It was great to have the whole team once again to come down to the Rathnew traveller/gypsy site, where last year's TnT Team had led a teen girl to the LORD. They were able to see her again this year, and her sisters, two of which have subsequently come to the Lord.
We hope to have the future teams every year to be encouraged as they come to the traveller site and see Mary blossoming as a believer, and hopefully other fruit will come also!!
Jim and Kathy Moriarty
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
Ron's Message to Team
Dear 2010 TnT'rs
Even though I wasn’t involved directly with the team this year while you were in Ireland, please know from all the reports I’ve received, the team has been successful in accomplishing the good work of encouraging and building up believers and assemblies in Ireland along with the missionaries and national workers. You have also accomplished the good work of evangelism as you have distributed the magazines and NTs, and personally been a witness at the doors, on the street, and at the kids clubs. While it is the Lord who will reward you, I want to personally express our thanks to you for being willing to take the steps of faith that brought you to Ireland in the first place and the ones you’ve had to take day by day while you’ve been there.
The Lord Jesus told His disciples in John 15:16, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit --fruit that will last.” As we know from the context this verse doesn’t speak about salvation but rather of serving the Saviour. I trust that you have truly sensed that it was indeed the Lord who led you to get involved this year. I trust that as you obeyed the Lord in going with the gospel throughout that you have been encouraged by the immediate and visible fruit that you have seen. Please know that the greater fruit of all this serving and sowing, the “fruit that will last” will only be really understood and appreciated as it’s revealed to you in eternity.
And as I’ve already said, it is the Lord who will bring His abundant reward for faithful service and eternal fruit with Him. In the meanwhile, I trust you already have a sense of being rewarded not only through the response to the work you have done, but also through the relationships you have experienced with your fellow team members, Irish believers and the missionaries.
Six years ago following the visit of the team that year, Leonard Carolan emailed me the following that I’m sure he would echo again this year: “It was something that I couldn’t emphasize enough to the team when they were here. The team members themselves could never fully realize how appreciated the yearly visit is and how people were fired up for Christ by their coming. The effect is unbelievable, such an encouragement. I know, as I’m one of the encouraged! The arrival of the TNT crew is anticipated months before and remembered years after.”
I have no doubt that you have appreciated the extra service Brian, Heidi and Len have provided as they have accepted leadership roles and especially Brian as he’s driven you around Ireland. I want to thank them as well along with Jim and Frank, and everyone who has had to take on more as a result of me not being there. I also have no doubt that you have been overwhelmed by the generous hospitality of your hosts in every place where you have gone. God is indeed good, isn’t He!
I trust you have a memorable last night together with each other, the saints and the missionaries. As you return to your homes remember to water with prayer all the seed that has been sown trusting the Lord for the increase. As you return to your home assemblies, recount with joy the good work the Lord has accomplished in you and through you and don’t discount the possibility that you might be called upon to provide fresh vision and leadership for evangelism in your area. Don’t forget to thank those who faithfully supported and prayed for you. As they have expressed their partnership with you, be sure to share with them the results of that faithfulness.
Again, my thanks to each one of you for your participation in the 2010 TnT Team outreach. We trust the Lord will lead you to consider re-upping in years to come (see Ernie, Joan, Heidi and Brian for details).
Every blessing
Ron
Even though I wasn’t involved directly with the team this year while you were in Ireland, please know from all the reports I’ve received, the team has been successful in accomplishing the good work of encouraging and building up believers and assemblies in Ireland along with the missionaries and national workers. You have also accomplished the good work of evangelism as you have distributed the magazines and NTs, and personally been a witness at the doors, on the street, and at the kids clubs. While it is the Lord who will reward you, I want to personally express our thanks to you for being willing to take the steps of faith that brought you to Ireland in the first place and the ones you’ve had to take day by day while you’ve been there.
The Lord Jesus told His disciples in John 15:16, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit --fruit that will last.” As we know from the context this verse doesn’t speak about salvation but rather of serving the Saviour. I trust that you have truly sensed that it was indeed the Lord who led you to get involved this year. I trust that as you obeyed the Lord in going with the gospel throughout that you have been encouraged by the immediate and visible fruit that you have seen. Please know that the greater fruit of all this serving and sowing, the “fruit that will last” will only be really understood and appreciated as it’s revealed to you in eternity.
