the 12th of July

Well, this past week was marked by the beginning of the building of the bonfire here in Dunclug. Though the bonfire won't be until August 8th, they started building it this past week and will not stop working on it every single day until that day. This is also motivated due to the fact that the Protestants are in full force, with their massive day, July 12th. In Ballykeel, their bonfire last night was at around 40-50 feet tall and there were about 5 other big protestant bonfires around Ballymena. This is the marching season, full of bonfires, different paramilitary protests, demonstrations, and bands, and much hatred.

We are warned regularly now to be sure to always lock our doors and windows and leave nothing in view outside, or it will be lifted as bonfire fodder. This includes anything, from trashcans to clothes to bikes to cars. During the 12th and other big days during this marching season, older kids and some adults here in Dunclug get wasted and go around in mini riots, wreaking havoc on everything in their path, regardless of reason, logic, or owner. They break every window they cross, burn every car they see, and just destroy everything.

Last night the catholics here in the estate already burnt one car and broke into several homes, and it wasn't even their holiday. This is the kind of atmosphere and hatred and heightened emotions that go on during this time, which as you may imagine, makes it very difficult to break through this darkness. Almost all of the people fighting and all worked up have no idea what they are so mad about, but simply know that this is how it has been done for generations, and they know nothing different.

Please pray for the people during this time, that they may see some light in such a dark time, and that this year will be less violent and tumultous than past years. Pray also that we will have wisdom to know how to be friends with these kids, while showing that we don't agree with what they are doing. Pray also for safety and protection, for us and our friends, as we try to learn to minister in this difficult time. You saw in the last post what happened to our friend Colin last week, and that is not uncommon during this time. Also, pray for Colin and his family this week. His granny is very sick and the doctor is only giving her a few days to live. I was with him at the hospital a few days ago, and he is very close to his granny, so he is trying to trust the Lord through this. We love you all, and are encouraged by your comments and emails, etc, so feel free to send any our way!