recap part 2

After leaving the cliffs we wound around to the back side of the mountain and on to Glencolmcille. We didn't know what to expect as we drove across the stark bogland, but soon a large glen opened before us and we were looking down upon the quiet village and quaint farms scattered up and down the valley. To the west (we were on the south edge) the glen opened up to the Atlantic. It was clear to us why St. Columba chose this scenic location to establish a monastery in the 6th century.

We descended to the village and made our way up the glen to the home of Conal and Heather McIntyre who lead one of the few small home fellowships in the this area of the county. There are no evangelical churches aside from house churches in southwest Donegal. Conal and Heather live in an old, traditional farmhouse set in a beautiful part of the valley.

The four of us sat around the warmth of the antique iron stove, enjoying the conversation along with the earthy, sweet aroma of the turf fire. Soon we were joined by Ciaran (Conal's brother), Sheila and Margaret, who all attend the same home fellowship and are involved in different aspects of leading worship with Heather.

After a nice meal together we spent some time talking about worship, worship leading and the challenges and struggles that this small fellowship faces in their worship ministry. After a while, the guitars and keyboard were brought out and we did some songs together, giving Beth and I the opportunity to offer some pointers to help improve on what they were doing.

This was one of the most rewarding and enjoyable times we have spent in ministry thus far.

The next morning (Sunday) we were up early and on our way to Letterkenny, about and hour and a half north. We were to attend church at Letterkenny Christian Fellowship at 11 am. It was a beautiful drive and we were slowed down a bit when we encountered snow on the road while traversing a high mountain pass. We were only a few minutes late.

We entered the community hall where there were about 125 adults and children worshiping under the leadership of a small band, who really sounded quite good, especially given the room they had to work in and the sound system they possessed.

We were there not only to worship with the body there, but we were to meet our next contact, Mike Mullens, who happened to be the guest speaker that morning. We got more than we bargained for...

TBC...