New Life City Church: 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.