Regina and Darwin joined the team for breakfast in the morning, and after a time of prayer and devotional from Brian, we headed back out into the neighborhood, picking up where we left off from yesterday's door to door ministry.
Heidi and Victor had a long conversation with a man by the name of Rob, a passive fellow, who discussed evil and suffering in the world, and how these instances point towards a God, as a result of sin. Rob promised to read the literature that he was left with and expressed genuine interest to find out more about the Bible's answers to lifes questions. They also spoke to a man by the name of David, who was selling electricity contracts in the neighbourhood, who was 100% certain that there was such a thing as absolute truth, that there was a God and he was wanting answers. After a brief discussion of the biblical infidelity in the Catholic church, and being visibly excited of finding out more about what the Bible has to say about the three questions (1. where did we come from, 2. why are we here, 3. where are we going), he was left with the 4You magazine and contact information. Remember these two individuals in your prayers!
Josh and Darwin chanced upon two separate born again women in their allotment of the neighborhood, both of whom had husbands who aren't currently walking with the Lord. Darwin was able to share from his experiences and provide words of encouragement. The second woman who they met just so happened to be leaving her home, headed to Glenmaris to inquire about a tree at the edge of the building's property that was blocking shade in her back yard. She invited them in for coffee, and they soon found out that she was a Methodist woman, who had been raised in the Brethren church. Her husband, Victor, 91, (able bodied and not looking a day over 80) was of the same Brethren upbringing, but as he himself expressed, didn't believe or like to discuss religion. But as the conversation progressed, it appeared that Christianity was all he could talk about; and he surprised them with his memory, as he recounted events in his life that simply could not be explained by coincidence, and Darwin joined in along the same line of talk. The wife concluded, as they left for lunch, that it was no accident that they had met and Josh and Darwin were inclined to agree. Pray for Victor!
After lunch, the team distributed a few more sets of the 4you magazines to unreached neighborhoods, and began Kids Club at 4 in the afternoon. The weather had shaped up and the team enjoyed a solid turnout of kids from the neighborhood, and the games (Victor, Heidi, Sheelagh), puppet show story (Josh and Callie), and memory verse teaching (Iveth, Joan, Heidi) proceeded smoothly by the grace of God. A definitive answer to prayer! Praise the Lord.
After activities wrapped up with the Kid's Club, the team enjoyed dinner in the evening at the Gleeson's residence.
Thank you to everyone the world over who has been following the blog and has been faithfully praying. The team, God willing, will be heading down to Waterford in the morning to begin the week's ministry there, so pray for journey mercies and endurance for the team as they shift gears!
-Josh George, filling in for Brian Kramer
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Photos from the travelers and a birthday
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![Reposted] Retreat concludes + Magazine delivery + Visit to the travellers
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
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
TNT Ireland 2010 Team Photo
The TnT Team, with Darwin and Regina Gleeson, outside Glenmaris House, home of the Shanganagh Bible Church, in Shankill, Co Dublin.Sunday, June 6, 2010
SBC Retreat continues
The team broke bread this morning with the members of Shanganagh Bible Church, and after a time of worship, Dr. Van Dine continued his session in the book of Romans and the concept of resurrection living.
After another spectacular lunch, a few of the team joined up with a handful of assembly members and went out to the Sugar Loaf, a mountain just ten minutes from our lodgings here in Glenmaris house. The trail was about a half hour hike up from the car-park, and the summit offered a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding towns, not to mention the nearby Irish sea.
The day served as a time to recharge the batteries and unwind before the pace picks up in the days to follow, God willing. It was a time of good food and good fellowship.
The team traveled out to Bray, a neighboring town about ten minutes away, to a small assembly there (which has been in existence since before the second world war), where Brian was given the opportunity to share from the pulpit from the book of Acts, along with a special number sung by Heidi, and Josh sharing his testimony. It was an encouraging time for both parties and the team will be returning on Tuesday night for their weekly bible study, God willing.
The team returned to the Shanganagh church just as Jim wrapped up his second to last session in the book of Romans, having finished up to the midpoint of Chapter 8. Soon after, both the team and the assembly enjoyed a special time of worship and heard a number of testimonies and encouraging stories that truly lifted the spirits, and did the job of setting our sights and hearts on the work that is laid out before us, in Jesus name.
Tomorrow, God willing, Kid's club will start up. This as well as some additional magazine delivery and the first round of door to door work here in the Shankill area. Jim will also be finishing up his sessions in Romans and the hope for the team is to pay a visit to the gypsies (also known as 'travellers'), and get involved in any way we can on this rather interesting evangelical front. In all these areas, prayers are requested, that all would be done in the strength of Christ, and not by the arm of flesh.
-Josh George, filling in for Brian Kramer
After another spectacular lunch, a few of the team joined up with a handful of assembly members and went out to the Sugar Loaf, a mountain just ten minutes from our lodgings here in Glenmaris house. The trail was about a half hour hike up from the car-park, and the summit offered a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding towns, not to mention the nearby Irish sea.
