SCHOOL'S OUT!!!
Today was the final day of school, thus marking the beginning of summer - Freedom for two months. The last couple of weeks have been filled with revision, exams, and spontaneous hanging about :-). It's been a great opportunity to come alongside of many of the young people and offer help with revision or even offer a way for them to have a study break by playing Call of Duty or watching a DVD...so it has been very enjoyable!
We are now working on the final details for Kittys Road Festival Week 2010!! The American Team from Bethlehem arrives on the 16th and will be staying for just about two weeks. During that time we will be having a blast with our friends down at Kittys Road....doing things like Treasure Hunter Bible Club in the morning for the younger ones, coffee morning for the women to come and have a cuppa tea, Youth evenings with games and teaching, and much much more that we are very excited about. We are evening doing an overnite stay together with the community, so that is something we are looking forward to as well. Overall, we are very excited for another opportunity to investigate who Jesus is with our friends down in Kittys Road. So please be praying for great friendships to develop and for good craic as we look through the theme of "There is No One Like You" :-)
Also to update you on my situation.... it looks like God has been opening up the door for me to partner with Newcastle Baptist Church just up the road in Newcastle. We are still working on details and odds and ends, but the hope is to start with them somewhere around the end of September. There are a couple things you can be praying for in regards to this transition:
Visa - I will be making a trip back to the States in the near future. During that time I will be working on many things, but probably one of the MOST important is applying for a new Visa. Since I am now going to be partnering with a different church who will become my sponsor, I need to apply for a new Visa. Please be praying that this will be a straightforward process and that things will go smoothly (and not like last time ;-) ) !
Missions Agency - Part of me looking towards to the future is thinking long term. And that means I am looking to connect with an agency that is willing not only to partner, encourage, and challenge me in my ministry, but also to help with the logistical side of things back Stateside. So be praying that I would find the right fit with an agency.
Ministry - Be praying for my new ministry in Newcastle. The great thing is that there will be much overlap because I will still be connected with Kilkeel High School and mentoring young men on a regular basis through Scripture Union. But also be praying for my ministry at the church. It is a younger, growing church and there are many exciting things that are happening and many more exciting ideas that we have. Our hopes is to become a community church that comes together, regardless of the background, to focus on Jesus.
I just want to thank you for your continued prayers and support. I will keep you posted on when I will be coming back to the States...it would be great to see you and update you further on all that God has been doing over here since I've been here. Until then, may we continue to keep our eyes on Jesus!!
Jason
