Well on the 16th of December I flew back to the States to spend time with family and friends. I can honestly say that since I touch down on the ground I have been on the go non stop seeing and visiting people. It has been a brilliant time.
Last week I had the pleasure of being in Samuel and Sarah's Wedding. It was a great time and a very beautiful ceremony! Just want to say congrats to them and hope they enjoy their honeymoon down in the Caribbean :-D.
At the moment I am back in Chicago spending time with family. It has been good to catch up and just relax and spend time with them. It has felt a wee bit surreal being back, but it has been very good. I must say however, that I miss many friends back in Northern Ireland. It's been amazing to see how God has given me such a desire and heart for the people back over there. God is good and I've really enjoyed being a part of what He is doing. I look forward to getting back and catching up with everyone and jumping back into the routine of everything.
I hope you enjoy your Christmas/New Year's holidays and continue to keep your eyes on Christ!!
Jason
Monday, December 28, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Hairspray
The weekend to London was really good. There were about 170 people, and we all stayed in the Oak Hall Manor in Otford, which is just Southeast of London. It was a great time to connect and meet people and be encouraged from the Word. I ended up having the last talk, which seemed to go really really well.
As soon as I got back to good ol Kilkeel, it was hittin the ground running. Last week was crunch week for the musical. As usual, everything came together for the dress rehearsal. Now all this week there will be performances in the evenings.....it will be great fun. That will be keeping me busy this week along with the usual mentor groups.
The crazy thing is that a week from Wednesday (Dec 16th) I will be heading back to the states for a couple of weeks for the holidays and Samuel and Sarah's wedding. So hopefully I will get a chance to catch up with many of you and share in further detail all that God has been doing since I've been over here in Kilkeel.
May we continue to keep our eyes on Christ!
Jason
As soon as I got back to good ol Kilkeel, it was hittin the ground running. Last week was crunch week for the musical. As usual, everything came together for the dress rehearsal. Now all this week there will be performances in the evenings.....it will be great fun. That will be keeping me busy this week along with the usual mentor groups.
The crazy thing is that a week from Wednesday (Dec 16th) I will be heading back to the states for a couple of weeks for the holidays and Samuel and Sarah's wedding. So hopefully I will get a chance to catch up with many of you and share in further detail all that God has been doing since I've been over here in Kilkeel.
May we continue to keep our eyes on Christ!
Jason
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving (well a few hours early for yous)!! It's funny how many people ask me what Thanksgiving is since they don't have it over here. I tell them that it is a big meal that we have where we take the time to remind ourselves of all the things that we are thankful. Haha, but as soon as I mention Turkey, everyone wants to celebrate it :-). See, over here for Christmas Dinner, everyone always has turkey and ham...and lots of it. So they look for any excuse to enjoy the goodness of it! This year I will be spending Thanksgiving again with some of the other Americans that I know that live here in Kilkeel....and yes, Samuel will be joining us as well (since he will be marrying an American soon enough!)
Apart from that, things have been going really well but has been super busy lately! My mentor groups are going really well and it has been a great opportunity to encourage many of the young men in their day to day walk with Christ. We will be having our Christmas mentor groups partys in the next couple of weeks, so that will be fun as we get out of the after school setting and go to one of their houses and have a bit of craic and carry on together.
Kittys Road has been going well too. It's been great connecting with them and hanging out with them. I had a chance to go down there last week and hang out with a family for the evening...it was brilliant just being treated as part of the family. So God continues to do amazing things :-).
Things down at the high school have been going really well too. I continue to help out with PE in the afternoons...I even had the chance to teach one of the classes how to play American football. They picked it up a wee bit, but more times than not reverted back to rugby....but its a step in the right direction. Also, all the practices are in full swing for this years musical performance of Hairspray. It should be really good....I will be helping out a wee bit with sound and video stuff. The performances are the beginning of Decemeber sometime.
A prayer request for you. This weekend I am off to London....for specifically to the Oak Hall Manor in Otford. I have been asked to be a guest speaker for a training weekend for all the people that help out and speak on the Oak Hall Expeditions....which is the organization that I went to France with back in August. So I look forward to this opportunity. Pray that it goes well and that God will use me to encourage the others that will be there. Also pray for traveling, especially as I maneuver myself around London - hopefully I won't get lost :-).
Anywho, I will keep you posted on how things go :-). Thanks for praying and for your encouragements!! Lets continue to keep our eyes on Christ!!
