“Angie and I moved to Staten Island in the summer of 2008.
“Staten Island is one of the five boroughs of New York City and currently the fastest growing. The Staten Island Christian Church (SICC) building is located in the ‘Travis’ community which is on the west shore of the island. Throughout our time here we have witnessed how transitional life is within the city (people moving in and out due to their jobs). This phenomenon is clearly seen in the churches here, as new people come and become part of the church, while at the same time others have to move out. I have witnessed this trend in our own church, which is a small congregation, averaging in attendance between 59 and 70. Nevertheless, SICC is very ethnic in nature (about six different languages represented in our gathering). Most people who visit our church experience the love that binds us all together in Christ and the service attitude that permeates our members.
“Angie and I are involved in many of the ministries of the church. She leads a women’s study group on Tuesday nights. Every year she speaks at a women’s retreat sponsored by our church for the women in the New York metro area. We have been helping with the praise and worship teams in our church, organizing and creating a rotation that would allow us to better utilize everyone’s talents. My main focus has been preaching and teaching Bible classes on Sunday morning and Friday night. Furthermore, I have been working with the men of the church as we gather once a month to develop stronger relationships. Our ministry here has been a true blessing, and we are grateful for the opportunity to continue to be Christ’s light in this community. I have been appointed the president for the New York Metro Christian Convention for the next couple of years. This is a one day gathering of the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ in New York City. Our convention this year [2013] will be April 13. I am thrilled for this opportunity, as I know God will continue to use us for His glory as we become willing to step up in faith.
“The church’s involvement in the community is evident in its participation in the 4th of July Travis parade. We have a fall festival and Vacation Bible School every year. We lend our building to the AA group and a workout group. This year we had one of the greatest years in terms of impact in the community, as we partnered with other churches to help those affected by Hurricane Sandy. We coordinated assistance and distributed food and cleaning supplies to those in need. A couple that lost their home was placed in a hotel near our church. They have been attending our church and we have been assisting them in every way we can. This reminds me a great deal of the words of Jesus in the parable of the sheep and the goats, ‘Whatever you did for the least of these, you did it for me.’ This is our goal; we want to be Jesus to those we come in contact with.
“We are excited to be God’s servants in Staten Island, as we continue to represent Jesus in our everyday life. We always emphasize our church mission statement; Loving God and loving others.”
Israel (Papo) and Angie (Morris) De la Cruz
Staten Island Christian church
3980 Victory Blvd
Staten Island, NY 10314
718-761-6158
ysrael10@hotmail.com