Cross Vigil Day 19

DAY 19: Wednesday 30 September

If I mention Catholics and Protestants it is only to identify the side of the wall they are from. Yesterday the main contacts and talks were with people from the Protestant community; today it was almost exclusively from the Catholic community.

Three young men came through the gates from the Falls side of the wall (Catholic side) looking for an Angling Store on the Shankill side (Protestant side). We gave them directions to it, but as they were heading back through the gates they stopped to talk. I explained what we were doing and asked if they knew what the text on the cross was. Two of them said "No"; one said "Yes". I asked him what it was. He said "I don't know, but I've seen it somewhere". I had an amazing chat with them, telling them about John 3:16 and then explaining New Life City Church and the future plans of the building to them. We invited them to the concert and to the church.

Totally unrelated to the young men, there was an unusual amount of police activity today. Police cars drove past several times; one with its alarm sounding and lights flashing. Some managed to sound the horn and give us a wave. The heckler came past again today. This time letting us know he was warm and dry in his van, while we were standing outside in the rain; although it was only a drizzle. Thomas (nickname Boneyard) stopped by for a good chat; staying for almost an hour.

Our two lady friends from the Falls Road came through the gates again today to go shopping on the Shankill Road. Two hours later they came back through the gates on their way home after having had fish and chips (fries) in Beaties. They stopped and chatted for a while. We explained all that's going on regarding the church and the Human Peace Wall and Peace Pole etc, and invited them to the concert.

Another five young Catholic lads came through the gates from the Falls. They were not passing by, but specifically came to talk with me. They live near the gates and had seen me with the cross. They wanted to know what it was all about. One of them began by saying "You're @x#@ Mad!" But he soon, with the others, began to show great respect and interest.

I asked if they knew what the text on the cross was. Not one of them knew! I explained it to them. They not only listened, but asked questions like "What does it mean to follow Jesus?" "Can you be a Christian and still be a joy rider?" (a joy rider is someone who steals cars and speed in them for fun). We had a fabulous talk. When they were going they shook my hand and said they would be back. The sad thing is, here I am standing on the street outside a building that no one is giving us funding for, where these young men could be inside with others from both sides of the wall and with those who would work with them and influence them for good), but we have again proved our ability to connect with people on both sides of the divide.

I was then approached by a French reporter doing a story about the walls. He was brought to me to hear what I was doing standing in the gates with a cross.

     

  Great chat with three lads from the Falls community

     

Muffin man turns up in the rain          "Boneyard" brightens the day

     

Police car behind the gates          Ladies heading home to the Falls

     

Five young las from the Falls            French journalist taking notes
engrossed in coversation

         Regardless of all of the above,
       the heckler was back again today:

                            HECKLER

But: Still being a God-influence

Jack

Standing Order Form

Some continue to say they not receive the attached form: Well one more attempt!

I thought I sent this last week! Please find attached the Standing Order Form for the bank. This is for those who want to sign up for the £25 per month towards the loan. If you want to do it by Standing Order, please use the attached form. You just need to add your details to the form as the details of the church are on it. The date of transfer should be the last week of each month.

 

If you do not want to use this form, you can simply pay this each month. I will have it collected so we know it is being done separately. Just let me know either way. 

 

You can also use the form for your weekly or monthly tithes and offerings. Just print out a second copy, and do a second standing order.

 

Thanks again.

 

Jack 

Cross Vigil Day 18

Busy day with lots of traffic and a whole lot of hand waving etc. Received a welcome visit from local minister of Shankill Methodist Church, Jim Rea. A taxi driver stopped and out popped two Canadian tourists who crossed the road to have their photo taken with the newest tourist attraction. I pray the Cross is the attraction and that its message will impact their lives and the lives of other tourists or terrorists who pass by; and believe me, I am waving at both tourists and terrorists and getting an appropriate response.

Glyn turned up, but this time minus his non-branded coffee, although he did have a half eaten orange and he did offer us a piece of it; but we declined! Anyway, the muffin man later turned up, and was worth waiting on. Glyn text me later to let me know his wife Debbie was expecting their second child. Congratulations to them.

A man stopped and got out of his car and handed me a cheque for £100. He said he had seen what I was doing on the internet and wanted to support and encourage what we are doing. This will go into our special offering at the United in Hope concert on Saturday 24 October. When I got home there was an envelope from Canada with $100. This also will go into the special offering on Saturday 24 October. Thanks guys, this is much appreciated.

