After our visit with the Mullins in Buncrana we drove across the border into Northern Ireland and got a hotel room in Derry. In case you aren't aware, Northern Ireland is part of the U.K., while the Republic of Ireland is an independent country. So we were surprised to find that the only indication that we were in a different country was that the road signs were now in miles and not kilometers, including the speed limit signs. Unfortunately, the car we were driving didn't have a dual unit speedometer, so I was constantly having to convert the speed we were traveling in my head.
Having no days off up to this time, we had decided to take Monday off. We were going to spend some time in the morning exploring Derry and then drive along the north coast taking in the sights as we made our way to Cushendall for the night.
Monday morning our mobile phone wasn't working properly (others couldn't hear me when I called them) and we were not able to top up our minutes using the automatic system. We had registered a credit card with O2, our provider earlier, but couldn't get it to work. We found an O2 store in Derry, but they weren't able to help us since our service was with O2 in the Republic.
"You'll need to drive to Letterkenny, to the O2 store there and they can help you," the attendant told me.
"How far is it?"
"Only a 20-minute drive there."
So we decided, we had no choice if we had any hope of using our phone in Northern Ireland. We set out for Letterkenny, arriving there 45 minutes later. 20-minutes... yeah right.
By the time we got there, we needed to find somewhere to eat. After lunch we spent a frustrating couple of hours sorting through the problems, never really solving anything. The best thing we could do is buy a top up card and hope that the glitch we'd had with our phone had corrected itself. We never did get the credit card registered as it would have required jumping through major hoops since the credit card was issued in the U.S. However, the phone did start working again in the North. Never did solve that mystery.
We had wanted to see some things in Derry, but were more interested in the Giant's Causeway. This time of year daylight is short and so we made a bee-line to the coast. Arriving at dusk, and not knowing how long of a hike it was to the Causeway, we realized after we had walked about a quarter of a mile down a steep incline that we weren't going to be able to really see anything by the time we would get there.
It was then decided that we could work it out to return to this area of the coast in the morning and still make it to our appointment that afternoon in Balymena.
Winded from the climb, we got back in the car and headed for Cushendall. After an unplanned detour, we made it to our B&B and settled down for the night.
So much for our "day off".
The next day was to be much better.
Jan 31, 2007
Jan 30, 2007
Jet lag? Oh, yeah.
It was a long day. If we had stayed on Dublin time we were up from 6 AM to 3:30 AM. But who's complaining? It was an uneventful day of traveling. We didn't have to connect through Paris (always a nightmare). We had the best flight crew we've ever had on a transatlantic flight. Not so bad.
Of course we decided not to set an alarm for this morning and we were both awake by 7 AM. Oh well...
The past three weeks comprised our best trip to Ireland so far. We were so busy and forgot to work in any days off ahead of time so we ended up working or traveling or both every day except one. Live and learn.
So now we have only two months before our next trip. It's lining up to be a very significant trip as we have a lot of individuals and churches interested in us working with them in April.
We will also be spending Easter (the 8th) with my brother Dennis and sister Dianne and those members of their families that can come with them to Ireland. It's Dennis' birthday, and it will be Dianne's family's first time to Ireland. We're looking forward to this little family reunion, as the last time the three of us were together was more than 7 years ago.
In addition to all that we will be doing in Ireland, we will also be flying to the Czech Republic and back. We've been invited to attend a conference of Europe Worship Link, a fellowship of key leaders involved in worship ministry representing countries across Europe. Should be very interesting as it will be primarily attended by European citizens.
The next two months will mean a lot of work, not only in preparing for our trip and keeping the bills paid and food on the table, but we really need to do what we can to increase our monthly support level. If we are going to continue working like this we really must be able to draw a larger salary from GEM -- and in order to do that we have to have a greater number of monthly financial partners. So we have our work cut out for us.
If you would be interested in supporting our ministry work in Ireland, check out the FAQ's on our website.
