Coats for the City helps provide coats to individuals and families in need in New York City. Join in praying for this yearly ministry as N.C. Baptists and partners share the hope of the gospel while meeting physical needs.
Each December, N.C. Baptists join with South Carolina Baptists and the Metropolitan New York Baptist Association to share the love of Jesus in New York City through Coats for the City. Throughout the year, churches across North Carolina collect warm coats that will be distributed to individuals and families in need.
On Dec. 5-6, volunteer teams serve alongside NYC church plants to meet physical needs and point people to the hope of the gospel. As teams prepare to go, prayer remains the most important work.
Here are five ways you and your church can pray.
1. Pray for bold, compassionate evangelism in NYC
Ask God to open doors for gospel conversations as volunteers meet people in local neighborhoods. Pray that every coat given would serve as a bridge to share Christ’s love clearly and compassionately. Pray that the gospel would take root in hearts across the city.
2. Pray for the nations already gathered in New York City
New York City is one of the most diverse and globally connected cities in the world. Pray that volunteers and local church members will recognize and respond to the unique opportunity to reach the nations. Ask the Lord to draw people from many cultures, languages and backgrounds into conversations where they can hear the transformative message of Christ.
3. Pray for NYC church plants and their ongoing community engagement
Coats for the City supports far more than a weekend effort. It strengthens the long-term work of church plants serving faithfully in their communities. Pray for these churches as they build relationships, disciple new believers and meet practical needs throughout the year.
4. Pray for volunteer teams from North Carolina and South Carolina
As teams travel to New York City, pray for safety, smooth logistics and unity. Ask God to prepare each volunteer with courage to initiate conversations and compassion for every person they meet. Pray that team members will serve with humility and joy, as the hands and feet of Christ.
5. Pray for gospel conversations that lead people to Christ
Pray that every interaction will point people toward Jesus. Ask God to soften hearts, open minds and bring individuals into relationships with local churches where they can know the hope of the gospel. Pray that many will come to know Christ personally through the conversations that begin during Coats for the City.
As the outreach approaches, pray also for ongoing partnerships between N.C. Baptists, S.C. Baptists and NYC churches. Ask God to strengthen these relationships into lasting connections and long-term gospel impact throughout New York City.
