Cross Vigil
This page contains the 1st 10 Days of
the Cross Vigil. You can view the other days (11 - 40) by clicking on
the relevant link below.
DAY 1: Wednesday 9 September
The weather was amazing. I did not need my wet suit!
But I know Northern Ireland, and I know it will come in very handy during
the next 7 weeks.
Colin Morrison, from New Zealand, was with me for company
from beginning to end of the first day, and also to take some pics.
There was nothing outstanding about the first day other than a guy standing
with a cross for three hours on the dividing line between our divided
community; yet I suppose that was outstanding enough!
Although we had given out 5,000 leaflets and had some
newspaper coverage, it was obvious that most people did not know I would
be there. People in cars looked on with a look of puzzlement. Some would
try not to look at all, while others honked their horns and waved etc.
One of our local Councillors drove passed and shouted from his car,
"All the best Jack"! Some young people walking through the
gate shouted across the street to ask me what I was doing. I shared
briefly with them and asked them to come back someday during the next
few weeks for a chat. They said they would do so.
The three main newspapers in Northern Ireland turned
up and took photographs. These were: The News Letter; The Irish News;
and The Belfast Telegraph. They will probably print tomorrow.
Passers by stop for a chat_____Colin Sturgeon from New
Life
DAY 2: Thursday 10 September
Another 3 hours of "on the spot" witnessing
by simply lifting the cross in a public place. All who pass by are confronted
with the image of the cross as a symbol of hope, peace and love. The
response was much the same as yesterday, with hand waves and horns sounding
and with the odd one stopping. We have a visitors book and would ask
people to sign before they leave.
One young couple stopped in their car to enquire what
I was doing. They were visiting from England and were driving round
to look at the walls when they saw me with the cross. After I explained
about the cross as a message of peace the young man reached out to shake
my hand and said, "The world needs a few more like you". We
will pray for him and his young wife.
Another couple of young women, from the Catholic community,
walked through the gates looking for a sewing place. When they were
going back through the gates we told them about the church moving into
the building soon and invited them along. We will also pray for them.
Several people dropped round from New Life just to
be an encouragement. It was good to see them. Raymond John brought his
little pocket Bible with him (do you know one of those you don't want
people to see!). He brought a word of encouragement to me and it was
very encouraging. Thanks RJ! Kevin, from the FEED Cafe, stopped by and
gave me another muffin (well kinda muffin). So I was getting the spiritual
food and the natural food (meals on wheels).
Thanks again to Colin Morrison for standing alongside
me today. Thanks also to Tommy Latimer, the human flame (he set himself
on fire on Tuesday!) and to his workers for clearing the jungle off
the site.
Today the first of the contractors turned up at the
building and have begun the refurbishment. We will see major changes
in the coming weeks.
Kevin delivering the Muffin_________Raymond delivering
the Word
Police Wagon in the background___Planning for another
event
DAY 3: Friday 11 September
Man it was hot today! But it great! When I arrived
at City LIFE Centre I greeted by Pastor Brian Madden (one of our Elim
Pastors) along with a team of Americans including Bishop Clarice Fluitt
who was ministering at Brian's Church, Elim Christian Centre last night
and will be there again tonight. After a brief friendly chat and a prayer
I headed off to take up the cross and take my place between the gates.
It was not long before people began to turn up for
a chat and to bring some encouragement. The first to come along was
Robert Ballard all the way from Kentucky. Several people came from New
Life, but what was even more encouraging was that although they were
from New Life, they were from both sides of the wall. Another two of
our Pastors, Phil Hills and Chris Russon, stopped by for a bit a bit
of moral support. I was glad to be able to give it to them!
Thanks again to all who stopped by and to those who
even text as I was standing there. The cross was again seen by many
who passed. One Catholic family were many their way in to the shops
of the Falls side of Northumberland Street. They could see up to the
gates, and when they saw the cross they came up for a chat.
Prayer with Bishop Clarice Fluitt___Rob Ballard &
our Anna Waldie
Can you tell which 2 are from the Falls & which
2 are from Shankill?
