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.

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~ by lkholland on June 28, 2010.