Others came by during the day, including some friends Ward and Marda Stothers whom we had met a few years ago in San Francisco, but are now volunteering in Belfast.

Many of you know that our home was attacked a few years ago, when every window on the front lower level was smashed and when the car was totally destroyed by petrol bombs. When I was driving away at the end of the Cross Vigil today, I was waved down by a young man on a motor bike. He took his helmet off and hunkered down beside the car and then told me he had ridden past several times during the past three weeks and had waved at me. He wanted to stop, but there were always people around. He came by earlier today, but again there were people around, so he drove away and came back when he knew I was finishing.

He told me he was the person who had organised the attack on our home, but that he was under orders. He never wanted to do it as he had attended Sunday School in a church I had pastored for 10 years. He had always wanted to apologise and was glad of the opportunity to do so. I of course forgave him and told him there were no hard feelings on my part. I invited him to New Life and pray he takes me up on the invitation.

     

Methodist Minister Jim Rea                    Canadian Tourists

     

Glyn without the no brand coffee     Kevin with his muffin selection

Ward (2nd from right) and Marda (2nd from left) & friend

Still being a God-influence.

Jack

Cross Vigil Day 17

Sorry, I thought New Lifer's got this yesterday!

DAY 17: Monday 28 September

Today was the start of the fourth week, but was perhaps the quietest day so far. Yet I am still so conscious that just standing between the dividing gates with the cross is having such an impact on people's lives, and is achieving something in the heavenlies.

Before heading out I received an email to state that some of our Vietnamese Christians had said if they were in Belfast they would come and stand alongside me, but not just for three hours, but for all day! I think of them and everyone who is standing with me in prayer during these days of witness.

Three of our men popped by after having spent an hour in prayer beforehand. My sister in law Sally stopped by for a few moments as she is heading to Spain for a week. Pastor John Legge came along for a while and brought encouragement. One of our "past members" stopped and chatted for a good 40 minutes. An elderly man who walks past everyday, and whom we greet everyday, stopped for a chat. He asked me if my mother's name was Hammond, to which I replied yes. He then told me he knew her and that he use to live in Brown's Square where I lived as a boy and as a young man in my teens.

I pray that all those who passed by, be they tourist or terrorist; known or unknown; Catholic or Protestant; Prince or pauper, will continue to see the cross as a symbol of God's love and of his desire to forgive rather than judge.

         

3 of our male Prayer Warriors                One of our "past members"

         

Gary Kirk, another New Lifer                My good friend Pastor John

         

Man who use to know my mum              Daughter Chara (Kara) 
                                                                  with Cassia & Jackson

Still being a God-influence.

Jack

Special Invitation

This week is the fourth in Pastor Jack's 7 Week Cross Vigil standing between the gates in Northumberland for 3 hours each day from 12 noon to 3 pm. One of Jack's main reasons behind this venture is to highlight the ongoing "positive work" that is being carried out by many community groups and churches on both sides of the dividing wall. Pastor Jack feels that much of this work, on both sides, is not being properly recognised nor properly supported, not least his own Stadium Youth Projects, including the Higher Force Challenge cross community project and the Hobby Horse Playgroup with it's Butterfly Club for children with special needs etc.

 

Human Peace Wall: In an effort to highlight the existing good relations and the ongoing cooperation across the divide Pastor Jack is organising the formation of a Human Peace Wall. He has met with several churches and community groups on both sides of the wall, Shankill and Falls, and has been guaranteed support from both sides. The plan is to form a line along the middle of the road from the traffic lights on the Falls side of Northumberland Street through the dividing gates to the traffic lights on the Shankill side of Northumberland Street. Hundreds of people from both sides have already agreed to participate on Saturday 17 October at 12 noon sharp.

 

This is NOT a "Religious Event", but is a Community Event (of course the church is part of the community). The event is also being supported by United Against Hatred and by singer Peter Corry (sang at George Best's funeral) who will be singing a song of hope on the day. There will also be the building of a symbolic bridge involving young people from youth clubs on both sides of the wall. They will meet and greet each other on the bridge and will unfold a banner with the words "United in Hope". They will also release 400 coloured balloons representing both traditions, 10 for each year the walls have been dividing the communities. The event will only last for 15 minutes, but it is hoped its impact will last much longer.

 

Pastor Jack has also invited every politician to join with the people on that day. He promises that no one will be compromised, but feels it is important for politicians to step outside of Stormont and to stand on the ground with the people for a few moments of time, without election leaflets or manifestos.

