Grace Community Church NI

The Story of Wendy Fearon

Wendy shares her inspiring journey of faith, revealing that for over 50 years, she knew of Jesus but didn’t know him personally. Raised in the Catholic faith, she believed she was a ​“good person” and on her way to heaven. Everything changed for her at a drive-in mission. Afterward, she felt a strong pull toward fellowship and found Grace Community Church, which has become the cornerstone of her faith. Initially, she felt angry at the Catholic Church, but she now feels grateful for the foundation it gave her. She also discusses her ministry with the homeless and hopeless, which started with a powerful prayer that led her to volunteer at Hope Chapel Lane in Belfast. Wendy concludes by sharing about her two tattoos, which read ​“obedience” and ​“evangelise.” She talks about a recent challenge to be obedient and sing an Irish song at a men’s ministry meeting, which she learned translates to ​“100,000 welcomes, oh Jesus.” She also talks about her grandson, Alfie, who recently gave his life to the Lord. Wendy’s favourite Jesus story is the parable of the two builders, which speaks to her about the importance of building her life on the rock of Jesus. Finally, she shares that God is preparing her for a new ​“nursing” ministry, possibly involving people rather than her current job of nursing crops.

Suzanna and Andrew's Stores

Susanna grew up in a Christian household, but her family’s public faith didn’t match the struggles they faced behind closed doors, especially with her mom’s mental health. This led her to become introverted and seek an escape through sports. While she initially found her purpose in raising her three daughters, she recently felt a calling from God for something more as her oldest daughter, Maddie, prepares for college. Her favourite Bible story is the healing of the paralysed man, which speaks to her need to let others in to receive healing. She and her husband, a chef, have recently started a catering business, which is a new test of their faith. Andrew, who is 16, also shared his story of growing up with parents who had moved away from religion. They eventually found their way back to a church called Fathom, but Andrew felt pressure to be a ​“good kid” and put on a mask of faith while privately struggling. He felt a deep sense of loneliness, which eventually led him to cry out to God. Andrew found healing and was baptised at age 13. His favourite Bible story is the parable of the prodigal son, which he relates to his own experience of returning to God’s open arms. He is now active in missions and feels God is preparing him for the future as he looks toward college. Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/suzanna-andrew-stories

The Story of Andrew Gribben

Andrew shares his personal journey, beginning with his family joining Grace Community Church in 2017. He describes the church as a ​“rescue mission,” a chaotic yet fitting environment that felt like rehabilitation, enabling personal and family growth influenced by the love of Jesus. He then delves into his profession in accessibility, explaining how he helps make systems like websites, apps, and games usable for as many people as possible, regardless of their abilities. He illustrates this with examples, such as designing websites to be descriptive for visually impaired users and ensuring games can be controlled without touchscreens for those with physical disabilities. Andrew emphasises that his faith strongly influences his work, viewing it as an act of service, despite the frustrations of working with clients who may resist changes for accessibility. Andrew also discusses his current endeavours, including helping with church sound and lighting, and his involvement with the Craigavon Talking Newspaper, a charity that records local newspapers for the blind community. He highlights the essential nature of this service for those who cannot access local information otherwise, and shares the exciting news of the charity securing its first permanent studio. Looking ahead, Andrew reflects on the importance of rest, acknowledging his personal struggle with it, and announces his decision to pursue a part-time law degree, viewing it as an opportunity for a ​“clean slate” to better serve others. The podcast concludes with prayers for Andrew and his family, and for the church community to experience God’s joy, peace, and hope. Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/the-story-of-andrew-gribben

The Story of Ronnie Dawson

Ronnie shares his personal journey and the mission of Drop In Ministries, emphasising how the organisation embodies hope, help, and healing in Jesus’ name to a hurting world. He recounts significant ​“fives” in his life: his first mission trip to Belarus in 1995, starting a church in 2005, and a 10-year lease at Ballyards Castle in 2015 for their ministry’s programs. He also shares his profound re-commitment to faith after a severe motorbike accident at 17, and the deep impact of seeing the ​“heart of Jesus” in action, particularly through a video about Nufo from Burkina Faso who receives prosthetic legs through their ministry. Ronnie articulates his current focus on the Great Commission, aiming to empower individuals globally, not just through direct travel, but by supporting those already working in their own communities. He highlights Drop In Ministries’ expansion into new nations like Egypt, South Africa, Iraq, and Kyrgyzstan, aspiring to reach every nation on Earth. He also speaks about his and his wife Carolyn’s fostering of unaccompanied minors, exemplified by the enduring connection with Mubarak, a young man who continues to visit them due to the love and dignity he receives. This personal approach, he stresses, demonstrates that extending kindness and love to others, regardless of their background, can profoundly impact lives and spread the message of Jesus. Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/the-story-of-ronnie-dawson

Friendship Over Function

As we head into the busyness and unpredictability of summer, this message invites us to pause and reflect on the gift and challenge of friendship. Drawing on Jesus’ own example—who consistently chose relationship over mere function, we’re reminded of our deep need for genuine, intentional connections that go beyond the transactional. In a world battling loneliness despite constant connectivity, we’re encouraged to invest in friendships that share burdens, build trust, and point each other to Jesus. Neil challenges us to step into these summer months with a renewed commitment to strengthening our “friendship muscle,” modelling the love that makes the gospel visible to the world.