Braid Valley, where Ballymena and Broughshane are
located. This is a view of Mount Slemish
where Saint Patrick was held as a slave in the early 400’s.
The Peter Pan ride at
Disneyland has a memorable beginning. As
the ride starts the riders are lifted above London and Peter Pan appears with
the announcement, “Hold on everybody here…we… go!” We feel that we are at the
start of Peter Pan’s ride with the situation of our lives at present.
It has been quite a ride since March. At that time, Pastor William announced that
he would be stepping down from the pulpit and leaving Harvest. This, of course,
was devastating news for Cindy and me on many levels. But the main point was
that he didn’t see the church as a viable work because it had gotten too small
and would be dissolving it in July when his official resignation took
place. No Harvest meant no sponsorship
for a visa to allow us to remain in Northern Ireland.
Subsequently, we had to do some serious
soul-searching and God’s-will-seeking. We were reminded of the original call to
Northern Ireland and we certainly want to stay here because the people are
etched on our hearts. Too much work and
relationship-building has taken place in the last 5 years. Meanwhile, the Lord
repeatedly confirmed to us that it is
His will for us to stay and continue the work begun with Harvest. Many times He whispered to my heart, “Watch
and see what I will do.”
What has resulted is that Harvest was
dissolved early this month; we have received new sponsorship for a 3 year UK visa
from Calvary Chapel York located in England, and are starting a new church in
Ballymena called “Calvary Braid Valley.” Starting with a few people remaining
from Harvest, we have already seen steady growth. Now, the numbers aren’t huge,
but they are going in the right direction!
It would be a daunting prospect to be held
responsible for the success of this new venture if it were not for the
direction, assurance and encouragement by the Lord that we have received from
Him. There is a lot of work ahead for us, not the least being all the practical
duties of setting up a new church, so we appreciate your prayers on our
behalf. We are meeting Sunday mornings
in our home right now and going through the Book of Joshua. The first chapter of Joshua has an exhortation
to him that the Holy Spirit has applied to my heart; “Be strong and courageous
for the Lord is with you wherever you go.”
Thank you as always for your faithful prayer support,
Rick and Cindy Johnston
