Posted by kmattison
July 25th, 2009 
10 Comments
City Centre and Shoes
Today is kind of a day off here.
We are down in City Centre, which is an amazing area of Belfast with some great shops, restutants, and fun things to do.
The students here have been working real hard for the past for days on little sleep buy with a huge heart.
One of our students went above and beyond last night. After sharing his testimony about 10 minutes later he noticed one of the students from Belfast shoes were torn and falling apart.
So.
He gave his shoes away to the kid. In fact, they traded shoes.
That’s just one reason our students are amazing. Buy I truly believe God is working in that pair of shoes and a few stories about how another student came to know Christ.
And to think this journey doesn’t end when they leave Belfast but will continue when they arrive in Butler . . . . Thank you, Kevin, for leaving the road well-traveled by man and providing the opportunity for our youth to follow you on the road less traveled – leaving their soulprints (and sometimes their shoes) along the way! Onward Christian soldiers . . . . .
I am so proud of all of you. I have been sharing your pictures and updates with the folks at work and they are also touched with the things you are doing over there. The kids in Belfast are lucky to have you there. You are definitely sharing Gods work and love. Keep up the good work and stay safe.
Lindsey, I love and miss you bunches. The cats miss you too!!
Mom
That act (trading shoes) allowed Pastor Dave’s message on an alternative to being Derailed by Greed to be SEEN half way ’round the world. And the reaction to that act is sure to have a rippling effect for God’s Kingdom!
I think this scripture speaks for itself. I think it speaks of those who trained you up, of you yourselves, and of those whose lives you are touching…
Praise GOD!
1 Thessalonians 1 (The Message)
1 Thessalonians 1
1I, Paul, together here with Silas and Timothy, send greetings to the church at Thessalonica, Christians assembled by God the Father and by the Master, Jesus Christ. God’s amazing grace be with you! God’s robust peace!
Convictions of Steel
2-5Every time we think of you, we thank God for you. Day and night you’re in our prayers as we call to mind your work of faith, your labor of love, and your patience of hope in following our Master, Jesus Christ, before God our Father. It is clear to us, friends, that God not only loves you very much but also has put his hand on you for something special. When the Message we preached came to you, it wasn’t just words. Something happened in you. The Holy Spirit put steel in your convictions.
5-6You paid careful attention to the way we lived among you, and determined to live that way yourselves. In imitating us, you imitated the Master. Although great trouble accompanied the Word, you were able to take great joy from the Holy Spirit!—taking the trouble with the joy, the joy with the trouble.
7-10Do you know that all over the provinces of both Macedonia and Achaia believers look up to you? The word has gotten around. Your lives are echoing the Master’s Word, not only in the provinces but all over the place. The news of your faith in God is out. We don’t even have to say anything anymore—you’re the message! People come up and tell us how you received us with open arms, how you deserted the dead idols of your old life so you could embrace and serve God, the true God. They marvel at how expectantly you await the arrival of his Son, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescued us from certain doom.
God go with you,
Susie
I know that we have never met, but I am Spencer Bailey’s mom, Brooke. I have been folowing y’all from day one. I am so impressed and touched with the stories and your youth group as a whole. I am very thankful that, not only for Spencer but all of your kids, to have the chance to experience that has be set before them. It sounds like you have a really special group of young people there.
To God be the glory, and may you all continue to be so very blessed as I have been just by following you via the net. It just goes to show you never know how far your blessings will flow.
Thank you once again!
Brooke Bailey
We are praising God for all He is doing through and with you. We are also praising God for the wonderful leaders with you and for all the work Kevin and Jen did before this mission trip. May God and His words, vision, mission and love be forever engraved upon your hearts and all you meet. We love you all and will continue to surround you and all of Belfast in our prayers.
Take time to sleep and be still before our Lord.
How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news Is52:7 Or should it say how lovely in Ireland is the love of one who gives his shoes
You guys rock. I can’t wait to hear all the stories. Send my love to Chris and let him know I am praying for him and all of you to make a God difference in Belfast. Love and Peace Donna Gumpper
Hey guys! Sorry I missed your call Danny. Cried through a smile when I heard your voice. Dad and I went to camp to cut the grass – tried to answer when you called but the signal was lost. Miranda says you sound different! Been following via website. Can’t wait to hear all that you have seen. Tell everyone hello.
Love you all.
Spencer,
We are both very proud of you. I am so happy to see God working in your life to make you the man you are becoming. Talk to you soon
Dad
Spencer,
It was great to hear your voice yesterday! I am just sorry that we kept getting cut off. I am so very proud of you and how God is working through you. Not only did my heart swell with pride but more so with love. All of you are doing such a wonderful thing there, I tell everyone about the awsome group you are a part of and give them the link to follow. My prayers are with you as always, all of you. Cant wait to hug you again.
I love you,
Mom