I never thought going to Ireland would be such a culture shock. My mind has exploded this past week and sometimes I just don't know how to deal….
Now the culture I'm talking about is not the Irish culture or even the European culture. No. I love being able to speak English and read every sign I come across. I love wearing skinny jeans and I even love the excessively rainy weather. And by no means am I having trouble adjusting to showering anytime I please or using a "sit-down" toilet. Although sometimes I may look blankly at someone when they say "We're having good crack" (Translation: We're having a good time.) or laugh when they say "wee" in place of "little." I may even struggle with knowing which way to look when crossing the street. No. This is not the culture I'm having trouble adjusting to. My struggle is with the culture of doing church in Northern Ireland.
For the past week and a half, we have been in Coleraine, Northern Ireland "helping" the Vineyard Causeway Coast Church. I say "helping" because although I would like to believe we are helping their ministries, they are the ones pouring into us. I have been putting God in a box and the people here in N. Ireland have been coming in with box-cutters and scissors ready to tear Him out. Not only have we witnessed modern-day miracles, but modern-day compassion. The Vineyard church pours into their community continually. If you speak with anyone walking through the town center of Coleraine, or even down the streets of neighboring cities Portrush or Portstewart, and mention the Vineyard they will respond with "Oh yes, in the Old Dunnes Store." They know. They know this church has something. I know this is the way church should be done.
All week, we've been "helping" (again that inaccurate word), more like "being taught", several different ministries within the church.
Just Because
Just Because is a ministry where the church goes out and does random acts of kindness for the community "just because." Some of us brought muffins and coffee to businesses for their afternoon tea breaks. Others passed out Haribo (pronounced Harry-bal) gummy bears to people on the streets. I, however, asked businesses if I could come in and clean their toilets. (We were having good crack with that.) The point is for people to know that the church is there to support the community in any means possible… even if that means scrubbing a toilet swarming with hordes of spiders. The most important part, though, is to ask how we can pray for their business. This is such an easy way to show the community that the church is an integral part, yet this is the first time I have ever seen a church ask to clean the toilet at a Pet Shop.
The Wearhouse
The Wearhouse is a donation center where people can come and get clothes for free if they need them. Our job was to sort through the clothes… and of course try them on!
Just another easy way to show the community that the church cares.
Food Giveaway and The Open Door
The Food Giveaway and the Open Door are two ministries where people can come in for a "spot of tea" and a listening ear. Not only does the church give out food, but the Gospel to those who desperately need a savior.
Senior Moments
During Senior Moments, I was able to speak with an amazing women named Margaret at a local nursing home. Senior Moments allows those in nursing homes to be able to have a church service brought to them. Most importantly, it just shows the citizens of the nursing home that someone cares. While talking with Margaret, I was able to pray with her and bless her for all the love she poured out into me. She started to tear up and I knew I was doing God's work in that moment.
Healing on the Streets
Oh. Healing on the Streets. Haha. Well. I don't really know how to put this experience in words. It's been a struggle for me to cut the box open on this one. God can do miracles. Simply put. I saw a leg grow to heal back problems. I know Jesus performed miracles. Raised people from the dead. Caused the blind to see. But can I do that? This church believes the Bible says we can. I'm still asking God's wisdom on this point, but the gist is that the church asks people on the street if they need healing. Invite them to have a seat and trust God to perform miracles for the people of Coleraine. And He does and people are being saved. How can you refute that? Anyway, more on this subject later…
I guess my point in all of this is that there are simple ways to grow a church outward all while feeding the people within. This church has a purpose and a direction. They have compassion and are filled with the Holy Spirit. This is "Church with a difference"…. And that's exactly what I want to be.
Visit http://www.causewaycoastvineyard.com/ to learn more.
