Cross Vigil
DAY 40: Saturday 24 October
Well, day 40 is here at last. I had many visitors and
many opportunities to speak with people from both sides of the wall.
Almost every response was very positive and the impact of those days
are yet to be seen, and be seen they will. Colin, who was with me, was
great support. He was on a 7 week fast as I stood with the cross. He
lost 3 stone (42 pounds), while I put on almost 14 pounds thanks to
the muffins, the chicken curries and the Mars Bars etc etc etc! To lift
the profile of these weeks I decided to do some other events such as
The Human Peace Wall; the Peace Pole and the United in Hope convert.
Thanks to everyone who stopped by; to those who sent encouraging emails
and to those who prayed. God's favour was certainly on us, and his angels
were watching over us. Today was the unveiling of the Peace Pole, which
is reported here. I will send a separate report on the Concert later.
The day began with the police stopping by to let us know
they would be on hand throughout the day. And true to their word, they
never left us. The Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young
People arrived in plenty of time, while the Lord Mayor arrived right
on time (right pic above).
The Waterford Omagh Peace Choir started the event with
an amazing performance watched on by those who braved the weather.
Lord Mayor and Commissioner receive some additional cover
from one of our New Life ladies, Lesley Hance.
The Peace Pole is unveiled by the Lord Mayor, Naoimi Long,
and the Commissioner, Patricia Lewsley. Tommy Latimer did a great job
of making sure the Pole was covered and unveiled without a hitch. Great
job Tommy.
Flowers were presented to the Lord Mayor and the Commissioner.
John 3:16 was always there.
The Lord Mayor and the Commissioner both addressed the
crowd and complimented us on all we have done for peace within the Shankill
and the Falls community. They are pictured here along with the Waterford
Omagh Peace Choir who graced the site with their presence and with their
singing. This choir was birthed out of the Omagh Bomb that slaughtered
29 innocent people and severely injured dozens more. The bomb was planted
by the Real IRA who continue in their twisted attempts to draw us back
into the conflict, but the message of the above choir is that their
attempts will fail. And so say we all.
And so ended the 7 week Cross Vigil at 3 pm.
