Liberty City is a charitable organization that enables each of our communities to meet needs in their local neighborhoods. In Union Square, Downtown, and Brooklyn, Liberty City provides ways for every member of our church to be involved in outreaches and initiatives to build relationships and serve our city.
Nathalie and Darrell Cheng lead our Liberty City team in Brooklyn. Nathalie shared how being the hands and feet of Jesus in their neighborhood has helped their team prioritize giving to others when there is an opportunity or need.
What are some of the specific outreaches Liberty City has been leading in Brooklyn?
“On June 6th, we worked with a faith-based food ministry outreach specifically for the homeless and shelter populations near Tompkins Square Park called Hope for the Future Ministries. There were enough volunteers to distribute food, so our team was just able to minister and pray with people on the line. It was a huge blessing because people on the line were so open to prayer and people on our team were challenged to step up and step out in their faith and pray out loud for the needs of others. It was amazing.
“On June 13, we went to Brooklyn Teen Challenge in Clinton Hill. On the first two Saturdays of the month they have a food pantry for the community. It’s a drug rehabilitation where the focus is 100% on God, and helping people find that personal relationship with Jesus. Usually the women’s group that is in the program hosts it and volunteers assist. This Saturday, all the women in the program were serving at another event in the city and Brooklyn Teen Challenge didn’t have anyone to help. Between us and another group, there was more than enough people and everything went smoothly for the 100+ people in the community who rely on the pantry. The women who help run the pantry were just so thankful to God for us. Some of our team again got to pray for people in line and we added another layer to our relationship to Brooklyn Teen Challenge. It was just beautiful to see how God has transformed lives and the love and kindness they give to others and the dignity and respect that comes through with this food pantry.
“On June 20, we met for a planning session for a back-to-school event we are trying to host near the end of August. It was wonderful! Everyone contributed ideas, their experience with these types of event, and connections in the community. We are relying on God and praying for everything to be led by Him to bring Him glory so we will see what happens.”
Have any good stories or relationships come from your being out in the city?
“Through our partnership with them, Brooklyn Teen Challenge developed a relationship with us and they helped us get someone into their drug rehab. Everything was truly a miracle and we are praying that this person’s life is changed forever and they find God. It was so God-designed, the chance interactions and conversations led to this person to being able to get into a detox program and then into Brooklyn Teen Challenge right away, when his family had previously been worried about how they would pay for it. BTC just told us, “Hey, don’t worry about that. If the person is willing to come, we WILL have a bed for him.” Just awesome, awesome love.”
What do you love about being a part of the Liberty City team?
“I love seeing my church family get out there and give of themselves! It’s such a cry against selfishness, and the lies and temptation that we are faced with living in this amazing city! “Oh, there’s not enough time, I’m too busy, I need to focus on myself.” And doing it all for something that is close to God’s heart—caring for others, helping others who need it. It’s real Christianity: we are blessed, we are loved, He gave us everything, and because of it the people on any Liberty City team show that they want to give that love to others. Not just when it’s convenient or when it’s easy, but they are taking time out of their day, prioritizing giving to others when there is an opportunity or need, and thanking God for letting Him use us.”
Is there a particular team member you’d like to recognize for their outstanding attitude or contribution?
“I am not kidding, everyone is amazing. And there is a few Dar and I would like to recognize, but for this opportunity I’d like to recognize Marie Singh. She is extremely kind, gentle, loving, and backs it up by always being there (on time and with a huge smile), crediting everything to God and willing to serve in anyway she can. She has a heart for those who are in need and whenever we talk about how we can help the community she always makes sure that we are not only going to pray for people but take an action that will improve their lives and show the love of Christ.”
