Ballymena Spark teams help build God’s Kingdom in what was described as an ‘incredible week’. Over 200 young people enjoyed their experiences in Ballymena and surrounding area throughout the week of Spark 2018.
Each one of the teams were on fire for Jesus as they served enthusiastically in Ballee, Ballykeel, Broughshane, Dunclug, Doury Road, Fisherwick, Portglenone, Ballymena Town Centre and Tullygarley.
Their work involved running afternoon Kids Clubs, visiting the elderly in folds and nursing homes, gardening and more. Every young Spark volunteer proved to be an effective witness for God and a true inspiration to the communities they served.
Wellington Presbyterian was the venue for morning worship before the teams went out to the various areas each day.
As part of their day, everyone had the opportunity to participate in daily worship sessions at Wellington Presbyterian Church. In addition to uplifting praise from the Spark band, the teams also heard from speakers, Willis McDowell, formerly of Victory Praise Community Church, Pennybridge and Michael Wylie, who is the Discipleship Co-Ordinator at Carnmoney Presbyterian Church.
Both speakers focussed about ‘Kingdom’ which was the theme of the week. It is fair to say that anyone who listened was challenged, encouraged and inspired in equal measure.
Ballymena Spark teams were joined this year by a team for USA.
For the first time, Ballymena Sparkers were joined by a team of young Christians and their leaders from Huntington Beach in Southern California. The visitors from the USA travelled to Northern Ireland at the invitation of Calvary Braid Valley Church in Broughshane.
Reflecting on the experience their friends shared, Pastors Rick and Cindy Johnston who pastor the fellowship said.
“They had a great week! They were blessed by the people of different denominations coming together. Many connections were made and they loved the friendliness of all the people. David, the leader, said that he feels like he never left home because he has been made to feel at home here.”
Spark 2018 ended after an exceptional Service of Thanksgiving at Wellington Church.
At the service, stories from the week were shared and firm friendships strengthened.
Spark Co-Ordinator, Lisa Jackson spoke on The Lord’s Prayer, part of which has featured on the back of this year’s Spark T-Shirts – ‘Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done on Earth As it Is in Heaven.’
Speaking to The Church Page after Sunday night’s service, Lisa also said:
“I’d love to say that it’s been an incredible week of watching the young people of this town step up and stand out for Jesus. They’re leading the way for the church in reaching out and uniting as people who love Jesus. So proud and very thankful! God has been so good.”
Members of Spark would like to thank everyone who has supported, helped or encouraged them during the week of outreach. They are especially grateful to the churches who fed and hosted the teams in their areas. They also give a shout out to all the individuals and companies who supplied tools and equipment during the week.
God willing, the Spark team will be back from 29th July – 3rd August 2019. Meantime you can find out more about Spark on the website here.
