U n it e d S tat e s
Christ’s Method in
Manhattan
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any people find New York City an attractive tourist destination. But beyond the fine cuisine, upscale shopping, and entertainment, there are millions of people who call it home. To connect with people in Manhattan, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has established a center of influence called Life Hope Center Bryant Park. In this Mission 360° TV interview, center director, Pastor Bledi Leno, shares how they’re touching lives. Mission 360°: Bledi, thanks for joining Mission 360° today. What are Life Hope Centers and what is their ministry? BL: Life Hope Centers are centers of influence that are being established by our church all over the world. Their purpose is to connect with and meet the needs of people in urban communities. They offer a wholistic approach to physical, emotional, social, and spiritual development and often accomplish this through free seminars, resources, and services. M360: Tell us a little about Life Hope Center Bryant Park.
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Happy Hour talk
Lunch seminar
BL: New York City is an exciting place to live. But the people here experience heartache and need God in their lives just like people anywhere else. Our ministry is fueled by love for people and love for God. We want the center to be an open door to people searching for a meaningful and life-changing experience. M360°: Where is your center located?
BL: We’re in the midtown area of Manhattan, opposite the New York City library and Bryant Park, where thousands of people come to relax. And we’re just a couple blocks from Times Square, so we’re right in the heart of the city, where everything happens! It’s a great location because we get to connect with people from all walks of life and areas of the world.
Upper Room church plant
M360: So you’re using the center as a platform for ministry, where you mingle with people, show sympathy, minister to their needs, win their confidence, and lead them to Jesus. What are some of the first steps that you’ve taken?