All-in-all, the past three weeks were wonderful (although we really missed Molly and our friends) and we are very excited to find out what our next trip holds.
Of course we decided not to set an alarm for this morning and we were both awake by 7 AM. Oh well...
The past three weeks comprised our best trip to Ireland so far. We were so busy and forgot to work in any days off ahead of time so we ended up working or traveling or both every day except one. Live and learn.
So now we have only two months before our next trip. It's lining up to be a very significant trip as we have a lot of individuals and churches interested in us working with them in April.
We will also be spending Easter (the 8th) with my brother Dennis and sister Dianne and those members of their families that can come with them to Ireland. It's Dennis' birthday, and it will be Dianne's family's first time to Ireland. We're looking forward to this little family reunion, as the last time the three of us were together was more than 7 years ago.
In addition to all that we will be doing in Ireland, we will also be flying to the Czech Republic and back. We've been invited to attend a conference of Europe Worship Link, a fellowship of key leaders involved in worship ministry representing countries across Europe. Should be very interesting as it will be primarily attended by European citizens.
The next two months will mean a lot of work, not only in preparing for our trip and keeping the bills paid and food on the table, but we really need to do what we can to increase our monthly support level. If we are going to continue working like this we really must be able to draw a larger salary from GEM -- and in order to do that we have to have a greater number of monthly financial partners. So we have our work cut out for us.
If you would be interested in supporting our ministry work in Ireland, check out the FAQ's on our website.
All-in-all, the past three weeks were wonderful (although we really missed Molly and our friends) and we are very excited to find out what our next trip holds.
son of recap
So, we had gone to Letterkenny pretty much for the sole purpose of meeting Mike Mullins, Ireland director of Operation Mobilization, a multinational mission organization. He was the guest speaker that morning. After worshipping with those in Letterkenny, we would follow him to his house and spend the afternoon with him and his family. But we took the opportunity to introduce ourselves to the worship leaders, P. J. (who was leading that morning) and Joe (who is the main worship leader, but playing bass that morning). As we shared with them what we do, Joe surprised us by saying, “We’d love to have you come and work with our band!”
Well okay, then – if you insist!
We had a good talk with Joe and hope to connect up with him and the worship team at Letterkenny on one of our subsequent trips this year.
As Mike Mullins spoke it became quickly apparent that what we had heard about him was absolutely true. This man is a powerhouse for the Lord. So much energy and joy surrounds him, along with a true heart for the lost.
After the service, and after Mike was able to pull himself away from the hordes, we followed him for the beautiful 20 minute drive north to Buncrana. His Dutch wife, Aster had lunch laid out shortly after we arrived. As we sat around the table with Mike, Aster and their four little ones, we had a great time talking about all things ministerial, including sharing with them about our work.
Mike is working on a very exciting project that he told us all about. In short, Buncrana sits on Lough Swilly, a finger of an inlet that extends inland from the Atlantic. It was in the shelter of this harbor two centuries ago that a ship, crippled by a fierce storm, found refuge. It carried a man by the name of John Newton, a British slave trader. Not a man of faith previously, he, along with the others on board prayed for God’s grace to save them. There was a break in the storm that revealed the inlet and the boat listed into the Lough. Within two hours the storm had regained strength and it was obvious that, had they not found this shelter, they would have all perished.
It was at this time that Newton became a Christian and it was as a result of the grace that he had experienced that he penned the song Amazing Grace. He, together with William Wilberforce were the catalysts in seeing slavery abolished in the British Isles.
April 8, 2007, which happens to be Easter, marks the 200th anniversary of this event, and when Mike Mullins discovered this, he set out to let all those in local and national government, as well as church leaders throughout Ireland, know about this landmark. It has now been declared “Amazing Grace Sunday” and the goal is to have every church in Ireland sing Amazing Grace that morning.
Plus, Walden Media has produced a movie about the history that I have just shared, called Amazing Grace, and there is talk of having the Ireland premier take place in this little village of Buncrana.
