Let's hear it for New York!  It's been a great couple of days in the Big Apple; yesterday we had a chance to travel north into the quaint town of Hastings on Hudson where my brother and I meet with Seth Godin, a highlight that will not quickly be forgotten.  Once back in the city we stopped by Trinity Grace and spent some time with Jon Tyson, pastor and a true pioneer of urban ministry. 

Jon took us to Stumptown, a Portland based coffee shop that just opened a few blocks away from the Trinity Grace offices...don't miss this if you are a true coffee lover!  (or so I've been told...I had tea :))  He is a pastor's pastor and makes time for anyone that wants to meet with him.  I don't know how he does it, but Jon's perspective on his role in the church is absolutely challenging and inspiring.  If I were a church planter I would learn all I could from Jon Tyson.  If I were planting a church in an urban neighborhood I would travel to New York immediately and knock on his door until he answered.  Sorry Jon, hope nobody reads this!  :)

Today I had the chance to meet Jamie Tworkowski (spelling his last name is not nearly has difficult as trying to pronounce it phonetically :)) Jamie leads Two Write Love On Her Arms, "non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide."  Not only does Jamie lead a movement anchored to the principle of vulnerable honesty, he lives a life of the same.  Because of who Jamie is and how freely he shares his life it's difficult not to feel freedom from the need to put on a show.  He invites honestly.  It was an absolute blessing to spend time with Jamie, and i will have a video from our interview we did in his apartment soon...stay tuned!

TWLOHA could use your help!  Make sure to vote for Jamie on MTV's Woodie Awards Page - pretty incredible!  VOTE FOR JAMIE NOW

• NOTE - if you are in New York tomorrow, November 13th, and would like to be a part of a photo shoot with Jamie for Rolling Stone Magazine (to be released during Thanksgiving) meet Jamie at 1:30PM at Washington Square Park.  He will have free hot chocolate for you!

Here are a few pictures from our time with some of these amazing leaders...

New York, NY
(Seth Godin, Jon Tyson, Jamie Tworkowski)


Stay tuned for more from New York, NY!