New Seasons

Setting in Steve (holding the Hurley stick) as Pastor of DCF with myself and nine other Pastors from the Region.

This has been an exciting season for us. Earlier this month we set in Steve Hamer as pastor of the Dungarvan church. The meeting was awesome. Many pastors and leaders from all over the region came to celebrate with us in this momentous occasion. A founding member, he’s been an excellent elder and definitely has the call of God on this life to pastor and lead. As always, our goal is to see European leaders being released to lead the local church.

Fergus and I at Paul's baptism, 1985. We've been working together a long time!

Handing the church over here in Dungarvan has freed me to focus on Cornerstone Christian Fellowship, our sister church in Dublin. I have been leading both churches since January. Some of you know I helped plant the church in Dublin and was the associate pastor back in the 80’s. We are moving to Dublin the first week of August, and have created a new powerful team with the Perry’s and also the O’Regans, an Irish couple that helped plant the church in Delft with us. We are very excited to be working with both of these couples. They are some of our best friends and we have been serving together for over 20 years. Paul Perry is now released to travel and minister to many other churches in Ireland using his prophetic gifting. We will greatly miss our DCF family, but we know we will still be working together.

Ross Barrett on the cover of VOX magazine.

Ross Barrett, a member of our church who we baptized about two and a half years ago,has been busy with his burden to reach youth through his kickboxing gym and his Bad Boy Turned Good ministry. He was recently featured on the cover of VOX, the only national Christian magazine in Ireland, which actually only comes out four times a year! If you know of any young adults who are interested in a three or four month internship, please let me know. I’d love to introduce them to Ross and see if it’s a fit. Also, please be praying for him and his impact on youth throughout Ireland.

Paul Mahon from our sister church in Dublin told his powerful story of deliverance from a life of drugs and gains.

Since we last wrote, we have finished our Student Alpha course at University College Cork. I highly recommend it; it’s a great tool for student ministry. Earlier this year Mitch Smith sent us a great team that helped us in UCD and UCC. We also had the privilege of introducing Fusion into Ireland. Fusion is a ministry in the UK that helps local churches impact their surrounding universities. I’m excited to be working with them, and they’ve asked me to take a leading role in helping to establish Fusion Ireland, which really goes with the vision God has given me for universities. We had another team just a few weeks ago from Waterbury, Connecticut. They performed and ministered to seven different towns around Ireland. They did an awesome job but I was totally exhausted at the end of it! hanks Pastor Ollie! The day after they left another team flew in. Scott Evans from Elemental is partnering with us and using our building as a base for a ‘Drop In’ center for youth to come and hang out. We have all kinds of video games and snacks set up to help the American teens start to build meaningful relationships with the Irish youth. Also in these past few months, we’ve been able to welcome some fantastic visiting ministers including Doug Fortune and Armand Lefeu, who came through and blessed both churches. It was an extra special privilege to welcome John & Julie Steele. They have been pouring into us personally and the churches we have served for over 25 years. An incredible couple leaving a great legacy.

Best kids in the World

And now for a family update: Although Michael has been living in Cork City for the past year, this move will separate him from us much further. Genia just graduated from secondary school and will be moving to South Carolina for college. It’s going to be hard not having them around. Genia will be living with my parents and working for my sister while going to school. Michael is finishing off his last year and working in Cork. We were told it would be nearly impossible to get Emily & Benjamin in school in Dublin with such short notice, as there are long waiting lists for most schools. For months we had no success finding a school for them. The impossible is really HIS- possible, as God provided 2 excellent schools for each of them. The schools are very far apart, so the next challenge was finding a house we could afford where each could be in the proximity of their schools – it was complicated! But God did another miracle. We just found a house where they both could get to school rather easily. It is quite a bit more expensive than living in the country, but this house was far less expensive than others available. Emily is now entering into the Leaving Certificate course. For these next two years, she will be studying for her L.C. examinations. As Genia has just completed this grueling process of education, we’ve learned a lot about it. It’s considered one of the most difficult systems of secondary level education and has proven to be very exhausting. We’re standing behind her in this time. Benjamin has been doing great and received ‘The Pupil of the Year’ award. We are so grateful to his school, St. John’s, as they have helped and loved Benjamin so much over the past few years. Wendy and I are busy packing the house and are excited for this next move. So sorry we’ve had such a lapse in our blog. You’ll hear from us again soon!

