Newcastle Evangelism Team

The college’s evangelism week ran in conjunction with Newcastle Baptist church’s mission week. The mission week was carried out in an events based format from the Monday through to the Friday. Each night of the week had a different flavour to it and ranged from a ladies generational table quiz on Monday to a nostalgic evening on Friday.

The week began on Sunday as the team had the opportunity to take part in Newcastle’s morning and evening services. Henry Capper spoke in the morning, whilst Gregg McBride shared from God’s word in the evening. After the Sunday service, the entire team ventured across Newcastle to the local YMCA, where the church has a weekly drop-in session.

During which, the team bonded and chatted with local young people over some food and games of pool. David Cassells had the opportunity to share his journey of faith to those present, which clearly struck a code with many of the young people. As the week progressed, outside of the mission events, the team had a vast array of evangelistic opportunities in varying environments. These included taking part in the churches weekly football outreach in Castlewellan, primary school assemblies, Down High SU, sharing at various care and respite homes, parent and toddlers and pastoral visitations.

Throughout the week, students from the college were able to serve Newcastle Baptist in a range of practical ways, such as cleaning and setting up halls which enabled the week to run smoothly. One massive highlight of the week took place on Thursday afternoon when the 1st years from Shimna College arrived at the church building to learn more about the baptist church. This was a fantastic opportunity in which the gospel was repeatedly exclaimed and the time was closed with a Q&A which included some in-depth questions.

Upon reflection, the whole week was an entire success as the team from college were able to work in partnership with Newcastle Baptist in unity. Through this unity, many contacts were made and strengthened with people inside and especially outside of the church as a direct result from the week.

Henry Capper