Matthew 9:36-38 (KJV)
But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. [37] Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; [38] Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

Now that I have had a little time to reflect on the NYC trip, I find that there are three things that I need to continually in remembrance.

1. Love leads to labor!
The greatest example of love is found in Jesus Christ! As Jesus ministered to people, the phrase "moved with compassion" occurs often. Jesus love for people moved him to action! The action may have been to encourage his disciples to see the need or to stop and heal or preach to a group of people. As I was in NYC, I had the opportunity to see masses of people. I have watched children voluntarily sit on a mat to hear the gospel. I've seen adults stop on the sidewalk and listen to a children's story. I fell in love with the children and families that came to our meetings. This love moved me to share the gospel with passion. As I come back home, I need to develop that love for the people here. NYC is not the only city with a need for Christ. I must not just have compassion on my town, but I must be moved to action!

2. There is a lack of laborers.
I have never seen the number of people that I saw in NYC. People were everywhere! We past out so many tracts and talked to so many people. We saw a great number of people come to know Christ as Savior! As I look back at the week, I wonder how many people would have received the gospel message if we had sent out more teams, or if we had more than just a week. Jesus said "The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few!" I'm reminded that there is no problem with the harvest, but there is a shortage of laborers. Now that I am home, I need to be aware of the harvest. I must faithfully sow and water, and pray that God gives the increase. In NYC, I had a man thank us for coming to the park and giving him the gospel so that he could accept Christ. I'm sure there are people here where I live, that would love to hear the gospel. They're just waiting for someone to tell them!

3. Labor is a lifestyle!
While in NYC, I've watched teenagers and adults share the gospel in subways, parks, convenient stores, souvenir shops, and anywhere else people would stop long enough to listen. There was no differentiation of "fun time" and "ministry time." As I resume "normal" life, I must remember that my duty as a Christian is to share Christ at every opportunity not just scheduled events!

I had an amazing time in New York, and I thank Trinity Baptist Church for the opportunity to go! I pray that it will be something I van be a part of for years to come!

-Aaron Burden