This whole blog could be summed up in one sentence–The beautiful and creative hand of God can been seen throughout Ireland day in and day out.
That's really it. But I should probably explain more so here goes.
All 53 of us are living together again this month. Though there were some apprehensions going into it, God has already made it remarkably clear why he has us together.
We are living in a Boy Scout hall with a full kitchen, a gym, and a TV with cable [!!!!!!!!!!]. It's hard to believe the life we are living this month. Ireland is beautiful and looks just like you would think.
[Rolling green hills. Sheep roaming around. Quaint cottages. Fish and chips. Rainbows. Rain every single day. And the sweetest accents I've ever heard]
We are working with a church that knows how to do church. They are living out exactly how I think church should be done. They do everything with the purpose of reaching the lost in the community. If it doesn't accomplish that, they don't do it. It's simple and beautiful. They believe in walking in the authority that Jesus has given each of us. They instill that authority into children. They even take kids as young as 5 or 6 to go into the community and pray for others.
Another thing they know how to do here in Ireland: Tea Time. Every day at 11am and 4pm they stop whatever they are doing and get together for tea and biscuits. It's so wonderful.
You better believe I'm taking that back to America.
Ministry looks different every day. We are not doing ministry just by our teams anymore. Our whole squad is split up into different groups every day to do ministry. This means more opportunity to get to know others and to be pushed and challenged.
Ministry can look like: painting banners for the youth group, writing encouraging letter to the women's ministry, copying DVD's from sermons over the past few months, working to organize the church's thrift store or food bank or green house, prayer walking around the community, doing healing on the streets on saturdays, or visiting with the single moms small group. Though the tasks can seem small, the fruit that comes from each one is huge and has such an impact on the church and community.
It's so good to be here. I am learning so much. I am being challenged day in and day out. I feel like I've said this a lot, but life with Jesus is so beautiful. He creates such cool things. I am humbled to be able to explore His world. There is no place I would rather be than on this journey because I know this is where Jesus wants me.
In other crazy exciting news: I am officially fully funded! If you give monthly to me there are a few different things you can do.
1. You can transfer your donations to my teammates that need to make the deadline on October 1st to stay on the Race. The teammates that are still in need of funding are: Jillian Paul (team leader), Rose Fredell, Nicole Mong and Hailey Burger. You can switch you donations by calling the office at Adventure in Missions.
2. You can put any donations into my PayPal account. Just go to www.paypal.com and submit it to [email protected]! I still have costs on the field (toiletries, WiFi, plane ticket home) that will have to come out of my pocket and anything would be helpful:)
3. You can end your monthly payments! Just call AIM and tell them that you donate monthly and to take you off since I no longer need funding!
I honestly have a really hard time wrapping my mind around the Lord's provisions and I am beyond humbled by the generosity that has been poured into this journey by you all. Thank you for the financial support, the prayers, the encouraging words, and for reading my blogs. You guys help keep me going. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I pray that God blesses you in tremendous ways for how you have so richly blessed me.
