Part of ifes

In June, ten American students and nine Irish students came together in Greystones for Encounter, a leadership program for university students. Encounter is about discovering, serving and growing and is aimed at students who want to grow in their personal relationship with Jesus, deepen their leadership skills and to reach out across Ireland in mission, partnering with local churches.

We spent two weeks grappling with the truth of the Gospel and learning what it means to be a child of the King. We lived in community with one another and explored the Gospel further through a verse–by–verse study of Galatians, received personal mentoring and undertook evangelism training. We spent time praying in small groups, worshipping and engaging with the surrounding area. We had a busy schedule of learning and reflecting, but there was lots of fun and laughter, as we crossed cultural boundaries with each other, visited local attractions and hiked Bray Head.

Following our time in Greystones, the students split up into outreach teams serving local churches and ministries doing a variety of jobs. This year they were dotted across the island for two weeks, before we all reunited for a debrief, a time of praise and a final few days of each others’ company before Encounter officially finished.

Encounter is a wonderful opportunity for students to leave their comfort zones, to investigate the Scriptures, explore their faith and allow the Gospel to transform their lives. I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did, and I learned so much from my students and fellow staff members as we journeyed together on this adventure.

Lorna Morrison Northern Ireland Staff Worker – North West