Day 3: 2026 Belfast
Seeing with compassion
We were thankful to wake up to a much quieter morning today—no fire alarms! Our team gathered for breakfast and spent time in Mark 6, reflecting on Jesus feeding the five thousand. Even after a long day of ministry, Jesus looked upon the crowds with compassion, seeing not an interruption, but people deeply in need of a Savior. We prayed that the Lord would give us those same eyes throughout the day, and that we would look beyond schedules and activities to see each child, student, volunteer, and friend with the compassion of Christ.
Day two of Holiday Club was filled with energy and laughter as children packed the sanctuary and hallways of West Kirk Presbyterian Church. The morning was full of singing, dancing, crafts, games, and the story of Ruth and Boaz, reminding the children of God's faithful love and provision. It has been a joy to watch members of West Kirk, Grace & Hope, and West End Community Church serving together as one team, united by the gospel and a shared desire to help these children know the love of Jesus.
After another wonderful lunch provided by our West Kirk family, Pastor Dave and Pastor Peter took us to Stormont, the home of Northern Ireland's Parliament. The pastors’ intentionality in sharing the history, culture, and story of their churches and country has given us a much deeper appreciation for Belfast and the people God has called us to serve.
Following a short afternoon rest, our team gathered at Pastor Peter and Kelly Burke's home for another incredible meal, hospitality, good conversation, and plenty of laughter. The evening concluded with the first guitar workshop; it was an very encouraging! Many students returned from last year, and several new faces joined us.
Nick Rawlings and Colette Stefaniak did an outstanding job leading the workshop, using their gifts, love for music, and genuine care for students to create a welcoming environment where friendships can grow. At the end of the evening, no one wanted to leave. We finally had to send everyone home so we could turn out the lights! We ended another full day grateful for the privilege of serving alongside our brothers and sisters in Belfast and praising God for his continued faithfulness.
HOw we saw god at work today:
Growing genuine friendships between our team, ministry partners, and the children and students we’ve had the privilege to serve
The unity of three churches serving side-by-side, each using their unique gifts to point young people to Jesus
The enthusiasm of the students who returned for the guitar workshop and the new relationships already beginning to form
prayer requests:
That the truths shared during Holiday Club and the guitar workshop would continue to take root in the hearts of the children and students throughout the week
Continued opportunities to build meaningful relationships that lead to conversations about Jesus
Renewed strength, joy, and endurance for our team and ministry partners as we head into another full day of ministry together