This past summer during an evangelistic series at Queensboro Temple Church in Queens, New York, the Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Department of the Northeastern Conference held a job fair in partnership with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The event attracted around 300 individuals eager for employment. This event paved the way for similar outreach efforts in the other boroughs.
Pictured – l-r. Ronald Liburd, Metropolitan Transportation Authority Representative, Allen Martin, (Ph.D.), Director of Public Affairs & Religious Liberty, Timothy Nixon, (Ph.D.), Pastor, Ephesus Church.
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Following Queens, efforts turned to Manhattan and the Bronx where a second job fair was proposed. In working closely with Deborah O’Connor, a MTA recruiter who assisted with the first event, she immediately offered her support.
The next event was hosted at the Ephesus Seventh-day Adventist Church in Manhattan, with the involvement of Kendall Guy, Ph.D., Area Coordinator and Pastor, City Tabernacle Seventh-day Adventist Church, along with Timothy Nixon, Ph.D., Pastor, Ephesus Church. Lorraine Hill, PARL leader, Ephesus Church, spearheaded the outreach efforts, gaining support from community leaders and neighborhood media to promote the event, which took place on Sunday, October 20, 2024.
The turnout far exceeded expectations. By the start of the event, hundreds of people were lined up around the block, and 750 jobseekers were already seated inside the church. As the crowd grew, organizers adapted by holding multiple orientation sessions. Over 2,800 people were assisted throughout the day, although an additional 600 had to be turned away due to capacity limitations. The Ephesus membership worked tirelessly to support the large crowd, and their dedication was essential to the event’s success.
Allen Martin, PARL Director, Northeastern Conference said, “The overwhelming response to these events highlights the urgent need for churches to address economic issues directly. The thousands who attended—some arriving as early as 6:00 A.M—underscored the demand for such opportunities. Among those present was a young man recently released from prison, eager for a fresh start and the chance to change the course of his life. This initiative marks a first for the Northeastern Conference, and it will not be the last.”
Martin further stated, “While the church’s primary mission remains spiritual, meeting people where they are and addressing real-world needs is essential to staying relevant in the 21st century. Balancing spiritual outreach with community engagement enables the church to fulfill its calling as the remnant church, offering both hope and resources to those in need.”
These initiatives became possible due to an Interfaith Group Summit for Clergy leaders held in New York City early last year. This historic Clergy meeting was led by Janno Lieber, Chairman and CEO of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in New York. The unprecedented meeting provided a select group of Clergy with the opportunity to discuss a wide range of pressing issues, from juvenile delinquency to community improvement.
Among the topics, economic empowerment emerged as the prevailing concern—a priority increasingly shared among faith leaders today. With inflation on the rise, communities urgently need access to high-paying jobs, and churches are recognizing their role in addressing this critical need.
The MTA, a multibillion-dollar organization, offers a wide array of opportunities, from quality employment to entrepreneurial projects, that could bring economic stability to underserved communities.
Article by Dr. Allen Martin, Public Affairs & Religious Liberty Director.
Photo Credit: Renee Nixon Photography.
