Friday, August 14, 2009

Press Release on SPARK Outreach in NI

Team Outreach at Castelcroft Square

Some of the teams doing outreach on a rainy afternoon by singing hymns, painting faces of children, and talking about Christ with those that pass by


Stephen teaching at morning session for the team


SPARK 09 Ballymoney Media Release – no embargo
SPARK – The Good Samaritans of Ballymoney.

Last week saw the impact of the SPARK programme in Ballymoney. A group of youth Christians from the partner churches, going out into the community and being good Samaritans to that community by way of acts of practical Christian kindness.

Area Co-ordinator Keith McIlroy was full of praise for the faith and enthusiasm expressed by the youth people involved. “We have had a tremendous response to SPARK, with teams involved in projects ranging from; litter picks, some serious garden makeovers, painting garden sheds to youth clubs, helping with summer schemes, and being the official partner in the Borough Council Oxfam appeal.”

Keith went on, “ I would like to thank all the churches and individual Christians who supported us by prayer, donations and food. We could not have done it without you. Thank you in the name of Jesus.”

The spiritual needs of SPARK were ministered to by youth pastor Stephen Kennedy, mission co-ordinator of Indigenous Outreach International, Jackson, Tennessee. Stephen delivered the morning bible readings to the team and was on hand to provide counselling, and was very clear on SPARK’s ethos “ Spiritual nourishment and good teaching is an essential part of discipleship. Everyone does good works, be they Buddhists, Moslems or atheists, but Christians should do good works only because they are walking close to a living personal Saviour ”

Stephen concluded “ We pray that the communities and individual lives of the residents in Ballymoney have been touched by the love of Christ this past week. And that the young team members have grown in grace and discipleship through His service. If your life has been affected by SPARK, then please let us know through this newspaper. The peace and grace of Christ be to you all.”

END


Further Information - DR S J WILSON – 07513 86 35 38