Project Ireland Update Pt. 2
Jun 25, 2010
| 0 Comments | Login to commentGreetings from Grace Church in Ireland! There are many things to update you on regarding God’s work here in Ireland. Many people are hearing the Gospel every day on the streets of New Ross and in the myropractic clinic that the couple I am staying with runs from the house. Every day we mention different opportunities God has provided for us to share the Gospel with people that don’t have a clue about it. Although we are not seeing many conversions, we understand that God is the one who saves and all we can do is build relationships around the Gospel with as many people as possible. This is happening and more relationships are being built that hopefully will lead to further opportunities to present Christ to these people.
One of these conversations occurred last night at the pub. Each Thursday night we go to a pub that has live, traditional Irish music. One of the elderly men there (Lawrence) always sings some Irish jigs. Because we have built a relationship with him I was able to tell him the message of the Gospel last night. I was given an opportunity to share the free gift that Christ has provided for us that does not require any works on our part. We had about a 10-minute conversation that was completely Gospel-centered. He did not respond much to the message, but we never know the conversations that could come about in the future. So, please be in prayer for Lawrence as we continue to see him each week that we may have more chances to share the Gospel with him. I have many more similar stories so please continue to be in prayer for more divine appointments from God and for wisdom and boldness so I can continue to do (through the power of the Spirit) what I have been sent here to do.
The greatest day of the trip so far for me was two weeks ago. I was able to preach and we had 18 people at church (which is the most that has attended Grace Church). We also had our first baptism after church that day. Tom Fanning was baptized at a local beach and then we had a BBQ to celebrate. Tom is 34 years old and a new believer. He has a minor learning disability and has a rough story about his childhood. About five months ago Tom did not know anything about the Bible, but through the ministry of Grace Church God miraculously opened Tom’s heart to the Gospel. I am currently studying the book of Acts with Tom and it has been the greatest blessing I have received on this trip. It’s great to see someone growing in God’s Word every single day. His passion is outstanding. He is an extremely quiet person, but God has completely changed him. Today I picked him up from school and he came running to the car with a huge smile on his face because he shared Eph. 2:8 with his entire class. God is doing a remarkable work in Tom’s life. Please pray for Tom and myself as I continue to disciple him and teach him deeper truths about the Gospel.
Another mind-blowing work that God is doing is the ministry with the men and women from Africa. We have started a Bible study with them on Tuesday nights walking through the “I ams” of the book of John (bread of life, light of the world, etc.). One week we had about 12 people. There were people from America, Ireland, England, Northern Ireland, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and one lady from Slovakia. It was one of the most beautiful Bible studies I have ever been a part of. To worship God and study His Word with that many different people was unbelievable. Please continue to pray for this Bible study. I am teaching each week now that Matthew has gone back to the States.
I am experiencing the grace and power of God every single day here in Ireland. I am learning to become more dependent on God and His grace through everything I experience. I am learning how precious and powerful the Word of God is. I am learning the incredible need of the Gospel in Ireland. So, please be in prayer for Grace Church of New Ross. There is an amazing opportunity in this town and there are some very dedicated people that need prayer and financial support to continue to spread the Gospel to everyone that lives here.
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