I survived the New York Blackout 2003, and I have the T-shirt to prove it. I went to New York to do research on the cover story and found a city in desperate need of Christs love. The blackout that covered New York and a large part of the northeast in a blanket of darkness doesnt even compare to the spiritual darkness that millions of New Yorkers live in every day. The spiritual darkness that plagues New York is replicated in cities across North America.
As we saw this summer, blackouts in our major cities can create chaostraffic was gridlocked, people were trapped on elevators or subways, food perished, and security was uncertain at best. When people live in spiritual darkness their lives become chaotic. Imagine the life without Christ its a life spent wandering around looking for direction, trapped by sin and no sense of a secure future. Christ brings order to chaos, and as Christians we can bring Christ North America and our world. The temporary blackout reminded me that as Christians we need to be salt and light in a world saturated in spiritual darkness.
Throughout the years, our major cities have become centers of spiritual darkness. Today, 64 percent of North Americas population lives in the 50 largest cities. However, only 25 percent of Southern Baptist churches are in those areas. In this issue well take a look at how Christians and urban churches can become beacons of light to North Americas cities.
The North American Mission Board recognizes that one of the keys to reaching North America for Christ is reaching our cities. Since 2000 NAMB has been targeting cities in North America as Strategic Focus Cities (SFC). Cities that have already been influenced by the SFC strategy are Chicago, Phoenix, Boston, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Seattle and Miami. New York City will be an SFC emphasis in 2004-2005 and Vancouver in 2006.
During my visit to New York, I was encouraged by the spiritual lights that I saw around the city. I saw Christ in the mother helping her children memorize Bible verses on the subway. I saw Him in the Broadway actor who doesnt hesitate to share his faith with his castmates. I saw Christ in the faces of people lined up on the sidewalk for a weeknight church prayer service.
As we spread His message, God can bring light to urban darkness.
Carol Pipes, managing editorcpipes@namb.net