Rev. Nigel Craig's Story: "honoured to provide a shelter in the storm"

Following a brutal attack in North Belfast, and the rioting that ensued, the Presbyterian Chaplaincy at Queen's University (Derryvolgie Hall) gave emergency accommodation to nine ladies from Sub-Saharan Africa.

We were honoured to provide a shelter in the storm.

The minister from Cooke Centenary Presbyterian Church, Rev. Dave Gray, and his wife Jayne, supplied the ladies with food and other provisions. Members of a local charity, Acacia Path, also brought food, along with abundant supplies of hope and joy. 

That same week, the annual Presbyterian General Assembly took place in Belfast. As with many other organisations in the city, (schools, universities, and businesses etc) our activities were significantly disrupted. Providentially, one of our overseas delegates happened to be the Lebanese President of a Theological College in the Middle East. Speaking from personal experience of living in a conflict zone and existing in the margins of society, he urged members of the Assembly (ministers and elders) to practice Christian hospitality, especially in moments of disorientation and displacement.

Truly, a fitting message for the week that unfolded! 

Rev. Nigel Craig, Presbyterian Chaplain to Queen's University Belfast & Lyndsey Ballantine, Lay Assistant Chaplain.