These are all from the Falls_____Pastors Phil &
Chris (Dun. Elim)
DAY 4: Saturday 12 September
Today being Saturday was much quieter than other days,
but still a good day of witness. There were noticibly more taxis driving
past with tourists (not terrorists) on board. Some slowed up and gave
a wave. One stopped and asked me to explain what I was doing. I was
happy to facilitate. Some guys driving through the gates from the Catholic
side stoped to asked directions to a fish shop on the Shankill Road.
While they were driving away they shouted, "We hope you get your
funding".
We had a visit from Donald Duck, although we couldn't
get him saved! A couple of bikers stopped by, but they were just as
hopeless as the Duck! Others passed by including 2 from Co. Claire across
the border; 2 from France and 2 from Spain. We were also doing a bit
reconciliation between rival football fans, known locally as the Glens
and the Blues.
One young man, who just got out of prison on Thursday,
stopped by. I pointed at the text on the cross and asked him did he
no what it means. He told me he couldn't read. He did not know the text
was JOHN 3:16. I told this young man there's an answer for his life,
and that his name is Jesus. He said he will be coming to the church
when we open. He's from the Catholic community.
Thanks to those who stopped by: Julie & James (Aka
Donald Duck) and the kids, Cameron and Leoni who brought me ice cream
yeaterday; Willie McCalmont and the kids, Daniel and Kaitlan who brought
me a bottle of Lucazade. Tommy Latimer, even though it was his day off!
and Barso; Les Clarke and Boneyard; Mary Lou and Andy.
UPDATE ON MARYAM & MARZIEH:
I have been informed by www.WorldChristianMinistries.org that Maryam
was recently released from prison on bail, having posted her house as
bail security, but she still faces charges. There is no word on the
whereabouts or the condition of Marzieh. Their crime is they have chosen
be Christians.
Donald and his little ducklings____One of the bikers
is called John
Blues to the left, Glens right____Willie's kids signing
the book
DAY 5: Monday 14 September
The first thing that Colin and I did was to set up
some posters with photos and details of Maryam and Marzieh. I have dedicated
this week to prayer for them and would call on believers everywhere
to uphold them in your prayers. It is one thing to stand with a wooden
cross in Ireland; it is another thing to take up your cross and follow
Jesus in Iran.
Monday was a quiet day. It started with an interview
on Revelation TV with Gordon and Lorna Pettie. I appreciate the interest
they have taken in the Cross Vigil and the opportunity to share with
viewers across the UK. I think they plan to do this every Monday between
10.30 and 11.00 am.
I think I should turn this spot into an open-air office
and invite New Lifer's along who need to have some quality time with
their pastor! It was good to spend time with those made it along.
More taxis were driving past slowly as drivers explained
to passengers what was going on. One taxi stopped twice and got out
with his passengers. I could hear him mention the funding needs of the
church to get us into the new building. I did not anticipate that taxi
drivers would be promoting the financial needs of New Life. Here's hoping
that one of them picks up the right tourist!
A bin lorry (garbage truck) turned up to clear the
site of the remains of the jungle we had cut down last week. The driver
stood and read the story of Maryam and Marzieh while the others cleared
the site. This site belongs to a government department. We have asked
them to donate it to us as it sits right in front of our new building.
They are looking £30,000 for it. We are still in discussion with them.
Two women walked through the gates from the Falls around
mid-day and walked along towards the Shankill Road; two hours later
they came walking back with their shopping looking well filled. They
stopped and chatted and named the shops on the Shankill they had been
to. I have to admit I was totally intrigued by this. We exchanged greetings
and "God Bless you" as they made their way back through the
gates.
Terry from New Life_____________Kevin the muffin man
Left: Reading about Maryam & Marzieh
Right: Two women from the Falls talking with Pastor Jack and Jim
DAY 6: Tuesday 15 September 2009
One elderly gentleman stopped in his car and called me
across the road. He handed me a £5 note ($8) as a donation for our building
work. It was an encouraging gesture.
