The Rhodes in Belfast, Northern Ireland » Uncategorized

Twelve Faith Confessions

countryroads — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 12:10:41 +0000

I actually took this from the book “Sun Stand Still”, they are just to good to not post for all to see. It’s way to easy to forget the promises God has for us. I so often find myself discouraged, distracted, and depressed and any other word beginning with the letter D. A lot of the times it’s simply the circumstances around me that lead me to the negative outlook on life. One thing that we all learn from the beginning of our walk with God is that He see’s something in us that we don’t always see in ourselves. This is the power behind the above statements of faith. It’s not that we must have already arrived in order to declare the truth in these statements. It’s knowing that we serve a God who can equip us with His strength, wisdom, mercy, love and miraculous touch on the journey. It’s all about God and not us. It’s who He is and what He sees in us.

-Troy

Making a Wise Investment.

countryroads — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 20:10:18 +0000

In this uncertain economy, we are all careful to to “invest our resources” wisely. We want to be sure that what we invest in will reap a good return.

Well, we would like to invite you to invest in an opportunity that will not only immediately impact lives… but eternally impact lives as well.

Invest in Belfast.

Sure. We are biased. We don’t pretend to be otherwise. Belfast is our heartbeat… our passion… our purpose. We love this feisty little city and are committed to serve and care for it for as long as God calls us to do so. We are dreaming bold dreams on its behalf… praying impossible prayers knowing confidently that ‘nothing is impossible for God’… and pouring into it whatever we got to give because Jesus loves Belfast…and so do we.

So, how can YOU invest in Belfast?

1. Pray! Okay, this may seem like we are trying to be super spiritual but the truth of the matter is that we are just being practical. Prayer changes things. So, pray with us for Belfast…. and pray for us as we serve this city. Spread the word about Belfast and about the work we are doing here! Mention us at your church, prayer meetings, and wherever you think people will want to pray for us! Prayer is the best way to invest in Belfast. Hands down.

2. Help! You know how Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field,” (Matthew 9:37-38)? Yeah, in a nut shell, we need laborers. There is SO MUCH opportunity here in Belfast, but we lack the man-power. This is why we have an internship program, SOUL PURPOSE, for folks ages 18-24. We need people to join us to help run school assemblies, kidz club, youth club, Night Watch, Alpha, Scripture Union, Mums +Tots, and so much more! So, if you have got the time and the gumption, join us! Interested? Click here.

3. Give! There are two ways you can give.

You can give directly to the ministry that we work with here in Belfast: G.O. Kidz (which is covered by Rock Community Church). We currently run a charity shop to fund the ministry (we call it: THE ROCK SHOP) . You can donate ONLINE via THE ROCK SHOP. ***Note: This money will go to the ministry and NOT to our family personally.
You can financially support our family as missionaries! We are able to serve Belfast because of the generosity of YOU! Plain and simple. If you would like to make a one-time donation or become a monthly support you can do so ONLINE. If you have any questions about financially supporting us, feel free to emailing Melody from WORLD MISSIONS ADVANCE (our mission sending agency). Her email is: melody@worldmissionsadvance.org.

Invest in these world changers…

Your partners in loving Belfast,

Troy and Noelle Rhodes

Crying out for this city

countryroads — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 09:30:51 +0000

For a small church and charity we do a lot of ministry. This has been a trademark of Rock and Go Kidz for years. Like any ministry, programs are the conduit in which God reveals Himself to those we are ministering to. Kids club, Alpha Courses, Assemblies, Church, Charity shop, and Scripture Unions are just a few of the venues in which we reach the kids, youth and adults of Belfast.
It is easy to, once organized, just continue to run on cruse control. This is the challenge of all who do full time ministry. Sometime we get around this by always coming up with a new program and a new direction and new this, and a new that. In an effort to not just change directions for the sake of something new, we have taken this week to really seek the Lord through prayer and fasting. We are crying out to God for His way and not our own. We are asking God to come and take what we have and bless it. Like the boy who had five loaves and two fish, it wasn’t the amount of what he had that was so impressive. It was who’s hands his little was in. We are holding on to this. We are asking God to take what we have and do a miracle with it. So, if you find yourself reading this post please join with us here in Belfast. Pray that God would take our small offering to Him and bless it, and use it to bring glory to Himself.

