0:00:07 > 0:00:10Hello and welcome to Songs of Praise from my homeland, County Antrim.
0:00:10 > 0:00:14As we explore this beautiful part of Northern Ireland,
0:00:14 > 0:00:18you'll be meeting people with a passion for life and the great outdoors.
0:00:18 > 0:00:20Bikers who're on the right track.
0:00:20 > 0:00:23A man who's happy and on the crest of a wave.
0:00:23 > 0:00:28The rugby players who pray as hard as they play.
0:00:28 > 0:00:33And we have special performances from local singer-songwriters, Keith and Kristyn Getty,
0:00:33 > 0:00:35and Rend Collective Experiment.
0:00:46 > 0:00:50Nestling in the hillside along the County Antrim coastline
0:00:50 > 0:00:52is the chapel of St Killian's College.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56It has a backdrop of fields, forests and hedgerows
0:00:56 > 0:00:58and a spectacular view over the Irish Sea.
0:00:58 > 0:01:02It's an inspiring location for our congregation as they gather
0:01:02 > 0:01:05and sing the first hymn, Praise My Soul the King of Heaven.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47It is breathtaking here, in more ways than one.
0:03:47 > 0:03:51At every turn there are dramatic landscapes, forests, mountains
0:03:51 > 0:03:57and of course, beaches and where you have waves, you'll have surfers.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01People like Andy Hill who's as happy in the water as he is out of it.
0:04:01 > 0:04:05Andy runs a watersports business in the seaside town of Portrush,
0:04:05 > 0:04:06just at the end of the beach.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12I've been surfing here almost 30 years now
0:04:12 > 0:04:15and that passion just developed into my life, really.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19I was a member of the Irish national surfing team.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23I was at three World Surfing Championships and seven European Championships
0:04:23 > 0:04:26and I was an Irish national champion six years on the trot.
0:04:26 > 0:04:30It sounds like an idyllic lifestyle that I led and it was good,
0:04:30 > 0:04:33it gave me a lot of life experiences and opportunities.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36I met wonderful people but I still felt there was something missing,
0:04:36 > 0:04:38wasn't quite fulfilled to the right way.
0:04:38 > 0:04:43I became quite unwell and just had a life-changing moment.
0:04:43 > 0:04:47I felt God threw a storm into my life
0:04:47 > 0:04:50and it made me look at things in a slightly different way.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53'Look at that for a wave...'
0:04:53 > 0:04:57I realised that maybe there's more to this world than just me.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00It was sort of a pivotal moment
0:05:00 > 0:05:04where I went from almost being, well, I was an atheist
0:05:04 > 0:05:08and I just now believed in God and I wanted to research that.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11The aim is to try and find out who Jesus was...
0:05:11 > 0:05:15'I help lead a Christianity Explored course and it's an informal presence
0:05:15 > 0:05:20'where we can introduce the gospel of Mark to people.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24'All sorts of people come, we have people who come from their own fellowship,
0:05:24 > 0:05:25'people from the community.'
0:05:25 > 0:05:28It's an opportunity to take that time and that's the thing -
0:05:28 > 0:05:29our world is so busy.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35When I was just a surfer and a competitive surfer,
0:05:35 > 0:05:37the waves were all about me.
0:05:37 > 0:05:39I was almost addicted to surfing,
0:05:39 > 0:05:41I needed that salt water fix every day.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44I wanted to ride those waves as aggressively as I could
0:05:44 > 0:05:49and it's when you have that addiction, it becomes your idol.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53That's when it becomes dangerous and basically, surfing was my idol.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56I am still passionate about surfing
0:05:56 > 0:05:58but it doesn't define me any more.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01I would like to say I'm defined as a Christian now
0:06:01 > 0:06:04but I'm still blessed to go in the water and surf and enjoy it.
0:06:04 > 0:06:06After I became a Christian, I had this peace
0:06:06 > 0:06:10and I can rely on God's and Jesus' strength now
0:06:10 > 0:06:13to meet the challenges of this busy, busy world.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16It's a gift, anybody can receive this gift.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18It's the gift of grace, none of us deserve it,
0:06:18 > 0:06:22but just accept it and trust what Jesus has done for you
0:06:22 > 0:06:26and I guarantee you, your life will be so much better.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01There are many ways of getting around County Antrim.