 

Peace Pole: Over 250,000 Peace Poles have been planted in conflict zones throughout the world, yet not one exists in Northern Ireland. Pastor Jack sought to have one erected in the grounds of Belfast City Hall during 1997, but was met with apathy. A Peace Pole will now be erected between the gates in Northumberland Street at a separate ceremony, lasting 15 minutes, on Saturday 24 October at 2.45 pm. Special guests will be Patricia Lewsley, the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, and the Waterford Omagh Peace Choir. That same evening at 7.30 pm there will be a "United in Hope" community concert in the City LIFE Centre in Northumberland Street with the New Life Worship Team and the Waterford Omagh Peace Choir.

 

This is your personal invitation to all of the above. WWJD. If you are living outside of Northern Ireland we would ask you to pray for these events.

 

RSVP via email

 

Jack McKee

Weekly Contact 21 September 2009

Some people have told me they did not get last week's Contact! So here it is again:

 

Thank God again for another amazing and Spirit filled Sunday at New Life. We might have been down in numbers, especially at the morning service, but we were not down in God's presence. The Worship and the Word were outstanding.

 

Sunday morning: I continued with Hosea "Accepting God's Agenda". We looked at Hosea C.4 and finished with a glimpse at C.5. We saw that C.4 begins with a charge from God against Israel, which reminds us of the charges that Jesus brought against some of the churches in Rev. 2 & 3 when he said, "I have this against you". The charge was brought against the people of God; against those who lived in the land (today = those who belong to the church); not the strangers or the visitors, but those who belong; those who ought to know better.

 

We saw that the charge was a double edged charge as follows:

 

1. For what was "no longer" present among them: NO Faithfulness; NO Love; NO Acknowledgement of God.

 

2. For what "was present" among them: Cursing; Lying; Murder; Stealing; Adultery; Disrespect for boundaries; Blood followed blood.

 

We looked at the consequences of this situation on the land and the people. We saw the people stumbled day and night. There was no stability, and that even the prophets (the preachers; the pastors) were stumbling. I again made the point that it is the desire of the Leadership of New Life that all connected with us would cease stumbling day and night, and would become mature and stable in the things of God.

 

We then looked at one of the most famous verses in the Bible, Hosea 4:6 "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge"; and then we finished by taking a look at Hosea 5:15 where God talks about going back to his place. We will pick up on this again next Sunday morning.

 

Sunday night: Craig Seawright brought a word that challenged us to take hold of our assignment and to follow our God-given destiny. He shared two experiences that together showed the devil as the silencer of the church, and that the name of the silencer is "Religion".

 

Jesus came to build a church; his church; "I will build my church"; the ecclesia, where everyone has an assignment; where everyone takes their place. Ecclesia, the church, is not just about coming together for singing and preaching, but coming together to impact the community, the nation and the world at every level. So that God places his ecclesia in the government, in banks, in universities, in the workshop and so on. We all have an assignment. What is yours? How are you fulfilling your assignment; your destiny?

 

Finances: Yesterday morning as I stood in worship I believe the Holy Spirit motivated me to present a challenge to the church as follows: To invite 80 people to commit £25 per month, over and above tithes and offerings, to cover the repayment of the loan of £250,000. This works out at about £6 per week; less than £1 per day. It's a Chinese carry out meal! It's less than 30 cigarettes (a pack of 20 and a pack of 10)! To set the example I said that Kathleen and I will commit to paying 4 of these (£100 per month). At the end of both services several people came to me and signed up to be one or more of the 80 persons. One person has committed to paying for 3 (£75 per month). One person said she was giving up smoking, which costs her £25 per week! and that she will commit £25 per month. A total of 25 x £25 have been committed so far, which is £625 per month. We still need another 55. If you would be willing to become one of these either for £25 or more, please email me back and let me know.

 

Please keep in mind that this must be over and above any tithes and offerings you are putting into the church, otherwise it will make no difference. You can pay this by direct debit (I have attached a form) or we will have someone collect it on a certain date each month. This will help to keep it totally separate from all other offerings and will ensure that no one forgets (not that any of you will). Please let me know if you use the attached form for direct debit or if you wish to be reminded each month. The form should be completed with your bank details and left into your bank. If you set the date for any day during the end of the month (say 25th each month) as from October.

 

Thanks again for your commitment and faithfulnees and for all you do at and on behalf of New Life City Church.

