Strive to Rest

This past week the whole team had worked hard all week in ministry to children, teens, and adults, and a time of rest was needed. In Atticall on Friday, the teens doused each other with water while the Treasure Hunters continued to play with and teach the children. 

In the evening Peter spoke on God as a listener, and Phil told a story with a gospel-centric message, clearly stating that the rescue that God offers is predicated on a choice we must make. Good conversation was had by all, and it continues to amaze us how God has given an open door into the community. 

Over the weekend the Lord gave some temporary rest, as we gathered at the Chestnutt's for a grill out and a time of prayer. Afterwards many went to Newcastle, while others stayed back with their host homes. On Saturday night, I (Daniel) went out with Edward and Jean Forshythe and Jim and Sandra Chestnutt to the beach, where some of the best fireworks I've ever seen (I kid you not!) were shot off. America could learn a lot from Northern Ireland about fireworks. 

On Sunday, Daniel was interviewed in the morning at Mourne Presbyterian, and Alli was interviewed in the evening while Daniel preached at Kilkeel Presbyterian on 2 Corinthians 3:17-4:7. We genuinely feel that the churches here have received us in a manner worthy of the gospel... and we trust that when we head out on Saturday it will also be in the same manner (3 John 5-8).

While the Kittys Road team attempted to set the Irish countryside on fire (see Maddy's post below), the Atticall team had a more controlled fire where we gathered for smores. Matt broke out the guitar and he and Rachel sang as we gathered around.

Tonight Atticall has its talent show (or "variety show")... where the Northern Irish and the Americans are performing various musical pieces and skits. Please pray 

• that we would continue to strive to enter into the rest that only Jesus provides. 
• that we would persevere in the ministry that God has given us. It is very fun being out, but also solemn, because we know that we will give an account for this ministry when we stand before him on the last day.
• that we would live consciously of eternity, both of the souls we're praying will join us, and our own souls, that we not be deceived by the enemy in the midst of ministry. 
• that we would be sensitive to the Spirit in all we do, seeking to obey God with our minds, hearts, and hands. Hebrews 4:11-13 is a gracious (but solemn) reminder. 

Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.