0:09:01 > 0:09:06You can drive, you can swim, you can walk, and you can bike.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10A lot of tourists love to take the time and cycle along the coast road,
0:09:10 > 0:09:14stopping every now and again to enjoy this incredible view.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17And then there are others whose eyes never leave the tracks,
0:09:17 > 0:09:19like Winston Copeland.
0:09:19 > 0:09:23Winston is part of a group with the unusual name of BOMB NI,
0:09:23 > 0:09:26which, thankfully, is not as bad as it sounds.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29Squaring up to the challenge of bumpy forest paths
0:09:29 > 0:09:32is something that he takes in his stride.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38As soon as we heard BOMB, it clicked.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42At that time, Northern Ireland was coming out of conflict.
0:09:42 > 0:09:43It stands out
0:09:43 > 0:09:46and it gets a reaction, no matter where you go.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50It's a fantastic name!
0:09:50 > 0:09:55BOMB stands for Believers On Mountain Bikes,
0:09:55 > 0:09:59using bikes as a tool, as a medium to get people's attention.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01And then share the gospel with them.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03Through time and through prayer,
0:10:03 > 0:10:06it has formed into the group it is today.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08When you're out on the trails,
0:10:08 > 0:10:10you'll come across logs and roots...
0:10:10 > 0:10:15'We felt, in order to reach young folk, young groups,
0:10:15 > 0:10:17'we needed to get them out on the bikes,
0:10:17 > 0:10:20'and that's where we approached a local bike shop
0:10:20 > 0:10:24'and they in turn came back with 10 mountain bikes.'
0:10:24 > 0:10:26That was our first ever real answer to prayer.
0:10:26 > 0:10:31Mountain biking is a fantastic way to get out and about
0:10:31 > 0:10:32in the mountains and the forests,
0:10:32 > 0:10:36to meet new friends and to push yourself.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39There's so many challenges on a bike.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43You've certainly a sense of achievement and a sense of fun.
0:10:44 > 0:10:49Faith and life is full of challenges.
0:10:49 > 0:10:50Your life is full of challenges -
0:10:50 > 0:10:53from the time you get up in the morning till you go to bed,
0:10:53 > 0:10:56you face challenges, much like mountain biking.
0:10:56 > 0:10:57From when you get on the bike
0:10:57 > 0:10:59until you get off the bike, you're facing challenges.
0:10:59 > 0:11:04And your faith helps you deal with those challenges
0:11:04 > 0:11:06on a day-to-day basis.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11It's as much a buzz for us to get out on the bikes on a Saturday afternoon
0:11:11 > 0:11:14as it is to take the group out, and that's why we love it.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17We start to talk to them about who we are and what we're about,
0:11:17 > 0:11:18we try to relate mountain biking
0:11:18 > 0:11:21to everything we do as regards the gospel.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24So, it's just always about ticking the boxes
0:11:24 > 0:11:27and keeping them entertained, but also getting the message across.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30The thing is about building relationships.
0:11:30 > 0:11:34These are folks we want to meet with again, to see again.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36Once they become Christians,
0:11:36 > 0:11:39if that's the way it works, then they'll be disciples
0:11:39 > 0:11:42through their own churches and we can come back and get to know them,
0:11:42 > 0:11:45to encourage them to think outside the box as regards Christianity -
0:11:45 > 0:11:48that Christian isn't being just about on a Sunday,
0:11:48 > 0:11:52it's an every day affair, it's through your hobbies, through your sports.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55Even if only two or three come to us about mountain biking,
0:11:55 > 0:12:00if the rest of the group go on and look for hockey or football
0:12:00 > 0:12:04or rugby or knitting, whatever they find themselves interested in,
0:12:04 > 0:12:07a group of Christians together doing the same thing
0:12:07 > 0:12:10can impact so much more than one on their own.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16That may have looked like rain to you but to us here in Ireland,
0:12:16 > 0:12:19it's what we call a "soft" day.
0:12:19 > 0:12:23It's not unusual in these parts for musicians to gather informally
0:12:23 > 0:12:25and just see what happens.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28Rend Collective Experiment started out something like that -
0:12:28 > 0:12:31a group of friends with a collection of instruments
0:12:31 > 0:12:34who wanted to explore worshipping God in a new way musically.
