Ireland

Religion: While most of us have been lead to believe that Europe is  thoroughly evangelized continent.  The Irish are believed to be mostly Catholic.  However, Europe is one of the greatest unreached mission fields on earth.  Less than 1% of European are Evangelical Christians.  Most of the Irish believe that church is irrelevant and everything is suspect, an outdated idea of the past.  In particular, past generations of unconfessed priestly sins have become a dark shadow in Ireland.   In recent years, the Irish have grown complacent and disillusioned with the church.  

 

Ministry: In Ireland, we have been ministering on the streets of Galway and in Eyre square, a central meeting park, evangelizing to young and old alike.  Yesterday, we saw the first couple of girls brought to salvation after relating to emptiness and wanting something more!  In addition to street evangelism, we are also ministering to their youth club, Fuel, through worship, dramas, and teaching.  Every night we join together with the local congregation to pray for their church, their city, and their country.  

 

 

 

Culture:  Irish culture is much slower than American culture.  Two major social challenges for Ireland are suicide and alcoholism.  Most Irish people have had at least one immediate family member or friend commit suicide.  Currently, approximately 400 deaths a year are attributed to suicide in Ireland.  It is estimated that for every one death, there are 10-30 serious suicide attempts.  Alcohol, particularly Guinness, is a large part of the culture here and bars and pubs are frequently populated at night.  Alcohol consumption increased by 46% between 1987 and 2001.  Over half of 16 year olds report having been drunk at least once.  Up to 104,000 children in Ireland are living with parents who misuse alcohol.  Alcohol also frequently plays a role in suicides.  

 

 

Language:  Due to the invasion of the British, both English and Irish are spoken here.  For a time Irish was outlawed in Ireland. 

• Vulgar swearing is  normal part of secular life in Ireland and swear words in America are not considered swearing here.  However, one should never use the following words, randy, bloody, fanny, bugger, booger, or knacker.  Also never give the peace sign with palms facing in.   
• “To have a good craic” (pronounced like crack) has nothing to do with drugs and means a good laugh or fun.  
• Mad means crazy and cheeky means funny.  Brilliant usually has nothing to do with intellect but describes excellence.  
• You use the toilet or loo but never the bathroom.
• We call each other on mobiles (pronounced mo-byle) not a cell phone.
• Cheers is a common form of thanks.

Food: 

• Dinner has nothing to do with time of day, but refers to the size of the meal.  Coming over for tea actually means a light meal.  
• Chips are french fries and our chips are called crisps.
• Fizzie drinks are sodas and sweet are candies. 
• National dish of Ireland is Irish stew: lamb, potatoes, carrots.  Other unique foods include black pudding and white pudding.
• Tea is an important part of Irish culture and is offered everywhere we go as a sign of friendship and opportunity to socialize.