 

Stay focused; stay strong; and keep being a God-influence.

 

Pastor Jack   

Weekly Contact 28 September 2009

Thank God for the message of the Cross that speaks not of judgement, but of justice and forgiveness, and thank God we have a church that proclaims this message. We do not condemn, for who are we to judge? Neither do we condone sin. For Jesus did not come to this earth to condemn (His words, not mine); neither did he come to condone sin, but he came to pay the price and to build a church that would be open to reach and to welcome the lost. I want New Life City Church to be that kind of church and I want everyone who reads this email to not only be part of this church, but to have your part to play within it; but that's your call!

 

Sunday morning: we had another opportunity to show the very nature and the character of our church as it reflects "His Church", and I believe we did so in the true spirit of worship and evangelism. Many thanks to everyone who helped make this happen, whether it was welcoming people at the door; helping people get seated; giving up your seat to visitors; doing lights and sound; leading or participating in awesome worship; putting words on the screen; doing the camera work, or whatever else was happening behind the scenes or in full view of others. THANKS! A special thanks to Wendy for singing such an awesome song and for singing it so well.

 

Although it was a dedication service for twins Robbie and Reilly Sterling, I decided it was appropriate to continue with the series Accepting God's Agenda to underline and expose the kind of world we are bringing children into; not for the purpose of stopping children from being born, but for the purpose of giving some understanding regarding the days we are living in. 

 

I talked about the fact that God's desire is for forgiveness rather than judgement. I talked about the return of Jesus, first of all for the church (The Rapture) and secondly to the earth to set up his kingdom, but only after Israel "admits it's guilt"; and it will do so, soon after the church is raptured and it goes through a time of great misery (The Great Tribulation).

 

Sunday night: Thanks to Gareth for bringing a word straight from his heart entitled "It Starts Here". We were challenged as we considered the fact that the world is changing, while the church, as is often seen by the world, remains stagnant. The world is constanly downloading new information and updates, while the church is becoming outdated and is all over the place in terms of how it presents itself.

 

Gareth explained we all know that church (including New Life City Church) and that life itself is not perfect and often requires fixing, but that those things that need fixing will not be fixed by simply moving to a new building, but "It Starts Here!" It starts by fixing where we are in relation to God. We all have our days and our nights sorted in terms of the things that need done and the things we plan to do, but where does God fit in? At this point Gareth was on his knees saying "It Starts Here!" Then he asked, "When was the last time you were on your knees for your country? When was the last time you were on your knees for your pastor who's standing with a cross for three hours a day between the gates? When was the last time you were on your knees for your unsaved loved ones? When was the last time you had your 'quiet time' or got into the Secret Place that we heard about - remember that series?"

 

He finished by reminding us that Jesus humbled himself. "It Starts Here".

 

PRAYER: Continue to pray for Sonya's sister Louise who is ill in hospital with Pneumonia and has postasium in the blood, which could result in the loss of fingers and toes. Pray for complete healing and wholeness. Continue to pray for Davy, Ann, and Jaqueline's father who needs healing and needs saved. Pray also for others and especially for children in the church who need God's touch. Continue to pray for the Cross Vigil; for the ongoing work at City LIFE Centre and for the finances of the church.

 

FINANCES: Thanks for the good offering of over £1,400 towards the building fund last week. Thanks to those who have responded by commiting a further £25 per month to help pay for the loan. We need 80 people to do this. So far we have 28. If you are not one of those, please consider adding your name. This needs to be over and above your present tithes and offerings so that it is additional income. I know this will be a sacrifice, but it's one worth making. Let me know if you want me to add your name. One individual has agreed to give an additional £75 per month; four other individuals have agreed to give an additional £50 per month. Whatever you do will be greatly appreciated and will be a huge help.

 

Thanks again for your commitment and faithfulness and for all you do at and on behalf of New Life City Church.

 

Stay focused; stay strong; and keep being a God-influence.

 

Pastor Jack          

 

Cross Vigil Day 16

No sooner had we set up when Davy and Lisa Nesbitt stopped by for while. We thought this was the start to a busy day, but other than the motorists and a few pedestrians is was quiet for the next 90 minutes.

Glyn and Debbie turned up with coffee and Davy and Lisa came back at the same time. We got into some discussion on a number of matters. Lisa bought herself another snake (some kind python I think) and got another one (different kind) free! The python grows to 18 feet! They feed it with rats and mice, but will soon have it on to piglets!

