March Update

This past month has been quite interesting. I went to Scotland for a weekend, then I went on the OM weekend with some youth, I got robbed, and then my parents came to visit. At the end of this week the Bousman’s are also visiting. Some things have been good and others bad, however it has all ventured away from what had been normal. I am baffled at how the Lord has not only been using me here, but also how He has been growing me here. I find myself holding onto the promise given in Luke 18: “I tell you the truth," Jesus said to them, "no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life.” God is good. I am continually leaning more and more what it means for Christ to be sufficient for me.
Thank you all for your encouraging words after you read about the break in. I am sorry that I could not get all of you written back, but know that I appreciate everything that all of you said. It was encouraging to hear from you and know your support and prayers are with me.
God is surely at work here. Bill went on a minister’s retreat and came back believing that something was not right with the church. He and Kevin have been talking and praying about the direction the church should go. A new plan of action they believe the Lord is leading them in is changing the entire structure of the church. They are looking at turning the church into a cell church. That is the church will still be meeting once a week to have a celebratory praise service, but the core of the church will meet in small groups each week. The focus of the church would be directed more to what happens in the small groups rather then on the bigger service. The process of switching to this structure would be very gradual and would take some time. However, the wonderful thing is that people are starting to understand that something needs to change. We are not growing, and they understand that we are doing something wrong. Please join us in prayer for the direction of the church here in Tallaght. Pray that the Lord’s will be done. Pray that the leaders of this church will desire only what the Lord desires for this place.
Presenting the gospel to the kids seems to have gone fairly well. Many of the kids are always asking me, “Why are you here?” Hopefully they are beginning to understand that I am here because I want them to know Christ personally. Having my parents visit revealed to me how many kids I have actually gotten to know since I arrived. My small leadership team has decided we are going to simply play games with the kids on Friday nights, and then give a 30 sec word backed up with scripture. Our prayer is that they will see Christ in us, and that the Holy Spirit will drive the small messages home. I trust that as we continue to seek the Lord, He will give us the right things to say in these small messages so that He can draw the kids to Him.
One of the kids asked me on Friday night if I was going to be coming back to Ireland after August. At this particular point I honestly have no idea. Please be praying for me that the Lord will lead me according to His will. I desire to be in a place that I will be affective for His kingdom; no matter where that is.
“But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” – 1 Peter 3:14-16
Thank you for all your support and prayers. His grace and peace be with you all.