Cross Vigil
DAY 14: Thursday 24 September
The day started slowly, but with the usual hand waves
etc. The first one to pull up was Sam to let me see his new car. After
having chatted for a while he promised me that as soon we move in he
is coming along to the church. I told him we have a special car parking
space for him right at the front of the entrance.
Gareth (Spud) Murphy turned up for a bit of moral support.
Then Johnny Redmond, one of our Pastors in Carrickfergus Elim, along
with Alan stopped by for a while. Others joined with us during the day.
We had a surprise, but very welcome, visit from local
priest Gerry Reynolds, from the Clonard Monastery, and church worker
Ed Peteresen. As we were having a friendly chat about John 3:16, as
I explained people's lack of knowledge of this verse, a Frenchman (although
I did not know he was French until I began to speak with him and he
with me) stopped to read the sign about the 7 Week Cross Vigil. I felt
obliged to speak with him for a few moments. My apology to Gerry Reynolds
and Ed for giving my attention to the Frenchman at this point.
However, we got into a serious discussion about faith.
He said he is an agnostic (a non-believer), but he knew John 3:16. He
said is not religious, and I told him neither was I, but this made him
look strangely at me standing a cross! I explained my position on faith
and religion and that the most important thing for him, even as an agnostic,
is to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He now lives in
Belfast; so I think I will get to see him again.
I then apologised to Gerry Reynolds and Ed Peterson
for leaving them in the hands of Ted who never came for breath for 10
minutes!
Well, Kevin the Muffin Man from FEED finally came along
at about 2.45. I think I'll call him Mr. Indescribable, because every
time he stops he has Indescribable playing loudly from his car. Thanks
to Alan Murph; Glyn; Les and anyone else who was there today.
Before I finished a car pulled up opposite. The driver
shouted across the road asking me how I was doing. When other traffic
got past him I went over to speak with him. He was from the Falls community.
He said, "You're doing a great work there. You're showing that
people really do want peace. Keep it up".
So the day was filled with New Lifer's; non New Lifer's;
people from the Shankill; people from the Falls; a priest and a pastor;
and everyone was friendly, which is nothing less than what we expect.
Jack trying to convince a Frenchman
Ted (in the background) giving Gerry and Ed an ear full
CLICK ON THE DAY BELOW
