An Accident and Homicide

This is not a feel good article. You have been warned.

This morning was on the westside of Irvington, about 7:30am, when I caught this scene at Springfield Ave. and Sanford Ave.:

Can't say what transpired to cause this accident, but it did not look like there were any serious injuries, so at least there is that. Car appears to have struck the traffic light though, and I can only imagine the traffic jams this was about to create being that it was rush hour and there was no red, green or yellow.

What I am about to write about now is a bit more sad, having to do with a teenager who lost his life Sunday evening on 16th Street here in Newark. I happened to be listening to the police scanner when this happened so this is a bit personal. Happened to have business on that street today too so ran across these sights:

In this first one we see the appeal by authorities for help, a sign that can not be missed and sadly is not very unfamiliar here in Newark. Secondly we have the memorial:

I warned you this was not a feel good piece. The name is Ibn Abdul Walker and he was only 18 years old. Why?

Thou shalt not murder! It's one of  the ten commandments. Prayers for the family and that justice prevails, in Jesus name.

Check out this NJ.com article for more on this incident: 18-year-old killed in Newark shooting.

A Newark Sunset

Just wanted to share something beautiful that came out of Newark this evening:

Trip to the Bank

I have long since forsaken what I might consider risky behavior here in Newark, in that where wisdom seems obvious in maintaining my safety, but it appears even now that when we are trusting the Lord and being led by Him, what are ordinarily lines considered black and white seem to vanish. I am not speaking of morality but what might define us traditionally, for example the reason I am writing this, which had me giggling that it actually worked.

Low in my checking account, I know no one else experiences this, I wanted to make a cash deposit for peace of mind, and being that Newark is my home, I knew of only two ATM's not too far but only one has a drive through. Being that it is night, I was inclined to go to the one with the drive through which is a little bit farther than the one without one.

I make my trip to find that all the ATM's at the bank are not taking cash deposits and so I'm left having to choose another bank. Leaving my phone at home so as not to risk losing it in a potential robbery, I know I can be super cautious sometimes, I am left without tech to find the closest branch.

However, I then ask the Lord to lead me and soon find myself inclined to follow a few blinkers. I know, this is not ordinary behavior but I believe in my God, that He can use such "signs" if he so desires. Well I tell after a short little drive I was led to a new ATM, one that I have never seen before and one I would not have found had I not been inclined to follow certain blinkers. It was actually extremely efficient. One catch though, I was still in Newark and this was an ATM on the street all exposed. When I first saw the ATM I kind of danced in my heart, but then I soon found myself uttering the words, "You want me to do what Lord?" Haha.

I scout out the location as I am at a light ready to turn and decide, I can do this, just to the ATM and back. Pulling up to the curb relatively close to the ATM I jump out looking as tough as I can and make a deposit attempt at the first ATM. Cash deposits currently not accepted.

What?! You have got to be kidding me! Lord???

Second ATM, success.

I breath a sign of relief as I take off in my car, and as I said before, giggling over what all just happened.

Whoever said it wasn't fun to serve the Lord?

Newark Schools Christmas Outreach

It has begun, the Newark schools Christmas outreach, and though the Mission is not involved directly with this school (Hawthorn Ave.), every year I am sent here to fetch dozens and dozens of cupcakes that we will distribute. Therefore, in my mind this is always the beginning of Christmas festivities, the jolliest time of year. Blessing!

Newark 2

Hello she whispers, I want to play. Newark wants to play but the ground is upset by the violence. Say not a bad word about the Brick City, I can hear someone saying, but if we are honest, we can hear the pain of innocence targeted. Who shall speak for the voiceless? I shall, for their voice cries out for justice and I can not be silent. I will not be silent. I shall speak for the voiceless, they whom violence has silenced. They want to be heard—there is hope though, and it is found in Jesus. He died so we could live. Justice can be found by all who embrace the King of kings: He will respond.

Newark

Wild, crazy, a city on edge:

This is the city I know.

Dancing, singing, ignoring the ledge;

Go, low, foe, they all rhyme with know,

But to force a rhyme

Stymies the flow.

Beautiful Sunset

I am not sure this is the most beautiful sunset I have ever seen, after all I don't live in the most scenic environment to complement, but I can tell you when I looked up from reading the other evening to another glorious sight of God's creation, my soul danced within me: