new troubles?

apparently, there has been a series of attacks on romanian residents of east belfast. and they continue. and, teenagers are getting involved.

at the same time, the loyalist paramilitary groups are decommissioning their weapons, hopefully beating their swords into plowshares.

[God] will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples.
they will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.
nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.
~isaiah 2:4, tniv

why do i go? this is why i go. keep turning swords into plowshares, and make sure the next generation knows how to do it.

reasons why

a lot of you have responded very positively upon hearing that i'm traveling to northern ireland for a year of volunteer service. however, i wouldn't blame you if you wondered exactly what help belfast needs. i certainly did.

this is certainly a part of it.

just as the u.s. is suffering through a market crash, so is northern ireland. what i see in that article from the belfast telegraph is that it's just getting worse...the job cuts are now coming in the public sector, too...and while many complain about the quality of service provided by northern irish public servants, they'll still be out of jobs, unable to provide for themselves, their families, and their futures.

that's where things like the east belfast mission step in. working to provide for the homes for the homeless, affordable clothing and furniture for the poor, work for the unemployed, and a community for folks to belong to.

so why am i going to belfast? as far as i know, i'm working with the youth program of the church, and the hosford house homeless shelter affiliated with the mission. to quote the mission's website:

"The local young people face enormous pressure from paramilitary groups and it is widely recognised by political and community organisations in the area that under-age drinking and drug misuse is also a significant problem, contributing in large part to crime and vandalism. Our vision is to offer these ‘at risk’ young people, especially teenagers who are struggling to find their way in life, the chance to be accepted for who they are and spend time in a safe place, while learning new skills that will bring about self-confidence and hope for the future."

any help i can provide with these programs will allow the leaders of the church to focus on bigger-picture goals...which is good for everyone.

love and peace or else,
andy

ps...for all of you that were fans of my long hair...it's gone :(.
pps...for all of you that are fans of hats...now i have a cool one...pictures forthcoming :).