And as I’ve already said, it is the Lord who will bring His abundant reward for faithful service and eternal fruit with Him. In the meanwhile, I trust you already have a sense of being rewarded not only through the response to the work you have done, but also through the relationships you have experienced with your fellow team members, Irish believers and the missionaries.
Six years ago following the visit of the team that year, Leonard Carolan emailed me the following that I’m sure he would echo again this year: “It was something that I couldn’t emphasize enough to the team when they were here. The team members themselves could never fully realize how appreciated the yearly visit is and how people were fired up for Christ by their coming. The effect is unbelievable, such an encouragement. I know, as I’m one of the encouraged! The arrival of the TNT crew is anticipated months before and remembered years after.”
I have no doubt that you have appreciated the extra service Brian, Heidi and Len have provided as they have accepted leadership roles and especially Brian as he’s driven you around Ireland. I want to thank them as well along with Jim and Frank, and everyone who has had to take on more as a result of me not being there. I also have no doubt that you have been overwhelmed by the generous hospitality of your hosts in every place where you have gone. God is indeed good, isn’t He!
I trust you have a memorable last night together with each other, the saints and the missionaries. As you return to your homes remember to water with prayer all the seed that has been sown trusting the Lord for the increase. As you return to your home assemblies, recount with joy the good work the Lord has accomplished in you and through you and don’t discount the possibility that you might be called upon to provide fresh vision and leadership for evangelism in your area. Don’t forget to thank those who faithfully supported and prayed for you. As they have expressed their partnership with you, be sure to share with them the results of that faithfulness.
Again, my thanks to each one of you for your participation in the 2010 TnT Team outreach. We trust the Lord will lead you to consider re-upping in years to come (see Ernie, Joan, Heidi and Brian for details).
Every blessing
Ron
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Team Trip + Dinner @ Shanganagh
The team set off from Waterford around 9am and headed down to the New Ross coast and toured the Dunbrody replica sail ship. After lunch in Arklow, our journey resumed with a stop in Glendalough; where the team toured the 8th century monastery there. This was followed with a scenic drive through the Sally gap, after which the team arrived back at Shanganagh bible chapel for a special dinner courtesy of our assembly hosts. God willing, 8 of the 10 team members will be flying out tommorow morning, and the remaining 2 on Friday morning. Pray for journey mercies as the team heads home!
Thank you to everyone who has faithfully followed the blog and has been praying for the team as they helped out with the assemblies here in Ireland. Special thanks to Ron Hampton for coordinating from afar, and everyone else who worked behind the scenes (the Lord knows who you are) to make this trip a success. To God be the glory, great things He has done!
-Josh George, filling in for Brian Kramer
Thank you to everyone who has faithfully followed the blog and has been praying for the team as they helped out with the assemblies here in Ireland. Special thanks to Ron Hampton for coordinating from afar, and everyone else who worked behind the scenes (the Lord knows who you are) to make this trip a success. To God be the glory, great things He has done!
-Josh George, filling in for Brian Kramer
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Doors+Magazines
After breakfast the team headed out for another couple hours of magazine delivery in the Waterford area, and after lunch continued with door to door work. Offering the free DVD turned out to be a good entry point for bringing up questions of faith, and the groups of two that went out all had a measure of good conversations with the locals. All in all, another productive day, and the Lord provided with good weather. This wrapped up our last day of officially ministry work in Ireland, and the faithfulness of God showed itself throughout our stay here in Waterford. Tommorow, God willing, the team will return to Dublin and the Shanganagh assembly, and wrap up our stay here. Pray for journey mercies!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Street Evangelism, Gospel meeting, Door to door work
The past three days have been filled with activity for the team as we have moved into the home stretch of our time here in Ireland. On Saturday, after another morning of distributing the 4You magazines, the team hit the streets of the Waterford downtown core for the second afternoon in a row to strike up conversations and hand out tracts.