The United Kingdom Explained

countryroads — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 19:22:49 +0000

Thanks to our friend, Tom, who tweeted this video early today…

If you are confused about the difference between Northern Ireland and Ireland, please watch this:

THE UNITED KINGDOM EXPLAINED

Hope this helps,

Rhodes Family

Learn to speak Norn’ Irish:

nrhodes — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 14:21:00 +0000

Okay. Today you are our student. Sit back. Grab a cup of tea (cause’ that’s what we drink here) and learn a few Norn’ Irish phrases…

What about ye? Translation: How are you doing?

Catch yourself on! Translation: Wise up.

Eejit. Translation: Idiot.

Ta-Ta! Translation: Thanks!

Cheers! Translation: Thanks!

(He/She/That/This) Does my head in. Translation: This person or that thing is driving me up the wall!

Aye. Translation: Yes.

Crack/Craic. Translation: Fun.

Dummy. Translation: Pacifier.

Pram. Translation: Stroller.

Nappy. Translation: Diaper.

Biscuit. Translation: Cookie.

Snog. Translation: Kiss.

To fancy someone. Translation: To like someone romantically.

Poke. Translation: Ice Cream.

Gravy Ring. Translation: Donut.

Bap. Translation: A bun or roll.

Lolly. Translation: Ice pop.

Mingin’. Translation: Something that is gross or disgusting.

What’s Happening This Week:

nrhodes — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 20:23:25 +0000

MONDAY:

Scripture Union starts again in 2011 at Boys Model!

New Kidz Club format is launched! Added features: Crafts Club and Drama Club! Come out and release the inner artist in YOU!

Youth Club restarts in 2011! Wii Games, board games, and candy. What else could you ask for?

TUESDAY:

Alpha Course in Girls’ Model. Noelle will be doing a monologue in her class this week about ‘Temptation’. Hmmm..scandalous!

WEDNESDAY:

Scripture Union in Hazelwood!

THURSDAY:

Life Groups! There are currently two life groups running. Ivan and Kathy lead the one that we are in (Holler!) and Jenine and Trev lead the other. Good times as we hang and talk about life with Jesus together.

FRIDAY:

Mums+Tots rocks Friday mornings. Noelle will serving up some tea with Jenine while Heather leads the kidz crafts and Jean and Lillian chat up with the ladies. No doubt about it, Olive will eat at least 2 dozen cookies during Mums+Tots and drink out everyone else’ juice bottles except her own.

Alpha Course on again in Girls’ Model. Will Troy try to attempt the ‘Temptations’ monologue? Hmmm… don’t think so.

NightWatch takes over Woodvale Park! Now there will be opportunities for kids to get prayer! Come for a cup of tea and have our team pray for you!

SATURDAY:

Day off! Did someone say Ulster Fry?

SUNDAY:

Church with the ROCK Community folk! Prepare to celebrate together the love we have found in Jesus Christ.

Rend! Our weekly worship and prayer gathering as we come together and seek Jesus for Belfast. If you have a prayer request, don’t be shy. Email Troy (emailrhodes@gmail) or Noelle (rhodes.noelle@gmail.com) and we will be happy to pass your prayer request along to the REND folk.

As you think of us, pray for us. These are just some of the activities that we are directly involved in. When we are not out and about, we are usually in the office shooting emails and administrating… or in Starbucks reading, learning and dreaming… or at home loving on our kids and probably doing so much needed laundry.

Hey! We care about YOU! Tell us, what’s happening in your week….

Soul Purpose Summer Internship

nrhodes — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 18:23:21 +0000

Hey. We are looking to host a summer internship program this 2011.

If you are between the ages of 18-24 and are looking for a meaningful way to spend your summer break….

COME TO BELFAST!

We are going to run a short term internship program June 30-August 11. The cost is $1500.00 USD (which includes visa fee, housing, and food). If interested, click this link and fill out our form. Hope to hear from ya!

Snow in Belfast.

nrhodes — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 19:20:09 +0000

Okay. She’s cute. You have to admit. The hat is adorable. Sorry, but we’re biased.

Right. Back to snow in Belfast.

There has been snow in Belfast.

