Dublin Prayer Conference - Friday

Friday morning came way too quickly and we were hurrying up to get ready for the daily worship at 9:00 (that is 4:00 AM for all east coast folks). Worship was always followed by a devotion and this morning's devotion was by far one of the best. It was given by Cindy Hylton who along with her husband heads up the MAP team here. She spoke of waiting on the Lord in times of barrenness and it was especially appropriate given the fact that her family is packing up and heading to the states after several years of service. They long to come back but Ireland's new immigration laws are making that seem impossible (more on that to come later..).

Our Irish ministry speaker for the day was Mick Breen. He is the pastor who has recently handed over his congregation to an associate so that he can go and plant a new one. This man had a remarkable testimony and his vision for church planting in his county is just as remarkable. We were definitely inspired by him and all of us delighted to minister to him with a sweet season of prayer (that is why we were here after all...).

In the afternoon, we took a long trip to the north side of Dublin and met one of the most amazing Christian women we have ever met - Emma. Emma runs Grandma's Ireland which is a ministry that focuses on caring for families who are affected by HIV. She leads a group of volunteers who offer practical help to families by loving on kids 3-4 hours a week in the children's home. She feels that her ministry literally acts as the hands and feet of Jesus by offering help in a very practical way. She has an amazing testimony of God's goodness and provision. Her ministry does no fundraising (she doesn't mind if others do it for her - she just wants time with the kids) and works entirely off of donations that God's people are moved to give. She has no guaranteed salary (although she is full time) and when asked she said she is glad she doesn't and actually can't picture having one. She loves being blessed by God's provision. This woman was one of the most genuine saints Megan and I have encountered. The joy and delight that she found in knowing God was absolutely evident and contagious.