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Updates
from our people in the Mission Field
5th April 2008
Chris McCullagh - The Besom,
London
I just wanted to write to thank you for all the support
from everyone at Legacurry. I really do love coming
home and catching up with everyone and hearing all
that is going on about the place.
It is so amazing to see all that God is doing here.
When people ask me about what is happening here or
how things are going it is quite easy to just chat
about the work that we do and about collecting and
delivering furniture. But the internship is so much
more than that - about living in community and all
that that involves, as well as learning about God's
heart for the poor and what that looks like. It has
really been quite challenging at times, but I have
loved being here and growing in my relationship with
God.
In terms of the furniture and decorating stuff though,
it is so encouraging to see how God works and to hear
stories of this. It is amazing to see how people's
self worth is built up and their outlook on life changes
simply by passing them on some really nice things
or brightening up their flat with a coat of paint.
One of my painting recipients is a single mum who
not only is a full time carer for her own mother,
but also looks after her two granddaughters and another
daughter. She had to take in her grandchildren after
their mother ran away struggling from drug addiction
and other problems. We were able to send a group to
paint her bedroom for the first time in 27 years or
something crazy like that. Also, we have since been
able to send a few more groups who have completely
transformed her flat. It is such a privilege to, not
only have the chance to spend time with these people,
but to encourage others from local churches here to
do the same, and to see how their hearts are changed
in the process.
I just wanted to give a brief update on what is going
on and to say thanks for all the continued support
and prayers.
God bless, Chris
5th April 2008
Laura's Tearfund Year - Laura
Neill [nee - Green]
So far this year working with Tearfund has been going
really well. My week consists of 2 days in placement,
2 days working alongside the NI Youth and Student
Co-ordinator for Tearfund, and one study day completing
a course through Moorlands Bible College in southern
England.
For the first term I spent my placement working for
two days a week in Thompson House, a probation hostel
in North Belfast for ex-offenders, run by the Board
of Social Witness of PCI. All the residents are male
and so far the majority of residents are sex offenders.
With my background in policing, I was a bit dubious
of this at first, but God has been amazing and has
helped me to view these men through His eyes. I've
had the opportunity to get involved in a bible study
with some of the men, and it's been so encouraging
to see their eagerness to learn of God's love for
them, and to seek His mercy and forgiveness. Two of
the men have made commitments to God and are currently
trying to deal with their offending and the brokenness
which has existed for many years in their lives. I
am confident that God has big plans for them.
This term I am working one day in the hostel and
one day in Ballysillan Youth for Christ Centre. (The
Blue Houses) This placement involves some social action
eg. painting in homes of single mums and other people
within the community who cannot afford to do this
themselves. It also involves doing some youth work
in the drop-in centre, working with teenagers between
the ages of 11-18 years old. It is amazing to see
how God is working through this centre, as a real
beacon within this community.
My Tearfund days mainly involve - networking with
youth workers, and churches, encouraging them to see
the importance of social justice and the relevance
of it in our Christian witness. It also involves running
some youth leader training events, as well as taking
seminars and workshops at youth events, to share with
young people the issues of God's heart for the poor.
I've also had the privilege of a trip to Zambia back
in January. A team of 9 travelled to Ndola, north
of the capital Lusaka. We taught in church run schools.
Many of the children had been orphaned as a result
of AIDs. We also spent time with some local people
who were living with HIV/AIDs, listening to their
stories and giving them some words of encouragement.
It was incredible to meet such inspirational people,
living in such poverty and despair, and yet so full
of joy and hope in God. One man we met, despite suffering
with TB and AIDs, was still out in his village when
he felt well enough, telling people about Jesus. He
wore a T-shirt that said 'Jesus saves. Jesus heals.'
An inspiring trip that taught me much.
My biggest challenge this year has been with the
second greatest commandment given to us; 'Love your
neighbour as yourself'. I've been thinking about this
a lot and realising that to obey this as God intended
has huge implications for my lifestyle, for how I
spend my money, and how I spend my time. I guess it
comes down to the more you know of God's heart for
these issues of poverty the greater the responsibility
you have to do something about it. I feel very blessed
and privileged to have had the opportunity to have
this year out and I am confident that God has been
teaching me lessons that will shape my future.
I want to thank all those at Legacurry who have supported
me through giving to my year, and in their prayers.
It is so greatly appreciated.
Laura.
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