I have been busy. It has been two months since my last blog but it seems only a matter of weeks for me. So I am going to give you a ministry/life update and then try to find my blogging rhythm again.
Summer Madness: YFC ran 'The Yard' a venue for 11-14s. It was esssentially the biggest, coolest drop in centre I have even been involved in. We had everything from pool tables, fusball, air hockey, a pamper room, basketball and football courts, to big inflatables and go-karts. It was a blast. Hundreds of young people visited each afternoon and the YFC Volunteers did a fantastic job. It was great to be a part of such an amazing festival of life and faith.
The Emerging Leaders Conference: On July 4th at Belfast Bible College we had a 1 day leadership conference. 150 young leaders attended to sit under the ministry of my brother Pastor Ken Castor from Canada. Ken taught through Colossians and challenged our hearts in a loving and caring way.
Thirst08: I have just returned from a two week mission in Killyleagh, working alongside Killyleagh YFC and Brentview Baptist Missions Team (Calgary). God worked in a big way in this little forgotten village in County Down. The highlight for me was our 12th day evangelistic project. We went to Newcastle and spent the day reaching out to the Orange men, the bands and the thousands of people attending the parades. We distributed almost 5000 bottles of water, each labelled with scripture and had lots of great conversations with people.
Summerserve Tomorrow morning, Summerserve training starts. We have 70 young people, Americans, Canadians and Irish heading into 6 locations to spend two weeks on mission. I am preaching tomorrow night on the theme for the mission this year 'LOST'
Youth for Christ stand in 'The field' Newcastle, on the 12th Day
Free water: but it won't quench your thirst!
It's not a mission team without a random night of fun and haircuts!
The Youth for Christ team and the Brentview team listening to St. Patrick's prayer at Patricks grave.
My good friend Ken Castor (Calgary) and I getting some time away from team life, seeing the sights in Belfast (Stormont)
On either side, two men who teach me about God. On my left Ken and on my right Alan Wilson
My new friends from Brentview Baptist in Calgary
Pete and Qara leading worship at Rooted: a conference for Emerging Leaders
Question and Answer session with Pastor Ken, Judith (YFCNI) and me