Holland News

Robert Baxter and myself in Cornerstone new building.

Our sister church In Dublin, Cornerstone Christian Fellowship, recently completed work on their new building, and a had a grand opening celebration in November, I was privileged to be there along with Robert Baxter. I am very proud of Pastor Paul and the church there. Right before this the church leaders from Horizon got together in Stratford Upon Avon England. It was great to hear what God is doing in Europe.

"Our logo of "Harbour (the Irish spelling includes the u) Mill House"

Great photo of Dungarvan harbor by Angela Cox.

Our meeting, the only evangelical meeting in Dungarvan or East Waterford County.

We are continuing to labor in the town of Dungarvan and are beginning to see some more locals respond. It’s a big step for someone to come to our meetings as there are no other evangelical churches in this region. Just as in any small town, anything new is feared. However, the fear is melting and God is beginning to give us favor in the community. Although we are in a rural town, God has given us a national vision to reach university students and to build a network of churches to help see this nation transformed. We have a great team and community of believers that are letting their light shine in various ways.

Steve Hamer leading our monthly family service.

Spirit Radio is Ireland’s first national Christian radio station.

Although the economic crisis has affected the entire world, Ireland has especially suffered a significant blow. My only elder, Steve Hamer, has been a quarry manager for many years. Over a year ago his company was forced to close due to the economy. Having been part of the church from the very beginning and having a great burden for Dungarvan, Steve and his wife Lorita have felt God’s call for them to stay. Their choice to obey God has been one of personal sacrifice and has been a great encouragement  to the rest of us. This last month God met Steve with a great job. This opportunity is not simply a job, but also a ministry to help Spirit Radio, Ireland’s first national Christian radio station, succeed and become established.

Emily and I handing out our Christmas cookies in Dungarvan Town!

In our new building, we were able to invite lots of guests to our Thanksgiving celebration, with all the American-style fittings, Loads came as the Irish are very interested in the American tradition of Thanksgiving. We also had our annual Christmas party, also with many invited guests. We personally had a fun Christmas with the kids out of school for two weeks. We got the chance to relax and watch some good ole’ Christmas classics. We also had our annual Christmas cookie outreach, baking, packaging and distributing our delicious sugar cookies to businesses, companies and individuals that we have built relationships with.

UCC

The Church of the Harvest in Lexington SC sent us a really good team. Besides helping with our regular midnight outreach in Dungarvan on Friday night, we spent the week on University College Cork campus for “Freshers week” (the beginning of classes). It is designed to help the first year students get associated with the University’s clubs and organizations. We had some crazy ideas to promote ‘Living Stones”, a student ministry we are in the process of establishing. We started the first one years ago on UCD in Dublin. This will be the second. First we tried “Do You Want A Kiss?” by giving out Hershey kisses. ‘Who Da Man?’ was another where our strong men put up good fights with an arm wrestling competition. We had other ideas that we didn’t end up using because of the success that our other events brought. These were just conversation starters to get people interested, giving us the opportunity to tell them what we’re all about. And during all the week we gave out free tea and coffee. This is a very effective approach to meeting people and starting valuable relationships. We do this quite often, but this time was special as we were very graciously lent a 4000 euro cappuccino maker that is attached to a moped cart. There are only two of these in Ireland! It’s very cool. We are now following up a number of students that showed great interest in what we are doing and are establishing a Student Alpha. Below are photos of the week.

Jason on his 30th competitor!