The day served as a time to recharge the batteries and unwind before the pace picks up in the days to follow, God willing. It was a time of good food and good fellowship.
The team traveled out to Bray, a neighboring town about ten minutes away, to a small assembly there (which has been in existence since before the second world war), where Brian was given the opportunity to share from the pulpit from the book of Acts, along with a special number sung by Heidi, and Josh sharing his testimony. It was an encouraging time for both parties and the team will be returning on Tuesday night for their weekly bible study, God willing.
The team returned to the Shanganagh church just as Jim wrapped up his second to last session in the book of Romans, having finished up to the midpoint of Chapter 8. Soon after, both the team and the assembly enjoyed a special time of worship and heard a number of testimonies and encouraging stories that truly lifted the spirits, and did the job of setting our sights and hearts on the work that is laid out before us, in Jesus name.
Tomorrow, God willing, Kid's club will start up. This as well as some additional magazine delivery and the first round of door to door work here in the Shankill area. Jim will also be finishing up his sessions in Romans and the hope for the team is to pay a visit to the gypsies (also known as 'travellers'), and get involved in any way we can on this rather interesting evangelical front. In all these areas, prayers are requested, that all would be done in the strength of Christ, and not by the arm of flesh.
-Josh George, filling in for Brian Kramer
Weekend with Shanganagh Bible Church
Victor outside Dublin Castle
Josh and Victor at the Islam info booth in Dublin
Shanganagh Bible Church enjoying a meal together outside Glenmaris House, the assembly's new home, during its annual retreat
Welcoming Ivett Bustillo, our new team member - we're glad she finally made it!
Dr. Van Dine speaking on Romans 6-8 during the SBC retreat
Saturday, June 5, 2010
S.B.C meetings + Downtown excursion
Resuming the weekend retreat, the team joined with assembly members at Shanganagh Bible Church this morning for a 'full' Irish breakfast complete with authentic blood pudding. After a time of fellowship, Jim Van Dine continued his thought provoking study in the book of Romans, covering the first part of chapter 6.
A light lunch of soup and sandwiches followed, after which the team (along with a few of the assembly members) disembarked to the Dublin downtown core, in the hopes of joining up with Vincent for some street evangelism. An unexpected change of plans found ourselves walking to the Chester Beatty museum instead, where the world's largest manuscript collection of the Pauline epistles are found on display (dating back to around 100 AD). On the way the team was able to strike up a number of conversations in the hustle and bustle of downtown, and a number of tracts were also distributed to passers by.
After our visit to the museum, and a stroll through Trinity College campus, the team headed back to the church building for supper, after which another 100 leaflets promoting the Kid's Club were distributed to the neighborhood immediately surrounding the church.
Jim ended off the day with another session in Romans, covering the rest of Chapter 6.
God be thanked, another member was added to the TNT team, Yvette, who arrived this morning, safe and sound, and has already been out on our excursions. She has an eager spirit and is a valuable addition to the team!
Your prayers would be appreciated as, God willing, the Kid's club will be starting up on Monday, and will go for an hour every afternoon till Friday. 600 leaflets were delivered to the Shankill area, so a fair turnout is expected. Also remember the residents to whose doors we will be knocking in the days to come, following up on the 4you magazines that were put out Friday afternoon. Pray that hearts would be prepared, and that there would be those that are ready to be engaged in conversations of a spiritual nature.
-Josh George
A light lunch of soup and sandwiches followed, after which the team (along with a few of the assembly members) disembarked to the Dublin downtown core, in the hopes of joining up with Vincent for some street evangelism. An unexpected change of plans found ourselves walking to the Chester Beatty museum instead, where the world's largest manuscript collection of the Pauline epistles are found on display (dating back to around 100 AD). On the way the team was able to strike up a number of conversations in the hustle and bustle of downtown, and a number of tracts were also distributed to passers by.
After our visit to the museum, and a stroll through Trinity College campus, the team headed back to the church building for supper, after which another 100 leaflets promoting the Kid's Club were distributed to the neighborhood immediately surrounding the church.
Jim ended off the day with another session in Romans, covering the rest of Chapter 6.
God be thanked, another member was added to the TNT team, Yvette, who arrived this morning, safe and sound, and has already been out on our excursions. She has an eager spirit and is a valuable addition to the team!
Your prayers would be appreciated as, God willing, the Kid's club will be starting up on Monday, and will go for an hour every afternoon till Friday. 600 leaflets were delivered to the Shankill area, so a fair turnout is expected. Also remember the residents to whose doors we will be knocking in the days to come, following up on the 4you magazines that were put out Friday afternoon. Pray that hearts would be prepared, and that there would be those that are ready to be engaged in conversations of a spiritual nature.
-Josh George
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