Yearning for Him,
Jason
Apart from that, things have been going really well but has been super busy lately! My mentor groups are going really well and it has been a great opportunity to encourage many of the young men in their day to day walk with Christ. We will be having our Christmas mentor groups partys in the next couple of weeks, so that will be fun as we get out of the after school setting and go to one of their houses and have a bit of craic and carry on together.
Kittys Road has been going well too. It's been great connecting with them and hanging out with them. I had a chance to go down there last week and hang out with a family for the evening...it was brilliant just being treated as part of the family. So God continues to do amazing things :-).
Things down at the high school have been going really well too. I continue to help out with PE in the afternoons...I even had the chance to teach one of the classes how to play American football. They picked it up a wee bit, but more times than not reverted back to rugby....but its a step in the right direction. Also, all the practices are in full swing for this years musical performance of Hairspray. It should be really good....I will be helping out a wee bit with sound and video stuff. The performances are the beginning of Decemeber sometime.
A prayer request for you. This weekend I am off to London....for specifically to the Oak Hall Manor in Otford. I have been asked to be a guest speaker for a training weekend for all the people that help out and speak on the Oak Hall Expeditions....which is the organization that I went to France with back in August. So I look forward to this opportunity. Pray that it goes well and that God will use me to encourage the others that will be there. Also pray for traveling, especially as I maneuver myself around London - hopefully I won't get lost :-).
Anywho, I will keep you posted on how things go :-). Thanks for praying and for your encouragements!! Lets continue to keep our eyes on Christ!!
Yearning for Him,
Jason
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Rome and Hallowe'en :-)
The last couple weeks have flown by!! To think that it has already been a week ago since I got back from Rome. It was a great trip! We saw many many places in and around Rome and even had the opportunity to go down to Mount Vesuvius and then stay a night in Sorrento, Italy. Check out my PICTURES to get a small glimpse of all that we saw.
After we got back from our trip to Rome, we had a week off of school for half term holidays. So it was a nice relaxing week that gave the opportunity to hang out and connect with many of the young people outside of the usual context. I even had the chance to get together with a couple of my mentor groups and hang out and have a wee bit of homemade, Chicago style pizza ;-), so it was brilliant.
Also, as you know, this past weekend was Hallowe'en. I had the lovely opportunity to join many of my friends down Kittys Road for the day. Let me tell you...never in my life have I experienced a Hallowe'en as this one!! It actually felt a wee bit more like the Fourth of July. The reason I say that is because they had a huge bonfire that we lit in the evening....and when I say huge, I mean HUGE. Then all the young people were shooting off fireworks and bangers and all sorts of stuff. So in my mind, what is typically costumes and trick or treating, was much more like fireworks and bonfires. But it was a great time to hang out and enjoy a few laughs.....and to duck and run every now and then when someone would try and shoot a firework your direction.
Finally today everyone is back to school for the last push til Christmas. Now that Hallowe'en is over the excitement and anticipation is building for Christmas. Even as I walked through the town this morning, all the shops were setting up their Christmas displays with lights and trees and everything else. So the next few weeks will be exciting....not only for that reason, but with everything else that will be going on with Mentor groups, Kittys Road get togethers, and anything else that pops up :-). So I encourage you to continue to pray....God is at work and doing some amazing things! Thank you for your continued support and encouragement as well :-)!!
Yearning for Christ
Jason
After we got back from our trip to Rome, we had a week off of school for half term holidays. So it was a nice relaxing week that gave the opportunity to hang out and connect with many of the young people outside of the usual context. I even had the chance to get together with a couple of my mentor groups and hang out and have a wee bit of homemade, Chicago style pizza ;-), so it was brilliant.
Also, as you know, this past weekend was Hallowe'en. I had the lovely opportunity to join many of my friends down Kittys Road for the day. Let me tell you...never in my life have I experienced a Hallowe'en as this one!! It actually felt a wee bit more like the Fourth of July. The reason I say that is because they had a huge bonfire that we lit in the evening....and when I say huge, I mean HUGE. Then all the young people were shooting off fireworks and bangers and all sorts of stuff. So in my mind, what is typically costumes and trick or treating, was much more like fireworks and bonfires. But it was a great time to hang out and enjoy a few laughs.....and to duck and run every now and then when someone would try and shoot a firework your direction.