0:12:34 > 0:12:39The experiment caught on, the music and enthusiasm infectious.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41You can hear them now as they perform
0:12:41 > 0:12:44specially for Songs Of Praise - Build Your Kingdom Here.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47# Come set your rule and reign
0:12:48 > 0:12:51# In our hearts again
0:12:51 > 0:12:55# Increase in us we pray
0:12:55 > 0:12:59# Unveil why we're made
0:12:59 > 0:13:03# Come set our hearts ablaze with hope
0:13:03 > 0:13:06# Like wildfire in our very souls
0:13:06 > 0:13:12# Holy Spirit come invade us now
0:13:13 > 0:13:17# We are your Church
0:13:17 > 0:13:20# We need your power
0:13:20 > 0:13:22# In us
0:13:24 > 0:13:27# We seek your kingdom first
0:13:27 > 0:13:31# We hunger and we thirst
0:13:31 > 0:13:34# Refuse to waste our lives
0:13:34 > 0:13:38# For you're our joy and prize
0:13:38 > 0:13:42# To see the captive hearts released
0:13:42 > 0:13:46# The hurt, the sick, the poor at peace
0:13:46 > 0:13:51# We lay down our lives for heaven's cause
0:13:53 > 0:13:56# We are your church
0:13:56 > 0:14:00# We pray revive
0:14:00 > 0:14:02# This earth
0:14:06 > 0:14:10# Build your kingdom here
0:14:10 > 0:14:13# Let the darkness fear
0:14:13 > 0:14:17# Show your mighty hand
0:14:17 > 0:14:21# Heal our streets and land
0:14:21 > 0:14:24# Set your church on fire
0:14:24 > 0:14:28# Win this nation back
0:14:28 > 0:14:31# Change the atmosphere
0:14:31 > 0:14:36# Build your kingdom here
0:14:36 > 0:14:38# We pray
0:14:43 > 0:14:46# Unleash your kingdom's power
0:14:46 > 0:14:49# Reaching the near and far
0:14:49 > 0:14:53# No force of hell can stop
0:14:53 > 0:14:57# Your beauty changing hearts
0:14:57 > 0:15:00# You made us for much more than this
0:15:00 > 0:15:05# Awake the kingdom seed in us
0:15:05 > 0:15:11# Fill us with the strength and love of Christ
0:15:12 > 0:15:15# We are your church
0:15:15 > 0:15:18# We are the hope
0:15:18 > 0:15:20# On Earth
0:15:22 > 0:15:25# Build your kingdom here
0:15:25 > 0:15:29# Let the darkness fear
0:15:29 > 0:15:33# Show your mighty hand
0:15:33 > 0:15:36# Heal our streets and land
0:15:36 > 0:15:39# Set your church on fire
0:15:39 > 0:15:43# Win this nation back
0:15:43 > 0:15:47# Change the atmosphere
0:15:47 > 0:15:51# Build your kingdom here
0:15:51 > 0:15:53# We pray
0:15:57 > 0:16:01# Build your kingdom here
0:16:01 > 0:16:04# Let the darkness fear
0:16:04 > 0:16:08# Show your mighty hand
0:16:08 > 0:16:12# Heal our streets and land
0:16:12 > 0:16:16# Set your church on fire
0:16:16 > 0:16:19# Win this nation back
0:16:19 > 0:16:22# Change the atmosphere
0:16:22 > 0:16:25# Build your kingdom here
0:16:25 > 0:16:28# We pray. #
0:16:36 > 0:16:39And now, a couple of lads who hardly ever sit still.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41They're members of the Ulster rugby squad.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44South African, Johann Muller, and local lad, Paul Marshall.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48For both of them, rugby and success is obviously important.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51But their strong personal faith in God is even more so.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56I think for me growing up,
0:16:56 > 0:16:58it was something that I was always very passionate about,
0:16:58 > 0:17:01something I probably put before a lot of other things at times.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03I definitely put it ahead of my schoolwork,
0:17:03 > 0:17:05which probably got me in a bit of bother at times!
0:17:05 > 0:17:09- COMMENTATOR:- Johann Muller, looking for his first Ulster try.
0:17:09 > 0:17:10Has he got across the line?