A man walking through the gates looked at the cross
and began to quote John 3:16. I stopped him on way back to chat with
him. It turns out he's a Christian from Bangor looking for a place that
helps with the setting up of small businesses. I was able to point him
in the right direction after we'd had a chat.
Colin and I had been talking about seeing John 3:16
in sport stadia and had commented that most people in the stadia would
not know what John 3:16 was. At that very point a van stopped beside
me with two young men (20's) in it. One of them said they had passed
me a few times and wanted to know what I was going and "What does
John 3:16 mean?" I explained what I was doing and then I asked
him did he not know what John 3:16 is. He said, "No. I've seen
it at football matches, but I don't know what it means!" So I explained
it to him. Now he knows!
There were other "Hello's" and waves at cars
passing by. That taxi driver who stopped several times was back again
today.
My Superintendent, Pastor Eric McComb stopped by for
30 minutes. He was almost persuaded! It was great to see him.
Before going to the Cross Vigil I spent an hour with
the Commissioner for Children and Young People in Northern Ireland.
She has pledged her support for and has agreed to attend the Human Peace
Wall and to participate at the Planting of the Peace Pole. Thnak God
for the opportunity to influence people at all levels within our nation.
I got an email from a friend ministering in Vietnam.
He told me he has been following the updates and sharing them with believers
in Vietnam. He said they are looking at the pictures and are amazed
at the freedom I have to stand in the street with a cross. This shows
how much we take our freedom for granted, yet often fail to take advantage
of such freedom. Eg: When was the last time you stood in the street
and explained John 3:16 to someone?
Elderly man with a £5 donation___Believer from Bangor
Hard work this evangelism!______Almost persuaded!
DAY 7: Wednesday 16 September
Today was the busiest day so far. Lots of traffic and
lots of people stopping by. There were several people from New Life;
several motorists sounding horns and waving and some stopping; several
pastors and one presbyterian minister. In fact I have never been prayed
for by so many in any single day in my entire life! Besides this we
had 4 coffees, 2 bottles of coke, 3 custard buns (cakes), 1 chocolate
chip cookie and a toffee muffin.
One man stopped in his car and said he had been driving
past everyday and decided it was time to stop and find out what I was
doing. I had the opportunity to share with him about the cross and explain
John 3:16. I also shared about the building work going on behind us
and our funding problems. I invited him to the church when it opens.
One of our "past young men" who was one of
the first young people to come to our community programmes 20 years
ago and who is doing quite well in business, stopped off to say hello
and to encourage me. It was great to him. I never missed the opportunity
to invite to the opening.
In another car that stopped was a man whose life we
have influenced over the years. He has had both legs amputated and recently
had his car attacked and his home broken into and money stolen. He purposely
drove to where I was to give me a word of encouragement.
Small talk from New Lifers_____Prayer from YWAM &
Local Minister
Stephen & Dylan who did pray_Pastor Jim prays for
Maryam & Marzieh
The full works from Pastor John: Prayer & Anointing
Oil
DAY 8: Thursday 17 September
Weather is keeping up and people are still coming out.
This was another busy day. I had to drive to Bangor for 8.30 am to discuss
the building project and got back home for 10.30. I had time to check
a few emails and then head out to the site. Thanks to all who stopped
by from New Life and from other churches.
Tom, originally from the Shankill, but now living in
Carrickfergus, was here before 12 noon and stayed until 2 pm. We had
a great chat as we shared some Bible verses and prayers etc. Craig turned
up at 12 noon with coffees ad hung around for an hour. Dylan came back
and chatted for a while; then Kevin the muffin man came along with stew
and coke! The stew was great: potatoes, carrots, onions and beef. Tracey
and Rachel dropped by with a bottle of lucozade and a double twirl.
Colin came along towards the end and said he has a lump in his throat
every time he thinks of his pastor standing with he cross.