Finally today everyone is back to school for the last push til Christmas. Now that Hallowe'en is over the excitement and anticipation is building for Christmas. Even as I walked through the town this morning, all the shops were setting up their Christmas displays with lights and trees and everything else. So the next few weeks will be exciting....not only for that reason, but with everything else that will be going on with Mentor groups, Kittys Road get togethers, and anything else that pops up :-). So I encourage you to continue to pray....God is at work and doing some amazing things! Thank you for your continued support and encouragement as well :-)!!
Yearning for Christ
Jason
Saturday, October 17, 2009
American Football and ....the Colosseum!!?
We've been having brilliant weather lately, which has provided with many opportunities to enjoy God's beautiful creation. In fact, I had the opportunity to do a very first this past week - teach a group of high schoolers (and their PE teacher) how to play American Football. It was great craic. I explained the very basics of the game and started playing two-hand touch with them. They seemed to really enjoy it. To be honest, it ended up being a mix between American football and rugby...but it was brilliant nonetheless. It was funny to watch because most of them were clueless and even after played for half an hour were still lost as to what the sport was all about. But ah well, its a step in the right direction ;-)!
Another highlight has been going out to Kittys Road for Friday coffee mornings. It's a great time to relax, have a cuppa tea and scone and talk and laugh with some of the wonderful people down in Kittys Road :-).
A really exciting thing coming up is this Wednesday, I will be going on a 5 day trip to Rome with a group of 30 high schoolers for an RE (Religious Education) Expedition to learn about the church history in Rome and see all the sites. It will be a VERY packed 5 days.....and we hit the ground running by leaving at 3am on Weds!! Everyone is really looking forward to it and seeing all the different places in Rome...and to spending 5 days together. It should be really good - and the Italin Gelato (ice cream) should be really good as well :-). You can be sure to look forward to seeing some pictures up after the trip too!
Well thanks for continuing to follow all that God is doing over here! May we continue to keep our eyes on Christ!
Yearning for Him,
Jason
Another highlight has been going out to Kittys Road for Friday coffee mornings. It's a great time to relax, have a cuppa tea and scone and talk and laugh with some of the wonderful people down in Kittys Road :-).
A really exciting thing coming up is this Wednesday, I will be going on a 5 day trip to Rome with a group of 30 high schoolers for an RE (Religious Education) Expedition to learn about the church history in Rome and see all the sites. It will be a VERY packed 5 days.....and we hit the ground running by leaving at 3am on Weds!! Everyone is really looking forward to it and seeing all the different places in Rome...and to spending 5 days together. It should be really good - and the Italin Gelato (ice cream) should be really good as well :-). You can be sure to look forward to seeing some pictures up after the trip too!
Well thanks for continuing to follow all that God is doing over here! May we continue to keep our eyes on Christ!
Yearning for Him,
Jason
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Encouraged!
I had the great opportunity to preach for the evening service this past Sunday at Mourne Presbyterian Church. It was a youth service, so we had the praise band and other youth involved in the service....it was a great evening. We have been going through a Family Life series, and in doing so, looking at the different roles and responsibilities of each of the members within a family. So my talk was geared towards children, and the responsibility of honoring and obeying parents. In doing so, I looked at Phil 4:8-9 and how Paul encourages us to live a lifestyle that is all about Jesus. So if we live this lifestyle, in return, we then best honor and obey our parents.
Overall it was very encouraging and many people came up afterwards saying that they were encouraged.....so praise God!!! If you would like to listen to the service, feel free to click HERE.
Along with that, other things have been going well too. Samuel and I continue to work on E.T.C. (the curriculum to encourage and equip our young poeple to live pure lives and embrace Biblical Manhood and Womanhood). We have given an overview to the local churches who will be discussing it and giving feedback about it over the next couple of weeks, so I do ask for you to be praying for this. Pray that God will direct and guide us as we seek the best way to present and communicate these sensitive, yet very important issues with our young people.
Onto other things...I got a haircut today :-)....AND decided to shave off the gotee :-o....which is the first time in about a year and a half (the first time ever in Northern Ireland without it), so many people have been looking twice, which has been funny. So we'll see how it goes, maybe I will miss it and start growing it agian, but I figured why not give it a go without it for awhile (especially since there was a growing interest of people wondering what I looked like without one lol).
Apart from that, it is starting to feel like October as well. We have been having a nice stretch of beautiful weather with some lovely sunshine, but today the rain came back a wee bit and I must admit, the coolness has come with it as well. So we look forward to the autumn season and the many exciting things that will be coming up in YF, SU, Kittys Road, and everywhere else. So I will keep you posted on all the craic that's happening ;-).