Ross teaching these lads a lesson!

Kevin on the kill!

Tea and Coffee or Arm Wrestling???

Holy and Jason manning the machine!

Jason in the cappuccino mobile!!!

Our family is doing well, But kids keep growing, Michael has moved out and moved to Cork. He is in his last year at UCC. Genia is in her last year of secondary school and will go next year to college in the States. Boo-hoo!

Genia was invited to a friend’s “Debs” (like a prom for you guys in the States) She is gorgeous

Genia in her Debs dress.

A fun day at King John’s Castle, Dungarvan. (This is the famous King John of Robin Hood and the magna carta. He was twice in Dungarvan and had this castle built.)

At King John's Castle with the kids.

Thank you Angela Cox and Christina Heaston for your foto’s.

Summer & New Building

1985 some of the Dublin Church on a retreat.

It was 25 years ago, 1985,  that God first let me serve Him in Ireland. I was single, slim and stirred-up for God! It was a very exciting time. We hit a vein of revival in Dublin. Five years later Wendy and I felt called to plant a church in Delft, the Netherlands. So we moved there with our little 9 month old baby (Michael). It was not easy leaving the “Dublin church” with all it’s really great people. Many in the photo above are involved in some type of ministry or church work today.

Family get-together in Atlanta.

We had a great time in the States in July seeing friends and family although not as many as I would have liked. That’s the hard part about being there. There’s never enough time to see everyone.

Kyle with leaders from local Methodist church.

Some of Cork pastors at get together.

I have very much enjoyed building relationships with various leaders in this region. I’ve also had the privellege of being invited to pastor’s meetings in both Waterford and Cork. The church in Ireland is going to the next level relationally and strategically and is starting to think about the next 50 years. They are asking the question: How will the Irish church impact and change this Nation?

Kyle in front of new building.

Galwey's Lane.

What you see at the end of Galwey's Lane!

For the past seven months we have felt God leading us to contend in prayer for a building of our own within Dungarvan town. As a church, united in agreement and in God’s will, we have recently signed the lease on a building!!! !God really opened the doors and gave us divine favour to have a place in such a perfect location; in the centre of town on the quay. We have a great vision to further serve the community in a way unique to Dungarvan with potential outreaches including youth meetings, children’s outreach, film nights, late night cafe, prayer meetings, worship practice, meals, and celebrations… The opportunities are endless! This is such an incredible opportunity!

Step By Step

Step by step we feel like we are gaining ground in our community. In a small town everything seems to be connected, and that can work for you or against you. God has been gracious and has given us and the team lots of favor. Our team has made great connections through performing musically, athletically, and socially. Every member of our team has a blog. Check them out and subscribe if you like to. Olivia Smith, my administrator, the kind of person who makes things happen, keeps me in order and does an incredible amount for the church. Her blog is www.oliviarenesmith.wordpress.com Holly Krebs, our worship leader, connects great with people and has a deep burden for prayer.  www.dunlizzie.blogspot.com Jason and Tania Brower are from my hometown. An incredible asset to the team, they have thrown themselves right into the community and are a great source of strength and wisdom. They and Olivia work with the youth. www.browermissions.com . Steve and Lorita Hamer are not full time but work like they are Steve is my only elder what a great couple. I’ve never had such a great team on a church plant. Thanks guys, you’re the best!

In April we held an ‘Encounter’ with Youth Storm from Boston. People from different parts of Ireland came together in Kilkenny for a fresh look at God and the power of the cross. This was during the time of the European Volcanic Ash crisis, so at the last minute many team members were not able to come. This gave our staff the opportunity to use their gifts by teaching and ministering. They did a super job, what a TEAM!!!

Me and my girls, Genia and Emily in Kilkenny on our Prayer Map.