The city council also wants a monument erected, overlooking Lough Swilly and is asking Mike to oversee that.
Mike drove us to the place that is planned to have the monument, which happens to be next to an old fort. Mike and others have been told they can have the fort to renovate and house a cultural center that will be about Newton's life and the history of slavery.
It will be exciting to see how God will use this to draw many to himself this year and in the years to come. It will also be exciting to see how God will continue to use Mike Mullins and his ministry throughout Ireland and the world.
Well okay, then – if you insist!
We had a good talk with Joe and hope to connect up with him and the worship team at Letterkenny on one of our subsequent trips this year.
As Mike Mullins spoke it became quickly apparent that what we had heard about him was absolutely true. This man is a powerhouse for the Lord. So much energy and joy surrounds him, along with a true heart for the lost.
After the service, and after Mike was able to pull himself away from the hordes, we followed him for the beautiful 20 minute drive north to Buncrana. His Dutch wife, Aster had lunch laid out shortly after we arrived. As we sat around the table with Mike, Aster and their four little ones, we had a great time talking about all things ministerial, including sharing with them about our work.
Mike is working on a very exciting project that he told us all about. In short, Buncrana sits on Lough Swilly, a finger of an inlet that extends inland from the Atlantic. It was in the shelter of this harbor two centuries ago that a ship, crippled by a fierce storm, found refuge. It carried a man by the name of John Newton, a British slave trader. Not a man of faith previously, he, along with the others on board prayed for God’s grace to save them. There was a break in the storm that revealed the inlet and the boat listed into the Lough. Within two hours the storm had regained strength and it was obvious that, had they not found this shelter, they would have all perished.
It was at this time that Newton became a Christian and it was as a result of the grace that he had experienced that he penned the song Amazing Grace. He, together with William Wilberforce were the catalysts in seeing slavery abolished in the British Isles.
April 8, 2007, which happens to be Easter, marks the 200th anniversary of this event, and when Mike Mullins discovered this, he set out to let all those in local and national government, as well as church leaders throughout Ireland, know about this landmark. It has now been declared “Amazing Grace Sunday” and the goal is to have every church in Ireland sing Amazing Grace that morning.
Plus, Walden Media has produced a movie about the history that I have just shared, called Amazing Grace, and there is talk of having the Ireland premier take place in this little village of Buncrana.
The city council also wants a monument erected, overlooking Lough Swilly and is asking Mike to oversee that.
Mike drove us to the place that is planned to have the monument, which happens to be next to an old fort. Mike and others have been told they can have the fort to renovate and house a cultural center that will be about Newton's life and the history of slavery.It will be exciting to see how God will use this to draw many to himself this year and in the years to come. It will also be exciting to see how God will continue to use Mike Mullins and his ministry throughout Ireland and the world.
Jan 28, 2007
A quick note
Sorry to keep you hanging from the cliff a little while longer.
We had a very busy, very good weekend beginning Friday morning (we had no Internet available) and when we got back to the Kingsleys' yesterday evening we had to pack and get ready for our trip home today. It's 6:30 AM right now and I feel that I could have slept another couple of hours easily. Maybe I'll be able to sleep some on the plane.
I'll be getting the rest of our journeys posted this week, so check back.
Once again - sorry for the delay.
We had a very busy, very good weekend beginning Friday morning (we had no Internet available) and when we got back to the Kingsleys' yesterday evening we had to pack and get ready for our trip home today. It's 6:30 AM right now and I feel that I could have slept another couple of hours easily. Maybe I'll be able to sleep some on the plane.
I'll be getting the rest of our journeys posted this week, so check back.
Once again - sorry for the delay.
Jan 25, 2007
recap part 2
After leaving the cliffs we wound around to the back side of the mountain and on to Glencolmcille. We didn't know what to expect as we drove across the stark bogland, but soon a large glen opened before us and we were looking down upon the quiet village and quaint farms scattered up and down the valley. To the west (we were on the south edge) the glen opened up to the Atlantic. It was clear to us why St. Columba chose this scenic location to establish a monastery in the 6th century.
