An Update From the Knapps in NYC

You will find this post to be more of a "letter" than a post; my apology in advance for the length. Many of our friends have asked for an update on what’s going on with us in New York City, so here you go. 

I have been amazed at how busy we have all become over the last couple of years! But what’s new, right? You, me--all of us--we’re busier than ever. I always laughed at our guests who would come to our home at Rivers Edge (in Oklahoma) and talk about how nice it must be to live in the nice, slowed-down pace there in the woods. Now I look forward to every break I can get back there!

I’ve had at least two or three churches call me to do online interviews or skyping, because they considered us “missionaries”. We don’t consider ourselves that--we’ve simply come to live in NYC and be what we were there in Watson--people living Christian lives, alongside other people, some believers and others not. God is at work in southeast Oklahoma as well as here in NYC. One thing being a Christian (or a missionary, for that matter) means is watching for what God is up to and doing what you can, whether you’re a preacher, banker, teacher, or whatever. Being a minister, missionary, or church leader is not the high calling; being salt and light and helping those in need is.

The first two years in the city Suzy, the girls, and I did a number of different ministry assignments, trying to find what would be a good fit for regular involvement. But after volunteering for some work at a shelter for the homeless earlier this year, I felt incredibly drawn to find out if there were more ways I could be involved there. The shelter is known as the Bowery Mission, which has been ministering to the homeless since 1874. It serves three meals a day to the poor of NYC and has a resident program for homeless men. These men range from 18 to elderly, and consist mostly of men coming out of prison or treatment programs. It also has a large number of immigrants, many of whom found themselves on the street after fleeing to the US from places in turmoil. 

I’m presently working several days per week in the “career center” of the ministry, helping men get their GED diplomas by teaching basic GED classes in math, social studies, and science, and helping them learn to build resumes, interviewing skills, and find jobs. Another “class” I’m doing deals with dressing for success and personal hygiene--things these guys tend to forget when having been on the streets or in prison for several years. The director recently asked me to do presentations on communication skills and workplace etiquette. I’m also taking groups of these guys on work trips at summer camps in Pennsylvania.

As with many ministries where there’s an endless supply of needs, money is always an issue with the Bowery Mission. These men need decent clothing and shoes for interviews once they make it through the 6-12 month program to get them back on their feet with a job. There’s also need for transportation to get these guys to and from interviews, training seminars, and GED test sites. Here, they have to go by train, bus, or cabs, and it all takes money. These guys basically only own what they have on, and much of that is lacking. It has been very encouraging that a few friends back home have wanted to contribute to the ministry I’m involved in, and every penny of what has been sent us has gone directly into that program to meet these needs. It has helped tremendously! 

I’ve had so many who have asked what and how we are doing. Thanks for your encouragement and interest. Jesus made it clear...“When you did it for the least of these, you did it for me.” As so many of you have prayed for us, you’ve been a part of something special in NYC. Working with these men has been a huge privilege, as has being involved with ministry through our church, Redeemer Presbyterian. If you’ve been among those who have prayed--thank you. Please continue to pray that needs will be met and lives will continue being changed for Christ’s sake.

As for Suzy and the girls, well they are doing great and getting so many opportunities. Both Lindsey and Bethany (16, 14 now) are singing with the Young People’s Chorus of New York City. The chorus does 30-40 performances per year, some of them at such places as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Natural History, and Carnegie Hall, just to name a few. Lindsey recently sang at the White House for the President and First Lady. Their chorus did a week of performances at Stockholm, Sweden recently, and have trips planned for China, France, and Canada.

Suzy is also singing. She joined a ladies’ chorus this year and is enjoying it immensely. She is active with a large ladies’ group which meets weekly, as well as hosting a Bible study that we lead each week at our apartment. Just keeping up with the girls is a full time job which leaves Suzy little time to herself!

To say we are having the time of our lives would not be entirely accurate. Now in our third year here, we are enjoying the city, but we still find it very challenging at times. More than anything we are grateful for the opportunity to live here and have a small part in what God is doing in New York City, and the world.

In Him,

Tim