Summer Staff in Northern Ireland

We have been in Northern Ireland for nearly two weeks as I write this, and our time here has been wonderful! From kids’ clubs to weeding to talking with immigrants over a cup of tea, our team has jumped wholeheartedly into ministry.

Our Summer Staff have been working hard this summer and leading their groups well! I asked our Summer Staff to share something that God has taught them through their time leading.

Tommy:

"When we went to Port Rush, we were given the responsibility of leading the team. I got to play the support role while my fellow summer staff member, David, took the lead of the team. The Irish people responded greatly to the prayers of the team, and God started the ministry with great success. I struggle to think of anything greater to gift to someone than a prayer to the King of the universe. So, every Royal Servant went out to bless the community. We also performed and struck up great conversations with both non-believers and believers. God did wonderful things in those conversations. I can only praise the Lord for this faithful team who so sacrificially give of themselves for the sake of the gospel, that just one person might hear the gospel and put their faith in Jesus. I was so grateful to lead this team, and so thankful to see the faithful leadership of my fellow summer staff as we gave ourselves over to the service of these students, that they would develop their relationship with God all the more."

David:

"Being in the Summer Staff role on a Royal Servant’s team is very similar to being an older brother; you are responsible for your student’s well-being (both spiritual and physical), their timeliness (for the most part), and setting a good example of what a responsible follower of Christ looks like."

Pippy:

"What I’ve been learning as a Summer Staff on this trip is that having a good personality and being a good leader are two independent qualities, and having the first doesn’t necessarily indicate possession of the second. I have also been noticing God’s order and delegation in the Bible during quiet times and how deliberate He is in everything He does."

Renae:

"This summer has taught me a lot about relying on others and their skills to pick up where I can’t. My fellow Summer Staff have been the best people to serve alongside as we figure out how to best serve and encourage our students. Which is not a hard job, given the fact that we have the coolest people/students on our team. They have been obedient to where God calls them in ministry, and they work really well alongside one another.

Ministry has been a blast! We (the Summer Staff) got the opportunity to lead in Port Rush and set the bar for students, and they rose above in every way! They were courageous and brave in having gospel conversations with dozens of people, performing dramas and dances, and praying for other believers they met along the way. These students have been a constant joy and pleasure to lead. I love my job!"

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