ONLY 5 MORE MONTHS until my 11-month journey around the World begins!
June is coming up quickly, and with it, my desire to learn more about the countries and people we will come in contact with has increased. As I acquaint myself with these countries, I will be sharing with you the uniqueness each possesses, as well as what our team will possibly be doing as we take the love of our Lord Jesus with us around the world!
So here goes! Join me as we make our first stop (drum roll please….): IRELAND! a land overflowing with story and culture, crowned by song and dance, and veiled by mystery and myth.
Ireland at a glance:
Ireland’s land mass is 32,595 square miles, and is divided into four provinces: Connaught, Ulster, Munster, and Leinster
Capital: Dublin
Population: 1,700,000
Religion: The Republic is predominantly Roman-Catholic. Northern Ireland is predominantly Presbyterian.
Question: what’s up with the mysterious-pot-of-gold-at-the-end-of-a-rainbow that Ireland is known for? Legend has it that Leprechauns (two-foot tall, Irish fairies, who make their living as shoemakers…) each have a hidden pot of gold. They are apparently rather unfriendly, but if found, can be forced to reveal the secret whereabouts of their treasure. The catch is, you have to keep your eyes on this cunning chap, as he will disappear should you glance away (and he will do all he can to get you distracted)!
Here is a little Irish poem illustrating this tale:
Near a misty stream in Ireland in the hollow of a tree
Live mystical, magical leprechauns
who are clever as can be
With their pointed ears, and turned up toes and little coats of green
The leprechauns busily make their shoes and try hard not to be seen.
Only those who really believe have seen these little elves
And if we are all believers
We can surely see for ourselves.
So, what exactly will we be doing in Ireland (besides chasing down leprechauns)? First and foremost, our goal is to follow in Saint Patrick’s footsteps: share the love and good news of Jesus Christ with every heart we encounter. We will be working with ministries already set up in Ireland and building relationships with the Irish as we get to know their stories and share our own.
Here’s what AIM (Adventures in Missions) has to say about Ireland: “Ireland boasts a heritage of Christianity through Catholicism. Yet the
lifeless display of faith reveals that this nation is farther from God
than ever. Rampant alcoholism and suicide rates reveal a desperate need
for hope. Through sports, children’s outreach, street evangelism, pub
ministry, and the relationships that just happen along the way, the
World Race reintroduces a life-giving faith to this beautiful, historic
culture.”
To catch a glimpse of what other World Racers have done in Ireland, read Brandy Chaffer’s blog New Kind of Normal.
DID YOU KNOW? Saint Patrick used the clover to demonstrate the Trinity:
3 leaves – 1 clover
3 persons ~ The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – 1 God
For your entertainment, I have included a video – found on youtube – which demonstrates the dance Ireland is most famous for…
THE RIVER DANCE =D 
