Prompted by Ms. Finley’s recent column about her visit to New York City, I would like to offer a little different perspective on the “Big Apple.”

I have been to NYC on mission trips with New York City Ministries on three different occasions. Yes, it is quite different from our small town of southerners, but a fascinating place none the less.

More people, more problems. The most intriguing thing to me was how many different cultures are represented in one place. Our group talked with people from over 70 different countries. What an awesome opportunity to share the gospel.

I found the people of New York City quite different from her description. True, they are not as open as we are here in the heart of Dixie, but nonetheless, people just like us.

As we rode the subways, sat or walked in the city park, (which is an interesting phenomenon in itself — people actually sit in the parks — eating lunch, reading, playing chess or just talking!) I found that if I reached out and spoke first, most were thrilled that someone would take the time or interest to talk with them.

One of the most amazing things were the prayer stations we set up all around the city — anywhere from the hub in the subway to Spanish Harlem to Brooklyn to Manhattan — even the Muslim community — people would walk up to perfect strangers and ask for prayer!

They didn’t care who was watching. People in Natchez would not even do that. At the end of each day, there were always awesome stories of how God intervened in people’s lives that day.

Yes, I am a small town girl, born and raised right here in Natchez, but I love New York City. I loved Times Square, Broadway, Central Park, Staten Island, 5th Avenue, Manhattan, China Town, Little Italy and all the rest! Does it have its problems? Of course, it does. It is an amazing place, but it’s a place where people need to hear that God loves them and wants to change their lives — that it doesn’t depend on their good works, but Christ alone! There’s no other city in the USA like it. Reach the people there with the message of salvation and hope and you can reach the world. For more info on NYC Ministry, visit their Web site at www.nycm.org.

Kathy Rogers has worked with New York City Ministries.