There’s always been something about big cities that has attracted me. Maybe it’s the bright lights, or the pace of life, or the natural energy given by its residents - but for whatever reason, I find big cities attractive and inspiring. In no place do I find this to be truer than in my hometown of New York City. I was born in Bronx, NY, and I always have been fascinated with the rhythms of city life. As I grew and began to pursue my relationship with Christ, God began to place a heavy burden in my heart to live, serve, and reach New York City for His Kingdom.

For many, New York City is simply a place you visit to see the sites and attractions. Not many people think of NYC as a place to do ministry, let alone live. But for me, it was different. NYC is where I was born. It’s where I was from. It’s where I wanted to be.

When they think of New York City, many people think of Central Park, the Empire State Building, or Times Square. But for me, I always thought of the people; the people who deal with social and professional pressures like no where else in our country, the people who carry heavy burdens, yet have no place to turn, the people who seek to fill the voids in their life with corporate success, or artistic recognition. It’s these people that I would think about.

As we all know, New York City is filled with people. The New York City metro area has over 18 million people, and over 8 million people alone in NYC’s five boroughs. Of those 8 million people, over 84% do NOT have a relationship with Jesus Christ. Think about that - in possibly the most influential city in the world 6,780,000 people do not know Jesus... That’s shocking!

In February of 2013, God opened up the door for me to join the staff at The Journey Church in NYC. My family sold all of our belongings (including our cars and our house) and moved from a 4-bedroom house in the Pacific Northwest to a 1-bedroom apartment, which was less than 1/3 of the size of our previous home. We made sacrifices to get to NYC, but we knew this is where God wanted us and where God would use us to make an impact far greater than we could have imagined!

In a little over a year of being in the city, we’ve seen God do some amazing works! There seems to be a sort of “spiritual awakening” in the city, and God is at work through many of the churches in NYC. Believers are living out the Gospel and lives are being changed daily, which is an incredible testimony to the God we serve. At The Journey alone, we saw 511 first-time decisions for Christ in 2013 and we had over 220 people go public with their faith through baptism! Every week people are taking deliberate steps to grow in their faith and actively serve the God they love.

As the Growth Groups Pastor, I have the privilege of overseeing all of our small groups and the spiritual growth of our congregation. Today, I brag on who God is and what He is doing through our church, as we have over 1000 people plugged in to a small group and over 550 people participating in a Lenten Fast.

I’ve always maintained that, “If you change the city, you change the world,” and it’s an incredible honor to know that I am a part of changing the world, one life at a time.
Serving with you,

Ricky Ortiz

www.JourneyNYC.com

www.Facebook.com/TheJourneyChurch