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Coleraine, Ireland

Safety

Safety in Coleraine, Ireland
What do other Racers need to know in order to be safe? Current safety protocols/precautions in place? Any relevant issues/concerns? Any precautionary suggestions?

People’s Opinions

  1. The area is extremely safe. There was one night where a few squadmates saw a brick thrown through a neighbor’s window, but for the most part, there’s no reason to be afraid.
  2. When exploring be aware of slippery and uneven surfaces.

Ministry Summary

Ministry Summary in Coleraine, Ireland
Breakthroughs? Suggestions? Concerns? On a scale of 1-4 (1 being not at all, 4 being absolutely) how strongly would you recommend another World Race team go to this ministry location & why?

People’s Opinions

  1. This was one of the best months of my life! This church is very similar to the one I go to back at home and made me feel so comforted. I know you might be thinking what on Earth do they need me for here in Ireland because I was wondering the same thing, but we made such an impact on the community through Vineyard. I LOVED working here! Everyone is amazing and Mark Marx has so much to offer you this month! Make sure to not zone out just because it is so similar to America.
  2. The Vineyard Church is based on the idea of “Going Outward” which involves going OUT into the community, thinking OUTside of the box, and taking the inside OUT. They have a ton of ministries already set up but I would love to encourage you, to go out, use what you are passionate or gifted at, ask God for guidance, and do something unexpected. This month, God enabled me to be in Johnston’s Pub; toilets begin the day and Spanish lessons ended it. The people of Johnston’s are AMAZING and welcomed me in, asked me questions about God, and even provided our entire squad with a meal IN THE PUB. Go to coffee shops, restaurants, pubs, or tattoo shops and know that you have the ability to communicate fluently…God can use that. God can use anything and everything you do…just step out and be bold 🙂
  3. The Vineyard Church and Compassion ministries are filled with great opportunities to serve, but always be open and prayerful about other places and people to serve. Some of the most beautiful moments during T squad’s month here are found in the daily life moments and decisions to step out, try something new and obey God’s voice. This month life was found in a local pub, tattoo parlor and on the soccer fields hanging out with youth that are trying to figure out what reflecting Jesus to their friends and peers looks like. Use every moment.
  4. My team worked in several ministries, including several parts of the Compassion ministry. This included “textile recycling” (donated clothing), food bank, prayer, writing encouraging or prophetic notes to people, helping run the monthly “car boot sale” (like a huge garage sale/farmer’s market/craft fair), and more. There were plenty of ministries to get involved in here, and I had great experiences with every one! Try to spend at least one day working with Encounter – You will learn so much!
  5. Our entire squad was here, so the were able to plug us in pretty much everywhere:Sunday Service: Kids, Main Service (no worship or sermons [a world race first])Healing on the StreetsCelebrate RecoveryVBSHope & Gloria Thrift StoreFood BankPrayer WalksGrow (Physical Labor/Planting)Prayer WalksOffice Work(Anything that you do is going to be a joy. The people are amazing, and because we believe so much in their church body, we are happy to help in any way we can).

Lodging

Lodging in Coleraine, Ireland
Where did you stay? What were the accommodations (sleeping arrangements, toilets, showers, etc.)? Cost (per person per night in USD), Contact info.

People’s Opinions

  1. We got to stay in Exodus for the month and it was so nice! We saw Scout Hall and it was old and looked run down. Exodus is nice! Has tons of bathroom’s and bedrooms. We had to talk them down on the price to make it to where we could afford it, but it was worth it for the entire squad to have that much room.
  2. This month we stayed in Scout Hall. It was only a few minute walk from the church, and we also had great facilities for cooking for all 53 of us.
  3. We stayed in a “Scout Hall” for boy scouts just down the road from the church. It fit all 55 of us.

Food / Meals

Food / Meals in Coleraine, Ireland
What did you eat? Where did you get the food? Cost (per person per day in USD)? Contact info (if applicable).

People’s Opinions

  1. I gained more weight than you can imagine here! Hutch will you feed you until you can’t move anymore. Eating is going to be the last of your worries this month. He is incredible!!! However, keep in mind that he isn’t wealthy. He saves up from this business so he can spoil the World Race teams and he truly cares about us. Make sure to be overly thankful because without him all you can afford in Ireland is Ramen.
  2. Hutch (you’ll meet him first thing when you arrive at Vineyard, most likely) helped with transportation for a few of our girls to buy groceries each week and we cooked. Combined our budgets and then split it all back out at the end of the month for spreadsheet purposes.For fun/personal: Ground Coffee has the greatest Chai Tea Lattes!Bon Appetit downtown also has great sandwiches (2 or 3 pounds)Herald’s at 22 has great lunch specials (and baked goods)Lost & Found is a cafe/coffeeshop started by people from Vineyard and it’s delicious! Walk past town hall and to the right and you’ll see it.Marjorie Jane’s is about 5 minutes from the Scout Hall, also owned by people from Vineyard – great coffee and breakfast, and also burritos! Weird combo, but it’s great! Hutch will probably treat you to dinner here.In Portrush: Uncle Saam’s has great fresh fish & chips. 55 North has a cafe on the bottom floor that has cheaper options as well. Springhill Bar typically has great specials.
  3. There are so many great coffee shops in the center of town. Ground Coffee probably had the best WiFi, which we know is important ;). On Sundays after church the most promising place to go is Rocca at the bottom of town. T-Squad people really enjoyed going to The Anchor in Port Stewart for food or just as a pub to hang out at night. It’s right by the beach and it’s beautiful! Also, people really enjoyed The Coast restaurant in Port Rush, also by the beach and really great prices!