Jason and I also traveled to Paris for a Horizon conference. It was so encouraging seeing fellow ministers in different parts of Europe and hearing how their faith and patience are bearing fruit. I was privileged to preach in David Rouxel’s church in one of the villages outside Paris. The volcanic ash was back disputing flights in Dublin  and France during this weekend, so we had to pray our ways through both our flights. Our faith must have been strong – some of our friends got stuck!

A bunch of us in downtown Paris enjoying the sights and fellowship.

I had a great time in David Rouxel's church!

As many of you know, God has given me a mandate to help ensure that there is ministry happening in the different universities around Ireland. The first stage is to build a healthy network among the few churches, organizations and individuals involved with university outreach. I’ve been busy traveling and meeting with the leaders and I’m organizing a get together in the fall. We are very blessed to have a filmographer, Katie Keegan, to help Jason and I produce a video to express the need of university ministries. She is also teaching us how to film. Thank you Katie.

Another project I’m working on is a book about Valentine Greatrakes focusing particularly on his healing gift. John O’Neill, a close friend for over 25 years, and I have been working together. Greatrakes had a very powerful healing ministry in this region of Ireland in the seventeenth century, which is practically unknown to the Christian world. Much of what is available on the internet is quite inaccurate.

Valentine Greatraks

In early April my folks made a trip over with my 15-year-old niece, Hannah. We had a great time celebrating Easter and just being together in Trabolgan, a holiday resort in Cork. We are looking forward to seeing them again this summer.

Family visit in April.

Spring is birthday season in our family. All the kids moved up a notch: Michael, 21, Genia, 17, Emily 15, and Benjamin, 11. I celebrated an important birthday – the big “five-o”! I was very encouraged to hear from old friends. Thank you all for your birthday wishes. I was also blessed to receive a boxing bag and gloves. So watch out Rocky!

Thank you for staying with us step by step as we continuously trust God to impact Ireland.

Last Week: Phil Corbett & Paddy’s Day.

Phil, Kyle and Shannon.

Phil Corbett and Shannon Vinsonhaler visited with us last week from Texas. Phil has a deep burden for Ireland. He spoke on revival and how God is able to do great things in hidden-away places. His church had been in a significant move of God which has really transformed the way he sees things. I did a twenty minute interview with him for my  upcoming podcast. “The Unheard Church” listen here

The children of Dungarvan enjoying the parade.

Tea and coffee outreach.

Benjamin on Paddy's day!

On Saint Patrick’s day, we had a tea and coffee outreach. We gave out lots of tea, coffee and love on that chilly March 17.  We have used this approach in Cork and Waterford also and it has proven to be an effectual method to meet people in the community.

Horizon Europe

Some of then European Horizon leaders in Dublin.

This last week my staff and I met with Horizon church and ministry leaders from six different nations. For three days we shared how things are progressing in each location and some of our challenges and victories. I love these guys and have been walking with some for over 25 years. Most church plants in Europe don’t make it due to the hard ground that humanism and secularism have created. So gatherings such as these of leaders to encourage and strengthen one another is essential for success.

Andrew and Kyle at Ardmore one of the oldest pre Patrick Christian sites in Ireland.

We had Andrew (Stojiljkovich) Stanley come down to Dungarvan after the Horizon gathering. Andrew and his wife Grethe lead “Building Broken Bridges,” a ministry based in Sarajevo dedicated to reconciliation between people in this war-torn region of former Yugoslavia. He spent time teaching the staff and I really enjoyed his wise imput to me personally. Their web site is www.brokenbridges.org. I interviewed him for my podcast, “The Unheard Church” that I am re-launching soon. Andrew is a fascinating man with a great story. Listen here.

Kyle Jason and Declan enjoying some good Irish ice cream.

