“There is only the human race,” he said, “and when you divide it into groups, you get a rat race.”

Mr. George remains silent and solemn on his thrice-weekly sermon-walks through the neighborhood, preferring to let the mixtapes speak for him. The portable radio and tape player hangs around his neck and delivers the day’s sermon as he clasps his hands over it and walks in rhythm to the music, stopping at red lights and bobbing to the blaring beat of soca, calypso, ska or reggae — anything with a spiritual or positive social message and a West Indian feel.

Before immigrating, Mr. George spent 15 years carrying a tape player through the streets of Georgetown, the capital of Guyana. In New York, he worked as an accountant and electronics repairman. Now he lives on Social Security, and stays in touch with his ex-wife in Queens, also a street preacher, and his three grown sons.

Read it all.

Filed under: * Christian Life / Church Life • Parish Ministry • Evangelism and Church Growth • Preaching / Homiletics • * Culture-Watch • Religion & Culture • Urban/City Life and Issues • * Religion News & Commentary • Other Churches

Registered members must log in to comment.