Snapshot

‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ 

—MATTHEW 25:40 

They say that at any given moment, we pretend not to see, hear, feel, or smell something around us. It’s a reflex. A mechanism of self-preservation, a way of getting through our discomfort. Be it on the street, on the train, or in a room, we reason that to do anything else would be inappropriate, awkward, or downright dangerous. 

But the truth is, we do see, and many times we deeply care. In those moments, God calls us to sense His presence and be prepared to do something. 

Such was the case during the Don’t Walk By outreach effort, co-sponsored by The Salvation Army’s Greater New York Division (GNY). During this annual event, teams of volunteers walk around New York City seeking people with no home. Team members saw a man on the street and offered him water, a snack, and a hygiene kit. They also invited him into the nearby Harlem Temple Corps Community Center to receive a warm meal and medical care. 

On Feb. 24, GNY will again partner with Rescue Alliance members— The Bowery Mission, City Relief, and Hope for New York—for the 2024 Don’t Walk By outreach day in Manhattan. The GNY divisional headquarters on 14th Street will be the hub, and food, hygiene items, medical attention, and transportation to a nearby shelter will be provided to anyone in need. 

In this new year, take a moment to answer God’s call.