A number of notable conversations included one Victor had with a gentleman fundraising for the SPCA, who was an evolutionist by persuasion, but was open minded and was found to be receptive; and graciously recieved gospel literature that catered to the scientific mind. Callie and Josh had a couple of good conversations, particularly with teenagers who were spending their day off school in the square; two girls, Jane and Kelly, were especially interested in what the Bible had to say about Jesus and the significance of His death. Their religious upbringing made them extremely receptive to the truths of scripture, and they were left with alot to think about and reading material that outlined the simple concepts of the Gospel and what it means to humanity. In the meantime, as Brian was sitting in the square working on his Gospel message for Sunday evening, a woman by the name of Christina sat by him, and after striking up conversation with her, Brian soon found out that her husband had passed away about five years ago from multiple sclerocis, a disease that one of Brian's family members' had suffered from in the past. It was made very apparent that their meeting wasnt an accident! They were able to talk briefly about the Gospel, and she was invited out to Sunday's Gospel meeting, but said she wouldnt be able to make it because of a time conflict. These were just a handful of the promising dialogues that were had over the course of Saturday afternoon; and we would request that you would remember Jane, Kelly, and Christina in your prayers as the truth that they heard would take root.
Sunday morning, the team broke bread at Waterford Christian Assembly, and in the Family Bible Hour, Leonard Carolan shared from the word about prayer. Leonard had to leave soon after the meeting, and his presence will be missed as the team continues its work here in Waterford. On Sunday evening, Waterford Christian Assembly had rented out a conference room in the Dooley's hotel, and held an open Gospel meeting for the public. Invitations for this meeting had been handed out the previous two days, and four people turned up for the 8 oclock session. It began with David taking favorites for songs, followed by a special number by Heidi, and finally the message from Brian. During the course of the message, a fellow in the back, Guiness in hand, became very vocal with his questions, mentioning his Catholic upbringing and asking what Brian was trying to get at with the message. God be thanked, Brian kept his cool as he answered the man's questions, and was able to finish the message as planned; but not before the man had gone up and left, shaking his head. Pray for this man! His name also happens to be Brian! Whether he left out of disinterest or true conviction, what he heard that evening was the truth; so the rest is left to the work of the Holy Spirit. The others that came stayed for a good while and talked amongst the various team members. Good conversations were had over tea; in the meantime Victor was out in the streets striking up dialogues with passerby in the downtown core. Alot of literature was given out in this time.
Today (Monday), the 4You magazines were again delivered in the morning, and the first round of door to door work in the Waterford area ensued after lunchtime. Part of the work here includes the offering of the Jesus: Fact or Fiction DVD, free for a three week borrowing period, after which an assembly member comes to pick it up with no obligation. The DVD includes the Jesus film (most historically accurate film about the life of Jesus in existence), as well as bonus features that look at Christianity in an apologetic light (with interviews with Josh mcdowell and Ravi zacharias).
Tommorow, God willing, will be the teams last ministry day in Waterford, and will be following the same pattern as today's activities. Pray for focus for the team and boldness as they hit the doors again tommorow. Thank you to all that have been faithfully following the team's activities so far, and for the prayers and support thereof. God bless!
-Josh George, filling in for brian kramer
A number of notable conversations included one Victor had with a gentleman fundraising for the SPCA, who was an evolutionist by persuasion, but was open minded and was found to be receptive; and graciously recieved gospel literature that catered to the scientific mind. Callie and Josh had a couple of good conversations, particularly with teenagers who were spending their day off school in the square; two girls, Jane and Kelly, were especially interested in what the Bible had to say about Jesus and the significance of His death. Their religious upbringing made them extremely receptive to the truths of scripture, and they were left with alot to think about and reading material that outlined the simple concepts of the Gospel and what it means to humanity. In the meantime, as Brian was sitting in the square working on his Gospel message for Sunday evening, a woman by the name of Christina sat by him, and after striking up conversation with her, Brian soon found out that her husband had passed away about five years ago from multiple sclerocis, a disease that one of Brian's family members' had suffered from in the past. It was made very apparent that their meeting wasnt an accident! They were able to talk briefly about the Gospel, and she was invited out to Sunday's Gospel meeting, but said she wouldnt be able to make it because of a time conflict. These were just a handful of the promising dialogues that were had over the course of Saturday afternoon; and we would request that you would remember Jane, Kelly, and Christina in your prayers as the truth that they heard would take root.
