o here I am, this is Northern Ireland!” were simple thoughts as I was getting off the aircraft stairs inhaling sea-air. I really felt the presence of God right from the first moment. I was assured deep in my heart that God is here with me and He has prepared my way in this new place. From then on I was opening new presents of His grace every day.

There were so many things that still kept surprising me. When I found out about the sponsorship system that was run at the college I was amazed. It was above my understanding that some people or a church would decide to help somebody they have never met without expectation of getting something back from him. This generosity has moved my heart and I was looking forward to seeing those who so unselfishly blessed my life. I really felt that this is the kind of loving kindness that only God can teach.

I hadn’t heard very much about Presbyterianism before. There isn’t any Presbyterian church established in Slovakia, so all of my previous knowledge about Presbyterians was what I had learned in the church history and the ecumenism classes. It was very pleasant for me to find here this lively, contemporary church that is moved by the Spirit of God.

From September on I started to attend the services every Sunday, and was very blessed as we worshiped God together. I also delighted in the wonderful lunches of those who opened their homes and was even more blessed to learn about the life of my brothers and sisters as we ate together. The church was getting close to my heart. I desired that I would be able to join in the everyday life of the church so I could build up consistent relationships throughout the week. I started to look forward more and more to January, when I was due to do my placement here.

That placement has now been a reality for five weeks and I am blessed far more than I could ever hope. I find it a great privilege and grace that I am able to learn from those who minister in this church and to meet with the unity, humility and passion present within the ministry team, and to see how God continues to bless and extend this church as He has done throughout its history. It is so refreshing to see how the church car park is busy all day long as many activities go on in all of the premises. I am encouraged by the great number of those who are active in running the many different ministries in and through the church. And above all, I am moved by the genuine zeal for seeking God in prayer. There is so much that I can learn. I could write much more but I am bounded by the space of this church magazine. I can see what can happen when the grace of God is poured on His church and it is my hope that this grace is sufficient for the young church in my home.

My heart is filled with thankfulness to God and to all of you that my stay at the college was made possible and that I could become a part of your church family. I pray and believe that God will bless you abundantly and exceedingly more than you or I are able to ask for.

Matus Moyzes

The author

Matus Moyzes is a Slovakian student who is spending a year in Northern Ireland studying theology at Belfast Bible College. Under a scheme set up by the college a number of West Church members undertook to sponsor a student, and Matus was chosen.

The scheme involves providing social and spiritual support to the students, and a placement with the church. Matus has been on placement with West Church, and wrote this article for West Church News.

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