Greetings from the Causeway Coast of Northern Ireland!
This month we are ministering alongside the Causeway Coast Vineyard Church which is located in Coleraine, Northern Ireland. The town is jokingly referred to as “Cold Rain” because, like the rest of Ireland, it rains here frequently. This rain, however, is the source of Ireland’s “green” and without it, Ireland would not be known as the “Emerald Isle.”
Ireland is known for it’s castles, and along with castles comes the idea of royalty. Since our team has arrived here, that is exactly the treatment we have received. We have been received as honored guests and I feel that in any situation we have found ourselves, that preference has been given to us. We have been treated to extravagant dinners, seated at tables that have been arranged with placements fit for the most distinguished people. We have been entertained with music and dancing, with song and the finest delicacies Ireland has to offer – including it’s drink.
I suppose this is only appropriate, as I reflect on the truth that as children of God, we are heirs of a Kingdom. Maybe in order to fully appreciate this, it is necessary to travel to a Kingdom, in this case the United Kingdom, a land where honor is not forgotten and royal heritage is recognized. It is true that we have been working as well; walking the streets, sorting laundry, moving furniture, trimming back bushes, moving piles of rubbish, feeding the hungry and praying for healing in this land. But we do so not as slaves, but as free children of a King who has taught us that in order to be truly great, you must lay down your royal rights to serve and help the forgotten.