We descended to the village and made our way up the glen to the home of Conal and Heather McIntyre who lead one of the few small home fellowships in the this area of the county. There are no evangelical churches aside from house churches in southwest Donegal. Conal and Heather live in an old, traditional farmhouse set in a beautiful part of the valley.
The four of us sat around the warmth of the antique iron stove, enjoying the conversation along with the earthy, sweet aroma of the turf fire. Soon we were joined by Ciaran (Conal's brother), Sheila and Margaret, who all attend the same home fellowship and are involved in different aspects of leading worship with Heather.
After a nice meal together we spent some time talking about worship, worship leading and the challenges and struggles that this small fellowship faces in their worship ministry. After a while, the guitars and keyboard were brought out and we did some songs together, giving Beth and I the opportunity to offer some pointers to help improve on what they were doing.
This was one of the most rewarding and enjoyable times we have spent in ministry thus far.
The next morning (Sunday) we were up early and on our way to Letterkenny, about and hour and a half north. We were to attend church at Letterkenny Christian Fellowship at 11 am. It was a beautiful drive and we were slowed down a bit when we encountered snow on the road while traversing a high mountain pass. We were only a few minutes late.
We entered the community hall where there were about 125 adults and children worshiping under the leadership of a small band, who really sounded quite good, especially given the room they had to work in and the sound system they possessed.
We were there not only to worship with the body there, but we were to meet our next contact, Mike Mullens, who happened to be the guest speaker that morning. We got more than we bargained for...
TBC...
We descended to the village and made our way up the glen to the home of Conal and Heather McIntyre who lead one of the few small home fellowships in the this area of the county. There are no evangelical churches aside from house churches in southwest Donegal. Conal and Heather live in an old, traditional farmhouse set in a beautiful part of the valley.
The four of us sat around the warmth of the antique iron stove, enjoying the conversation along with the earthy, sweet aroma of the turf fire. Soon we were joined by Ciaran (Conal's brother), Sheila and Margaret, who all attend the same home fellowship and are involved in different aspects of leading worship with Heather.After a nice meal together we spent some time talking about worship, worship leading and the challenges and struggles that this small fellowship faces in their worship ministry. After a while, the guitars and keyboard were brought out and we did some songs together, giving Beth and I the opportunity to offer some pointers to help improve on what they were doing.
This was one of the most rewarding and enjoyable times we have spent in ministry thus far.
The next morning (Sunday) we were up early and on our way to Letterkenny, about and hour and a half north. We were to attend church at Letterkenny Christian Fellowship at 11 am. It was a beautiful drive and we were slowed down a bit when we encountered snow on the road while traversing a high mountain pass. We were only a few minutes late.
We entered the community hall where there were about 125 adults and children worshiping under the leadership of a small band, who really sounded quite good, especially given the room they had to work in and the sound system they possessed.
We were there not only to worship with the body there, but we were to meet our next contact, Mike Mullens, who happened to be the guest speaker that morning. We got more than we bargained for...
TBC...
Jan 24, 2007
recap of the weekend
Sorry this has to be short again, but we had a meeting on the west side of Dublin and we had some other business to which to attend when we got back, so it's late again and we're still getting caught up on our rest.
But I'll go ahead and start where I left off on the 19th...
So Saturday we left Galway and drove straight through to Donegal Town with a few stops and diversions to take pictures. As we drove out to the west part of County Donegal we were struck by the beauty of the landscape. It was unlike any we had yet encountered in Ireland. Rugged and wild - yet marginally tamed by farmers long ago who built an elaborate web of stone walls which divide the fields and keep the livestock close to home. This area is also Gaeltacht.
As we approached the area of Sliamh Liag there were impressive mountains, some with snowy peaks, becoming more numerous. When we found the turn-off to our scenic destination, we were greeted by a narrow winding road, which only got narrower and windier (is that a word?) as it steepened. Soon we found ourselves driving along the edge of a precipice and around sharp curves with a steep grassy slope on our right and a 1000 foot drop to the ocean on our left. There is no guard rail. Who needs it?
