Last night some of us from New Life City Church returned again across the wall to the Falls community. This time we went to an area called Ballymurphy, the place of my birth and upbringing until I was 9 years old - 1961). This community for many years has been 100% Catholic and today is under the control of the IRA and the Continuity IRA (CIRA). Recently families within these organisations have been feuding. One man has been killed, several wounded and homes have been burned and destroyed. We walked past these homes last night and talked with people in the streets. We were even invited into one home where we stayed for a while and talked about Jesus.

No sooner had we walked into the area when we began to speak with a 50 year old man (I'm 54). As soon as he saw me he said, "I know who you are!" I extended my hand towards him, and as he was trying to remember my name I helped by saying, "Jack McKee". He said, "Yeah, the Reverend!" It turned out that he and I had lived in the same street when we were both kids. I lived in number 26, while he lived in number 5. This opened the door for discussion. When I began to witness to him he immediately said to me, "I'm a Republican", meaning IRA. He had in fact served time in a Dublin prison. After talking with him I gave him some literature and we invited him to our outreach at Beechmount Leisure Centre this coming Saturday. We shook hands and continued with our prayer walk.

We walked around much of the area in about 1 and half hours. We got to talking with others and invited them to the outreach on Saturday. Three young men tried their darndest to analyse me. They asked me was I a Samaritan? One even asked if I was a priest! He said, "You look like one!" When I finally told them I was a Christian from the Shankill Road, one of them said, "You're a Protestant! What are you doing here?" I replied, "Talking to people like about Jesus". When I told them I was brought up in number 26 Ballymurphy Parade, the one who thought I was a priest threw out his hand toward me and said, "Hey do you know Bing Crosby? I'm living in his house, number 24!" Bing was the man of the house next door when I was a boy. His sons were friends of mine way back then. Anyway, the fact that I had lived there all those years ago seemed to make me more acceptable to them. They told us they would be at the Leisure Centre on Saturday.

I received this e-mail today concerned fellow Christian comedian
Mark Lowry.

Mark has a great ministry, please add him to you prayer list!

Thanks, Kev

For those who are not aware, Mark Lowry wrecked his motorcycle on Saturday afternoon and has sustained quite a severe leg (knee) injury.

I talked with Mark this morning. He's surrounded by good funny friends and he's in fairly good spirits.

He had surgery on the leg yesterday (Sunday) and he may be in for more. He'll be resting comfortably in the hospital for about five more days. There is quite a bit yet to be determined on how the leg will be handled, so we'll get the word out when we know more. It won't be a daily update. We have had to call off the March concerts but he will have one wild story to tell at April's Senior Trip here in Nashville.

Please understand, we appreciate the offer for cards and gifts but hold onto them and send prayers instead - lots of prayers for a speedy recovery. E-mails will be forwarded as usual.

Where to Pray

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.
Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Mathew 6:6

I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing. 1 Timothy 2:8

When to Pray

In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. Psalm 5:3

Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. Psalm 55:17

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. Luke 18:1

How to Pray

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that
we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need Hebrews 4:16

And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think
they will be heard because of their many words Matthew 6:7

What to Pray

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4.6-7