May 8, 2006
Hello everyone,
It’s hard to believe that May is already here and that eight months have passed since our arriving in Ireland. I know we’re past due again in sending an update. Before that though, I would like to say another "Thank You." I was reflecting the other day on all of the acts of love and support given as we where making hurried preparations to come. It is so humbling when I think of all those men and ladies that came to our house and often worked long hours in the Alabama August heat, as if they didn’t have any work of their own to see to; those who prayed for us as if our trip was one of the most important things on their agenda; and likewise those who gave financial and material gifts because they thought God was in it or they just wanted to say "We love you". The memories minister to us. Again, thank you and may the Lord bless you.
First of all a response to the last prayer request we sent regarding Nigel’s sickness and the 24-7 prayer weekend with the young people. Your prayers must have been heard. Nigel’s fever went down; he got out of bed and began to feel good enough to assume his leadership role for the event. The event itself was very moving. These young people have such a hunger to see God’s Spirit move in their land again and move in their generation. On Saturday afternoon, Carl Anderson, author of Changing of the Guard spoke. There was a prayer time following for any of the young people who wanted prayer. All of these young people needed encouragement even though they came to pray for others. There were even two teenage girls attending who were tied to a tree and beaten for sharing the Gospel in a rough area. So, needless to say, we were glad to see them receive some ministry for a change. The Holy Spirit moved powerfully and at the end most of them were on their faces or knees.
Samantha said it sounded just like a birthing room. I have never seen so many young people in one place weeping, groaning, and praying fervently for their country and generation- how convicting. The Saturday night worship service was just as powerful. It reminded me of Hebrews 5:7. Surely God hears them and intends to do something in His time.
At lunch time Samantha and I were sitting at the table and talking with about six of them. I had enough time to ask three of them if they attended church, and if so, where. All three said they did not have a church of their own. I asked Catherine sitting beside me- why? She said she just didn’t fit in. I couldn’t help it, I started to weep. Here was a girl who carries a burden for her country and generation, prays fervently, worships wholeheartedly, studies her Bible, participates in street evangelism and doesn’t fit in? What an indictment on the church. I have been here long enough to know that there really may not be a church in her area where she would fit in. These young people network themselves together, encourage one another, and catch a ride when they can to a church with some Life and so they can attend an occasional worship service. You can see the dangers here.
Please pray for them.
Also, thanks so much for your prayers regarding the Alpha program at the Catholic church here in the village. The final meeting, which is an all day affair, took place here at the Centre. This was very encouraging. Some of these people, even though they live here in this small village, have never been in the door here. Over the years the Centre was often considered too Protestant for the Catholics visit and too Catholic for the Protestants.
Only recently have some of Nigel’s closest friends from his old High School in Kilkeel, a primarily protestant area, come here to visit him. Before, he had to go to Kilkeel if he wanted to see them. We are very glad that this type of thinking is deteriorating. Oh well, I digress. Anyway, about the Alpha weekend, there was much laughter at mealtimes and apparently it was a great success all around. The group leaders are telling us now that about twenty five of the participants are now continuing on with a study in the book of Philippians. They are really hungry for the Word! They have heard the Scriptures read all of their lives at Mass (more than many Protestant churches have) but have never read it for themselves. The leaders of the group are so excited to see this happening. This is a significant breakthrough in this Catholic church and we are grateful. The leaders of the Alpha group are still requesting prayer support.
There are so many people from all over the world that come in and out of here and there are stories for almost each one of them. I only wish that I had the time to tell you about them all. I will tell you a quick, not-so-serious story. Recently a retired minister and his wife from South Africa came to help for a couple of weeks. Colin told me later that when he first heard me talk he thought I was "pulling their legs". He laughed and said, "I didn’t think anyone really talked like that. I thought it was only in the American movies." Well, he’s a believer now. One more- yesterday, we where asked to tell a bit of our story and lead some worship in a church in Belfast. Happily we were able to get our schedule worked out to do it. The first thing I had to do was talk to the children and they had not heard me speak. So the first thing out of my mouth was something like, "OK the first thing we have to get out of the way is- I really talk like this. This is the way I talk. I am from Alabama and believe it or not there are millions of us that talk like this. It’s not just in the movies." They’re eyes where big for a while and I got some really interesting looks but they seemed to settle in to the story well after that.
On the family side of things, Ethan is still enjoying helping Paddy with the sheep. His sheep are beginning to lamb now so things are getting pretty busy. Paddy has "hired" (rented) an extra "quad" (4-wheeler) to help keep up with the extra work, that’s a story in itself. Also Paddy’s son, Colin, has taken time off from work to help. This family has been so good to Ethan and has really been a God-send to us. We are so grateful. William is still working hard on his 9th grade school work, which is a bit of a test since his brothers are learning trades of one kind or another. The skateboarding is beginning to pick up with Henry, Doctor Henry Sr.’s son, now that the weather is improving and the days are getting longer, it’s still twilight at 10:00PM! Giles has been loved and taught so much by Pauline, the cook here at the Centre. Giles often cooks the deserts by himself now, even for fairly large numbers. If you want any recipes when we get home, see Giles. Pauline was crying today and telling Samantha that she didn’t know what she was going to do when Giles went home. What a blessing to have people love your children. God has been good.
The current helpers here are 18 year old Charissa, from Holland and a young chimney sweep, Steven, from French speaking Switzerland. Both of them are energetic and are really growing in Lord. Somehow none of us community members here noticed that Steven had not checked "yes" for conversational English on his application. He came about four weeks ago speaking almost none. It’s funny how the Lord slipped that one in on us. It’s been really interesting though trying to tell someone who speaks no English how to clean this or that, cut the grass, repair something, paint a room etc. especially if he’s never done it before. He’s gone to bed with a headache many times but his English is improving daily. He also plays guitar and it’s been a blessing having him play with us during our Sunday night worship/intercession time. Charissa speaks English very well, is a lot of fun and has become a friend to the whole family. She normally helps Samantha in the house/old mansion. The Lord has really been doing a number on her since her coming. It’s been a pleasure to watch.
We know we are where we are supposed to be but we still miss everyone terribly. We all are looking forward to returning home but we hope God helps us to not leave anything undone here that we should be doing now. We think the Centre’s ministry is vital but the life here is confining by comparison and with precious little time to get into the community/villages around you.
We often have invitations to visit people or ministries but it is just not feasible. There’s too much to be done here. I say that to say this, notwithstanding the time constraints, the Lord is beginning to build some relationships with these young people who find this a safe place to come to for their worship/prayer meetings. One of them wanted to know yesterday whether she needed to fly into Birmingham or Atlanta when she comes to visit. She had already priced the tickets. I know Alabama will be good to her and bless her.
There’s so much to share.
We love you all very much,
Please God, Bless all of these our friends for their love,
Shelton, Samantha, Ethan, William, and Giles
P.S. Praise reports, prayer requests and possibly a few photo’s should be forthcoming.
Christian Renewal Centre
44 Shore Road
Rostrevor
Newry
County Down
BT34 3ET
Northern Ireland
http://www.blogger.com/www.crc-rostrevor.org
