Newcastle: A Chat with Vianney Reyes

This is Vianney Reyes -- our team's representing Honduran and one of the three amazing girls we've had the privilege spending outreach with. No lies, it's been a long time since this blog has been updated... so long now that this update comes from our team's outreach to the northern city of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne! Vianney had the chance last night to answer a few questions about how Newcastle impacted her and how she impacted it!

"We spent two weeks in Newcastle," she explains, "and our main focus was just blessing the city. We worked a lot with YWAM Newcastle and Westgate Baptist Church, a church that we were blessed to stay at. We helped at the church with various events they had and their ministries, helping out in worship and in Sunday School and their Jubilee party. Outside of the church, we were part of an International students cafe called 'The Globe' and we helped set up, got to know other international students and talk to them. We also volunteered 10 hours at the 'Green Festival' -- it was to create environmental awareness, consume organic products, support locally grown items and make your carbon print less evident in Newcastle. We volunteered there stewarding -- carrying stuff, litter pick, tear down, setting things up, helping out wherever they needed help. We also did a project called 'Space Invaders' which helps young people in Gateshead who have designing/creative talent by giving them the freedom of decorating and renovating a house."

after a day stripping wallpaper at 'Space Invaders'

"My favourite part of the outreach was interacting with people, especially at the Globe Café. It was incredible to get to know people eager to meet other people from around the world and learn more about other cultures. It was a great opportunity to know people -- their thoughts, concerns, their faith, and Jesus. We got to know them as people without forcing our faith on them and were able to establish relationships first."

When asked about what's impacted her the most, she immediately answered, "my relationship with God and my trust in Him has been strengthened so much in this time. I went through a lot of trials but they helped me grow in that confidence that I can trust and rely on Him." 


Our half-team of seven spent two weeks in Newcastle from June 2nd - June 16th. During this time, the other team of five spent two weeks in Manchester -- more on that to come!