Stephen Woods, first time Team Member writes….

I have to confess, my initial response to taking part in a lay witness team was less than enthusiastic. Not, I quickly interject, because I have anything against Lay Witness Movement!  I was familiar with Lay Witness and had been on the ‘receiving end’, when a team came to Carrickfergus a few years ago, so I could testify to the powerful way in which God can move through a Lay Witness Weekend. My initial hesitation was because the timing didn’t really suit and I was under pressure with exam preparation and essay deadlines. But I prayed about it and felt led to take part – and I’m glad I did!

Our team of twelve was well balanced and we got on very well right from the start. We were ably led by Ken and Annika who had both clearly put in a lot of preparation beforehand, as had the people of Doagh, who were incredibly warm and welcoming.

The weekend began with an evening meal in the church hall were we got a chance to meet and chat with members of the church. This was followed by our first meeting, in which several team members shared their testimonies. This was an amazing time of praise and sharing and right from the beginning, it was clear God’s spirit was at work.

Saturday morning began with a Men's Breakfast in the church, where again some of the team had the opportunity to share what God had put in their hearts. We also held a number of coffee mornings in the homes of members of the congregation. These were based on the theme ‘Letting go and Letting God have His way’.   In the afternoon, we split into smaller groups, some to take part in visitation, while others spent time with the youth of the church.

Saturday evening included another excellent meal with the congregation. This was followed by another powerful time of praise and sharing, during which the challenge of learning to trust and rely on God and to step out in faith was very evident.

On Sunday morning we led the church service and again some members of the team took the opportunity to share their testimony. The service was followed by yet more food and then farewells.

From my perspective, the weekend was a blessing from start to finish – the shared mealtimes, shared testimonies, team devotions, coffee mornings, the times praising God together, and seeing God working and moving in the church and the team.  It was clear from the start that God had prepared and planned this weekend. His hand was in the team selection and hosting arrangements, in preparing the hearts and minds of those involved, in the divine appointments and timely conversations both in the church and in the homes of our hosts and hostesses. I believe God spoke into and touched the lives of many people during the weekend and I feel blessed by being part of it.