I am so small!

I was preaching on Saturday night at an event called 'Ireland's Call' It was an outreach event with Andrew Trimble as the Celeb and me as the annoying preacher. For those of you reading across the pond, Andrew is a big time Ulster and Ireland Rugby Star. It was a great wee night. I think about 300 young people came along. The programme was packed with fun, games, prizes and a pretty good presentation of Jesus, through story, music, testimony and preaching. I had the amazing opportunity of ministering to one young lady who had an amazing encounter with the Holy Spirit during the appeal. In a grace moment, the Spirit gently came into her life and heart. It was so cool praying with her alongside her combination of tears and laughter. God is good. Fair play to Andrew who handles being a celebrity really well. He had queues of people coming to see him for autographs and pictures and yet he stays pretty humble and down to earth. Needless to say I just slipped out without anyone even noticing I was gone. Good times.

The Way: Lisburn Youth for Christ

Really excited! This week brings the official opening of YFC's newest ministry. Lisburn Youth for Christ, formed only a matter of months ago are hosting the official opening and commissioning of The Way, Drop in Centre this Friday night. The Way is in the Longstone. An extremely broken, deprived community in the city of Lisburn. I guess I am posting on this to ask for prayer for the Board, Volunteers and Young People in Lisburn. If anyone would like to get more involved, help, support, pray whatever either give me an email steven.mccready@yfcni.org or get in touch with Tim McAlister, my mate who has been pioneering this work with some other amazing guys like Dennis and Dinger. His email is tim.caz@breathe.com

Blind Skiing

One of the fastest growing sports among the disabled community is blind skiing. Amazing. I did a little bit of research on it and discovered that there are two levels of competition, fully blind and partially blind. I want to talk a little bit about partially blind skiing.

In a way we Christians are partially blind, listen to what Paul writes in Corinthians

"For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." 1 Corinthians 13: 9-12

When I learned about partially blind skiing I was amazed at how much it is similar to the Christian life. In Partial Blind Skiing, the Ski Guide goes before the competitor. He is ahead, first, leading the way. There is always the potential of a huge crash so this is what the blind person must to..

1. Stay as close to the guide as possible. They can only see the shadow of the guide but that is enough, they chase the shadow of the guide.


2. They must trust in the voice of the guide, they are completely dependent upon the ability, character and expertise of the guide.


3. They must be responsive to the guides directions. If the guide says left, it's non negotiable.

I have thought a lot of the parallels between being a partially blind skier and following Jesus. My mind goes to John 10, when Jesus says, my sheep know my voice. The middle eastern shepherd went out in front of his flock and then called them to himself. The flock recognised the shepherds voice and moved in that direction.

King David had this relationship with God, he was like a partially blind skier in a land with no snow and probably no skiing!

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Something you didn't know about me!

I love country music. Can't help it. It's a nature vs nurture thing. I was brought up listening to Garth Brooks and the likes and so now I have a secret love of Country Music. This week the CMAs were on and they were amazing. I think I love country music because the songs tell stories. Anyway Rascal Flatts got the award for Country Group of the Year. They are really good. I like this wee song. Oh, don't tell anyone. I am not ready to come out yet as a lover of Country!

Stuck in Porn

Tuesday 20th November: XXX Church, YFC & EA, with Worship led by BlueTree

Should be a fantastic night exploring the whole area of Porn and the effect it has on our lives.

It's at Bangor Elim Conference Centre and it's only 6 quid in.

Be there and be challenged.

Youth for Christ Update

So lots of people have been calling me and emailing me having heard bits and bobs about some changes happening at Youth for Christ. I am going to be sending out a prayer letter in the next couple of weeks, if you would like to be added to my mailing list you could drop me an email either with your address or email address and I will make sure you get the full update. My email address is steven.mccready@yfcni.org

Anyway, financially Youth for Christ are getting it tight at the minute. Our finances have forced our Board into beginning a staff restructure. This has been a very difficult and challenging process and we are trusting God everyday for grace and guidance.

Personally this has been the most difficult and trying time in my life. It is stressful and heartbreaking. I am finding myself in a state of prayer more than I have ever been in my faith journey over the past ten years.

Please pray for us as we walk through this transition.

For me it is back to the drawing board to find prayer and finance partners. I am trying to raise 100% of my ministry costs (salary, travel expenses, resources etc) I am currently around 40% with a some new people joining my amazing band of supporters and ministry partners.
Maybe you would like to get alongside me and support both me but also the ministry of Youth for Christ. If so get in touch, any small amount would be amazing. I have some young people who give me just a couple of pounds a month to some business men who support me and yet hardly even know me.

Over the past month I have worn so many hats, I have been back preaching again, at Newcastle Baptist, the Crescent, Scrabo Hall, tomorrow night at True and this coming Sunday at Castlereagh Gospel Hall. I have been in countless staff meetings, meetings with lawyers, meetings with film makers. It has been a strange month but in the middle of it all I feel like I am growing close to Jesus, the reason behind it all. I have found myself loving the Cross and understanding more of Jesus Kingdom and it's relevence in my life. I am tired however to please keep me, Bec and YFC in your prayers. Thanks so much.