Team Ireland 2010

Back in the US of A

2010-06-01T13:07:00.000-07:00

Hello all we are home!!! Thank you for all the prayers. Ireland was so awesome! God has worked in my life so much through this trip. I was so challenge by the missionaries in Ireland and their faithfulness in serving Christ.

The Beginning of the End

2010-05-30T14:44:00.000-07:00

Well, after months of planning, praying, practicing songs, putting together games and skits, and anxiously awaiting, TEAM IRELAND departed from the United States and landed in Ireland. Now, a little over three weeks later we have come to the end of our time here and are looking towards our flight home in the morning.
What an amazing three weeks it has been! We have seen the Lord work in magnificent ways. We've seen His protection in travel, His grace and help while street-preaching and witnessing, and His mercy and love in changed lives. The missionary families we've met and worked with over the three weeks were great too! It has been so neat to be able to see the various techniques that are used in ministry to meet the needs of different people. It's also been immensely helpful to me to get the opportunity to talk personally with the missionaries and learn about their work here and gain insight into unique challenges they face.
I am so grateful that I have had the opportunity to come on this trip, especially getting to come on it with Josh by my side. We have grown and learned much over this trip and are excited to see what the Lord has in store for us, whether here on this island or elsewhere, in the future. Instead of an end of a wonderful missions trip, this is rather the beginning.

Annie Newcomer

Pictures from Ireland

2010-05-29T06:09:00.000-07:00

Nearing the End

2010-05-29T05:21:00.001-07:00

I can hardly believe that I've been in Ireland for 3 weeks as of today. It has been an amazing journey so far and I have grown so much in what God has been teaching me in having a heart for those who don't know the incredible love and power of God, especially those I know. This week, we've had a wonderful time getting to know some wonderful Irish people and serving alongside other believers. It is a small taste of heaven to be with many believers from other nations. God has also pushed me to go outside my comfort zone and do things I never thought I could do. I have also had the wonderful opportunity of working with some fellow team members I never would have gotten to know outside of being put together for this trip. I've had fun and learned so much. A special word of thanks to those who made it possible for me to go through your money and prayers. :)

3 weeks ago, it seemed like the trip would be incredibly long, but now, as I near the end, it seems incredibly short. My prayers will be with the different people serving Christ in the darkness of Ireland, bringing the light of the gospel to those who have never heard or are searching for truth.

*Sarah Hall

2010-05-27T06:15:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who has been thinking of and praying for Team Ireland over the last three weeks--it's hard to believe we've been here that long! The team has been able to participate in so many different ministry opportunities such as street preaching, working in the creche (Irish for nursery), singing in many church services, and even painting and hanging wallpaper. Getting to know my teammates, each pastor, and many fellow believers has been a great blessing. God has taught me a lot on this trip, and I am so thankful that He gave me the privilege to come to Ireland this summer. Thanks again for your prayers!

Brynley

Nothing New Under the Sun

2010-05-26T14:35:00.000-07:00

Our team has had the incredible privilege of serving God in Ireland. God has impressed several things upon my life through this trip. The first thing I have learned is similar the people are to Americans. Yes, there are cultural and psychological differences between the two people groups, but both people possess the same sin nature. The volitional sins may be different, but the same sin nature remains the same. However, we can be thankful that the same God as well is here in Ireland. God must break the hearts of stone of the people in Ireland, just like He must do in the United States.

-Dan

Transition

2010-05-23T14:03:00.000-07:00

We have successfully transitioned to our new ministry with the Snodes in Derry. We are facing limitations again this week with access to the internet. We will post as often as possible but please understand if we do not post everyday.

Thanks,
Mr. H

Power of Prayer

2010-05-23T13:46:00.000-07:00

The Lord has truly been working in my life the past couple of weeks. I apologize for not posting earlier in the trip. Annie and I have been praying about where the Lord would send us in the future. I have learned so much from the people here. I have had many good talks with pastors from all over Ireland. Through my interaction with these men I have learned how important prayer is. The church in Ireland prays earnestly, prayer is not a show or a mundane practice. The people pray fervently and we have seen the Lord bless each time we go to Him in prayer. I look forward to sharing more of what the Lord has been doing in my heart when I see you this summer. Please pray for us as we continue to serve the Lord here in Northern Ireland. Pray for Annie and I as we seek to serve the Lord wherever He sends us.

