Time flies by too quickly and it’s
unfortunate that I’ve lost track of time. To get a wonderful recap of what we’ve
been doing here in Ireland, please check out Cinthia’s blog here:
http://cinthiaramirez.theworldrace.org/?filename=ireland-recap
During our time here we’ve done various
projects such as street evangelism (talking
to people about faith & God), face
painting (to bless the kids & families in Galway), street prayer (to encourage people), and servant evangelism (to clean up the city of Galway without desiring
anything in return). Last week we had the opportunity to do prayer & face
painting. While some of the girls brought smiles to the faces of children, I
went out with some others to pray with people. During my wander around shop
street I saw a man sitting against a bookstore asking for money. I knew he had a story, I could tell he needed hope, I felt that he needed someone to talk to, so I approached him.
After introducing ourselves, Keith began to
tell me his story. We only got as far back as a few weeks ago but that’s where
he is struggling. Keith lost his brother 2 weeks ago due to a drug overdose.
His brother was “his rock, his support,
his protector, his source of direction”, he shared with me that at one
point when Keith had gone to jail his brother would do something illegal simply
to be with him and so he could protect him. Without his brother, Keith felt
lost, alone, and though he didn’t say it, I could tell he was scared. I prayed with Keith. I prayed that God
would encourage Keith to follow the honourable & loving example his brother
had lain before him.
In my conversation with Keith a common
misunderstanding came up. Many people believe that having a relationship with
God will make life easy, or that God will simply fix all their problems. In
fact scripture tells us that our struggles in life will continue. In 1
Corinthians 4:12 Paul explains that “We work hard with our own hands. When we are
cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted,
we endure it”. What Jesus gives us is the strength to persevere, the strength
to overcome the struggles. Jesus says in John 16:33, “I have told you these
things, so that in me you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world“. In the times when
all seems lost, when it seems like things are impossible, rest in the knowledge
that God never gives us something more than we can handle…as long as we rely on Him.
I explained this to Keith and welcomed him
to join us at Discovery Church on
Sunday. Unfortunately I didn’t see him this past Sunday (which was our last
here in Ireland) but I do hope he begins to seek out God with the knowledge
that God is seeking him out.
We’re
still in need of more financial support. We’re currently in need of $7,352.59 to be fully funded. Help be a
part of this life changing experience, consider partnering with us monthly!
