Day 6: 2026 Belfast
Finishing well
It's hard to believe we've reached the final day of ministry here in Belfast. Before breakfast, Joe reminded our team of something we all needed to hear: finish strong. After a full week of pouring ourselves into Holiday Club, the guitar workshop, and countless conversations around dinner tables and coffee cups, it would have been easy to coast to the finish. Instead, we gathered around God's Word one more time and opened to Hebrews 10, where we were reminded to "consider how to stir up one another to love and good works...encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25). Once again, the Lord's timing through his Word was exactly what our hearts needed. We were reminded that our confidence is not found in ourselves but in Christ alone, and that one of God's greatest gifts is his people, encouraging one another to keep following Jesus faithfully.
When we arrived at West Kirk, there was an unmistakable excitement in the air as everyone prepared for the final day of Holiday Club. Students filled the sanctuary once more, volunteers from all three churches took their places, and the morning quickly came alive with singing, dancing, prayer, and one final round of messy games that certainly lived up to their name!
One of the sweetest moments came as a young girl sang the Holiday Club theme song at the top of her lungs while dancing alongside Caroline and the other leaders. It was a beautiful reminder that the songs, stories, and truths shared throughout the week had found a place in these children's hearts. Nick Rawlings wrapped up the week's "Super Savior" theme by teaching from the story of Esther, showing how God used an ordinary young woman to rescue his people and ultimately point us to our greater Savior, Jesus Christ. His interactive teaching had the children fully engaged, and even hours later, volunteers were still talking about how much the kids had enjoyed it.
Following one final lunch together, our team enjoyed a walk through Belfast's City Centre before returning to West Kirk to help prepare for the Community Picnic. We weren't quite sure what to expect, but the evening quickly became one of the highlights of the entire week. As the grills fired up, inflatables filled the church grounds, and tables were set, families from Holiday Club, the guitar workshop, West Kirk, Grace & Hope, and the surrounding community began pouring onto the campus. It was a joy to watch children eagerly pull parents, grandparents, and siblings through the gates while laughter echoed across the church grounds.
The guitar workshop students proudly performed "Wagon Wheel," led by Colette Stefaniak and Nick Rawlings, and it was evident how much they had grown not only musically, but also in confidence and friendship. By the end of the evening, no one seemed eager to leave. Long after the inflatables were packed away and the cleanup was finished, conversations continued, guitars still played, and Pastor Peter was discovered upstairs giving impromptu boxing lessons! It was a sweet picture of the fellowship God has built between our churches throughout the week.
As we begin wrapping up our time in Northern Ireland, our hearts are incredibly full. Thank you, West End family, for sending us, praying for us, and walking alongside us all week. We hope these updates have encouraged you as much as your prayers have encouraged us. It has been a joy to witness what God is doing through West Kirk and Grace & Hope, and we leave thankful for the privilege of linking arms with them in the work of the gospel. We look forward to seeing many of you soon and sharing even more stories of God's faithfulness!
HOw we saw god at work today:
The joy and engagement of the children throughout the final day of Holiday Club, reminding us that God's Word does not return empty
During the Community Picnic, where relationships built throughout the week naturally extended to parents, grandparents, siblings, and neighbors, creating opportunities for the local church to welcome the community
In the deep fellowship between West End, West Kirk, and Grace & Hope; what began as ministry partnership has become genuine friendship centered on Christ
prayer requests:
For the children, students, and families we met this week
The seeds of the gospel planted in hearts would continue to grow and many would be drawn into the life of West Kirk and Grace & Hope
Our ministry partners continued faithful service long after we've returned home and that Lord strengthen, encourage, and sustain them as they continue making disciples in Belfast
Our final day together as we explore Northern Ireland with our hosts: Ask the Lord to deepen these friendships, give us opportunities to encourage one another, and prepare our hearts to return home ready to live on mission where he has placed us