Thank you for your continued prayers and support.....and for all of you who take the time to read these updates....it is very encouraging!! May we continue to keep our eyes on Christ.
Yearning for Him,
Jason
Overall it was very encouraging and many people came up afterwards saying that they were encouraged.....so praise God!!! If you would like to listen to the service, feel free to click HERE.
Along with that, other things have been going well too. Samuel and I continue to work on E.T.C. (the curriculum to encourage and equip our young poeple to live pure lives and embrace Biblical Manhood and Womanhood). We have given an overview to the local churches who will be discussing it and giving feedback about it over the next couple of weeks, so I do ask for you to be praying for this. Pray that God will direct and guide us as we seek the best way to present and communicate these sensitive, yet very important issues with our young people.
Onto other things...I got a haircut today :-)....AND decided to shave off the gotee :-o....which is the first time in about a year and a half (the first time ever in Northern Ireland without it), so many people have been looking twice, which has been funny. So we'll see how it goes, maybe I will miss it and start growing it agian, but I figured why not give it a go without it for awhile (especially since there was a growing interest of people wondering what I looked like without one lol).
Apart from that, it is starting to feel like October as well. We have been having a nice stretch of beautiful weather with some lovely sunshine, but today the rain came back a wee bit and I must admit, the coolness has come with it as well. So we look forward to the autumn season and the many exciting things that will be coming up in YF, SU, Kittys Road, and everywhere else. So I will keep you posted on all the craic that's happening ;-).
Thank you for your continued prayers and support.....and for all of you who take the time to read these updates....it is very encouraging!! May we continue to keep our eyes on Christ.
Yearning for Him,
Jason
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Birthday thoughts...
Well two days ago was my birthday....thanks for all of the birthday wishes!! To answer the main question - birthdays are celebrated in much the same way over here as they are in the states - so unfortunately for many, no Irish Jigs :-). It was a good day...nothing too out of the ordinary. The Chestnutts made a lovely meal and desert for me and another great family, the Dodd's made a Birthday cake for me as well....so I was well looked after. I am grateful for all the family and friends that God has blessed me with!!
Another thought that I had on my birthday, was that it was the morning of my birthday 1 year ago that I received a phone call from Samuel giving me the official invitation to come over and partner with him in investing in the lives of the young people here in Kilkeel.....wow to see what all God has done since then!!!
In terms of what's been happening, Youth Fellowship had its official start this past Sunday, it was brilliant. We had pizza, played a game, and just had great craic and carry on....and many showed up as well, so it was very encouraging.
The big thing coming up that I am looking forward to is this coming Sunday evening I will be preaching at Mourne Presbyterian Church :-). I am really looking forward to it. We have been going through a Family Life series and talking about the different roles and responsibilities that each person has within a family. So my talk will be geared towards the young adults and encouraging them to not only obey and honor their parents, but to live their lives in such a way that they are proclaiming who Jesus is. I will be teaching from Philippians 4:8-9....so if you remember, be praying for me as I prep and preach on Sunday evening :-).
Thanks again for all of you who wished me a happy birthday...it was great to hear from everyone! May we continue to yearn after Christ and keep our eyes fixed on Him :-).
Jason
Another thought that I had on my birthday, was that it was the morning of my birthday 1 year ago that I received a phone call from Samuel giving me the official invitation to come over and partner with him in investing in the lives of the young people here in Kilkeel.....wow to see what all God has done since then!!!
In terms of what's been happening, Youth Fellowship had its official start this past Sunday, it was brilliant. We had pizza, played a game, and just had great craic and carry on....and many showed up as well, so it was very encouraging.
The big thing coming up that I am looking forward to is this coming Sunday evening I will be preaching at Mourne Presbyterian Church :-). I am really looking forward to it. We have been going through a Family Life series and talking about the different roles and responsibilities that each person has within a family. So my talk will be geared towards the young adults and encouraging them to not only obey and honor their parents, but to live their lives in such a way that they are proclaiming who Jesus is. I will be teaching from Philippians 4:8-9....so if you remember, be praying for me as I prep and preach on Sunday evening :-).
Thanks again for all of you who wished me a happy birthday...it was great to hear from everyone! May we continue to yearn after Christ and keep our eyes fixed on Him :-).
Jason
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