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
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
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
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Kids' Club pictures
Iveth and Joan with Praveen Jose at the Gleesons.
Learning the memory verse - Kids' Club, Shankill.
The puppets tell the Bible story - Kids' Club, Shankill.
The "parachute" is a great draw at Kids' Club!Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Doors and Kids Club
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
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
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