If you asked me three years ago if I thought I’d do ministry in a foreign country, I would have laughed. If you asked me three years ago if I thought I’d be a youth sponsor for high school teens in America, I would have laughed. If you asked me three years ago if I thought I’d do ministry in a foreign country alongside the teens I work with in America…you guessed it…I would have laughed!!! Isn’t God funny?! I’ve done these things that I never imagined possible, only by the grace and glory of God. My worlds (life in America and life in Northern Ireland) have collided this week, and it’s been incredible to be a part of that.
What a week I’ve had with the Northview Christian Church mission team from my home church in Danville, IN!!! The Lord has indeed worked through them this week to glorify His name! The team worked in Burrendale park in the afternoons conducting a VBS for primary school-aged children. This is the park we worked in two years ago when I came on the team. They spent their evenings at Crosspoint Centre, where I’ve worked with teens since September 2010. It was amazing to see relationships form between the teens I work with here and from home.
Two years ago when our team worked at Burrendale, we had some tough kids who cussed like sailors at the age of five, kicked soccer balls at our heads, and called us every name under the sun. Be encouraged because in spite of the fact that they still do all of these things, God is making a difference in this area and in their lives. There is a young man named Ben Haas working with them in a full time capacity doing drop-ins and other activities. It was neat see the same kids two years later and also to run into the older ones around town (Daniel, Joe, Willy, Conan and others). Conan also just became a Christian a few weeks ago, praise the Lord! Please pray for God to continue the work in Burrendale park through Ben and future mission teams.
At Crosspoint with the teens, the team spent the evenings hanging out, playing football (soccer), cards, ping pong, pool, and getting to know the students. At the end of each evening a few members of the team would share their testimony with the teens. Three of the five nights this time turned into a 20 – 30 minute question/answer and discussion time – something VERY rare for these teens to do. It was great to see them ask the ‘tough questions’ and talk through some of their thoughts with the team. Side conversations also took place after the group time was over. God was definitely knocking at some hearts this week. I ask that you pray for Him to continue to pursue these teens through additional teams that come here and through relationships that developed with the Northview team this week.
It was easier than I expected to say goodbye to the team this morning; reason being because I will be back with them at home in two short weeks. As my time here comes to an end and I begin to pack (thank you team for taking home a 50 lb. suitcase of my stuff!) I’m thinking of memories from almost nine months of ministry. I’m praying that God has used it and continues to use it for His glory. There have been peaks and valleys along the way, but through it all God has blessed me with community and relationships, servant hood, and most of all - His love. I will head home in two weeks, but God will continue the work He has started through His servants here in Northern Ireland.
If you’ve been partnering with me in prayer or through financial gifts, I thank you and ask that the Lord bless you. Please continue to pray for Northern Ireland and the work being done through Murlough House. I look forward to seeing you all VERY soon!
Blessings to you all!
Jess Grove
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