Harlot Story #3

(Summer 1994)
 
I was working as a pastor at New
Life Fellowship in Elmhurst Queens.
Elmhurst is the most ethnically diverse
area of the United States.
 
My apartment was on the border of
Long Island City and Astoria,
one block away from the Steinway
Street Subway Stop and two blocks
away from the Kaufman Astoria Studios
where they filmed Sesame Street and
The Cosby Show.
 
I use to drive to Astoria Park with
the famous Hell Gates Bridge made
famous in “The French Connection,”
and with an astounding view of the
Triborough Bridge and Manhattan.
 
One morning as I was sitting in my car
at 34th Avenue and 43rd Street, where there
was a white trash bar on the street, stood
an Asian woman at 7:30 am in the morning.
 
She walks over to the passenger open window
and says,  “Where are you going?”
 
I am going to Astoria Park for a jog.
“May I get a ride with you?  I live near there.”
Sure.  Hop on in.
 
 
She says,  “I really appreciate this.  I would be
willing to do anything to show my appreciation.”
 
No, no, no.  I am happy to give you a ride to Astoria.
 
“They say eating is not cheating!”
 
Okay Miss -  LISTEN -  1)  I am married and 2)  I am a pastor and I am just taking you to Astoria Park.
 
She crosses her arms and is upset with me.  As we
get closer to the Park she says,  “Make a left here!”
 
Listen Miss,  I am going  Astoria Park,   I am not a
taxi service.
 
I do not like her attitude and I pull over.
 
“What are you doing?”
I am pulling over.  You are going to get out of the car,
and say thank you for me driving you into Astoria.
 
She gets out of the car,  slams the door and yells “F__
you” at me.
 
I attend the weekly Church Staff meeting and tell them what happened.  One of the co-pastors says,  “You are lucky she did not scratch your face and start yelling rape!
Your picture would have been on the cover of all the NYC dailies saying  “Pastor Attempts Rape!”
 
I am grateful I am not in prison trying to explain to the wife and church elders what really happened and I learn an important ministry and life lesson.