Home Mission
John George
Letterkenny 2002 - 03 |
"I guess I would describe working in a congregation
as a bit like going on a GO team the whole year round.
"It's easy to trust God in our safe environments,
in our own CY's and groups of Christian friends. It's very
different when you're on your own, in a housing estate on
a cold bleak winter night, knocking on doors trying to bring
the gospel to people. You have to lean on God's strength
more than you ever had to before. That's why I would encourage
any young person to take a year out of their studies or
work, and go and give their time to work with a congregation.
I have prospered more spiritually in the last four months
than in the last year of my Christian life."
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Irish Section
Andrew Blackburn
Galway 1998-99 |
"Being involved in full-time service for a year
gave me great insight. I was involved in door-to-door work,
taking one-to-one Bible Studies and working in a Christian
bookshop. I can say from experience how beneficial it is
to take a 'Year Out'.
"In the denomination today, there are many opportunities
for people to develop their gifts and skills within a mission-type
setting.
"God has given us gifts to use in his service. We
must seek ways to use these gifts. The Church today needs
Christians to use their gifts in a positive manner, whether
in their local church situation or in other settings." |
Foreign Mission
Kate McFarland
Nantes 2002-03 |
"I do twenty hours a week of French for foreigners
at the University of Nantes. Along with that I help at,
and encourage friends to come to, events and services at
church.
"I use my bed-sit as a base for inviting friends for
dinner, watching videos etc. and have been astonished at
how God can use such simple ways of reaching out to people
in friendship to present opportunities for evangelism.
"Although the past months have been far from an easy
ride, I have never regretted my decision to come to Nantes.
I cannot encourage you strongly enough to consider taking
this opportunity.
"You will be unable to imagine how your life could
ever be the same again." |
