Sonshine Week - A Big Success at Green Pastures.
They came. They played and engaged. They had the best time ever!
That was the story of this year's Sonshine Week, during which scores of children and adults turned up for the annual event during the opening week of July.
Unlike last year, the weather was much kinder for everyone, which always makes a difference, although not every day felt like summer!
Activities included a Carnival Night, Coffee Mornings, Men's and Women's Nights, a Youth Water Fight, Kids Club, Mission Night, Youth Projects, and vast street outreach in Ballymena. There were also Care Home visits, always a favourite of Sonshine Week, power washing, painting, and building in the community.
One of the best-attended events yet, Sonshine Week 24, went down a treat, according to Green Pastures, lead pastor, Jeff Wright. He commended the volunteers who took part. "I'm so grateful to all our people. They were so faithful in loving Ballymena for Christ, and we made so many valued connections on our streets and in our communities, "he said.
One of those volunteers, thirteen-year-old Grace McKeown, had the time of her life and gave her reflections afterwards. "The Sunday before Sonshine week, I felt nervous and apprehensive. This was my second year serving in Sonshine Week with the church. Knowing the world's Creator has ordered my steps brought me peace and reassurance. When I signed up, I believed the streets of Ballymena would be hit by our church with the name of Jesus. Some days, the weather was dull and miserable, but it didn't stop us from going out to bring the light of the world to the people and local communities. I served in many areas—kids' clubs, street outreach, and community projects—but kids' clubs impacted me the most."
Grace went on to explain why. "My friend Daisy and I made a connection when out with a street reach team at the start of the week with a group of kids from a local community. They were hungry and just wanted to be loved; as the kid's club came to an end, it was hard to say goodbye, but we left them knowing that no matter what, there is a Heavenly Father who loves every one of them and has called them each by name. Throughout that week, I tried to continually put myself out there, be brave, and step outside my comfort zone. I kept reminding myself I WAS MADE FOR MORE. If GOD gave His life for me in public, why should I live for him in private? It was an amazing week, and I am excited for SONSHINE 2025."
Pastor Jeff added: "What made it so special and wonderful was the presence of the Holy Spirit in us and upon us. So many people and so many little children decided to follow Jesus through the week."
Pastor Peter Dickey echoed this. "I've lost count of what I believe were 'numerous life-changing conversations. So many people had issues, all different from each other, and the week allowed us to go out and address their needs."
Pastor Lee McClelland, from the Ark Church in Belfast, brought an excellent word before the week's close, as did Pastor Jeff Wright on the final Sunday. A large celebration took place at the end with a look back over the week, which, according to the organisers, is one of the best events yet. No pressure next year, then!
