The morning (Monday) began with another hearty breakfast courtesy of Shanganagh Bible Church, followed by Dr. Van Dine's conclusion to his session in the book of
Romans.
The weekend's meetings covered all of chapters 6 through 8. After lunch we finished delivery of the 4You magazines to the remaining areas in our allotment here in the Shankill area, and at 4 in the afternoon started up Kids Club on a nearby green. The weather was rainy, and didn't make for the best conditions for a big turnout from the neighborhood. The three local girls that showed up, however, enjoyed a brief time of games, led by the team. After about twenty minutes, and the weather showing no signs of immediate improvement, the team retired to the Shanganagh assembly building.
Later on, the team went over for dinner at the Moriarty's residence (Jim + Kathy), and after good food and fellowship, paid a visit to a nearby traveler's (gypsies) encampment just outside of Rathnew, Co Wicklow. It was quite the experience for all the team members, as we were struck with not only the warming hospitality of the travelers, but their receptivity and questions regarding the Gospel.
A traveler by the name of Tommy invited us into his trailer home as soon as the team arrived on site (we had met Tommy at dinner at the Moriarty's place). After we had all taken a seat, and had made small talk (Tommy was visibly comfortable with his cigarettes and Guinness within hands reach, reclined on the sofa), the team broke out into song with Heidi leading onto the guitar.
Both Tommy and one of the fellows staying with him, Scott, graciously listened as Brian spoke on the words from the song "In Christ Alone", explaining the simple Gospel concepts in the chorus. Also seated in the living room was Mary (a traveler girl, 12 years old who was saved on a similar TnT excursion last year), Katlyn (8), and Ciara (10), and they listened earnestly during the singing and as Brian spoke. Afterward, Iveth shared her testimony, followed by Joan, Victor, and Callie later on. Whether it was out of politeness or genuine interest, the travelers appeared to be listening intently and had many questions after the team had shared. The atmosphere was extremely casual in nature, and conversations were going left right and center, all pertaining to scripture. During all the talk, another traveler by the name of Michael arrived after an 8 hour drive from Belfast, and despite his visible weariness joined right in with the conversations that were had.
To start, Heidi was involved in an intense discourse with the girls Katlyn and Ciara, and was also encouraged to learn that
Mary who professed Christ as Saviour last June was continuing on for the Lord, despite being alone in the faith amongst the turmoil of family and the gypsy lifestyle for the past year. Heidi noted that the bible that was given to Mary last year was worn and looked like it had been read quite a bit. She also told us that Mary had been scorned by those around her for the faith she appears to proudly cling to. Ciara was visibly excited by all the things she had seen and heard from the informal meeting that had just taken place in the living room of the trailer, and was absolutely pelting Heidi with questions as Heidi led her through scripture and the biblical means of salvation. After a long talk, Ciara excitedly expressed her wanting to be saved, and the girl Katlyn made a similar plea. Ciara spoke of getting a tract from her trailer that she had which outlined the 'sinners prayer' that she could pray that would do the job. Heidi strongly advised against this, suggesting to Ciara that there wasn't any set of specific statement one could read off a paper to come to God. Heidi simply told Ciara to believe on the Lord Jesus, and to express this faith in a prayer from her own heart.
Ciara and Katlyn both made a profession of faith last night, and there was excitement written all over their faces as Iveth told them that the angels in heaven were rejoicing over the occassion. It truly was an encouraging sight to witness, and the prayer going round was that Ciara and Katlyns profession was founded on a simple, saving faith, and not the emotions of the moment. The amazing fact of the matter was that Mary, Katlyn and Ciara don't live at the Rathnew site, as they were only visiting. They were all supposed to have left town earlier in the afternoon, but decided to stay one more night.
Truly amazing!In the meantime, Brian was engaged in a deep discussion with Scott, who had made a profession two years ago, but in his own words, had fallen away as a result of events in his life that had caused him to blame God. Scott's mom is dying of cancer, and feels God is punishing his mom for what he has done in his life. His claim was he wanted nothing to do with God, but the fact that he sat and listened and talked for as long as he did about spiritual matters seemed to suggest otherwise. His biggest issue was with the concept of forgiveness, and a lot of the problem was that he was beating himself up over the the wrong in his life, as much of this may have had to do with his Catholic upbringing and his perception of wrongdoing and blame. Brian prayed with him, and left him with a Gospel of John to read. Scott also struck up conversation with Joan and Josh, Joan who empathized with Scott's cancer in the family, and was able to share words and scriptures of consolation.
As this was all happening, Ernie was having a talk with a thirteen year old, Gary, who was also in the trailer the whole time, and was given a bible by Joan, who remembered him from the TnT Team's excursion last year. Ernie guided him through the basic concepts of scripture and showed him how he should go about reading through the gospels, he also answered the many questions Gary had about the bible.
While all this was going on, Victor was engaging Michael (who is married and has a child) in conversation concerning the reason for suffering and evil in the world. Joan and Iveth went over various scripture with him. He had a lot to share from his own experience and despite having the a rough and tough exterior, and a past of alcoholism and drug use, he was very calm and gracious, and intently listened to what was shared by the team.
Overall the reception was overwhelming, and it was quite the work of God that was witnessed last night in Rathnew. For all that are following the blog,
the team requests prayers for all those that were spoken to, and especially for Katlyn and Ciara, that they would bear fruit and continue steadfastly in Jesus Christ, amidst the difficulties of gypsy life. Also
pray for improvement in the weather, so that the kids club can operate in ideal conditions, and that there would be a good turnout for that ministry.
Doors were knocked this morning and will be continued to be knocked tomorrow...continue to pray in this regard, both for the hearts of the residents and for the team as they handle rejection and/or are given the opportunity to share the Gospel. A number of good conversations have been had already this morning, and we are hoping for more receptivity in the days to come.
Thursday, the team leaves for Waterford to begin our work their.
Pray for journeying mercies and for a smooth transition, as shifting gears in the work is always difficult.
-Josh George, filling in for Brian Kramer
Tommy playing "Amazing Grace" for the group.
Joan talking to Scott at the travelers' site.
Group shot at the travelers.
Heidi sings for two of the traveler girls.
Celebrating Frank Carolan and Danny Gleeson's 60th birthdays during the Shanganagh Bible Church retreat. Hard to believe Danny is that old!
