29 June 2023 | Dublin, Ireland [Irish Mission Communication & Media with tedNEWS ]
As part of our series of reports about the Christ for Europe initiative, we focus on the Irish Mission with a round up of multiple evangelistic and outreach activities that have taken place over the last few months – using a variety of approaches and with unexpected results. Don’t miss the report from the small town of Ennis (in the West of Ireland), renound for its ‘lively atmosphere’ with pubs and restaurants galore, right at the heart of traditional Irish culture. There’s a story to be told from that town that is quite unique – and worth following up – for sure!
Injecting new life into the missional spirit of pastors and church members across the Irish Mission, evangelistic and outreach events took place in eight locations across Ireland, under the banner of the the General Conference (GC) Christ for Europe intiative. In the context of the Irish Mission, the name for the project was Reflecting Hope. From Cork, Ennis, Limerick and Tralee in the West and South-West, to Baltinglass, Drogheda, Dublin and Portlaoise in the East, the focus of these events was to build relational bridges with the community.
The meetings in the South-West of Ireland were led by a team from the Central California Conference, USA. In Ennis, the county town of Clare, Norwegian pastor and evangelist, Daniel Pel presented the seminar Religion – What Went Wrong? Both members and community guests want the seminars and talks to be regularly repeated, because during this current initiative, eight people committed their lives to God through baptism.
Over in Dublin and Eastern locations, the main focus of the outreach events centred on Family Matters, with seminars led by Dr Jeffrey Brown, GC Associate Ministerial Secretary and a family specialist, and Karen Holford, Trans-European Division Family Ministries director and a family therapist.
Further Christ for Europe/Reflecting Hope Irish Mission initiatives are planned for the autumn in Northern Ireland, with Pastor Shawn Boonstra and the Voice of Prophecy, USA. Plans are underway for an evangelistic series in Belfast.
Impact Limerick, Cork, and Tralee
During April 15-22 2023, a team of 6 people from the United States, joined local pastors in the West and Southwest of Ireland by supporting the mission of their church communties through public meetings, health expos, and literature distribution.
On Sunday, 16 April in the heart of Limerick city members from multiple churches in the West of Ireland, came together to distribute books on health and hope. With books such as The Power of Hope, Health and Wellness, invitations were also given for a series of health seminars at the Limerick church, focussing on mental health and wellbeing.
Meanwhile downtown in Cork city, local members made themselves visible by distributing flyers for a series of meetings about Facing the Giants in Your Life. The series focused on the reality of these metaphorical giants, and how they can only be conquered them through Christ, and with Him constantly at your side.
In Tralee, a group also went out on the streets with booklets and flyers for the series focusing on the family. These meetings were a great opportunity to strengthen family relationships, and to be living example of God’s instruments of grace.
When Pentecostal members learnt about the Sabbath
While organising the series Religion – What Went Wrong? the big surprise was when a group of Pentecostal members in the town of Ennis, County Clare, attended the meetings and were moved by the message of the Sabbath – including the pastor, who cancelled his church’s programmes so that they could attend the meetings. In addtion, another church leader streamed the seminar to thousands of his social media followers.
When asked how they found out about this seminar, the pastor replied, “We received a Celtic Connection book during the St. Patrick’s parade in Ennis, and then we saw the advert on the front page of the local newspaper by the same group. We knew that through attending your meetings, we knew that we would hear the truth”.
“It was such joy to know that the Lord had blessed all the work that we had done”, said Daniel Wilson, member of the Newmarket-on-Fergus church and a member of the organising team. “Handing out pamphlets and free books months earlier, as well as the local newspaper advertisement, helped it all come together for the Lord to use, praise God!”
Family Matters in Dublin Ranelagh, Baltinglass, Drogheda, and Portlaoise
With the aim of serving the local communities and helping families to experience holistic relationships, as part of the Reflecting Hope project, “Relationships & Family Seminars” were held at several venues from 20-26 May in the Greater Dublin Area. At the Cuisle Centre (Dublin’s Centre of Influence), Solid Rock Church (Drogheda), the Parish Centre (Portlaoise) and Germaine’s restaurant (Baltinglass), Dr Jeff Brown and Karen Holford shared their knowledge and experience with members and visitors alike. A huge blessing to everyone attending the meetings, the presenters made a positive impact on the listeners.
To round off this teaching ministry week, three young people (Richard, August, and Michael) made their decision to follow Jesus and have been baptised.
Instagram Talks for Youth
Adventist Youth Ireland has introduced an Instagram live Christian podcast, hosted by youth sponsor Pastor Jefferson Melki, featuring Karen Holford and Dr Jeffrey Brown. This dynamic podcast focuses on the significance of a healthy multi-ethnic church, and addresses the health of young people in a multi-ethnic community. Presented with genuine passion and purpose, this Christian podcast has become a guiding light for young individuals in search of spiritual nourishment and guidance. Holford and Brown deliver engaging content with an authentic approach, resulting in a dedicated following and making a profound impact on the lives of its young listeners.
Reflecting on her experience Holford commented, “We experienced the tangible power of God in every meeting, and I enjoyed the one-to-one conversations after the presentations, as we expanded people’s perceptions and experiences of God’s love, or helped them to find new and inspiring ways to think about their relationships.”
Through thought-provoking discussions, inspiring testimonies, and insightful teachings of guest speakers, this podcast has established a sacred space where faith is cherished, questions are explored, and lives are transformed. With two episodes dedicated to addressing multi-ethnic issues, this extraordinary podcast continues to resonate deeply, offering hope, encouragement, and a sense of belonging to all who tune in. We hope to have more talks with outstanding speakers in the future.
Mobile/Cell Phone Evangelism
The Mobile/Cell Phone Evangelism project is an initiative developed by Adventist World Radio (AWR) and it is also part of the Reflecting Hope initiative. Introduced to the Irish Mission by Gideon Pelser, training took place in Belfast and Dublin, and then introduced to the members of Cork and Tralee. Each of these locations has its own local project emphasis with a campaign team.
- The campaign name for Dublin for example is ‘pray4dub’.
- Each campaign is made up of a team.
- The team is made up of subgroups: Promotional Team, Question Handler, Prayer Team, and Cell Phone Evangelists.
- Cell Phone Evangelists work directly on the Digital Missionary app which they use to contact members of the general public who send in prayer requests.
- Cell Phone Evangelists can share the gospel with others and also pray for members of the general public. Through this ministry, people’s requests are being listened to and as people feel heard, they are open to learning more about God’s word.
Then team have already connected with a man who was facing some difficulties in his life and was very anxious. Through prayers that were sent through the app by a Cell Phone Evangelist (CPE), the CPE linked him with the Discover Truth website and he was able to receive a free Bible, the Desire of Ages, and The Great Controversy.
Commenting on this Irish Mission report, Catherine Anthony Boldeau, BUC Reflecting Hope Coordinator said, “We praise God for the outreach and evangelistic initiatives in the Irish Mission over the last few months to fulfil the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church through this unique initiative.”
Deborah Lessa contributed to this report [Photos: courtesy of the Irish Mission]
Feature image: A group of Newmarket-on-Fergus and Limerick members share tracts in the centre of Limerick.
