Saturday, July 26

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A very productive morning this day at the "Ards" market. Ards is short for "Nards," which is short for Newtownards! Crazy stuff.

Colin, Kelly, Ryan, and Bill each stood at one corner of the market passing out the invitations to the gospel meeting. Quite a few people engaged us in conversation, which was exactly what we were hoping for. Of the approximated 1,500 invitations we distributed, we could only recall one or two between the four of us that made a remark that was unkind. 'Tis true what they say about the Irish...as a general rule, they are a very warm and kindly people.

After I (Ryan) finished with my stack of invitations, I walked over to where Bill was working. What I heard was his best impression of a thick Irish brogue...something to the effect of, "Good marnin' to ya', ma'am. May I givee ya' a wee invitaahshun to our gospel meetin'?" It was quite funny. I asked him afterward if this was done conciously or not, and he said it most definitely was. I guess he was just trying to blend in. I told him I had a feeling they could pretty well tell it was an American trying to sound Irish. Those of you that know Bill will be able to picture this scenario clearly in your mind. Funny stuff.

Comedy aside, we made several solid contacts that showed great interest not only in our gospel meeting campaign this week, but also in the ongoing work here at the Lord's church in Bangor. Since new laws have been enacted regarding door-to-door sales (in our case, invitations), passing out information at these outdoor markets seems to be one of the most effective methods available. We're hoping our labor earlier in the week and on Saturday will yield some visitors from the community during the gospel meeting sessions.

We ate lunch at a "Chip Shop" named The Codfather (see photo). Under the shop name on their sign, the slogan reads, "Let us make you an offer you can't refuse." Kelly decided we had to stop in for a bite, and the fish & chips proved well worth our while. I'd give The Codfather an A-, with the shop named Salt & Vinegar Fish and Chips here in Bangor edging it out at a firm A.

Thanks for keeping up with us, and thanks for the messages.

Come back soon!

Slane,
Ryan & Kelly

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Photos

Ards Market 1
Kelly handing out invitations at the Ards Market

Ards Market 3
Colin distributing invitations

Ards Market 4
Colin conversing with one of the leaders of a local denomination

Ards Market 5
Bill using his finest Irish brogue to blend with the locals (ask him to do it for you when he gets back).

Ards Market 7
Ryan passing out invitations in Ards

Ards Market 8
A local street preacher on the edge of the market

The Codfather
This is where we ate lunch in Ards...The Codfather. Their slogan on the sign reads, "Let us make you a meal you can't refuse." Seriously! Good fish & chips, too!

The Grahams
Colin, Lisa, and Holly (the Golden Retriever) Graham

Golf Course 1
For all you golf nuts, this is the course nearest to the Graham's home. Pristine golf conditions in the "Mecca" of golf.

Helen's Tower
Adjacent to the golf course, we hiked up a hill to see this historic site in the middle of the village. It was built in 1921 to honor the men of the 36th (Ulster) division who fell at the battle of Somme.

Comments

[Jim]

Looking for a post
For crying out loud!!! It's Monday afternoon in the states and no post since Saturday....whad'dya think this is, a vacation? Can't wait to see your next update.....very informative and great pix. Hope Sunday's worship service was well attended and the same for your upcoming classes. Honestly, is the pastry really that good?? If so, send me some ideas and things I could try in TN. Love, Dad