Julie Peake Deaconness Portrush
When I tell people that I work in Portrush they often think of what it is like in the summer and assume that a lot of the ministry is based around the summer. While it is true that at that time of the year there are many and varied opportunities for
ministry, which we thank God for, the work continues throughout the year. Along with hospital, bereavement and other visitation, a few areas of my work which I am encouraged about are:
Women’s ministry
Recently I have had the privilege of doing one-to-one discipleship with some of the women using the ‘How People Change’ material produced by CCEF. It is awe-inspiring and humbling to see how God is transforming lives by His Grace to be more Christ-like in the middle of all of life’s ups and downs, as we examine our hearts and what motivates us to react in the ways we do.
Co-ordinating and developing the team of volunteers who visit and provide practical support to others, and seeking to develop ministry into the wider community.
News When can we start? and How can I help? Isn’t it wonderful to hear those words!
I have been blessed recently to hear both of those statements:
Another year has passed in Portrush and it's been an exciting and challenging one. One-to-one pastoral counsel with individual women has increased as relationships have grown deeper and trust has developed. I am more mindful that we are broken people in a broken world, which Christ has come to restore to Himself. How wonderful the Good News is! I am continuing to use the 'How People Change' course of study to help people get to the root of their struggles and see how to apply Christ's work on the cross to bring about change.
There has been much bereavement within the congregation recently. In the latter part of 2008 in response to the needs I have been building a team of people who will help to run a Grief Share group in 2009.
God has given me the opportunity of contact with some Polish families, and as a result we have been running English classes since April. I have the privilege of co-ordinating a team of volunteers who teach. This ministry is one in which there is much potential and we are constantly seeking ways of developing it.
At Easter our church joined with others in the area to share God's love in the community in practical ways through the 'Streetreach' initiative. In May some of us were involved in outreach during the NorthWest 200.
During the summer I again led a church mission team to Slovenia and Croatia. We joined with Slovene Christians and helped them run an English and Bible camp for around seventy children.
I am mindful that the word 'team' keeps appearing in this report. But that is how the work of the Kingdom is done! We work together for God's glory. I am extremely thankful to God for His sustaining strength and grace, realising that I can do nothing apart from Him. Thanks also goes to everyone I work alongside in Portrush, and also to PW and BMI. Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the PW women who have prayed for me and the work I'm involved in. Never under-estimate what you do!
Prayer points:
For my daily walk with Jesus. That i would become more like Him and share His vision for Portrush and be a channel of His love to all i meet.
For God's guidance, wisdom and creativity as the congregation seek to share Christ with the community of Portrush.
That God would use me to inspire and encourage women in their walk with Him as I speak during deputation work.
That Christ's Spirit would empower me with His love, wisdom and discernment as I serve God's people.
Thank God for the contact He has given us with the Polish community and pray for wisdom and guidance to know how God is wanting this to develop.
Pray for the teachers in the English class and for the students.
Pray that the students will come to know and love Jesus personally.