One elderly lady was walking from the Shankill through
the gates to the Falls. She was pushing a shopping bag on wheels. I
have been intrigued to see this happen everyday; people walking back
and forward from one side of the gates to the other side to shop! She
stood with cigarette in hand and chatted for a few moments. Thirty minutes
later she came back through the gates. As we greeted each other she
said to me, "Are you the man who wrote the book The Cross and the
Gun?". I said yes and asked if she had read it. She told me she
had and that it was in her home. I invited her to the church when it
opens.
In one car that stopped were people who work in a community
outreach programme across the wall. In another car were two girls from
a church across the wall. They came to bring a word of encouragement
and said they will be joining us for the Human Peace Wall and in our
first event, which is the 'United in Hope' concert. One of the girls
stood with me as we remembered Mayam and Marzieh; a guy from the Shankill
and a girl from the Falls remembering girls and others in Iran.
Sharing Bible verses & prayer____chatting with two
young men
Chatting to passer by
DAY 9: Friday 18 September
OK, it's starting to get cold now! So who's not praying?
Today was much quieter in terms of visitors, although noisier in terms
of car horns. Perhaps my updates are making people think we have enough
visitors!
However, not only was it worth lifting the cross again,
but it was worth being there as an encouragement to those who did manage
to get along, besides being an encouragement to those who look forward
to the daily updates. I am especially humbled by the fact that Vietnamese
Christians are being blessed and challenged by this. In an email today
I was told that the Cross Vigil "has certainly planted some seed
thoughts for them (that is the Vietnamese Christians). The email went
on, "their lives get it a lot worse, truly they are the 'sas' of
His servants, they know what it really is "to stand up and be counted"".
How humbling is that!
Well, I got to give directions to a delivery van looking
for New Life City Church! The driver freaked out when I told him I was
the Pastor! I also got to give directions to the "Peace Line"
to tourists from Spain. I then signed the back of a photograph for Sam
Spence, the man I mentioned on Wednesday who had his legs amputated.
He sat in his car for a while as we talked about "the good ole
days". He told me he will be attending New Life when we move into
the new building.
But it wasn't all about giving out driving directions
and signing photos! One woman who passed through the gates twice from
the Falls looking for a door store stopped on her way back through the
gates the second time and said, "Ok, now that I've bought my door
I can ask you what John 3:16 means!" I said, "Are you serious?
Do you not know what it means?" She said, "Well I have heard
of it, but I do not know what it means!" So I had the opportunity
again to explain this incredible verse. She explained she is originally
from the Falls, but left because of all the trouble and has been living
in a village in Co. Kerry (southern Ireland) where there is only one
shop and three pubs!
In the last hour several people turned up from New
Life to cheer us on. Thanks to them and to Anna who was there at the
start.
Big Johnny the windy cleaner delivering the coke!
DAY 10: Saturday 19 September
Short report today. Seemed to be much more hand waving
and horns blowing. Many of the same people passing by each day. Some
again stopping to ask questions about the guy standing with the cross.
Several people turned up to give some moral support.
Anna brought her dog that scared the life out of Adder! Eileen drove
in from another part of Belfast and sat for a while to encourage and
to be encouraged. Others from New Life stopped by, including Christine
Buel who just arrived today from Williamsburg VA. X-New Lifer Ted Long
stopped off for a while. Tourists from Quebec, Canada stop for a chat
and to get directions. We explained what was going on. They said they
will be watching out for the Human Peace Wall when they are back in
Canada. Eileen drove them to the main section of the wall.
A man stopped and has offered to bring a skip (a dumpster)
along on Monday to clear the site where I am standing of rubbish and
to do so free of charge (although the site does not belong to us; not
yet that is!). Talking about a skip, another guy turned up wearing a
Republic of Ireland football (that's soccer) top.
A student from the USA, who is attending the University
of Ulster on their MA journalism programme, came along for a good chat.
She is spending the year reporting on the post-conflict society through
a Fulbright scholarship. We have a mutual friend in Chicago who suggested
we should meet. Meeting at the cross beats meeting in the office!
Man offering the skip____________Student from USA
