Wanted to give you a quick overview of Northern Ireland. We worked alongside Causeway Coast Vineyard Church for the entire month as a squad (minus one team that stayed in Belfast). “A church where people’s lives are changing.” Can’t tell you how true that vision is for the Vineyard.
The fellas cooked the ladies dinner one night at the church
They focused on many outreach ministries, such as evangelism/prayer on the streets, food bank for less fortunate, “Healing on the Streets”, weekly addiction recovery gatherings, open door meet and greets, service projects, second-hand clothing sales, and more.
Anybody that desires to begin a new ministry makes their request known to the church leadership team. In turn, the church gives that person 6 months to make their ministry outward focused (reaching out to those in the community). The provide them with the tools they need and empowers them. If at any point leadership feels that that ministry has become inward focused (not reaching out/stagnant with only church members), they simply shut it down for a while.
That may sound harsh, but I love it. The whole purpose of the church is to bring the Kingdom from within the walls to those outside the walls!
After a day of site work in the church warehouse
Also, the church is very much led by the Holy Spirit while still very much adhering to the Bible and its teachings. They don’t forget about the Trinity. It’s not uncommon to see children praying for healing in the church or out and about. It’s not uncommon to hear people prophesying over each other as you walk around the church. The Bible is the firm foundation.
I’ve never learned so much about healing, joy, and community as I did that month.
I spent the month doing various ministries. I prayed with people on the streets, worked in a warehouse organizing furniture, worked at a huge car trunk sale, did 2 kid programs, cleaned the church, videography, helped lead worship music, served food, acted in a short film, worked at a premiere for the “Holy Ghost” movie, and helped with Sunday School.
I was able to lead a guy named Kiren to Jesus. We prayed together in the drizzling rain along the streets of city hall. Altogether, we must have seen or heard of around 100 salvation stories during our time in Coleraine. Amazing.
Also, it was my birthday month. Got to meet the Mayor and sit in his chair, was made breakfast in bed, got tons of candy and snacks, had Italian for dinner, and went out to an Irish pub during the evening. One of the best birthdays in recent memory. Oh, and I’m 27 now.
Hanging out in the Mayor’s chair w/ him right behind me. I was explaining how the local government could further help the town of Coleraine.
That’s a very shortened version of what went down. We made friends with so many incredible people who blessed us beyond belief. The experience was truly humbling. Great month!
Another Blog is in the books and will be released in a day or two! You’ll want to read it.
