A Ship...That Made Me Think...

Me at the wheel...scary! Good thing it was at port!
Me, Mike and Colm, and our fabulous host!
Love these guys already...I mean "I heart these guys"!
Way up top...me and the Logos Hope

This week I traveled to Koge Denmark...the temporary home of OM's newest ship Logos Hope. My assignment was to get familiar with the ship ministry (never had been on a ship before in my life) and to meet and brainstorm with the ship's line up team assigned to Ireland for its upcoming sail to Dublin and Cork.  The line up team is a mixture of administratively gifted individuals who speak my language...they are detail and logistic junkies just like myself.  I loved my time there...I felt as if I were back in my job at Woodstock...except Woodstock was floating on water! Even my boss...Mike...who used to be a ship officer...saw me in my element and said "Girl...this is a perfect fit for you".  Can I just stop and say that I have the best boss in the world (other than GOD)...Mike is such an encourager and is so sold out for God's plans for people and helping them see their full potential in working for HIM!  

See...the ship is almost ready to sail but it is short people.  When you are on the field you truly see the workers are few.  One area they are extremely short...is in the Public Ministry area and specifically the line up team.  These are the people that are sent out to the different ports the ship is to sail (they do about 15-20 per year all around the world).  These people take car of all the logistics such as getting approvals from port authorities, visas, getting the press involved etc.  Right now they are so short they are finding people who have any administrative gifting and trying them on for size in this role.  Some of these people are only in their 20's and have never had any project planning/coordinating experience.  I am sure God's hand will be on them...but they really could use some experienced people.  God has blessed me with many years of experience...which if He directs...I would be delighted to take part in this ministry in the future. 

Mike asked me if I could see myself being on the ship. I told him that as much as I felt so comfortable being with my fellow logistic junkies...I felt that my assignment right now is to help buildup Lacken House...its rescources...accomodations...basically getting it organized and ready to run as a well oiled machine (we have plans to make it into a major sending and training field one day with the build out of our accommodation block).  I honestly feel with the hand of GOD that has been on that place (the people He has put in place and how we have been able to accomplish so much in such a short period of time)...Lacken House could be almost fully operational within six months to a year.  

I also responded to Mike's question about me being on the ship...that it would be me simply going somewhere that is COMFORTABLE. Basically it would be moving from the great Woodstock to the great Logos Hope.   It has the resources...a lot of people...and is up and running...sure I would love to step into something like that...but I need to really pray about what all tasks God wants me to accomplish here in Ireland first!  So there is a major prayer request...that God would make it clear to me what He would like me to accomplish here for Him and also to give me a glimpse into the future...of me staying in Ireland or continuing on to the ships and a timeline on that...do I complete my two years here or do I give some of that time to the ship.  

When I came home yesterday I became very sad. I could not pin point it...but I just felt an overwhelming sense that I was going to "miss out" on things back home (the States)...that I was going to terribly miss my family...not get to see my niece and nephews grow up.  I am still tearing up as I write this.  I finally realized this morning...that me even thinking about the possibility of going on the ship after Ireland...means that I may not be going back "HOME" anytime soon.  And I feel broken about that.  But on the other hand I am excited about the possibilities in the future.  Then the Lord sweetly reminded me of a verse I have been meditating the entire time I was on the ship...and didn't really get it until this morning.  

And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sister or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.  Matthew 19:29

This world is not our home...so we need to "loosely" hold onto things...give those to God to look after and handle.  And just be open to wherever it is that God might be leading us.  We don't know what is going to happen even by the end of today...but at least we know that God has a plan for our lives and we just need to be open and obedient to do what He asks us...even if it does hurt.  

So there you go.  I would love to hear from you all...is God leading you somewhere?  

Check out the ship at www.logoshope.org

Heaviness Lifted

Me and Claybird...eating out...what else would we be doing? We were there with his sweet parents!
Me and Rebekah...had a great time with her sweet family...playing dutch blitz of course...also got to spend some QT time with my good friend Kelly...who I didn't get a picture with :O(
Me, Kerri, and Rebecca...at my favorite place...chik fi la!  It was so sweet for these girls to meet with me and pray over me.
Me and my Dad and chew bear. I was able to see him for a few hours and it was great....except I was still getting over the flu and slept some of the time he was home! :O(
Me and the kids...my niece and nephews at Christmas!