Oh, you wanted to know more? Oh. Right then. There has been snow in Belfast. Not much snow but enough to slow down this city significantly.

Growing up in Maryland and Jersey, we would typically define our “snow storms” with several inches of snow at minimum. Here in ol’ Belfast, even an inch brings some big problems. The expectation of winter snow is low and so the city was not prepared when it snowed several times in the last few weeks. For instance, our street never once saw a plow. Side walks were never shoveled… stairs rarely salted… and as you can guess, accidents have abound.

But beyond the hassle, the fallen snow has brought a beauty to the area that sets the scene just perfect for Christmas. As we mentioned in our newsletter, there is “Charles Dickens” feel in the air. When we muse the Christmas Continental Market that camps on the City Hall lawn, we are secretly thrilled that snow has decorated the city for the holiday season. It is breath taking.

“Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7

Just as the snow makes this city beautiful… the same can be said of Forgiveness. Psalm 51:7 talks about the forgiveness of the Lord… cleansing us and making us pure in heart. Where our hearts were once ugly with sin, the Lord’s forgiveness brings beauty to our souls. Let’s face it, forgiveness makes an ugly situation beautiful.

All this snow has been challenging us to think about forgiveness…. to ponder our own need for His forgiveness and the beauty that is always attached to it (like newly fallen snow). Beyond that, we have been challenged to think about where we can apply forgiveness to ‘ugly situations’. Where do we need to pardon? Who are we holding a grudge or even a stone against?

As the snow comes, may forgiveness come to our hearts. May we embrace its beauty and give it away freely without condition. Forgiveness makes an ugly situation beautiful.

God is Opening Doors

countryroads — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 13:30:29 +0000

God has been doing some great things here in Belfast. He has been opening more and more doors of ministry. The most recent is being asked to go into a local school and teach a Religon course. I will be teaching two classes a week for four weeks. The topic is medical ethics, including abortion, and animal product testing. Please pray with me that God would use me for His glory. Please also pray for God to continue to use Friday night “Night Watch” to show his love to the kids and youth of Woodvale. On average we have been seeing anywhere from 70-100 people a night. I have personally had some great conversations with some youth talking about the love of God. There is so much hurt and pain under thier tuff skin. I am believing for God to break through in such a mighty way.

Thanks for all the support,

Troy

So – what exactly do you do?

nrhodes — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 21:18:05 +0000

Good question.

We love and serve Belfast.

How?

Better question. We primarily show Jesus’ love by specifically ministering to youth and children (G.O. Kidz). Troy is the secondary schools (high school) leading in-school bible studies (known at Scripture Union). He also is involved in leading worship during school assemblies, teaching the Alpha course in secondary school, and his continue project in Woodvale Park called “NightWatch” – a weekly outreach to teens and young people that hang out in the park after hours. This coming January, “Soul Purpose” internship program will begin. Troy will be the internship director. Aside from the ministries listed, he is involved with ministry at Rock Community Church (G.O. Kidz covering church).

And Noelle? What is she doing?

How nice of you to ask! Noelle writes the weekly kids club program. She also administrates the short term mission teams that serve with us in Belfast. She is involved with an outreach called, “Moms + Tots” which is for moms with young children in the community. She occasionally teaches/speaks. This month she will be sharing a women’s retreat. She is also involved with Rock Community Church worship team and supports the ministry of the church.

If I have more questions about what you guys are doing in Belfast how can I get a hold of you?

Email us: emailrhodes@gmail.com … We would love to tell you more about what we do.

If I want to get involve with what you guys are doing in Belfast, what can I do?

Lots of things:

1. Pray for us. I know it sounds like a “given” but we are serious about prayer support.

2. Support us financially. We hate to blunt, but its the truth. We cannot work here legally right now so we live here in Belfast entirely on the generosity of others. If you would like to support us, financially, you can do so by going to World Missions Advance (our mission sending agency).

3. Come visit us and be apart of what we do. Seriously. Take some time off and do something crazy and hang with us as we serve Belfast!

Hey, thanks for reading our blog and taking time in being interested in what we do and why we are here in Belfast. Really. You’re the best! Thanks for the love!

Because Jesus IS Love,

Troy and Noelle Rhodes