Josh Moore

Blanchardstown

2010-05-16T07:29:00.000-07:00

Hello,

We have arrived at our second location for the trip. Sadly, we don't have internet access this week so we won't be updating the blog as often. We will update the blog as often as we can. We have loved the time here so far. I am writing this from the home of one of the church members. We had an excellent lunch of shepherd's pie and chicken and an asian dish and potatoes and sweet potatoes (the potatoes were mixed). They have one of the cutest little girls I have ever met that has lots of energy. We will let you know what else we do next time we have a chance to update this.

In Christ,
Lindsey

Arrival in Blanchardstown

2010-05-16T07:27:00.000-07:00

We have transitioned from Bray to Blanchardstown. We will now be with Pastor Derry O'Sullivan. We have limited access to the internet this week so we will not be posting updates every day. We began our day with an Irish breakfast. Abby made eggs, rashers, black and white pudding, and biscuits. We had a great time with the believers this morning. Mr. H, Josh and Dan all had the opportunity to speak (SS and morning service) and we all had the opportunity to participate in the music. Tonight we look forward to a baptismal service. Thank you for your prayers and we will keep you up to date as much as possible this week.

Mr. H

Touring day in Ireland

2010-05-15T01:56:00.000-07:00

Street Preaching in Arklow

2010-05-14T16:04:00.000-07:00

God's Goodness in Bray

2010-05-13T11:30:00.000-07:00

Our first week is coming to a close and God has truly shown himself strong. We had the opportunity to minister on the streets of Bray on Thursday with a group of men from Reformers Unanimous. This group consists of men who were saved out of lives of drug and alcohol abuse. Today we returned with them to the streets to sing and give testimony of God's goodness. Pastor Oriel O'Gorman, from Arklow, prayed that a "spiritual revival" occur in Bray today. We may not know all of the fruit of this work in the people of Bray until eternity, but this group of men was an incredible encouragement to the team. Many team members commented on how encouraging it was to minister with these men. God is good. God is great, and we as a team thank Him for the work He is doing in our lives.

Daddy H/The Hock/Aka Mr. H

Out and About

2010-05-12T15:37:00.001-07:00

Today was a touring day in Ireland. We got to see a few gorgeous old churches in the area. I would put their names on here, but no one would be able to pronounce them. :) We will put pictures up of the day at a later time. We were able to provide music for the service tonight with singing and instrumental music. Mr. Hockman preached in church tonight on "Something Better to Come." That's probably not the title that he would say, but it's what stuck with me. He talked about how we can let the little things in life crowd out the one true focus that every Christian should have: Jesus Christ. We have something better than this life to look forward to, so we should live in light of that fact. With that said, please be in prayer for us as we will be out in the streets of Bray tomorrow doing more street preaching. We will be joined by some local men. Please pray for boldness for the team and that the people of Bray would be open to the Gospel.

For His praise and glory,
Lindsey Miller

Funny PIcture

2010-05-12T15:28:00.001-07:00

This picture was just too funny not to put on here.

The Power of the Gospel

2010-05-11T15:00:00.000-07:00

The power of the Gospel. That was theme of today as we went out in the town of Arklow to do street preaching. God gave us a beautiful sunny day and held back the rain. Before we left, we met with Pastor Oriel O’Gorrman and Pastor Gillmore to have a time of prayer and asking for the Holy Spirit’s help and power. Pastor O’Gorrman was going to go out and preach by himself, but God had other plans today and sent thirteen other people to help encourage him in his ministry. We began by singing Victory in Jesus and then a few of the men got up and shared a short challenge. The rest of the group spread up and down on Main St. handing out fliers. I got to speak to a man for about half an hour. Though he did not accept Christ as his Savior, he is meeting with Pastor O’Gorrman tomorrow to talk more. Please pray for him as he searches for answers. Throughout the day, many good conversations were had and I believe one person was led to Christ. We are seeing God work, not only in the people of Ireland, but also in our own lives. Tomorrow will be another opportunity to spread the Word of God, so please continue to keep us in your prayers.

~Lindsey Miller

Pictures in Ireland!!!

2010-05-10T15:37:00.000-07:00

Hey all I don't really like talking so here are some pictures that will described everything much better than I ever could!!!