Davy kept us occupied for about 45 minutes as he shared his stories about his visit to Ecuador. The only thing missing was the camp fire and the jungle sounds! Dorothea came by for a while as did Carole, Colin's wife. Sam also came back again today.

Quite a number of taxis came past with tourists on board, besides several people honking horns and waving. One man shouted across the road "Well done! Keep it up! Are you looking for a donation?" I shouted back to him, "We're having a concert here on Saturday night 24 October when we'll be taking up donations then". He shouted back, "I'll be there". He wished us well and drove on.

Towards the end of the 3 hours two young men pulled up on push bikes and asked what was happening. They were two Catholic lads from the Falls Road. They had been cycling by the end of the street and saw the cross. One of them, Gerard, said he got "Born Again" in July. He was excited to hear that we are opening a church where we're standing. He said his friend Marty is not yet "saved", but he's close. Marty gave me his mobile number so I can contact him. They have offered to come by and do some voluntary work.

It was great to talk with everyone else, and even to listen to Davy about his snakes and his Dr. Livingstone type exploits in Ecuador, but it was worth standing for 3 hours just to connect with Gerard and Marty.

    

Davy and Lisa minus snakes!        Glyn with the no brand coffee

    

    Stories all round                Dortohea and Carole

    

My Minder Colin and his wife Carole      Gerard and Marty

Still being a God-influence

Jack

 

Cross Vigil Day 15

DAY 15: Friday September

No priests; no pastors; no Frenchmen! But plenty of motorists and tour buses and taxis. We have a real sense of God's presence and of doing God's will by simply standing between the gates with the cross.

New Lifer's bringing coffee and food for lunch! Kevin the Muffin Man (Mr. Indescribable) from the FEED Cafe, who is also a New Lifer, once again helping to add to my weight. Raymond John brought coffee and subway sandwich. He said to me, "I don't like tuna, so I got you ham"!!!!! He also brought 4 Mars Bars; two of these were eaten by the two guys behind the cross, thus the smiles on their faces! 

Anna who normally brings us Starbuck's coffee was driving by; I think she saw me with the Subway coffee, which caused her to honk her horn and swerve her car towards us in an attempt to frighten us. The van behind her thought she was stopping and pulled out to pass her, but she quickly pulled out again, after having frightened us (wink wink!), causing the van to brake etc. Her mom in Canada is probably reading this now, but thanks Anna for adding a bit of excitement to our day! Sorry about the Subway!

    

Talking with passing motorist          Raymond with Subway

    

Jack & son Jonathan                 Muffin delivery

    

James eyeing the muffin!                Engrossed in a good chat

                First heckler in 15 days!

Still being a God-influence.

Jack

Cross Vigil Day 14

DAY 14: Thursday 24 September

The day started slowly, but with the usual hand waves etc. The first one to pull up was Sam to let me see his new car. After having chatted for a while he promised me that as soon we move in he is coming along to the church. I told him we have a special car parking space for him right at the front of the entrance.

Gareth (Spud) Murphy turned up for a bit of moral support. Then Johnny Redmond, one of our Pastors in Carrickfergus Elim, along with Alan stopped by for a while. Others joined with us during the day.

We had a surprise, but very welcome, visit from local priest Gerry Reynolds, from the Clonard Monastery, and church worker Ed Peteresen. As we were having a friendly chat about John 3:16, as I explained people's lack of knowledge of this verse, a Frenchman (although I did not know he was French until I began to speak with him and he with me) stopped to read the sign about the 7 Week Cross Vigil. I felt obliged to speak with him for a few moments. My apology to Gerry Reynolds and Ed for giving my attention to the Frenchman at this point.

However, we got into a serious discussion about faith. He said he is an agnostic (a non-believer), but he knew John 3:16. He said is not religious, and I told him neither was I, but this made him look strangely at me standing a cross! I explained my position on faith and religion and that the most important thing for him, even as an agnostic, is to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He now lives in Belfast; so I think I will get to see him again.

I then apologised to Gerry Reynolds and Ed Peterson for leaving them in the hands of Ted who never came for breath for 10 minutes!

Well, Kevin the Muffin Man from FEED finally came along at about 2.45. I think I'll call him Mr. Indescribable, because every time he stops he has Indescribable playing loudly from his car. Thanks to Alan Murph; Glyn; Les and anyone else who was there today.