Sunday morning, the team broke bread at Waterford Christian Assembly, and in the Family Bible Hour, Leonard Carolan shared from the word about prayer. Leonard had to leave soon after the meeting, and his presence will be missed as the team continues its work here in Waterford. On Sunday evening, Waterford Christian Assembly had rented out a conference room in the Dooley's hotel, and held an open Gospel meeting for the public. Invitations for this meeting had been handed out the previous two days, and four people turned up for the 8 oclock session. It began with David taking favorites for songs, followed by a special number by Heidi, and finally the message from Brian. During the course of the message, a fellow in the back, Guiness in hand, became very vocal with his questions, mentioning his Catholic upbringing and asking what Brian was trying to get at with the message. God be thanked, Brian kept his cool as he answered the man's questions, and was able to finish the message as planned; but not before the man had gone up and left, shaking his head. Pray for this man! His name also happens to be Brian! Whether he left out of disinterest or true conviction, what he heard that evening was the truth; so the rest is left to the work of the Holy Spirit. The others that came stayed for a good while and talked amongst the various team members. Good conversations were had over tea; in the meantime Victor was out in the streets striking up dialogues with passerby in the downtown core. Alot of literature was given out in this time.
Today (Monday), the 4You magazines were again delivered in the morning, and the first round of door to door work in the Waterford area ensued after lunchtime. Part of the work here includes the offering of the Jesus: Fact or Fiction DVD, free for a three week borrowing period, after which an assembly member comes to pick it up with no obligation. The DVD includes the Jesus film (most historically accurate film about the life of Jesus in existence), as well as bonus features that look at Christianity in an apologetic light (with interviews with Josh mcdowell and Ravi zacharias).
Tommorow, God willing, will be the teams last ministry day in Waterford, and will be following the same pattern as today's activities. Pray for focus for the team and boldness as they hit the doors again tommorow. Thank you to all that have been faithfully following the team's activities so far, and for the prayers and support thereof. God bless!
-Josh George, filling in for brian kramer
Friday, June 11, 2010
Pictures from Waterford and Tramore
Victor and Heidi discussing Islam and sharing the gospel with some young men from Lebanon, in Waterford City Centre.
Josh (above) and Victor (below) sharing from the Word at the Waterford Christian Assembly midweek meeting.
Our accommodations in Tramore.Trip to Waterford and Street evangelism
Yesterday (Thursday), the team set out from Dublin after a light breakfast and headed down to Waterford. We arrived just after 12 noon and touched base with David Wilson, who brought us up to speed as to the work that will be taking place over the course of the next five days. After a much needed time of rest, the team headed over to Waterford Christian Assembly for the Thursday night prayer meeting. After a time of prayer, Victor and Josh both shared from the word. Victor spoke on the importance of Christian character in our witness, and Josh talked about the eternal security of a believer.
Today (Friday) began with breakfast and a devotion led by David on 1 Thessalonians, after which the team headed out to begin the job of delivering the 4You magazine to the Waterford area. After lunch the team headed out to Waterford city centre to begin some rather informal street evangelism, approaching people going about their business in the downtown core with tracts and literature, and striking up conversations while they were at it. The team was in good spirits with the number of good contacts and good conversations that were had pertaining to the gospel. Two Lebanese muslims in particular conversed with Heidi and Victor for well over an hour, and the talk left for good grounds for follow up. As Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest for the Waterford downtown core, the team plans, God willing, on returning to the same place tommorow and continuing their work there. Pray for boldness and endurance for the team members as they approach people in the streets, and as the trip winds down to its last four days of ministry work on Irish soil. Pray for the houses to which the magazines were delivered and that hearts would be opened up to the glorious news of the Gospel!
-Josh George, filling in for Brian Kramer
Today (Friday) began with breakfast and a devotion led by David on 1 Thessalonians, after which the team headed out to begin the job of delivering the 4You magazine to the Waterford area. After lunch the team headed out to Waterford city centre to begin some rather informal street evangelism, approaching people going about their business in the downtown core with tracts and literature, and striking up conversations while they were at it. The team was in good spirits with the number of good contacts and good conversations that were had pertaining to the gospel. Two Lebanese muslims in particular conversed with Heidi and Victor for well over an hour, and the talk left for good grounds for follow up. As Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest for the Waterford downtown core, the team plans, God willing, on returning to the same place tommorow and continuing their work there. Pray for boldness and endurance for the team members as they approach people in the streets, and as the trip winds down to its last four days of ministry work on Irish soil. Pray for the houses to which the magazines were delivered and that hearts would be opened up to the glorious news of the Gospel!
-Josh George, filling in for Brian Kramer
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