This last picture is of the brave people that road in my car!!! :-)

Beacons of Blessing

2010-05-10T15:19:00.000-07:00

Today was an amazing day! God is so gracious and wonderful to those who desire to serve Him. This morning the men went bright and early to a prayer meeting and then were able to minister at a boys' home. They had the opportunity of sharing the gospel and singing with these young men. We pray that their testimony and witness will impact these young men's lives. At the same time, the ladies were able to go into some of the shops in the small town of Bray. In the afternoon, the entire team went out to several of the estate suburbs and passed out tracts, known as Beacons. Several of the team members were able to talk to different people and witness to them. The missionary, Dan Pero, had the opportunity of talking to a man for a while about the Word. We hope to see fruit from his labors. One team member made the comment that Pastor Pero is a Ninja Warrior. He just goes out with his Gospel guns blazing. =) He has been such an encouragement to the team. He and his family, along with the other missionary Sabrina, are so faithful to the Lord and His cause. Ireland is a hard nation, very Catholic. Many are not open to the true Gospel. They look to so many other things for comfort and salvation, but not to the True Comforter and Savior. These missionaries have been here for nearly 10 years, and they still preach the Word even though converts are few.
Tonight, the ladies were able to go to the Ladies Meeting at the church. We were able to give our testimonies and Sarah gave a brief devotional. We got to hear the ladies' testimonies of the church as well. Pina is a little lady from the Philippines, and Sunette is a lovely lady from South Africa. Their testimonies and faithfulness to the church are such a blessing to us. We hope to spend more time getting to know them this week. It's only Day 3 in Ireland and already we feel as if we've been here for a lifetime. Please continue to pray for us as we will partake in street preaching tomorrow and and passing out Beacons.

~Anna Baxter~

Mother's Day

2010-05-09T16:22:00.002-07:00

Happy Mother's Day! We miss you all!

Team Ireland

First Day

2010-05-09T16:22:00.001-07:00

Bray, Ireland
“If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, If any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of on accord, of one mind”. This passage is taken from the beginning of Phillipians 2, a passage we have already seen put in practice today. A beautiful Ireland morning sun greeted us through the jet lag, along with the promise of a full day of ministry. We were all able to attend and minister in Pastor Pero’s church, Calvary Baptist of Bray. Many singing and preaching opportunities arose in both the morning and evening services. Our team nearly filled the auditorium, a small room above a pizza shop. The front windows were flung open, so the exuberant singing could be heard ringing through the streets. While many customs in Ireland are far different than in America, the joy and fellowship of Sunday morning church remains the same. After morning service, we all visited the people’s park, an open market on the coast. Here, our first glimpse of the spiritual condition of the Irish people came. The churches are nearly empty on Sunday. As Pastor Pero phrased it, “Many layers of darkness hang over these people”. The market showed us a people that had never experienced revival, but had been immersed in a dead religion their entire lives. Pray for us these next few weeks as we attempt to bring them the light that has changed our lives so drastically.
The other light that has shone true this week is the light of Christian fellowship. While our goal was to aid the Pero family in whatever way possible, they have blessed us beyond words. The Pero family has shown great hospitality by making amazing food, and even more amazing tea! Their joy in serving the Lord is evident in everything they say and do. Pray that this joy is contagious, and we are able to transfer it to the people we will be ministering to this week.

-Abby Call

Safe Arrival

2010-05-08T03:14:00.000-07:00

We have arrived in Ireland. We will keep you posted on the events happening here over the next few weeks. Please continue praying for us as we begin our ministry.

In Christ,
Lindsey Miller

P.S. The grass is greener on the other side of the ocean. (Serena Graham)

Clear Skies

2010-05-06T16:23:00.000-07:00

Hello again,

Thank you for all who have been praying for us. With the volcanic ash in the skies blowing in from Iceland, we were not sure this trip would actually happen. But we have an amazing God Who has cleared those skies and opened the airports so that as of right now we are clear to go. Please continue to pray for a safe trip for our team and that the skies remain clear. God has already shown us the extent of His power and we look forward to seeing what else He has in store for us.

In Christ,
Lindsey Miller

2010-05-03T19:26:00.000-07:00

Hello!

After almost six months of support letters, meetings, and music practice, we're excited to be on our way. Our three week trip to Ireland begins this Friday, May 7. It's hard to believe we're almost there. Please pray for us as we begin this trip. Specifically, pray that we grow together as a team, we have safe travels, and we are a blessing to those that we will be ministering to. I look forward to sharing more with you as the trip progresses

In Christ,
Lindsey Miller