For the third time in the last year we have entered the highest level of lockdown, which includes limiting our travel to a 5k radius and not being able to meet with anyone outside of our own household. Not ideal for a relational ministry. The January lockdown has already been extended till at least March 5th. By then it will be a year since we were able to attend church in person save one week in September when 30 of us were able to meet socially distanced. By then our team whom we have led for a year will have met in person only a handful of times. And yet, God is with us and he still moves even when we can't. We had a lovely Christmas, a quiet New Year, and have seen one year end and another begin. With each day we have seen more of God's blessings.
One blessing was the answer to Alanna's call for Christmas cards. When she asked, we never imagine what a response we would get. Several dozen cards flooded our doorstep and decorated every cabinet in our kitchen. It was a daily delight to be able to look on them and they never failed to bring a smile. I can't fully express what it has meant. We are so beautifully loved by you and we thank you for all the ways you show it. One of our joys at Christmas was being able to participate in the living nativity at Christ Church Cathedral. This was the rare moment when we snuck away and took off our masks. Shhh don't tell.
Alpha:
We are delighted to be able to facilitate a group through Alpha Online. For those of you not familiar with Alpha, it is a series of sessions exploring the Christian faith, typically run
over eleven weeks. Each talk looks at a different question around faith and is designed to create conversation. It has a fantastic track record for bringing people to know Christ. We've felt a little spiritual warfare leading up to each session and would love for you to join us by praying especially on Tuesdays for the next two months as we meet with our group. Despite the spiritual warfare, our times together as a group have gone amazingly well. We love our group and can't wait to see where the Lord leads in the coming months together. Click here to learn more about Alpha.
Support Update:
One of the hardest lessons for a missionary, or any believer, to learn is having to rely wholly on God for everything. I wish this was a one-and-done kind of lesson. Instead, I find myself needing to learn it afresh each morning. One of the fastest ways to learn this lesson is having to live entirely by the support of others' generosity. We have been blessed to have such an amazing support base over our years on the mission field. We have never been in want. Sadly, while our support has remained steady our need has not. Cost of Living in Ireland is high and continues to rise. Our organization has restructured missionary's finances (in a great way!) However, due to those and other reasons we find ourselves in need of raising more financial support. As it is, we are looking to raise $2,000 more in monthly giving. In the coming months, we will be reaching out. We crave your prayers in this process as it can easily feel like we are not worthy of such unbelievable generosity. Moreover, if you know of any individuals or churches who might be interested in joining with us financially in our ministry we would appreciate and love the introductions. We do love being able to share how incredible God has been working in and through us.