Northern Ireland is a fantastic place. It’s stunning, full of friendly people and cars that voluntarily stop for you to cross the street. The grass is vibrant, the flowers are plentiful and the biggest news in town is about a seal that lost it’s way from the nearby ocean and is now swimming in the local river. I often find myself smiling about the Irish culture that I am surrounded by; thick accents, red heads, lots of freckles and conversations full of God. It’s a close knit community where everyone feels like family.
The squad is living under one roof this month, our entire squad that this, 55 people, sharing the same living space. Honestly, it’s a true blessing for our final month. We began this crazy adventure together exactly one year ago at training camp in Georgia and now get to end it together as we say our “see you laters” and move into the next chapters of our lives. It’s a place of high community, laughter, worship, ping pong and frisbee.
We’re working with an incredible spirit lead, bible breathed church here in Coleraine which God started with only a few believers and now has exploded into a community changing generation. Causeway Coast Vineyard church is the hands and feet of Jesus. They love fearlessly through vast ideas in children’s ministry (the kingdom belongs to such as these), an expanding food bank, celebrate recovery, compassion, women’s study, internships, healing on the streets, fundraisers, a trendy thrift shop, summer camp, car boot sale and fresh garden that feeds those in and outside the church. We are blessed to be a part of the awesome plans God has implemented to further his kingdom here and continuing to show his compassion his goodness.
Vineyard has drawn me to be more and more spirit lead in everything I do. Listening to God’s gentleness and obeying what He says leaves you to see his wonder, beauty and power in a world that is too often driven by fear and little faith. Working with children for a week during their summer camp encouraged me to go out with no agenda but to love. Little acts of kindness opens the door for prayer, vulnerability and a glimpse of how He moves to touch lives. The kids are fearless, they go out not thinking twice about giving God’s love away but having a full head of faith and desire to love people for no rhyme or reason, because that’s what God has called us to do: love.
Rest of the month: The 21st – 26th our team and two others are heading to another city in Northern Ireland for 5 days to serve and participate in healing on the streets before our final days in Dublin. Prayers would be appreciated for safe travels, re-entry to America, God’s direction for the future, Vineyard church, country of Ireland and God’s leading spirit be present. Thank you, see you in 12 days!!
