I helped out with the girls' night (Bible study) of 1st-3rd year students Wed. night at Crosspoint, which is the drop-in located in Dundrum, Co. Down. It was a "spa night" so we were doing makeovers, facials, painting nails, and of course DANCING! In fact, when Jen (the leader of the Bible study) asked if some of the girls remembered me, they weren't too sure. Then some of the girls that were in my small group in Newcastle told me to get to the "dance floor" because they were putting on the song that might bring back the young gals' memories. And yes, they put on the Hoedown Throwdown and when I started doing the dance one of the girl screamed, "NOW I REMEMBER YOU!!!" It was hilarious to think that little things like that jog their memories. At some point I am meant to teach them all that dance which will be fun. The best part about helping out with this group is that there were leaders from all over (Northern Ireland, Scotland, USA, & Canada) which is perfect for young girls that are in different areas in their lives.
Thursday I went into town with a fellow American from Denver, Colorado. Cynthia is one of those people that comes into your life, and although they may not always be physically present, their advice, wisdom, and outlook on life speak to you and into your life more than some you are around daily. She took me into town to a local cafe and since we had both already had breakfast and it wasn't quite lunch time yet, she decided we should grab some coffee. Now, I'm not much of a coffee drinker, but she said I should try a latte, hazelnut to be exact, and let me tell you, I many not be a coffee drinker, but oh man was that latte delicious! It could perhaps have been due to the lovely company, but who knows. She later took me by her house to see where she recently moved to, chatted quite a bit about the ministry in Newcastle, opportunities, people I should get in contact with, etc. Then we went to visit our friend Ewelina who works at The Harbour Coffee and Deli Shop. Of course a short visit in Northern Ireland stretches to hours of chatting because you always see someone else you know. That is one of the wonderful aspects of the culture. There is such a desire for relationships and conversation. It doesn't matter who you are or where you come from, a cup of tea and some biscuits and warm conversation coat the culture and welcomes anyone from anywhere.
Friday was a day where I was able to spend time with the host family's daughter. We both LOVE tea and LOVE chatting. So much so that we stayed up until about 2 in the morning chatting away. When you talk with someone like that for that length of time you get to see their heart and it was wonderful to see how much she thought about others and desired to help others.
Then Saturday I helped at FUSED. It is a Saturday night youth group type of activity where there are games like pool and ping pong, as well as Just Dance 2. An American, Ben, who has been over for quite some time to do youth ministry type ministries in the area spoke on temptation after having a student from YWAM come up front to tell his testimony of struggling with temptation. Afterward, a group of students played a few worship songs and then people spent some time chatting, we played some games, talked with those from YWAM, and eventually headed home. I was never quite sure what kind of impact I had made when I came over for my internship a year and a half ago, until I walked in on Saturday night into the room where they were playing Just Dance 2 and one of the girls screamed my name and came running to give me a hug. I had been told she had given her life to Christ shortly after I left. The news was one thing, but the first hand experience of the transformation in her life and lifestyle sent chills up my spine. It was such an encouragement within the first week of being in the country.
Sunday I was able to chat with several people about ministries they would like me to look into serving alongside, needs of the churches, and catching up with some of the girls in my small group. It is amazing to me how much people remember from your stay in the country the first time. It makes you really appreciate and savor the moments you have because you never know what the future holds. It seems to put intention into your relationships, knowing that because you are an "outsider" your influence is different than those from the area. Sunday night, because it was the first Sunday of the month, the Baptist Church had a youth service where youth preach/teach, lead worship, and speak on missions and the Bible. Afterward there was tea and biscuits (cookies), crisps (chips), and little nibbles. What I found fascinating about this service was that it was lead by youth of the community, but half the people that attended were considered some of the elderly in the church. The youth were being encouraged (whether they realised it or not) by the older generations of the church. Although times may be dated here when it comes to "contemporary services" there is still a desire to reach the youth and let them know they are loved an accepted among the congregation. This gives us hope for the future missions and ministry here in Newcastle, Co. Down, Northern Ireland. The love of Christ is expanding beyond the walls of the buildings, into the village, and through the generations. Please keep them and the mission from Matthew 28:16ff in your prayer.
As I begin to configure what all I will be doing in terms of ministry in Newcastle, please continue to pray for those I am able to interact with and that God will give me the words to speak when they need be spoken and to sit in silence and listen when He deems necessary. This is one of the most difficult aspects of ministry and mission work in Northern Ireland, discerning when to speak and when to listen. Many times in prayer I seem to speak without thinking of even listening. Lately I have struggled to listen quietly and submit to Christ's work here. It is my desire to hear God's voice to guide me in where I should go when it comes to ministry opportunities and such. However, I also know that God speaks in many ways, such as wise counsel and experienced ministers and missionaries. Pray that we help this community see and become what it ought to be. We send our love and thanks from across the pond!! Thank you for reading (this very long blog) and know that you can always e-mail me or message me on Facebook if you have questions or prayer requests of your own for me to add to my prayer wall.
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