As nearly overpowering winds of the winter here in Galway lick about us, they bring just a warmer hint of spring on them. And just like the promise of spring, we wait expectantly for what the new year will bring. This is what we can say thus far:
Our January youth event was not what we expected. Icy roads, the coldest weather Ireland has seen in 50+ years, and our original speaker having to cancel unexpectedly caused the event to be rescheduled three times. However, by the end of the month, nearly 80 teenagers from all over Galway and the surrounding area came for a night of games, worship, and the challenge of inspirational speaker Steve McGready (YfC N. Ireland Director and 10 year youth pastor). It was so exciting to see youth from all different church denominations—who would not normally associate—laugh, worship, and learn together. The response has been so great that we can hardly wait for the next event!
The Release conference with international evangelist Tony Anthony Kevin was key in the publicity and planning for this event, as well as being the voice for how to reach the youth of Galway through the conference. The aim was to “mobilise and equip the body of Christ to share the Gospel effectively”. The conference definitly stirred Christian youth and adults across denominations about how they can work together to reach Galway with the love and message of Jesus.
God is so faithful! Between some very generous and unexpected gifts—both financial and material—we are in Galway with YfC U.S.A. for our full term (through March 2010). We are in awe as we sit and shake our heads at the worry that was almost consuming us a couple of weeks ago. Thank you for your generosity and the courage to allow God to work and bless through you.
We are so grateful!
Winds of Change. After much prayer and wise counsel, we have decided to end our time with YfC U.S.A. when our term with them finishes in March. In the past year our ministry has been divided between YfC and GCF. We feel drawn to focus our efforts and receive greater specific and local accountability for they type of ministry we do here, which we find more with the churches. Our time with YfC U.S.A. has given us the experience and means to get to Ireland. We leave grateful and blessed.
What Doesn't Change: Our heart to be in Ireland and minister to the youth is unchanging. The role we have with the YfC Galway board of directors, the GCF youth group, involvement with other local youth groups, assisting and planning community events also remains the same.
The Difference: The two main differences will be:
1) whom are be accountable to (GCF and our home church in the States instead of YfC U.S.A.) and
2) the clearinghouse for our financial support/donations (as of March 1 it will be our home church--details to come).
Our desire is to be a part of what He is doing in Galway and to use the gifts He has given us to their highest capacity to do so.
We welcome any questions or concerns you might have about this transition, so don’t hesitate to contact us. (mkgamradt@hotmail.com)
In Him,
Kevin and Maureen
Join us in Prayer:
*The stirring and challenge from Tony Anthony: for motivation, passion, and outreach.
*Teaching and Courage: for a number of people who made a decision for Christ during a testimony and invitation done by Tony Anthony
*Coming home March 10 on furlough to fundraise: contacts/references, favour, generosity, packing and travelling graces, ease in transition
No comments:
Post a Comment