Hello sweet friends.  Well its been a couple of weeks since I have written to you.  I was blessed to go home to the States for a short visit over the holidays. It was great to see family and friends...and to get things you take for granted like eye drops!  I had a rough beginning to my trip as I was diagnosed with the Flu 2 days prior to leaving for my journey.  During my travel back home...our flight was delayed due to bad weather...we had to make a pit stop in Maine for refueling...I missed my connecting flight and had to spend the night in Philly...and then finally made it home after two days of travel (with the flu) to my sweet Mama.  But hey...I was able to sit in first class...the first time in my life...because I was so sick...I guess they had mercy on me...or wanted me to keep away from the other passengers! :O)

Now it is hitting the ground running...as I returned the my house where the Creech family is temporarily staying until the find a home of their own.  It was great to catch up and tell them a little of my heart.  I will spend the next few weeks helping them acclimated to the area.  I am also trucking along in the office.  I am currently working on an employee handbook and training coming up the end of this month.  By February...we will have 7 new team members!

Then next week I will be heading to Denmark to visit the Logos Hope Ship...where I will be meeting with people about the ships voyage to Ireland and all the logistics of making that a reality.  I am also coordinating an up coming golf clinic here in town in which we are partnering with FCA in the states.  We will end the week with a mini ryder cup...should be fun...but lots of work to put all that together...so please pray God's wisdom and direction as I do just that!

During my trip home people kept asking "How's it going?"  "What is it like?"  I wanted to scream if I was asked that one more time. One morning I spent some time with the Lord...because it really bothered me that I was so worked up about people asking me what I thought were such simple questions.  I learned that the only way I could sum up what I was feeling or experienced while on the field was "HEAVINESS".  Although things had been very productive with our pioneering ministry getting up and running in new offices...and great relationship had been formed with my neighbors...I still felt this weight on my shoulders.  I realized that I am just scratching the surface  and a small part of God's doing here in Ireland and the world.  I also learned that there is a real need for people..."the workers are truly few".  

But the cool thing I have learned...that God is a BIG God...in that He can take all the world's hurt, pain, frustration...etc and He is the only one who can handle it.  I couldn't get that across to people for some reason...but if I could go back...that is what I would say...Heavy is my heart for the world...but HE is in control. 

One morning I was reading in Matthew chapter 8 (The Cost of Following Jesus) how the disciple ask Jesus if he could go and bury his father first...and Jesus replied.. "Follow me and let the dead bury their own dead".  Matt 8: 21-22. I realized there is nothing any of us could do really from our home or in a country far away...except look to God with amazement and pray how He could use us. Situations are out of our control...but if we look to Him...He will take care of the fine details.  

I came to the conclusion that I was so frustrated when people asked me simple questions...because I was not fully yielding my heart to hear from HIM.  I was realizing...here I am over in Ireland (as well as for my family and friends back home)...carrying this burden as if it were mine...but had to let go of that...and just Praise GOD!!!  When you don't know what to do...praise GOD!  The best way for me is through song.  I had a song pop up in my mind when I was writing this called "When I Think About the Lord".  Here is the video...take a moment to stop and listen to the words and really think about what God has done for you.  Happy New Year!  Please copy and paste this link into your web browser... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Kha9S2_f6w

Nollag Shona...Merry Christmas!

Me at our Staff Christmas Party
Me and my roomie 
Me and my neighbor decorating her tree!
The town of Roscommon at Christmas...a little blury...but you get the idea
This says it all...this was on the side of Santa's Sleigh

Nollag Shona...or Merry Christmas as they say in Irish.  I pray as you read this letter that you and your family find the Grace and Love our Lord Jesus abundantly in your lives.  Wow, as I sit and write this letter and think back to this time last year…I am amazed by what all has happened.  It has been a world wind of events…that is for sure.  As many of you know…since August of this year I have been working with a Christian Organization called Operation Mobilization in Ireland.  Currently I am serving as their event coordinator for a 2-year commitment.  It is a busy time with such a pioneering ministry where we just recently had our Grand Opening in November.  It has also been a time of great blessings, culture learning experiences, and a unique time with my Lord.  When you are away from family and friends and everything that you know and love…you learn quick how to lean into your heavenly Father! 