We finally reached the parking lot at the top and got out to explore. The icy wind was stiff and bracing, but we were so awed by the sights that we hardly noticed. It was the most spectacular thing we've seen yet. At 600 meters (about 1800 feet) these are the highest ocean cliffs in Europe.
But the highlight of the day was still to come...
But I'll go ahead and start where I left off on the 19th...
So Saturday we left Galway and drove straight through to Donegal Town with a few stops and diversions to take pictures. As we drove out to the west part of County Donegal we were struck by the beauty of the landscape. It was unlike any we had yet encountered in Ireland. Rugged and wild - yet marginally tamed by farmers long ago who built an elaborate web of stone walls which divide the fields and keep the livestock close to home. This area is also Gaeltacht.
As we approached the area of Sliamh Liag there were impressive mountains, some with snowy peaks, becoming more numerous. When we found the turn-off to our scenic destination, we were greeted by a narrow winding road, which only got narrower and windier (is that a word?) as it steepened. Soon we found ourselves driving along the edge of a precipice and around sharp curves with a steep grassy slope on our right and a 1000 foot drop to the ocean on our left. There is no guard rail. Who needs it?
We finally reached the parking lot at the top and got out to explore. The icy wind was stiff and bracing, but we were so awed by the sights that we hardly noticed. It was the most spectacular thing we've seen yet. At 600 meters (about 1800 feet) these are the highest ocean cliffs in Europe.But the highlight of the day was still to come...
Jan 23, 2007
Bleary eyed and frazzled tailed...
We arrived back in Dublin this evening. It's been a long 6 days since we left last Thursday on our wild tour of Ireland. We never had really good access to the Internet.
It was a wonderful trip and we made lots of good friends -- lots of great craic (pronounced "crack", means good, fun conversation and fellowship). It looks as if our April trip is going to be just as busy if not more so. Many are interested in having us do workshops, including those for whom we have already done workshops. I guess they just can't get enough of our clever banter.
We also saw some of the most beautiful landscapes we have seen to this point.
I'm really tired. I'll start recapping our trip tomorrow, and try to get some pictures uploaded. We have an appointment tomorrow morning in the City Centre and then another out in the suburbs west in the late afternoon. Better get some sleep.
Good night...
It was a wonderful trip and we made lots of good friends -- lots of great craic (pronounced "crack", means good, fun conversation and fellowship). It looks as if our April trip is going to be just as busy if not more so. Many are interested in having us do workshops, including those for whom we have already done workshops. I guess they just can't get enough of our clever banter.
We also saw some of the most beautiful landscapes we have seen to this point.
I'm really tired. I'll start recapping our trip tomorrow, and try to get some pictures uploaded. We have an appointment tomorrow morning in the City Centre and then another out in the suburbs west in the late afternoon. Better get some sleep.
Good night...
Jan 19, 2007
More wind and rain
The weather picked up a bit today with drizzly rain most of the day and the winds increasing again this evening.
We had a good visit over lunch with Ray and Rebbecca Clancy, who started Calvary Galway 7 years ago. They graciously squeezed us in, as they were preparing for a conference tonight and tomorrow and this morning had a meeting with a pastor from the Calvary Bible College in Vajta, Hungary, who is here for the conference.
I think they came expecting us to be one of many who come through Ireland wanting to do ministry and contacting various churches looking for a partnership. Once we were able to share with them what we are doing and the approach we have to ministry, they relaxed and we had a good meeting of the minds. We continue to learn new things with each person we meet. They talked to us about doing some events with them in the future, maybe one in April.
As the afternoon wore on, we drove out west of Galway City into an area where Irish is the predominant language. There are several of these areas around Ireland, known as Gaeltacht. It's strange to be driving along and suddenly notice that there aren't any road signs in English. It was a beautiful drive, although it wasn't good for taking many pictures as the weather was very poor.
