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Bernard also symbolizes the city's cultural transformation with flowers and a garden. His church sanctuary is festooned with Chinese, Indian, South American, and European artists' renditions of the rose of Sharon. He grows roses all around his home. He muses, "You have to go through the thorns to get to the rose. It is also the name of Christ."

With legendary African American horticulturalist Amos Taylor, Bernard built a jewel-like horticultural garden on the church grounds. Its waterfalls, flowers, and sweet smells are invitations to a different kind of life in the city.

"See how the purple flowers creep through the fence onto the sidewalk around the church," Bernard enthuses.

"Our flowers are going out to the community offering a different world: safe, secure, inviting."

Based in New York City, Tony Carnes is codirector of the Research Institute for New Americans and a senior news writer for Christianity Today.

Copyright © 2004 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Tony Carnes was quoted last week in a New York Times article on the city's evangelicals: The Political Conversion of New York's Evangelicals (Nov. 14, 2004)

Carnes is also author of New York Glory: Religions in the City, available from Amazon.com and other book retailers. More information is available from the publisher.

Churches and ministries mentioned in this article include:

New Grace Center Christian School has more information about its K-12 school and summer program.

Here's Life Inner City has information about its ministry to the urban poor, including Compassion by Command, a Bible study exploring God's heart for the poor.

Redeemer Presbyterian Church has information about worship, ministry, and other activities at the church.

Christian Cultural Center says, "With its classically styled Worship Center, Museum, Mall, Restaurants, Book Store, Prayer Center, Pavilion Garden and Community Services, CCC is a Celebration of the Christian Life and its colorful and world-changing history."

City Covenant Coalition has more information about its work to "come together in covenant to transform cities and impact the nations with the 'gospel of the Kingdom of God'."

International Arts Movement is Mako Jujimura's community of artists attempting to translate the gospel through art.

New Life Fellowship has more information about its services and ministries.

Billy Graham Association NYC has information about Billy Graham's upcoming crusade in New York City.

Other books on spirituality in New York City include: The Spiritual Traveler: New York City : The Guide to Sacred Spaces and Peaceful Places and Glory in Gotham.

The New York Times covered African churches in the city, "New York, Prime Conversion Ground; Missionaries Reverse a Path Taken for Generations."

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December 2004, Vol. 48, No. 12