 

Today I woke up to a new day…my birthday… a “young and fresh” 33-year-old woman.  It was so sweet to receive mail this morning from the former Church staff and warm wishes from across the pond.  As I read one of the cards I became very reflective.  The card was written from my singles pastor…reminding of how God has placed me here for a reason.  I instantly was taken back to this morning at the local card shop,  O'Reileys. 

 

As I was looking for the perfect Christmas card (in English and Irish) a lady walked in who caught my attention.  Looking very shy and worried she politely went up to the counter and explained her predicament to the shop owner.  She said “My aunt has passed away and I would like to purchase a mass card…but I am unsure of how much money to place in it for the priest”.  My heart instantly sank as I could see her concerned face…worry had enveloped her.  You see many of the people here believe that in order for a person to get to Heaven after their death…the friends and family of the deceased should give a monetary gift to the local priest and ask him to pray for them.  Then…in return for the money, he will pray for the deceased family member/friend…to get into Heaven.  How sad.  So even though it is my birthday…my heart is heavy …and I turn to Jesus and say…THANK YOU for being born.  Your birthday is the ultimate Birthday and the ONLY one that is truly precious!!!!   The only way we can get to Heaven is through Jesus!

 

Even though it has been a very “heavy” and eye opening experience for me over the past few months…I would not change it for anything.  I believe the Lord is breaking my heart for what breaks His…His lost and dying people here in Ireland.  And…there have been so many nuggets of hope that He has shown me as well.  Just last night, as I was sitting in a Christmas service of a local church plant…who walked in…but my neighbor!  See she and I have had such a sweet relationship.  She has been so adamant about making sure I acclimate to Ireland…and in her concerned and loving heart…she has won me over. I pray for her daily that she will know the true HOPE that I know…and little by little she has been showing interest. Then last night…not only did she come…but she also brought her family!  It was a special gift from the Lord!  Last night I was able to give her a Bible that my Sunday school class had sent over from the States…it is a Women’s Daily Devotional book. She was very happy to receive it and I pray that the TRUE word will penetrate her heart and change her…I definitely I want to see her in Heaven again! 

 

What does the New Year hold for me?  Well I am so excited to start traveling across Ireland and some of Europe.  In January I will be visiting our new ship Logos Hope in Denmark.  My main purpose will be to plan for the ship’s upcoming arrival to Ireland.  But I have a sneaking suspicion I will get to reunite with my friends (who started this journey into OM with me)…and have some fun!  Also on the travel note I hope to visit some friends in London in March.  I am very excited and blessed to have these opportunities. 

 

So to end…as I look over this past year I see a year of “New Beginnings”.  And as I look to the upcoming year…I look with anticipation and HOPEFULNESS.  I can’t wait to see what God is going to be up to over here in the Emerald Isle!

 

May God richly bless you and send you special moments that only you and Him can enjoy!  And remember…Jesus is the reason for the season!  “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

 

What is my purpose? Who me…in Ministry?

A challenge to finding your purpose and plan God has laid out for you…and maintaining it for His glory. 

 

 

First of all…how do you know “your calling”?  We use that phrase so freely in the Christian world…but how would you answer someone who asks,  “How am I supposed to know my calling from God?”  First of all the Bible tells us “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 Okay…lets back up a bit and look at the title of Matthew Chapter 6 verses 25-34.  What is the title?  Go ahead and look it up for yourselves.  It says DO NOT WORRY.  Okay…if we are honest…how many of us women worry about everything?  We worry about gaining weight…what to wear…how my new hairdresser is going to cut my hair for the first time.  You name it…we worry. I smile when I read these verses …I can see God pulling in all the ladies and saying, “Girls…listen now…this is for you!”

 

I think being a woman in ministry…we especially are keen to worry about our calling …are we doing the right thing…did we hear God correctly?  Should we be doing something else for the Kingdom? We must be careful not to become so consumed with “doing God’s will in ministry” that we miss the entire point.  Listen carefully…IT IS NOT ABOUT YOU…it is ALL ABOUT HIM!  I speak to myself believe me.  I believe that if we are really following God’s will for our lives…that we become so consumed with God’s kingdom and righteousness that we don’t even “know” where we are being led.  And let me tell you…that really takes the pressure off.  To know that God does have a plan for our lives and we just need to take a chill pill and keep seeking HIM. 

