Day 7: 2026 Belfast
Sent home
Our final day in Northern Ireland was a sweet one. There was no rush, no schedule to keep, and no ministry event to prepare for. Instead, we rested in the company of one another and the friends who have become family throughout the week. After a slow morning at Union Theological College, Pastor Peter and his family picked us up for one final adventure together. We made our way south to Tollymore Forest Park, where we met up with Pastor Dave's family and several friends from West Kirk and Grace & Hope. As we drove beneath towering Himalayan cedars and into the park, the beauty of God's creation set the tone for the day ahead.
Our walk followed the Shimna River as it wound through the forest beneath the Mourne Mountains. Clouds clung to the mountaintops while the trees sheltered us from the wind, creating the perfect backdrop for conversations that flowed without effort. We laughed, shared stories from the week, took countless pictures, and even watched a few brave members of our group plunge into the icy river! Once again, our hosts were sharing something they love with us, and we were grateful to experience it alongside them.
After lunch together, we made the short drive to the seaside town of Newcastle. With no agenda or timetable, we wandered the streets, admired the beauty of the Irish Sea on one side and Slieve Donard on the other, and enjoyed one another's company. We shared our final dinner together along the coast before hugs, gifts, prayers, and tears marked the end of another unforgettable week.
Before the day began, we read God's Word in Luke 10, where Jesus sends out the seventy-two with the reminder in verse 2 that "the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few." It was a fitting passage as we prepared to leave Belfast and return home. Throughout the week, we've often spoken about being "sent" from Nashville to Northern Ireland. But perhaps the greater sending begins now.
As Pastor Peter reminded us, the mission doesn't end when we board the plane; it simply changes locations. We return home carrying fresh reminders of God's faithfulness, his love for his Church, and his heart for the nations. Our prayer is that what the Lord has ignited in our hearts this week will not slowly fade into the routines of everyday life, but instead continue to grow into a deeper love for Christ, his Church, and the people he has placed around us every day.
To our West End family, thank you. Thank you for praying, encouraging, giving, and sending us. You have been part of every conversation, every meal, every prayer, every song, and every opportunity we've had to serve this week. We hope these daily updates have given you a glimpse of what God is doing through our brothers and sisters at West Kirk and Grace & Hope! As we return home, continue to ask us what God taught us, how we saw him at work, and how he is calling us to live differently because of it. We are excited to share more of His faithfulness with you very soon!
HOw we saw god at work today:
The deep friendships the Lord has strengthened between West End, West Kirk, and Grace & Hope, reminding us that we are one family united in Christ
The beauty of God's creation, which gave our team space to rest, reflect, and celebrate his faithfulness throughout the week
Reminders that the mission of God doesn't end with a trip; it continues wherever he sends his people next
prayer requests:
Safe travels as our team returns home and for rest after a full and joyful week of ministry
West Kirk and Grace & Hope churches: As they continue faithfully serving their communities, ask the Lord to strengthen their leaders, deepen the relationships formed this week, and continue drawing children, students, and families to himself
Our team would not return with wonderful memories and renewed hearts to live on mission in Nashville, and with the Lord’s help, faithfully share the hope of Christ wherever he has placed us