We are excited as we begin to prepare and head back into the parks over the course of the summer months. Tomkins Square Park is branded as a sub-culture homeless park in which multitudes of youth flock to from throughout the US during the warm summer months. How do they get here? They prepare and travel hundreds of miles on freight trains until they arrive to their final destination…….. Tomkins Square Park. Upon their arrival they settle in and make this park their make-shift home base. This predominately youth crowd is likened to a colony-pack of teen-agers which can be spotted right away. They are riddled with scores of tattoos, body piercings, and for many even their faces are plagued with tattoo markings. Many are accompanied by their canine pets which are usually pit bulls and for some the detested rat. Drugs are administered unashamedly out in the open along with bottles of  camoflauged bags of alcohol for consumption. These youth are notorious for their abrupt and care-free behaviors. Intimidation is quite obvious on the faces of the park locals who take a stroll, walk a dog, or perhaps a jog. The youth are feared and known as the outcasts of this park.
Although, lawlessness and intimidation abides in this place we are boldly going in to share the love of God to these young men and women who are ultimately hurting from past wounds, fear and rejection. Our team distributes specially prepared gourmet sandwiches along with fresh fruit and a delicious dessert.     Although they are hungering for tangible food, they are also craving for a listening ear. As we warm up to them and develope  friendships, they began to share their struggles and frustrations. We believe that as we continue to visit the youth God will bring them hope and show them that there is a loving Savior who loves them and is willing to take them just as they are. We will continue to go to those who are in need of a Helper and we know without a doubt that God has clearly established and grounded us in this particular park. Our hope is that they will receive and be restored by His unfailing love. Please pray that God will move upon this hardened generation and that the love of God will illuminate the darkened corners of Tomkins Square Park.