Bushwick, Brooklyn SOJOURN — At the time, I didn’t like whites.

Bishop Lonnie Stocks. Photo: Melissa Kimiadi/A Journey through NYC religions

I was in jail for the IRS — they took a levy for bounced checks I had written. I was in jail for 88 days in Goldsboro, North Carolina. At the time, I didn’t like whites. I grew up in the South, and whites threw eggs at me. Ironically, a White man saved me. Photo: Melissa Kimiadi/A Journey through NYC religions

There was a man who used to come every day and preach to the prisoners. At first, I had my back to him every time he came. After a week or two, I became interested, and he said he would bring a Bible for me. That evening, they transferred me to Jacksonville. On the third day, they transferred me back, and he had left a Bible for me. Then, they transferred me to Wilson. I got out after 12 months, with my Bible. I didn’t know Christ, but by reading the Bible, I fell in love. Photo: Melissa Kimiadi/A Journey through NYC religions

Today, one-on-one ministry is needed. We need people that will go door-to-door, house-to-house in street evangelism, and put tents up for 24/7 street services. You cannot expect people to find it. You have to be patient and graceful. Illustration: Tony Carnes/A Journey through NYC religions