April News

"How was your trip?"

In a step of faith, we headed to Ireland for nine days this month. Even before we had tickets for the trip, our supervisor, Suzie, had coordinated an itinerary for meetings with pastors, youth groups, steering committee members, and individuals in Galway. So, it seems we've been answering this question a lot since getting home. Jet lagged and semi-delirious, the simplest and most truthful answer we can give is, "Encouraging...Amazing...Unsettling".


Encouraging

Meeting with our steering commitee for our operations in Galway was so impacting. Here are these 9 people, all from totally diverse backgrounds coming together because they see a need and have been inspired by God to do something about it. Whether Dutch, Irish, Northern Irish, Evangelical, Christian Brotherhood, or Methodist, we heard much of the same things: It is 'hard ground'--there may be no change for as long as 8 years or so; those that want to know Jesus on a more personal level are afraid of what their families will do to them (disowning is common); youth groups are small and many times lack a regular youth leader/pastor; some sort of venue is desperately needed to start unifying Christian teens and provide neutral ground for those still seeking; God is ever faithful, ever present, and He will provide. Real encouraging stuff, huh? Well, to us, it is confirmation of what God is putting in our hearts and has been since the start of this adventure. It's just encouraging to know we're on the right track.

Amazing

God's provision alone is humbling. We recieved the use of an apartment for free, fully stocked with food and everything we could need. Money was given that covered needs we hadn't even spoken. The girls traveled incredibly well even with very irratic schedules and the constant stream of new people to meet.

People took time out of their lives to meet with us and answer question after question after question we had about ministry, finding a house, health care, school systems, shipping things, needs of Galway and Ireland.... They fed us, invited us into their houses and lives, and let us overrun thier youth groups and church services. Names on an email are now personal to us. It's amazing how connected you can feel to people and places in such a short time.

Unsettleing

Honestly, short and sweet, it is hard to be back in the States. This trip has only left us more hungry to leave--we feel our desire to be in Ireland has only increased. It's tough to balance being useful where we are at when our passion is somewhere else.

"What can we do to get you here?"

One by one our steering committee members asked this question of us throughout our meeting times. Thank you to all who have answered it through your financial support and prayers. Your faithfulness has blessed us immensely. We have been blessed with over 40% of our monthly salary and close to 75% of our outfitting funds at this point. Your amazing generosity is pivital in getting us to Ireland to continue our ministry in Galway. For more information, photos, and contacts, please check out our blog site at http://www.gamfamireland.blogspot.com/ .

Please Pray For:

*Our monthly finances to come in.
*Clearer vision of what our ministry in Galway is to be--there's so much opportunity
*Continued success of the YFC Dublin youth drop-in center in Bray, Ireland
*A gentleman who happened to attend the 'Rock' church in Athenry while we were sharng. His heart was moved by Kevin's message and Maureen's testimony. He approached the pastor after service really wanting to know how to personally know Jesus and study the Bible. Pray for continued desire and mentorship in his life.