Transportation

Transportation in Coleraine, Ireland
What transportation did you use to enter the country? Where were you coming from? What transportation was used to move throughout the country? Be sure to include the cost per person in USD and contact info if applicable.

People’s Opinions

  1. Our squad landed in Dublin and used Aircoach buses to get from Dublin to Belfast and then we took the NI Railways from Belfast, Great Victoria Street Station, to Coleraine. The train station in Coleraine is not far from Scout Hall.
  2. All of our ministry was within walking distance. In order to go places on off days, the bus system is very easy to use. You can also get on and off the train (all day pass) for only 6 pounds on Sunday.
  3. Trevor and Fiona Wallace were gracious volunteers that drove some squad members every few days to the grocery stores. They are wonderful people, have great stories and are true servants. If you’re able to meet them, ask Trevor about how his son was raised back to life.
  4. You won’t need transport, except for outside of ministry. (See Off Days)

Medical

Medical in Coleraine, Ireland
Information on local hospitals / doctors / pharmacies. Where would someone go in a medical emergency? (addresses and contact info).

People’s Opinions

  1. Causeway Hospital 4 Newbridge Rd Free healthcare here! If anyone needs to see a doctor, someone from the church always picked us up and took us over. There are many pharmacies in town that can fill prescriptions.

Communication

Communication in Coleraine, Ireland
Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?

People’s Opinions

  1. There are coffee shops everywhere where you can get wi-fi and you can also get wi-fi from Marjorie Janes and Johnstons, which is a restaurant and a pub that is often frequented by Racers. At the train station there is a coffee shop called Ground and their Internet is good as well.

Financial

Financial in Coleraine, Ireland
Location of banks or ATMs, notes about transaction fees, best places to exchange money, and other money related advice.

People’s Opinions

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Translators

Translators in Coleraine, Ireland
List any local translators – name and contact information, languages spoken

People’s Opinions

  1. ENGLISH, ENGLISH EVERYWHERE!!!!

Off Days / Fun Activities

Off Days / Fun Activities in Coleraine, Ireland
What activities did your team experience? Recommendations? List locations/contact info. Any locations to be avoided? Any extra safety tips for off days?

People’s Opinions

  1. Giant’s Causeway Dunluce Castle Castlerock Rope Bridge (closed for a bit during the year and depending on weather) Portrush & Portstewart are nearby Londonderry is a town not too far by train – the last remaining walled city and also a pretty large city with some great shopping if you need that. Explore Belfast (Titanic Museum,etc) If you have a full day off, it may be worth it to buy an all-day bus/rail ticket (16 pounds, I think, but worth it) because you can jump on and off the train anywhere and also use the NI Railways/Ulsterbus all day. On Sunday you can get an all-day ticket for a lot cheaper!
  2. Port Stewart! -Beautiful beach and landscape. It will take your breath away! There is great night life down there. The most beautiful beach is Strand at Port Stewart.Port Rush!- There are some gorgeous cliffs to walk on right by the ocean and it’s so pretty just be careful climbing because the rocks are slipperyIf you enjoy golf and get the chance to meet HUTCH tell him you love golf and he will take you! It’s so much fun and the most beautiful golf course I’ve ever played on right by the beach!CROSSFIT!! I can’t tell you enough how much I enjoyed joining the Causeway Crossfit gym this month. It’s right by the church and not a far walk from the Scout Hall. Robin is the head coach and owns the place and was so thankful for our participation. This is also a GREAT way to integrate into the community. You met a lot of people going through here and it’s a great way to build relationships AND muscles!! It only cost us 30 pounds for the month (A STEAL) and we went before ministry in the mornings at 7:30.https://www.facebook.com/CrossFitCausewaySELF-DEFENSE -There is also a gym right beside the crossfit gym run by a guy named Peter. He has self defense classes at night, 6 pounds per class. These were so much fun and definitely helpful. Another great way to be active and meet people in town.
  3. You can buy an all day bus ticket to see the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, the Rope Bridge, and more for 6 pounds.There’s also an all day “triangle pass” that gets you to Portstewart and Portrush for 3 pounds.I would suggest checking out these two. It is VERY expensive to take a cab to the Dark Hedges, but if you’re really into photography you might be interested in going anyway. I decided to save my money.
  4. Explore. There are some beautiful places to see here.

Other Important Contacts

Other Important Contacts in Coleraine, Ireland
Additional ministry opportunities, local pastors, etc. Relationship & follow up suggestions

People’s Opinions

    1. I made a great relationship with a guy who owns a tattoo place called Hole in the Wall. It’s around the corner from the Italian Roast coffee place. The guy’s name is Rick and his daughter works in there too doing hair. I went in there to get my nose pierced and just fell in love with him, he is just the sweetest man with the craziest stories. Anyway I started going in there and asking if he needed help with anything so I cleaned a little and just hung out with them. He certainly blessed me and he will also bless you as well if you take the time to get to know him! His prices are cheap and he is a great piercer!

Tips

People’s Opinions

  1. My tips for a month here would be to just get to know the people. They are all so friendly and love conversation. Take advantage of every opportunity to build relationships and become a part of the community. If you build meaningful relationships and somehow connect them with people from the church they will be able to pick up on those and continue making a impact on the community here. Step out and do things that you haven’t done before. It’s amazing how one small decision like that can evolve into something huge that can really add value to your month.
  2. I don’t really have any tips.But i love this place enough to mention that this is one of the most incredible church bodies i’ve ever worked with (and this is our last month). If it’s your first month, just don’t take it for granted.If you find yourself doing small jobs, don’t be upset. I promise, you will have the whole race to preach and sing. Just be happy to come alongside them.

Additional Info

Additional Info in Coleraine, Ireland
Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?

People’s Opinions

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