Jammed Month

We’re in the middle of a very busy month. We just finished  a great outreach with Master Commission Atlanta. Mainly reaching out to the UCC campus, Cork and Waterford City. The MC kids flew in, prayed up with lots of energy. They helped us to pioneer into the UCC campus, creating a stir in the University and capturing the hearts of a number of students. We connected through several creative means; such as video and audio surveys, free tea and coffee, music, and live art. They were a great blessing. We intend to use Student Alpha http://alpha.org/students as a platform to share the gospel. Our long-term goal is to be established as a Christian society. There is much need for other Christian groups to be formed, as the only existing Christian Union consists of a handful of students.

A few guys from the team after being painted at UCC.

Dr. Stan Fleming was with us for a couple of days this past week. What a scholar. Besides our own personal stimulating engagements on Church History to eschatology, Stan taught on prayer with some incredible personal stories. He shared with the church about Gate Breakers Ministry (GBM) and the different things they are involved in. Stan is also an outstanding author, his books ranging from Islam so the Early Church. Stan Fleming and Cliff Gregston had the original vision to see something powerful happening in Waterford County and invested an incredible amount of prayer, time and finance into this church.

Tomorrow morning the staff and I are off to Dublin for three days to meet with some other European Horizon leaders.

Irish Blasphemy law – the robbing of free speech.

January 1st introduced a new law in Ireland, commonly known as the blasphemy law. This law forbids the blatant criticism of any religion. In other words, for us to call to account Mohammed who had many wives one of which was only nine years old, or criticize the practices or beliefs of Jehovah Witnesses who deny the deity of Christ, or any other religious group, we would be guilty of this new bizarre law. With these laws Jesus himself or the apostle Paul would have been in danger as they spoke out against the Pharisees and other mystery cults of the day. Potentially, this could restrict our preaching and teaching of the gospel which at times can be condemning towards other beliefs. We of course seek to be graceful and understanding toward other religions, but at times the truth needs to be told. The most upsetting part of this ordeal is the fact that the main voice I’ve heard as yet denouncing this law it is that of the atheists. Where is the Irish church? Pray that the church would rise up and be the voice it needs to be.

Kyle with Ambassador Rooney on UCC Cork.

We are gearing up for our first major outreach to the University College Cork, the second largest university in Ireland. Out of 17,000 students only about 15-25 meet in the “Christian Union”, the only Christian society. We are deeply burdened for the universities of Ireland. Besides the “Christian Union” on all Irish universities, the only other Christian societie in Ireland is “Living Stones” which we started in Dublin in 1985. This void of organized believing students is simply a tragedy. This ought not to be! Please stand with us as with endeavor to establish more “Living Stones” or like-minded groups that have a vision, plan, and courage to see the gospel engage these students and schools. Last week I had the privilege of hearing and meeting the American Ambassador to Ireland, Daniel Rooney, on the UCC Campus. Surrounded by leaders from Cork and top students, it struck me afresh that tomorrow’s leaders and influencers are there on the university campus. Would you pleas pray for this upcoming outreach Feb 3-12? Thank You.

Merry Christmas!

Benjamin

Benjamin's School Play. He is the tall green alien in the middle.

Merry Christmas to all! Or as the Irish and English say, ‘Happy Christmas’. This is our second Christmas here as a family. We have a humble, but heavily decorated Christmas tree. Benjamin is very excited to open his presents, as are the other children. He actually was awarded a Student of the Month of December certificate. We are very proud. As many of you know, Benjamin is a special needs child. We have never received a clear diagnoses due to the complicated nature of his challenges. One of the reasons we felt the Lord wanted us to relocate was to ensure that he could attend an English speaking special needs school. Interestingly enough, the only special needs school in our area is a Catholic school where Benjamin is the only child who does not take Holy Communion. St. John’s School, Benjamin’s school has an outstanding reputation and has done a wonderful job educating our son.

The weather in Europe has been very cold. Lots of snow has blanketed our former home, Delft. It looks like their having a ‘White Christmas’. My good friend Gerhard put up this slide show, I thought some of you might like to see photos of the Living Water Christmas celebration. http://kiekiebox.myshowit.com/levendwater-kerst2009