We toured the city the last two days by bus. Lots of fun - we saw a lot of things that we hadn't seen on our previous two visits. Despite a bad forecast the weather was beautiful and several of the team got sunburnt sitting upstairs on the open-top double decker.
Central Park is a haven from the noise of the city! 
The Bethesda Fountain, situated beside a lake in Central Park, was stunning. 
The bridges in the city are a site to behold. 
We took the Staten Island Ferry, a free 30 minute boat ride, which gave amazing views of the city. 
The team getting blown away on the boat!!
Some highlights were:
-seeing Harlem for the first time. We drove past the Apollo Theatre where the Jackson Five debuted. Today, being the day after Michael's death, there was a very large crowd gathered to pay tribute to him.
-being able to see Union Theological seminary, home to the most liberal theology in Protestanism today. It is also home to Riverside Church where Hilary Clinton attends when in town.
-seeing the mosque set up by Muhammad Ali and a place which he frequents to this day for prayer.
-seeing many outwardly homosexual people on the streets. This is Gay Pride week which culminates in the Gay Pride Parade on Sunday of all days.
We say these were highlights for the simple reason that they all serve as a timely reminder that whilst the city is beautiful beyond words, there abounds much sin and darkness. God has blessed the city and this country in days gone by, but actions played out on these streets today fly in the face of His blessings, mercy and grace. May we never forget that the fields are white unto harvest and that we, as God's people, need to take the stand that is much needed in these days and be pro-active in doing our part to fulfill His great Commission.
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