Before I finished a car pulled up opposite. The driver shouted across the road asking me how I was doing. When other traffic got past him I went over to speak with him. He was from the Falls community. He said, "You're doing a great work there. You're showing that people really do want peace. Keep it up".

So the day was filled with New Lifer's; non New Lifer's; people from the Shankill; people from the Falls; a priest and a pastor; and everyone was friendly, which is nothing less than what we expect.

          

     Sam with his new car              Gareth, Johnny Redmond & Darren

         

Ed Peterson & Gerry Reynolds    Ed; Gerry; Eileen; Johnny; Darren

             Jack trying to convince a Frenchman
Ted (in the background) giving Gerry and Ed an ear full

Still being a God-influence

Jack

 

Cross Vigil Day 13

DAY 13: Wednesday 13 September

No sooner were we in place when several taxis came around the corner. During the first weeks there were none, but within the 1st 10 to 15 minutes today there were 5 or 6. Each of the drivers slowed down as they passed the new tourist attraction - the man standing with the cross. They would share with their passengers what they know about what's going on. One driver pulled over and invited me to speak with 6 or 7 in his taxi. He said, "Hey Pastor! I'm telling these people that you do your bit for peace", and then invited me to speak with for a few moments. They looked like they were from Texas. The 10 gallon hat gave it away!

Sooner after they had gone, three of my dependents turned up; my wife Kathleen; daughter Paula, and grandson Ethan. Paula works as a secretary in a Catholic School. She told me that one of the girls walked across the office floor yesterday looking like she was carrying something over her shoulder and asked, "Who's this?" One of the girls said, "I don't know; who is it?" She replied, "It's Paula's carrying the cross! I pass him everyday coming over to work!"

Our day was filled with waving at motorists; saying a friendly "hello" to passers by; helping Chinese find their way through Belfast; chatting with those stopped to enquire or who came along to support. One van driver stopped and got out of his van. He said he had passed me several times and wanted to know what I was doing. After I explained he told me he was a Baptist Christian. Before he left he told me he was going to a prayer meeting at his church and he would get the people to join with me in prayer.

Last night I had thought of Sam (the man with no legs), and I decided that if he stops by again I would talk with him about being a Christian. Well, he came by again today. So I took the opportunity. He told me he thinks about it often. I did not push him on it, but he said he would call back and see me tomorrow. Pray for Sam.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by today.

          

Speaking with American tourists       My dependents: wife; D & G.S

         

Helping Chinese man find his way     Baptist believer stops his van

         

The chat is always good             A blast from the past!

     Maybe I'll take this thing on the road!

Pledges so far to be added to the United in Hope concert is approx. $1,700. Thanks.

Still being a God-influence.

Jack

Cross Vigil Day 12

DAY 12: Tuesday 22 September

Everyday is so different. Sometimes the same people pass by and wave and toot or shout. Last week a Catholic lady was driving past and frantically crossed herself when she saw the cross. Today a Nun drove past and didn't seem to take any notice. Maybe she is used to seeing crosses everyday. My prayer is that God will bless both of them.

A young man stopped his car in front of others and shouted "What are you doing?" I told him to park his car and come over and I would explain; so he did. He picked the right time, because the Muffin Man, who owns the FEED Cafe on the Shankill Road, came by and gave us a muffin each. The young man said he would call into the church when we open.

Big Alan Murph, the bus driver, stopped by, but again without his bus, although Ted came by with his Garbage Truck. Two men who had been walking around taking photographs at the gates finally came to me and asked why I was doing this for 7 weeks. We got into a good discussion. One of them said he had been watching a programme that showed men carrying crosses and getting whipped as they did so. He asked me had I thought of doing this!!! I replied by saying there are people out there who would love to whip me, but there is no point in going to such extremes. In fact I made it clear to him that I am not doing this for penance, and that nothing we do can add to what Christ has done for us.

They explained that they bring tourists around the wall and the gates and asked if they could bring them into our building when we open and if I could speak with them about what we do etc. They said they will call back when we open. This should help with our coffee shop and gift shop we plan to put inside.

Today I got a call from the Lord Mayor's Office to say she will be calling out to join with me at the Cross Vigil someday soon.

     

Michael who stopped to ask!          Alan without his bus again!

     

Ted with his new cleaning truck; he doesn't only LIFT garbage!!!

      

Neither does Tommy Latimer!   Why am I doing this for 7 weeks?

Still being a God-influence.

Jack