 

Now what does it mean to seek His Kingdom and His righteousness?  We must be open vessels.  Now…a little about Mary…I remember when I first was led into ministry. I didn’t even know I was going into “ministry”.  I though I was just going for a job interview in which my skills would match.  You see, I had been working in the pharmaceutical industry as a program manager (event coordinator).  In that I had recently become a new believer in Christ…only for about 9 months when I started attending a local church and found out about a job opening in the ministry there.  I remember earnestly praying...“God what is your will for me?”  I look back now and love that “new beginning in my life” where I was so focused on Christ and nothing else seemed to matter. I was truly in my “Honeymoon stage”.  I had NO CLUE that He would choose to use my skills that He had been tweaking over the past several years and allow me to do the same thing in ministry that I had been doing in the secular world.  The key word is that I was “CLUELESS”.  And that is not a bad thing to be when you are seeking the Lord’s will or purpose for your life.  I think we as women can get so caught up in what “we” think is a good tract for our lives that we take God out of the equation and try to take control ourselves (remember the chapter of “getting out of control’ and go back and re read if you need to!).

 

A job opened at my wonderful home church, First Baptist Church Woodstock, for an event coordinator.  I thought…great…that fits my skills…let’s go for an interview and just see what happens.  Again…here goes Mary “La, La, La…having no idea what was about to unfold.  To make a long story short I did get the job…but not after a faith testing from the Lord.  I was the 4th person interviewed and everyone who applied was to be interviewed before a final decision was made (all 50 plus).  By the way…if you are interviewing for a job in the ministry…expect the decision to take a while.  Many people are involved usually…taking time to pray and seek God on the matter.  So don’t FREAK out…stay calm and make sure you are praying and seeking as well.

 

So after a couple of months I was called in for a second interview and just had a sense of peace of knowing…this is where God wanted me.   Another cool part of my faith testing during this time was that since it was taking so long to hear a word back from the church I took an opportunity to apply for a job in the Commercial Airline business as a flight attendant. Thought it would be fun to travel!  I was quickly called back time after time and easily gliding over all the hurdles that were in place. I thought for sure they would hire me because of all the positive response I was getting. I was even told by a Human Resource Manager that I would more than likely move onto the final part of the job interview…which was the actually training in flight…and then I would be official as a flight attendant.  Needless to say…God had other plans. 

 

Now let’s go back to the day of my second interview with the church.  Finally I was called back and as I said earlier… as I stepped in there…I felt this automatic calm come over me.  I just knew this was the right fit for me.  I was told at that time they would like me to come and join the staff as their new event coordinator.  I was so elated. I went straight home to tell my family and friends the good news.  Upon my arrival I saw I had a message waiting for me on the answering machine.  As I pressed play the voice said “Hi Mary, this is “such and such” from “such and such” airlines (shall remain anonymous).  We would like for you to give us a call back as soon as possible as this is an urgent matter”.  So I rang them back and listened as the lady on the line frantically informed me that there had been a mix up and all of my application and paperwork had been misplaced.  Her words were “you should have been with us weeks ago!”  I politely told her of my new job with the church and said my goodbyes. As I hung up I had huge tears in my eyes…because I really felt at that time the awesome wonder of God’s guiding us where He wants us…when He wants us there.  His timing is impeccable.  That Sunday I was sharing all this news with my Sunday school teacher who said the words I will never forget. She said, “Isn’t it amazing just how big and awesome God’s “Lost and Found” is?”  I can’t wait to get to Heaven and here some of these stories of how God worked out all these significant times in my lives.  He is so great!

 

So why do I tell you this story. I tell you this in hopes that you will see an example of How God can’t wait to use us in the ministry.  But we must first “seek His kingdom and His righteousness”.  We must be willing to get ourselves and our ideas of what is best for us out of the way.  We must also not go all crazy and think…if God is calling me into ministry…He is going to make it so different from what I am used to. Don’t be surprised if He uses the skills in which He has given you to do the same exact thing you did in the before.

