Day 4: 2026 Belfast
Available for God’s plans
Our morning began around the breakfast table as we celebrated Caroline Davis on her 17th birthday! After sharing a meal together, our team opened to Acts 8 and reflected on the story of Philip and the Ethiopian official. Philip responded to the prompting of the Holy Spirit before he knew where God was leading or what would happen next. His availability and obedience became the means through which another man heard the gospel, believed in Christ, and was baptized. We prayed that the Lord would help us hold our own plans loosely and remain available to his leading. We asked him to help us recognize the opportunities he places before us to faithfully point others to the hope we have in Jesus.
Before arriving at Holiday Club, we were reminded once again how faithfully our ministry partners continue to care for us. Every morning, members of West Kirk and Grace & Hope drive to Union Theological College to pick us up and make sure we arrive safely and on time. Their countless acts of hospitality—transportation, meals, prayers and encouragement—are a beautiful picture of Christ's love in action.
Day three of Holiday Club was filled with the same joyful energy we've come to expect. More than 50 children gathered to sing, play games, craft, hear God's Word, and experience the love of Jesus through his people. Nick Rawlings and Joe Garcia led while volunteers from West End, West Kirk, and Grace & Hope served together as one team. What a privilege it is to watch the Lord use ordinary believers who have simply made themselves available for his kingdom work!
Following Holiday Club, our friends introduced us to another Northern Ireland favorite: the "Ulster Fry,” a lunch comprised of fried eggs, bacon, sausage, black pudding, soda & tater bread! Sharing meals has become one of our favorite parts of the week as conversations deepen and friendships continue to grow. The afternoon took us to Divis and Black Mountain, where members from all three churches (including our favorite 89-year-old adventurer, Mr. Norman) enjoyed a beautiful hike overlooking the city of Belfast. We ended the day back at Grace & Hope with another wonderful meal before gathering for the second night of the guitar workshop.
It has been a joy watching students return every evening, growing in music and building genuine friendships. During a break, our team shared some of our favorite American snacks, and laughter quickly filled the room as everyone compared treats and traded stories. These moments remind us that ministry often happens in the ordinary conversations between the planned activities. As Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 2:8, we desire to share "not only the gospel of God but also our own selves." We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to do so alongside our brothers and sisters here in Belfast.
To our church family and everyone faithfully praying for us back home, thank you! Your prayers are sustaining us, encouraging us, and reminding us that while we may be serving in Belfast, we are doing so as an extension of the body of Christ at West End. We are deeply grateful for your partnership in the gospel!
HOw we saw god at work today:
In the quiet obedience of so many ordinary people: volunteers, hosts, drivers, cooks, and leaders who continue making themselves available for the Lord to use
Growing relationships between our teams and the children and students, as trust and genuine friendships continue to deepen each day
The remarkable hospitality of our brothers and sisters at West Kirk and Grace & Hope, whose joyful service continually reflects the love of Christ
prayer requests:
For the remaining two days of Holiday Club, that every child would continue hearing and experiencing the love of Jesus, and that seeds planted this week would bear lasting fruit
The final nights of the guitar workshop, that meaningful relationships would continue to grow and open doors for spiritual conversations with the students
Friday evening's Community Picnic, asking the Lord to draw in many families from the neighborhood (especially those without a church home) and to use the event to build relationships and point people toward the hope found in Christ