Engage Report

The following is a report as featured in the Engage Newsletter Spring 2011 Edition:

‘Urban Saints Transform is a mission team set within West Belfast, an area deeply affected during the recent troubles. As part of a team of seven, we worked alongside the existing Youth Initiatives project in the area.

We set out to improve the locality through practical service activities, such as gardening, painting and litter picking. This gave us ample opportunity to build relationships.

Transform saw two cultures come together with all their baggage. I was able to interact with people from backgrounds who I wouldn’t normally have an opportunity to meet, and to form valued and lasting friendships. I was enlightened to the vast amount of serious issues facing people a mere 30 minute drive from my home. I left the mission feeling inspired by how well the local young people face the issues in front of them and have such a strong longing to better themselves and their locality.

Since Transform, I have a much greater determination to help both practically through service as well as bringing something of the hope we find in Jesus Christ. Above all, as a leader in my local group of Gilnahirk, I now have a passion to see young people who love Jesus trained and released to make a difference in their locality.’

Stuart Gibson

Urban Saints Transform

Urban Saints Transform is a home mission team set up in 2010 with the aim of sharing the love of Christ and serving practically within Northern Ireland.  The team has the backing of three separate Christian organisations; Urban Saints, Youth Initiatives and Tearfund.

Team members will:

·         Develop and release their leadership skills

·         Be inspired by God to make a difference in the world

·         Deepen their understanding of God’s passion for meeting people’s spiritual and material needs

·         Discover how they are called to action to TRANSFORM lives in their local communities

·         Take part in practical action and outreach activities with young people from  communities in West Belfast

The team is for anyone aged 16+ and the 10 days will be made up of time exploring leadership training, orientation and various service projects and then assisting at a youth camp run by Youth Initiatives.

“The Transform team was an amazing opportunity to grow spiritually, to meet new friends and most importantly fulfil God’s commandment to serve"

SUZI 2010 team member

Some spaces are still remaining on the 2011 team. To download an application form click here.