grateful for!

 And they let us know it!

 They drew it on the ground!

 There was a lot to say

 And people said it with boldness!

 Notice any patterns?

 Whether specific or not...

 People were grateful for some wonderful things!

 Someone was even grateful for our blog! 

(Ok... maybe that one was me... but hey, I'm grateful for it!)

 It was awesome to be able to share what brings us joy...

Because after all, joy is not true joy until it has been shared!

With the trumpet of an angel, we're hoping to share the gift of gratitude. We want to show our Thanks by Giving! 

So... What are you grateful for?

A Splash of Color

Here are some more photos of the most recent chalking.

We hope that this brightens your day!

Also be sure to check out the video of the event previously featured on this blog!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlBoM0XZzHA&noredirect=1

Bringin' Love to the Bronx!

So, now we got some people in the Bronx, along Kingsbridge Road, to write up some new Kindnesskards today!

They had some awesome comforting things to say!

 Some of our Spanish friends wrote a few as well!

 They offer some awesome insights!

 Their messages will help others feel the happiness they deserve.

Never forget this... Someone really does love you. 

Our Father in Heaven loves us all, and wants each one of us to be happy, so let's go do what we can to make that happen!

Color Vision: Chalk Art Round 2

 Well, after a few weeks, and a wonderful donation of chalk from some locals, AND the discovery of several talented artists in our congregations around the island... we decided it was time to share the Gospel through Chalking again! This time, with Lehi's Dream, in Washington Square!

All of the missionaries got to work!

 But we had some extra help this time! :)

This dog didn't do much... but the owner learned about the Book of Mormon!

 An architect designed the Great and Spacious Building!

 It still had no foundation... (ask a Mormon, like us, if you don't get that one!)

 This guy knew that the Tree of Life was a better choice! (He should know, he drew it!)

 Many people learned a lot today.

 We want to help people focus on what really matters!

 The Love of God, and the happiness that He has planned for us when we keep His commandments! 

Come, partake of the fruit of the Tree of Life, Drink from the Fountain of Living Waters! 

If you want to know what this vision is all about, just read 1 Nephi 8! Or, you can click here to have two nicely dressed youths (like us!) come and tell you everything about it!

Taking it to the Streets... Again!

We will once again be taking the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the streets! We had some donations of chalk from locals, and figured we would put it to good use! Also, since Jesus Christ is symbolized in scripture as the fount of living water, that played into our choice of location (: Stay tuned for what goes down!

Something Good to Give!

Here is an experience that was had by some of the Sister Missionaries who serve in our district! This is what they sent to us...

Our train story:

"You are here, You are still alive, The sun shines when we don't. Keep hope alive."

On the train ride home from one of our lessons, we found ourselves next to a very sad young woman. I heard her sniffing, and when I looked up she had tears streaming down her face. I instantly thought of the kindness cards and we both dove through our bags looking for one to give her. We found a particularly good one and handed it to her. She looked down for a second, looked up, smiled and then said thank you. It wasn't much at all. We didn't even write the card. But we helped a stranger in the park brighten a stranger on the train's day. And that was definitely a cool experience. :D

Helping strangers help strangers. It's what we do. NYC is so full of sad and lonely people and what an incredible opportunity it is to have something even slightly more than just a sympathetic glance to give!

More Reasons to Smile!

Here are some more pictures of the index cards that we have decided to dub Kindnesskards!
(Remember, we didn't tell anyone to write anything specific, just what they would say to someone who was going through a rough time. This is just what people in New York thought to write!)

 It's a wonderful way to involve others in service and help us all to feel the spirit that comes with doing good! Let's all go and make someone's day brighter! Stay tuned for more good experiences we've had with these!