New Facility in Northern Ireland

Artist’s rendering of Park Avenue FMC’s new facility in Belfast, Northern Ireland

A new facility for Park Avenue FMC (Belfast, Northern Ireland) will allow the growing church to expand current programs and develop new ones. Despite damage to its existing building by vandals, and the resultant low morale of the congregation, Pastor Norman and Ruth Morrell have been able to turn things around since coming to the church several years ago.

Morrell has a unique background, having been involved in Protestant paramilitary activities before coming to faith in Jesus Christ while incarcerated for terrorist-related crimes. Following his release from prison Morrell served with Child Evangelism Fellowship, where he met his wife, Ruth. Currently bi-vocational, Morrell teaches school three days a week and pastors Park Avenue the other days.

The Park Avenue church is located near the docklands in Belfast where the Titanic was built. “The surrounding area has a similar background to the one in which I grew up,” says Morrell, “heavily influenced by Loyalist Paramilitaries and with an ever-increasing drug culture.

“As an ex-paramilitary,” he adds, “I know the only way to give our young people a chance to change their lives is through the presentation of Jesus — through diverse yet focused programs accommodating all ages.”

The new facility includes a main hall, meeting rooms, rest rooms, a kitchen and a store — all of which will allow Park Avenue to develop a variety of new programs to meet local needs, including after-school clubs, activities for senior citizens and community outreach events. The church has already raised a significant portion of the cost of its new building and is looking to the Lord for the remaining amount.