Burning holes into the night.

It is hard to believe I am nearing the half-way point of this trip. Already much has been done for my culture study, but there is a great deal yet to accomplish. I have had a couple opportunities to preach and lead bible studies and there are many more to come. The schedule is looking to only get busier as the weeks move along.

If one thing is true about the culture, it is very dark. One member of the church here mentioned it seems as though this country is overshadowed by a dark cloud that it has become Satan’s stronghold. Harsh words for a country with a strong “Christian” heritage. The Catholic Church is a very important part of the culture here, but rather than teach the Gospel, it seems the Church is leading people away from it. Ireland is also known for being a land very familiar with struggle, poverty, and suffering but in the last 20 years that has changed drastically and an economic boom known as the Celtic Tiger arrived. The result of this was the country became more westernized and with that – secularized. The Tiger has left, and it remains to be seen how the country will respond to its leaving, but the dark cloud remains.


However, throughout the country, small candles a glimmer of light of the Gospel are beginning to penetrate this dark cloud. The small group of just 10 believers here in Killarney is one such example. The people here love God, and they love to pray and share their faith, so it seems it is just a matter of time before God answers and causes the church to see growth. Needless to say though, they do covet all our prayers. So please pray with us that His Church would grow in Ireland.


Prayer Needs:

Pray for Joe (name changed for privacy), he visited the church recently after having not been there for 10 years, and we know he does not know Christ. He may even become a primary contact for my culture studies as he mentioned that he and I should go hiking.

Culture adjustment – Ireland may speak English, but do not let that fool you. I have sat through many conversations scratching my head trying to understand not just the accent, but also the meaning of the words used.