Almost every time without fail when I list the countries on my route and Ireland is mentioned I get a perplexed look which is followed with a question of “why Ireland? What’s the issue there?” Besides the obvious that alcoholism runs rampant, there is such a huge need for youth to have guidance and outlets besides pub life or partying. So many kids easily fall into that lifestyle because there’s nothing for them to do. The availability of options is nothing like what we have here in the states.
Many of you know I served at a place called The Way for 3 years. The Way is a skatepark ministry where kids can come free of charge and skate 5 days a week during the evenings, and probably the only place they get any sort of exposure to God’s Word. The place runs totally off donations or grants, and everyone who works volunteers their time (check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/thewayskatepark). God did some awesome things while I was there. He opened my eyes up to so much and my heart broke for these kids that had no structure, no guidance, no consistency, and were just broken because of circumstances outside of their control. All of this in my hometown! It’s not that I couldn’t believe it, I didn’t want to. Kids young as 9 thinking there’s nothing better out there for them in life and being told they won’t amount to anything. Something inside me just boiled over. Even though these kids were extremely smart, they believed they were stupid and that school was a waste of time. I could get on my soapbox for hours about this, but I will refocus my point…
Ireland. Though I have not been there yet, my heart is most excited for this country because of the youth that are hungry for finding more purpose to life. I have a very strong passion for mentoring and discipleship and I think it is something the body of Christ sorely lacks. I know I cannot take on dozens of people and expect to change all their lives, but I want them to at least know they have one person that they can come to and cares for them and will give them the time of day. So, I have attached a video below for you to see the need this country has, and that after the race, if God confirms it, I may heed the call and move there. Please pray for this nation and the youth who struggle with purpose.
