Exit 44 Route 78 - New Providence Jesus

The town was originally named Turkeytown, seems there was a rather large presence of wild turkeys in the area. In 1759, the balcony of the Presbyterian church collapsed. The lack of serious injuries was declared by DIVINE PROVIDENCE and the town was renamed to NEW PROVIDENCE.

Here in the parking lot of the Presbyterian Church is World Vision’s mock Ugandan village. One cannot miss this village along Springfield Avenue. Downtown New Providence is beautiful, this Ugandan village is not.

As WV’s mission statement says, “Motivated by our faith in Jesus, we serve the poor…” and this small piece of Uganda is meant to give us just a glimpse.

Entering the tent-like structure, I was provided an iPod (not standard in Uganda).

Following the earpiece instructions, I take on the identity of a 13 year old Ugandan, Stephen Migeria and begin my 20 minute life-changing tour. I am immersed in the role of this Stephen.

I sit on his straw chair soaking in the sounds of the African landscape. It is quite peaceful. I lay in his bed, while still soaking in the “peace,” I hear gunshots, lots of them. The voice in my earpiece says something about “The Lord’s Resistance Army,” then the words, “They’re coming for you, Stephen.” I literally stand motionless as I listen to the voice in my ear telling me that I am now abducted and training to be a child soldier. The earpiece voice tells me I have killed others both by gun and machete.

A year into my abduction, my small army of boys is ambushed by another army and I am taken to the Gulu Children of War Rehabilitation Center. Here, I am cared for by a mentor who tells me that God loves me and actually forgives me for what I’ve done.

But after being saved from the Lord’s Resistance Army, I am told of yet another threat, a hidden one: AIDS. I wait in the clinic for my test results.

“Negative.” I am relieved.

James 1: “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress…”

Exit 155P GS Parkway - Paterson Jesus

The leaders of Paterson originally hired Pierre L'Enfant to design the city. City officials rejected his plans so L’Enfant took those blueprints to Washington, DC. The rest is history.

Entering Paterson on Grand St, you are greeted by Jesus. "Vengan a mi los que van cansados, pesadas cargas, y yo los aliviare," the billboard reads. It is reassuring that Jesus is here in Paterson, along with the gangs. The Ruler of all Nature is here amidst the rulers of the streets.

Drive a bit further into the city and you will find the intersection of "Straight & Narrow," literally. At this intersection is Jesus, in infant form. This small inner city intersection may not appear to have any significance to the outsider but this is where you will find, "Straight & Narrow, Inc." S&N, founded in 1954, is the oldest community-based organization of its kind in the United States.

This place serves 6,000 people per year providing assistance for substance abusers, people with HIV/AIDS, those requiring intervention for driving while intoxicated, and children in need of day care. Baby Jesus is watching over all 6,000.

Matthew 7: "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."