 

 Also…when and if you are being called into ministry…expect “Faith tests” God is keen, in my life anyway, to make sure I really am getting all that He is trying to teach me.  For me going through this season of wondering if I will get the job…I had to learn to listen to Him and Him alone. It was during this time that I couldn’t get enough of my Bible.  That’s right…not self-help books or the latest book in the Christian Market…it was simply the Bible.  God chooses to speak through His precious Word…words penned for us.  What does scripture say about itself?  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)  There it is right there…”training in righteousness”. And going back to the beginning of this chapter…what were we supposed to do when we have questions according to Matthew 6:  33…we are to “seek His righteousness.  Keep reading your Bible and He will train you in His righteousness (if you seek it).    You can’t go wrong with God’s righteousness and He will answer you one way or another.  Keep seeking and have faith!

 

Now…for all of you ladies that are already in ministry and wondering “Lord is this where you really want me to be?’…here are some words of truth…not from me, but from the Bible.  The Bible tells us in 2 Peter 1:3-11 about how we are able to Make Sure of One’s Calling.  For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness, and to goodness, knowledge, and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.  For if you posses these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2^nd Peter 1: 5-8 Sometimes as women in ministry…we need a little reminder of what we were called to do.  No matter your position in ministry…God put you there…and He can take you out. I don’t tell you that to instill fear but speaking from personal experience, we can get so caught up in our own little pity parties that we tend to miss the bigger calling.  We can lose our goodness and it can be replaced with attitudes of a stinky heart.  (For our of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks) Matthew 12:34b.  How many of us can attest for times when we were holding onto things that maybe someone else in the ministry said about us or to us.  And that holding onto it brewed into something ugly and eventually it came out of your mouth…these horrible, non-glorifying God ...words?

 

If we are not careful our knowledge will slip away and the “voice of truth” will be replaced by the lies from the enemy.  Be careful ladies to keep in the Word!  The minute that you stop looking for truth in the Bible and going to friends instead…you are not listening to one TRUE person…God.  Don’t’ get me wrong…friends are vital to bounce things off…but instead of running to them first…try God! 

 

And also, if we are not careful we lose self-control.  How many times have we taken just a little step towards compromise? Maybe we read a gossip magazine we shouldn’t have and suddenly have this sense of “I don’t add up to the rest of the women in the world…look how skinny, fashionable, and beautiful she is. I will never be like that”.  Then we start to not like ourselves…the very person who was created in God’s image.  Take a minute if you need it and read chapter one (Is Beauty Only Skin Deep?). 

 

And what about some of the virtues that are talked about in 2 Peter 1:5-8? What about perseverance, Godliness, brotherly kindness?  Can you honestly say that in your position right now…in ministry…that you posses all three of these?  I can honestly say that I am not perfect and even though I daily strive to have these in my life…I often do not show these characteristics.  Why so?  Because laziness tends to replace perseverance; selfishness tends to replace Godliness; and envy tends to replace brotherly kindness. 

 

Look at the last virtue in 2 Peter 1:8.  It is LOVE.  Now how many of us can honestly know this love and be able to share it in our ministry lives?  Do I really show the Love of Christ to others?  The greatest commandment we have is “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  This is the firs and greatest commandment” Matthew 22:37-39

 

The bottom line…as women in ministry we do have choices to make and we do have an exampled of virtues to be displayed.  If we keep to them, then we will be effective and productive.  We all mess up and will continue to mess up until we are in our home in Heaven.  But continue to seek and ask the Lord to help you in any of these areas that you may be lacking. 

 

To end…I want to encourage you with one of the greatest sermons I have heard preached. It was at a missions conference for teens and young adults who were seeking the Lord about going on the mission field.  Great pastors got up, one after the other, and even though the message was completely Biblical, the theme seemed to be the same “if you don’t do it who is?”  Then a relatively quite young pastor got up to challenge us for our day out doing evangelism on the streets of the local town.  The pastor said some radical words that shocked the congregation.  He said “I am sick and tired of listening to all these pastors get up here and tell you that If you don’t do it (become and missionary) then who will.  I am here to tell you that the kingdom is unstoppable.  Whether you say yes to wherever God may be leading you or you say no…the one key factor is that God is always in control and it is His purposes that will prevail. It is an unstoppable force.   But here is my question for you…why wouldn’t you want to be part of that?  Why wouldn’t you want to get in on what God is doing?  Instead of listening to others…listen to God.” 

