New York City Relief

We love it when a whole family gets involved in outreach. That is just what the Bagnoli family of New Providence, N.J. did. Paul and Lauren and their two teenagers Matthew, 17, and Jenna, 14, experienced The Relief Bus together.

Jenna really enjoyed having time to talk about their day afterwards. When an unusual experience changes you, sometimes it is hard to share with others, she explained. “It’s really, really great when you get changed as a family.”

The Bagnolis agreed, they were all taken out of their comfort zone. Yet, each one learned something new. Lauren admitted that she was apprehensive at first. “Then it’s a blessing when you survive an experience and enjoy it!” she shared. “It was good to recognize that people are people no matter what they have or where they live.”

Jenna was surprised to see kids her age coming to The Bus for food. “It made me wonder what made me so special that I got to be on the ‘right side of the street’.” Her conclusion was that God put her there so that she could help those on the ‘other side of the street.’

“I’ve felt strongly that it is critically important for me to be involved in front line ministry and not only to attend a bunch of board meetings,” said Paul, a Partner at Bernstein Invest-ment and Research Management. He believes it is also important for families to do things like this together and adopt community service as part of their life style. “Our son, Matthew, walked away from that day with such a feeling of peace and presence of God,” Paul shared.

Written in 2001.