Belfast....

The Titanic Museum

So, I've promised you all a special blog post about my time in Belfast. So here it is! I'm so excited to share about my time there, and all of the amazing experiences I had!

So to start, let me explain. One of the really amazing opportunities I have being on internship with Bethany is to do a "survey" or "vision" trip. Essentially it's a trip to check out a ministry or place that you could see yourself doing or being long term. So, I went to Belfast, to check out a church plant that Every Nation had started there. Man, was it a blessed time!

It's a very new church plant, with just Johann and Andrea Vizagie are the Pastors and leaders of the church plant. They have baby girls, who were also such blessings to me! The other leaders of the church plant are Lenny and Caly Konschewitz. I was so blessed by these two couples during my time in Belfast! I was able to go to staff meetings, learn a little bit about establishing Every Nation Belfast as a church plant, I went out with Caly one day on a hunt for ministry opportunities with youth centers in the area. I had an amazing night, Halloween night, going out with an organization in Belfast called Night Light. Essentially helping people who are anywhere from homeless to drunk off their heads. We were able to be the hands and feet of Jesus, handing out coffee, tea, or soup, sharing good conversations, and sometimes just being an ear to listen. I absolutely loved being out there, helping and loving on those that need it the most. Another day we went out to Queens University, and did God tests. Essentially, just taking a survey of the students, finding out what they thought about the existence of God. This led to some great conversations, and amazing connections! It was such a wonderful experience, being able to work with this team, and hear their hearts, and their vision for what it looks like to impact the community.

Now, there is something to mention about Northern Ireland. It's a beautiful place with some of the most kind and welcoming people. But it is a place that has also been rife with conflict. I was able to do some research, to learn more about the history of Belfast as well as demographics, to help the team a bit. While much of the violence of the past has subsided, there is still an underlying hostility within the community there. Much of this conflict derives from politics and religion. Catholics and Protestants are at odds. There are even "peace walls" blocking off Catholic neighborhoods from
Protestant neighborhoods. Part of the goal that the Belfast team has is to bring unity to the community. To bring peace to what seems like an endless conflict.

A Peace Wall inscribed
"Open your heart to change,
but don't let go of your values." -The Dali Lama

Belfast Castle

I was so blessed by Johann, Andrea, Lenny,

Albert Memorial Clock
Tower

and Caly during my time in Belfast. They prophesied over me, spoke words of life, encouragement. I felt so valued, accepted, loved. I knew that these were the right people to bring unity and healing to this place. I cannot explain how incredibly blessed I was by these wonderful, amazing people. I am so thankful for all of them, and continue to pray that the Lord will use them in mighty ways in the years to come!

All in all, my trip to Belfast was an incredible one. I cannot believe how blessed I am to have gone on this trip, met these people, and been used by God during my time there. I pray that the Lord will continue to restore and bring healing to the land. I hope that someday, I will be able to return.

Belfast Castle Gardens