 

I took those words to heart and have thought back several times to that sermon.  Especially when I am low (and yes this does come in play in ministry sometimes)…I read over my notes from that special message…and I become revived again of what I am doing this all for.  And more importantly…whom I am doing this for!  Jesus Christ …the darling from Heaven…God’s only son…came down from Heaven to earth…lived a sinless life…and died a horrific death on a cross for my sins so that through His blood I may have everlasting life.  For God gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 There is no greater love than that ladies!  And now we have an extra gift…the honor of working for Him!  So let go and let God work through you.  And remember the most important thing of working in ministry…IT’S ALL ABOUT HIM!

 

Father I pray that each lady, including myself, who has read this will be re energized and re focused on your call on our lives.  Lord, let us see you in a real and personal way right now. Remind us of the first time you showed yourself to us.  Father God, show us any areas where you would want us to improve for your Glory and our good.  We love you and want to show that love to others.  Thank you for being our guide and our teachers. Continue to work in our lives. In Jesus name, Amen.

More Photos Grand Opening

Above is David and Melanie Darraugh.  Melanie is originally from Minnesota, USA and David is a local Irishman.  Together they play beautiful bluegrass!  David used to be a worship leader on the Doulos Ship.  They met August of last year at a concert they both were involved in...and less than one year later...they are married!  Life is good!
Our staff minus a few.  We have team members from Brazil, England, Dubai, Holland, Germany, Ireland, and the States.  Soon we will include another group from the States (2 families from Atlanta and one from Las Vegas) as well as my new roommate Julia from Australia!  
Here is the unveiling.  The marble stone (which was donated to us) reads "Unless the Lord Builds the House the Builders Labor in Vein".  Psalms 127:1.  This was the verse the couple who first renovated Lacken House, wrote on the wall as a reminder of who they were building this for.  It served as a bed and breakfast until July of this year when the Christian couple found OM Ireland and sold the property so that it could be used for God's ministry work in Ireland!  We believe this verse is straight from God for us as well as we endeavour to build out the rest of the property (the dorms and our offices).

Mike speaking of all the Lord has done.  Our offices used to serve as the previous owner's bridal boutique.  A gentleman visiting the property when OM first purchased it...took one look at the former bridal boutique area (which are now our offices) and said "God is not done with this place...He is still preparing "the bride"..."the church"...and you all are blessed to be a part f that!"  
The Crowd listening to all the amazing stories. It was so encouraging to see friends and family from all over Ireland come and greet us in the name of the Lord and support us in this important day!  We had close to 200 people...and for an event in Ireland...that is a lot!!!

The Start of Many Photos Today!

Music is a way of life for the Irish.  A cup of tea a Baran (drum in pic) and a feadog (flute) will make even the grumpiest of Irish light up.  And the funny thing is that most Irish will break out into a jig with little or no warning.  The picture below is of my team members doing just that as I sat in my office going over last minute program schedules for the Grand Opening.  I was allured downstairs to our cafe (where the staff eat lunch) and greeted with cheers!  The Irish are very keen on everyone stopping what they are doing and joining in on the fun! Oh the carefree Irish life!
Okay...so many have been asking for pictures of the renovation project for our new office headquarters (Lacken House).  I am in the process of uploading some of those as we speak as well as photos of our Grand Opening which took place this past weekend.  So much has happened...so sorry for the multiple post today.  Also..I will be uploading all the pics on Facebook...so if you are not already my friend...I would love for you to be!!
Above I am praising God for the donation of our new chairs.  The ones before were literally falling apart.  God knows what we need and when we need it!
Here above, Maxim is fearlessly vacuuming or "hoovering" as they say here the dust and debris left over from sanding.  I tell you what...after this project I think there is a future for all of us in the construction business. We have learned how to hand dry wall, sand, paint, put in wood flooring, carpeting...you name it.  God has blessed us with many skilled volunteers along the way who have lead us in the right direction.  But we still need more help.  Soon to come...the build out of our dormitories which will hold 100 people at one time!  If you feel the Lord leading you...please contact me as we are looking for building teams...and finances to pay for that as well! :O)  Currently we are in need of about 100,000 euro to complete that project! But again...God provides!
Here is the outside bit of the office location.  To the right you will notice the office block.  The upstairs are the actual offices and the downstairs is our meeting/conference room as well as our cafe, prayer room and laundry facility for those living on campus.  To the left is the future home of the Lacken House Dorms to hold 100 people.  
Awee....the good ole days.  Below is a picture of all of us in our temporary offices (bottom part of our office block which now serves as our meeting room.  We do daily devotions, displays for prayer night, and very soon our staff Christmas party in this room.  Also during events this room serves as the main meeting room for conferences and worship.  

