Day 2: 2026 Belfast
Abiding together
Our day began a little earlier than expected when the fire alarm sounded throughout Union Theological College at 6:15 a.m.! Thankfully, we had been warned that the system has been temperamental, so after sharing a few sleepy laughs together outside in the cool Belfast morning, we made our way back inside for breakfast.
Before heading out for the day, our team spent time together in John 15, reflecting on Jesus' invitation to abide in him. It was a timely reminder that our effectiveness this week won't come from our planning, energy, or abilities, but from remaining close to Christ. As our team continues to grow together, these quiet moments around God's Word are becoming some of the sweetest parts of our day.
From there, we visited West Kirk Presbyterian Church for the first day of Holiday Club! Volunteers from across the church, from youth students to longtime church members, gathered to pray together before welcoming nearly 50 children from the Shankill Road community. This year's theme is "Super Savior," reminding the children that while we enjoy stories of everyday heroes, every rescue in Scripture ultimately points to Jesus, the true hero of the Bible. The children sang, danced, and heard how God used Moses to rescue his people. The kids created crafts, played games, and were loved well throughout the morning. One of our favorite superheroes of the day was Mr. Norman, who celebrated his 89th birthday this past Easter. Wearing his red cape with pride, he joyfully led us in prayer and was always in the middle of the excitement!
After sharing lunch with our ministry partners, we spent the afternoon walking through both the Shankill Road and New Lodge communities with Pastor Dave Clawson and Pastor Peter Burke. Hearing the history of Belfast while standing in these neighborhoods gave us a deeper appreciation for the work God is doing through West Kirk and Grace & Hope Community Church. Though these churches serve in very different communities, they are united in proclaiming the same hope found in Jesus Christ.
The day concluded with another wonderful evening of hospitality as our friend Mark welcomed us back to his home for a backyard barbecue. It was a joy to reconnect with familiar friends, celebrate Isaac Burke's 13th birthday together, and end a full day thankful for the privilege of linking arms with our brothers and sisters here in Belfast. We returned to the college tired, grateful, and praying tomorrow's wake-up call comes from our alarm clocks instead of the fire alarm!
HOw we saw god at work today:
Reminding us through John 15 that lasting fruit comes from abiding in Christ, not striving in our own strength
The joyful partnership between West End, West Kirk, and Grace & Hope as volunteers of every generation served side-by-side to share the love of Jesus with nearly 50 children
In the faithful witness of believers like Mr. Norman and the generous hospitality shown by our friends here in Belfast, reminding us that God continues to build his Church through ordinary people who simply say, "Yes"
prayer requests:
For the children attending Holiday Club, that the truths they are hearing about Jesus, our "Super Savior," would take root in their hearts and that many would come to know him personally
Our first evening of the Guitar Workshop where about 20 teenagers will gather together; ask the Lord to build meaningful relationships and use music as a bridge for conversations about the hope of Christ
For continued strength, good health, and joyful spirits for both our West End team and our ministry partners as we continue serving together throughout the week