When?
It’s a good question.
You’ve heard us asking it a lot this past year. God has heard (and still hears) it a lot from us too.
“I had a fun experience on my trip. I noticed there was a gap in the window next to me …the window frame almost came off and I could see air escaping on the outside window. Good thing we were only 10,000ft in the air…”
Kevin’s trip to Ireland in January was eventful to be sure! This journey was made in hopes of coming up with some answers to this question of “When?”. Upon arriving safely, he visited a number of ministries across Ireland—from 24/7 Prayer in Dublin & Vineyard Church in Belfast, to Galway Christian Fellowship in Galway and many friends in between.
After meeting with the elders at GCF on this trip, they felt it best to release us from our contract with them due to changing financial situations and needs on both sides. Since arriving in the States, we have been praying for direction…this was a decision made through a lot of prayer, and done in a very humbling manner. We’ll miss serving our friends and the youth of GCF.
Besides Wells, Minnesota,
Where does this leave us?
Well we do know that:
Our time with GCF and Youth for Christ has come to an end.
We still strongly believe our call to Ireland has not.
We are moving forward on what we see as foundational steps to long-term ministry in Ireland. Here is what we want to share with you, our team:
The Game Plan
Kevin is enrolled in online courses to complete a Bachelors Degree in Religious studies. His first term starts this month.
Until Sarai finishes 1st grade in June we will remain in Wells. Soon afterward though, we are planning a move to some familiar territory: Duluth.
Once settled, Kevin will begin an intensive course through Hillside Church, our sending church in Duluth. The focuses of this 15-month training are Leadership and Development, Mentoring, and Church Planting.
Maureen will be pursuing further training in the area of worship leading through the Vineyard church during this time as well.
We will be using the skills we are learning in these months of training to reach out in the Duluth community, but all the time getting better prepared to serve in Ireland.
While we wait for June, we will continue to sow into our local community here in Wells with the Tuesday night youth meetings (Kevin) and Sunday worship services (Maureen). We’ll also be personally contacting those of you who are invested in us financially to clear up any questions you may have about further giving. If you don’t hear from us or have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us as well…
You all have been such a blessing and encouragement to us in the past, and we look forward to future ministry with you. Thank you for you for standing in the gap for us!
Join us in PRAYER:
· Thanking God for some amazing financial aid to fund Kevin’s return to school
· Seeking & surrendering in the area of long-term vision.
· Courage to keep stepping out in faith
· Provision! We sold or gave nearly everything we owned away before moving to Ireland. When we move to Duluth we will need:
- a car,
- place to live,
- furniture,
- and most every houseware you can think of
Blessings in Him,
The Gamradts
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