Hello all from the beautiful country of Ireland! I want to fill you in on what the first week of the World Race. I spent the first 5 days in Dublin doing some intense training and worship to help us prepare for the coming year. We were filled in on a little bit more logistical information but primary were spending time getting to the best place possible spiritually, emotionally, and physically. This was also a time where I could bond with and start living in close community with Team Fuel.
—– Experience of the Week —–
My favorite experience in my time in Dublin was revolved around my team’s ATL (Ask the Lord) ministry time. This is when we pray as a team, listen to the Lord, and take to the streets to make His name known. My teammate Colin mentioned to our team how he wanted to talk to the skater kids that we saw the day before, which happened to be the exact same thing on my heart. These kids have lip piercing, black and trendy clothes, skateboards, and love to drink and smoke. So myself Colin, Michelle, and myself went to their hangout spot and we were warmly welcomed. In fact for some reason when we walked up they felt the need to cheer for us… which made me laugh quite a bit. These kids are looked at as trouble makers and a nuisance. Some of which they deserve because at times I am sure they get into their fair amount of trouble. However, these kids made my week with the time I was able to spend with them. I was able to share my testimony, why I was on the World Race, and answer some of their questions about the Jesus. This time was just more confirming to my heart my desire to some day be a youth pastor. The high school years are so influential in a persons life and I just remember what I difference my pastor made in my life. I want to offer myself to these kids as a positive role model, mentor, and most importantly a man that exemplifies Christ in their lives.
—– Truth of the Week —–
The country of Ireland is a cloudy and rainy place that is filled with depression and suicide, they need the sun. Alongside of the poor weather conditions (in my opinion) the people of Ireland have a deep seated hatred for the Church. A lot of this stems from the Catholic church covering a preverted and nasty history of sexual abuse in Ireland. The Irish view church as a building of tradition that is not appealing to the postmodern man, they need the Son. So much in the same way that the Irish look forward to a sunny day, the Irish need to be looking towards the Son.
(Analogy from Match Patch)
