£4,815 raised during New Year's Eve sit out

Paul Sayers from Cloughmills and Jonathan Gault from Ballymoney are both members of local Christian group, 'Ignite' and last Thursday the duo took to Church Street to raise funds for building projects in Uganda. And after sitting out from 7pm until 7pm on New Year's Day, a staggering 4,815 was collected.

Jonathan, a local businessman, explained: "We got on the very best. It was a real experience, however we were able to witness what goes on in the streets of Ballymoney during the night. From the community going to their New Year's Eve celebrations to them coming home and from the taxi drivers ending their shifts to the street cleaners beginning.

"We received a number of donations before the sit out, however we were blown away by the actual generosity and support of people throughout the 24 hours - 4,815 is a fantastic amount.

"One significant memory will be when the New Year's Eve church services ended. Many church-goers came by to offer their support and wish us a Happy New Year. A member of Drumreagh even brought hymn books to us and we had a sing-a-long at 1.30am.

"It was times like this that kept us going however at around 6am temperatures dropped to -8 and my toes really started to become very painful."

Not only raising the vital funds, the sit out also gave people an opportunity to find out more about Ignite and their work.

The Ignite team are involved with building, water, education and child sponsorship projects in Uganda. However, it is evangelising and sharing God's love that the team get the most joy.

"People keep asking how we did it, but it wasn't difficult compared to the hardship in Uganda and what the people there have to put up with," Jonathan added.

"We must also remember that it's Gods glory in this. It was God's call that brought us together. Paul and I were simply carrying out His vision - we were being used by Him to help others.

"This Saturday, myself and other members of Ignite will be travelling to Uganda for two weeks to continue our work. We have a number of different projects and have just competed a 25,000 scheme building accommodation for nurses

"The money raised during this sit out will go towards this year's work. While we're in Uganda we're hoping to visit a new school which we haven't seen before - maybe the money will go towards helping them, who knows."

Paul and Jonathan wish to thank everyone who gave so generously of their time, money and support.