D.L.

There are still more IKEA boxes to unpack and furniture to assemble!

I have discovered over the past week and two days since I moved to Donegal – Dunfanaghy, that “Assemble” is a powerful word. Not only in terms of its epistemology but also in a very real sense, it compels one to act, to become active, and to come together so that its final and ultimate purpose is to be whole!

This is what I mean: the word ‘assemble’ can not only summon us together or piece things together, but without doing so, it loses its meaning and power.

Last week, I spent much of my time assembling sofas, a bookshelf, and a dining table with chairs while helping to mount a TV set onto the wall. There is still much to be done, but we are making progress. Yet, when it came to last Sunday, the Lord was putting together a group of people from different walks of life and backgrounds, we gather together in Carrigart Presbyterian Church to worship and to commission me and the church into what God is building.

Last Sunday was a truly special day in the life of the Leal’s, as I was installed as the new minister for Carrigart and Dunfanaghy and become the Project Leader of the Bewglas Centre. On Sunday afternoon, the church was filled beyond capacity, and there was a profound sense of God’s presence. My good Chilean friend Claudio led the worship, evoking memories of his leadership during our time together in the Living Room in North Belfast.

I want to thank you all you came and those who spoke, God bless you!

Since Sunday, I have been reflecting on everything that transpired during those two hours and have realized that God is shaping me, he is putting me together. It is the work of His Holy Spirit transforming me, and I hope you are being transformed as well.

This coming Sunday will be my first Sunday as Minister of these two communities. We will unite in God’s vision, purpose, and power!