0:17:10 > 0:17:13All South African little boys have got a dream
0:17:13 > 0:17:15and that's to play for the Springboks
0:17:15 > 0:17:18and that dream became a reality at the age of 26 for me.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21I never would have thought that I would, firstly,
0:17:21 > 0:17:23have played for the Springboks and then to captain them
0:17:23 > 0:17:27and to win a World Cup, it's all dreams come true.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29So, really, really fortunate.
0:17:32 > 0:17:34Within my school team, we had a lot of talented guys.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36I was not one of our best players,
0:17:36 > 0:17:38but I always kept in the back of my mind,
0:17:38 > 0:17:41"I want to play for Ulster," and I worked as hard as I could
0:17:41 > 0:17:43and tried to be the best that I could be,
0:17:43 > 0:17:46and it's just a schoolboy dream for me come true, really.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51I don't think we just play rugby for the sake of playing rugby.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55I think we've got this wonderful opportunity to play rugby,
0:17:55 > 0:17:58but it's about something bigger and it's about spreading the word.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02It's about talking to people about the wonderful love of God.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05I think we're in a really fortunate situation here
0:18:05 > 0:18:09that we do have rugby as something that we can use.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12Something which we've put in place to try and encourage each other
0:18:12 > 0:18:15is our own Bible study once a week before training, you know.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18I think it's been fruitful for the two of us
0:18:18 > 0:18:19and for the other guys as well.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22It's open for the whole team - if anybody else wants to come along
0:18:22 > 0:18:23they're more than welcome.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27It's not just a secluded group for the holy huddle or anything.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31It's a real privilege and it's a blessing to be there...
0:18:31 > 0:18:33'It opens doors, playing rugby,
0:18:33 > 0:18:35'to maybe go to church events or youth groups.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37I think over the last season, because we had
0:18:37 > 0:18:38a more successful season at Ulster,
0:18:38 > 0:18:40we've seen that going through the roof at times.
0:18:40 > 0:18:45Whenever we go to a youth group or a manse meeting, I always say,
0:18:45 > 0:18:48"If you leave today after this meeting, you'll go,
0:18:48 > 0:18:52"Paul Marshall and Johann Muller's a great guy, great rugby players."
0:18:52 > 0:18:55I'll be really disappointed if they leave with that mindset.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58At the end of the day it's not about me and it's not about Paul.
0:18:58 > 0:19:03At the end of the day, it's about Christianity and it's about faith.
0:19:03 > 0:19:05We're just the lucky ones, you know?
0:19:05 > 0:19:07I think it's also really important -
0:19:07 > 0:19:10I can't change your mind and I can't make you a Christian.
0:19:10 > 0:19:16All I can do is sow that little seed and just leave the rest up to God.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19I think that's probably our job, is to go out there,
0:19:19 > 0:19:21just sow little seeds to people, and show them
0:19:21 > 0:19:24what we believe in and the way that we live our lives
0:19:24 > 0:19:28and hopefully, that will make them grow
0:19:28 > 0:19:31and hopefully God can take it from there.
0:21:28 > 0:21:29Throughout the holiday season,
0:21:29 > 0:21:33this part of County Antrim is a hive of activity
0:21:33 > 0:21:36as people escape the busyness of everyday life.
0:21:36 > 0:21:37Some come for the views,
0:21:37 > 0:21:40others for the good fresh air along the coast
0:21:40 > 0:21:44and others come in search of a quiet space in a picturesque harbour.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47And that's what the great outdoors has to offer, isn't it?
0:21:47 > 0:21:51Space for recreation and reflection,
0:21:51 > 0:21:54a place to contemplate the beauty of creation.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58And in keeping with that theme of quiet rest,
0:21:58 > 0:22:00we join the congregation at St Killian's again
0:22:00 > 0:22:03as they sing Be Still.
0:24:22 > 0:24:26Keith and Kristyn Getty have been writing hymns for over 10 years now,
0:24:26 > 0:24:29bridging the gap between traditional and contemporary
0:24:29 > 0:24:33and creating what's been described as "singable theology".
0:24:33 > 0:24:35The music's familiar to churchgoers around the world.
0:24:35 > 0:24:39In Christ Alone is one of the favourites here on Songs Of Praise.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42But for us now, they're singing By Faith.
