Our mission trip to Northern Ireland was absolutely amazing. While we were there I had to keep pinching myself to be reminded that I wasn't dreaming. Northern Ireland is so beautiful; it is the kind of beauty that helps you to forget just how cold and damp it really is.
Our goal in going over there was to begin creating relationships for upcoming mission trips for our youth group. We have some excellent contacts now, and a clearer picture of the need and spiritual climate of the area that we will be ministering in.
While the country of Ireland is fantastically beautiful, there is a spiritual poverty that is very noticeable. It is estimated that only 1% of the population is "evangelical Christian", and the vast majority of people are resistant to the gospel. We witnessed a generation of youth that are in desperate need of hope and direction in their lives; the kind of hope and fulfillment that only Jesus Christ can provide. While the numbers may seem overwhelming, there is what I would call, a "remnant" of Christians in Northern Ireland who are praying that Jesus Christ would reign supreme in the lives of individuals there.
My desire is that the youth of our church would be a part of answering that prayer by establishing ongoing relationships with the youth of that region. Please pray for Pastor Pink, his team of leaders, and the youth group as they begin preparing to take their first mission trip to Northern Ireland in 2010.
Totally agree that Northern Ireland is very religious and very few people have a relationship with Christ. And it's also incredibly beautiful.
ReplyDeleteBut even I'm staggered at the 1% estimate.
Will be praying for you guys and as you prepare for a great mission trip opportunity next year. And thanks to PK for sharing the vids over on FB too :)
That's no mission trip, that's a vacation! Hope you had a great time.
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