If We are the Body...SWEET CONVICTION

This weekend marked a "sweet conviction" moment for me. Kind of like what you see on the V8 drink commercials where someone gets hit up side the head...when they realize they should have chosen the healthy choice (the V8) instead of the bad choice they made. You see, it was going to be the most marvelous weekend...spent with precious friends and an encouraging time of getting to meet up with the group Casting Crowns.  They were playing in Belfast for the weekend, and thanks to my friend Tony Nolan...me and my friends/coworkers were able to go backstage to meet them.  It was such a special time...I was especially excited for those with me to meet the band. For them to see how humble and real the group is...was a blessing for me!!! Casting Crowns ROCKS by the way!

So after our "high" of being backstage...we were escorted to our seats in the arena.  As the lights dimmed and the music began to play...my eyes began to fill up with tears.  You see...I have been blessed not to have too much homesickness...but at that moment...I was missing my former job...working with such great artists like these...and also just how much I took for granted having great praise and worship music all around me.  But...moving on from my pitty party with balloons moment...I got over it and was able to appreciate the little present that God had given me that night.  

We traveled with a group of young adult Christians (about 25 people) all from Co Donnegal area...I know you USA folks probably don't know where that is...but just think...the north part of the country of Ireland.  After the concert our group was herded out of the arena...I do mean herded like cows...and then ended up in an mall looking building.  As I got my bearings of where we were...I began to notice it was quite a different scene than where we just were. 

See...it was Halloween night...close to midnight...and the place was packed with people who were falling down because they had a little too much to drink to say the least...and also... a plethora of vulgar costumes. My first reaction was "yuck...I want to go back where I was...it was so much more comfortable to me there".  I just sat and starred at these people...and I have to give the "none Sunday school answer" here...I was disgusted with what I saw and my second reaction was to think..."these sad people...glad I'm not like that anymore".  Enter...the bus picks us up.

Okay...so whew....I am out of that situation.  Now I am more comfortable...I think.  As the bus pulled away I looked around me with all these happy Christians talking about what an awesome time they had. But my heart sank as I turned my head to look outside the bus.  There were all of these lost and lonely people.  I was screaming inside..."wait...why didn't we talk to them?".  I instantly remembered the encore song that Casting Crowns sang..."If we are the body...why aren't His arms reaching, why aren't his hands healing, why aren't His words teaching...why His love not showing them there is a way?"  I began to sob and knew that I had missed it.  I had just walked out of an awesome concert in which I was reminded of my purpose here...and God gave me an awesome opportunity to go and share His love with others.  There were 25 Christians all standing in the middle of this room full of people who most likely do not know the love of Christ...and all we could do is just sit there and...for me personally...be judgmental...I blew it!  I asked God to forgive me and thanked Him for a lesson well learned.  

This is not what you probably would expect to hear from a missionary on the field...but I believe in being honest...and that we can learn from our mistakes.  It was a sweet conviction...by that I mean...even though I knew I had made the wrong choice...I knew that God forgives and it revived my calling to be in Ireland again! (In vision Mary getting hit upside the head now...for her ah ha (V8) moment!)

So I challenge you sweet readers to know that God calls us wherever we are to be that Body of Christ...to be an extension of His hands and feet...to share His love.  If we are not careful...we will become comfortable with our Christian bubbles and not want to go out to those who Jesus went out to...those different from us.  Just curious if any of you readers out there have ever had a "V8" moment like this where God gave you a sweet conviction...I would love to hear from you!