0:25:21 > 0:25:25# By faith we see the hand of God
0:25:27 > 0:25:32# In the light of creation's grand design
0:25:33 > 0:25:40# In the lives of those who prove His faithfulness
0:25:40 > 0:25:44# Who walk by faith and not by sight
0:25:46 > 0:25:50# By faith our fathers roamed the Earth
0:25:52 > 0:25:56# With the power of His promise in their hearts
0:25:58 > 0:26:05# Of a holy city built by God's own hand
0:26:05 > 0:26:09# A place where peace and justice reign
0:26:11 > 0:26:15# We will stand as children of the promise
0:26:16 > 0:26:23# We will fix our eyes on Him our soul's reward
0:26:23 > 0:26:29# Till the race is finished and the work is done
0:26:31 > 0:26:34# We'll walk by faith and not by sight
0:26:41 > 0:26:44# By faith the prophets saw a day
0:26:46 > 0:26:50# When the longed-for Messiah would appear
0:26:51 > 0:26:58# With the power to break the chains of sin and death
0:26:58 > 0:27:02# And rise triumphant from the grave
0:27:05 > 0:27:09# By faith the church was called to go
0:27:11 > 0:27:16# In the power of the Spirit to the lost
0:27:17 > 0:27:23# To deliver captives and to preach good news
0:27:25 > 0:27:27# In every corner of the Earth
0:27:30 > 0:27:35# We will stand as children of the promise
0:27:35 > 0:27:42# We will fix our eyes on Him our soul's reward
0:27:42 > 0:27:48# Till the race is finished and the work is done
0:27:50 > 0:27:52# We'll walk by faith and not by sight
0:27:56 > 0:27:58# A-ah
0:28:06 > 0:28:09# By faith this mountain shall be moved
0:28:11 > 0:28:15# And the power of the Gospel shall prevail
0:28:17 > 0:28:23# For we know in Christ all things are possible
0:28:24 > 0:28:28# For all who call upon His name
0:28:30 > 0:28:35# We will stand as children of the promise
0:28:35 > 0:28:42# We will fix our eyes on Him our soul's reward
0:28:42 > 0:28:47# Till the race is finished and the work is done
0:28:49 > 0:28:53# We'll walk by faith and not by sight
0:28:55 > 0:29:02# We will stand as children of the promise
0:29:02 > 0:29:07# We will fix our eyes on Him our soul's reward
0:29:07 > 0:29:10# Till the race is finished
0:29:10 > 0:29:17# And the work is done
0:29:17 > 0:29:21# We'll walk by faith and not by sight
0:29:23 > 0:29:28# We'll walk by faith and not by sight. #
0:29:45 > 0:29:48We give thanks for the gifts that God has given you.
0:29:48 > 0:29:53May he continue to give you success to keep you eager,
0:29:53 > 0:29:58trials to keep you improving
0:29:58 > 0:30:06and determination to ensure that each day is better than yesterday.
0:30:07 > 0:30:11And may almighty God, the father, son
0:30:11 > 0:30:18and Holy Spirit come upon you all and remain with you for ever.
0:30:18 > 0:30:20CONGREGATION: Amen.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46And that's almost it from County Antrim.
0:32:46 > 0:32:50In their own way, the people who you've met today are all valiant.
0:32:50 > 0:32:52Andy, Winston, Johann and Paul,
0:32:52 > 0:32:55dedicated and determined to be the best they can be
0:32:55 > 0:32:57in God's great outdoors.
0:32:57 > 0:33:00To paraphrase Mark Twain, in 20 years from now,
0:33:00 > 0:33:03you'll be more disappointed by the things you didn't do
0:33:03 > 0:33:06than the things you did.
0:33:06 > 0:33:08So, sail away from the safe harbour.
0:33:08 > 0:33:12Catch the trade winds in your sails and explore, dream, discover.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15Until the next time on Songs of Praise, bye-bye.
0:33:17 > 0:33:21Next week, Aled samples the vibrant lifestyle in London's newest
0:33:21 > 0:33:23royal borough, historic Greenwich.
0:33:23 > 0:33:26The Archbishop of Canterbury celebrates the life
0:33:26 > 0:33:28of one of his predecessors and you can join in
0:33:28 > 0:33:32with hymns sung in the setting of the Old Royal Naval Chapel.
0:33:55 > 0:33:57Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd