Imprisoned for a day...

Wow...today has been pretty full on with lots packed in.

Its started this morning with church in Magheragal Methodist where a few of the Ghana team were sharing a little of our summer adventures in the service. We were made to feel very welcome and it was great to be able to share with them as part of our circuit, particularly as Clem, one of our team members is part of the congregation.

We were then treated to a wonderful lunch prepared by Clem's wife before a few of us headed on to our next engagement at Meghaberry Prison, to share in their afternoon service also about our Ghana adventures. I was really looking forward to this opportunity but as the time grew nearer I started to feel a little anxious and could feel my nerves rising. Especially when we got through the first big security gate and I could see the actual prison building up close. It just looked so grey and dismal, a foreboding place. We were met at the prison by Rev Dennis Bambrick who has been involved in prison chaplaincy since he retired.

We had to go through security checks which involved having our palms scanned to allow us through the many security doors. I was first to have my palm scanned and id card produced...but the last to actually get in through the security door. For some reason my id card and palm scan weren't matching - not even able to get into prison!! Eventually the very patient warden discovered the problem and i was able to go through. Many security gates and a scan later we made it inside and Dennis guided us to the chapel. It was simple but serene, a little bit of peace in what I can only imagine is a dark and horrendous existence. We were shown in alongside the inmates and it was a extremely strange sensation to be walking in alongside them. We had been told by one of the guards along the way not to be under any illusions as to why they were at the service. Some of them would be there genuinely to worship and hear the word, whereas for others it was a rare opportunity to see inmates from other 'houses' and a chance to exchange 'goods'. I have to admit though that they all appeared to be very polite and welcoming to us. There was some noise while we were talking to them but then if your involved in any youth stuff you're used to that anyway!! All in all it was a very positive experience for me and we didn't have much of an opportunity to chat to them afterward as time was short and we had started late but a couple of African guys did approach and to say they were so pleased that we were involved in the work in Ghana because Africa needs so much help and they need to hear the message we were bringing. One of them explained to us how he was Ghanaian and his father lived in Accra...it really is a small world!

That was us finished, back out through all the security gates and freedom!!...and yes they let us all out!! The chaplains and prison fellowship do a wonderful work there with a group of men who need to hear the message of love. It's not a witness that I really thought much about but I am grateful for experience and I am pleased to have been able to be involved in it in a small way.

Well that was half way through my day...the next couple of hours were spent at the Lewis household enjoying tea, cookies and chilli!!

Before we went to Seymour Street for the New Members Reception Service...including a surprise interview sprung on Helen and I!! Five young people were received into full membership of the Methodist Church, four of which were SNASSers. One of those services that fills you with pride having seen how these young people have grown and matured in their own confidence and faith. Also one of those services that helps to remind us why we do what we do :)

Draw me close...

Lord, this is my prayer......

Draw me close to You
Never let me go
I lay it all down again
To hear You say that I'm Your friend

You are my desire
No one else will do
'Cause nothing else could take Your place
To feel the warmth of Your embrace
Help me find the way
Bring me back to You

You're all I want
You're all I've ever needed
You're all I want
Help me know You are near


©Australia Hillsongs

Autumn Soul 2008

This past weekend 38 SNASSers were in Bangor for the Autumn Soul weekend. There was a mixture of Seymour Streeters, Priest Hill, a Dubliner and some Fins!!

The SNASS group out and about during a prayer walk on the Sunday morning...(missing are Karen Hutchinson and Brian Anderson)

This years theme was Revolution and we had a fantastic time of great teaching, preaching, praise and fellowship...but as usual not very much sleep!! But I do believe that everyone who was there for any part of it left changed...if even just a little bit.

A couple of weeks back I wrote about a video Brian had used in SNASS. As part of the opening worship service a group of SNASSers performed the same mime. They did an amazing job and it was extremely powerful. It moved me once more and i was so proud of them getting up there and performing it.

Please keep praying for all these young people who are trying to live revolutionary lives in their schools, with their friends and in their homes.