Tomorrow we will drive up through County Sligo and on into County Donegal and take in some sights before we end up at our hosts' house in Glencolmchille. We're hoping that we may encounter some snow, but I'm not sure that will happen.
Til then...
We had a good visit over lunch with Ray and Rebbecca Clancy, who started Calvary Galway 7 years ago. They graciously squeezed us in, as they were preparing for a conference tonight and tomorrow and this morning had a meeting with a pastor from the Calvary Bible College in Vajta, Hungary, who is here for the conference.
I think they came expecting us to be one of many who come through Ireland wanting to do ministry and contacting various churches looking for a partnership. Once we were able to share with them what we are doing and the approach we have to ministry, they relaxed and we had a good meeting of the minds. We continue to learn new things with each person we meet. They talked to us about doing some events with them in the future, maybe one in April.
As the afternoon wore on, we drove out west of Galway City into an area where Irish is the predominant language. There are several of these areas around Ireland, known as Gaeltacht. It's strange to be driving along and suddenly notice that there aren't any road signs in English. It was a beautiful drive, although it wasn't good for taking many pictures as the weather was very poor.
Tomorrow we will drive up through County Sligo and on into County Donegal and take in some sights before we end up at our hosts' house in Glencolmchille. We're hoping that we may encounter some snow, but I'm not sure that will happen.
Til then...
Jan 18, 2007
This is Limerick, so it must be...
It's getting to the point where we are remembering what day it is by where we find ourselves.
Today we drove from Dublin to Limerick in very gusty wind and rain squalls. Exciting! At one point they had to shut down the Dublin Airport as the winds were 60 mph with gusts to near 100 mph. Seriously, now!
After a short diversion (that's what the Irish call a detour) through Maynooth to pick up a keyboard case, we arrived in Limerick just before 2:00 and met with Kevin Fitzgibbon, the pastor of Abundant Life Church, an Assembly of God. We had a really good time getting to know Kevin and getting the tour of the facility they moved into in April. Exciting to see what God is doing there.
Then it was north to Galway and our B&B. Not bad -- not great. At least they have this computer so that we can do a little email and blogging. Sorry, pictures will have to come later.
Tomorrow we will meet with Ray Clancy of Calvary Chapel Galway and then spend the day in and around the city. Saturday we make our way even further north to Glencolmcille, which is west of Donegal City, right on the Atlantic Coast. We've heard that this is really wild country. Nearby there is a mountain, Sliabh Liag (Sleeve League) that rises right from the sea that I have long wanted to see.
Better call it quits for now. More to come...
Today we drove from Dublin to Limerick in very gusty wind and rain squalls. Exciting! At one point they had to shut down the Dublin Airport as the winds were 60 mph with gusts to near 100 mph. Seriously, now!
After a short diversion (that's what the Irish call a detour) through Maynooth to pick up a keyboard case, we arrived in Limerick just before 2:00 and met with Kevin Fitzgibbon, the pastor of Abundant Life Church, an Assembly of God. We had a really good time getting to know Kevin and getting the tour of the facility they moved into in April. Exciting to see what God is doing there.
Then it was north to Galway and our B&B. Not bad -- not great. At least they have this computer so that we can do a little email and blogging. Sorry, pictures will have to come later.
Tomorrow we will meet with Ray Clancy of Calvary Chapel Galway and then spend the day in and around the city. Saturday we make our way even further north to Glencolmcille, which is west of Donegal City, right on the Atlantic Coast. We've heard that this is really wild country. Nearby there is a mountain, Sliabh Liag (Sleeve League) that rises right from the sea that I have long wanted to see.
Better call it quits for now. More to come...
Jan 16, 2007
Cork, now past...
I guess I have a bit of catching up to do.
We're back at Phil and Cheryl's now after a very busy weekend in Cork. If you read our October 4 entry about our contrasting B&B's in Cork, I must now add another chapter.
Michael O'Donovan, worship leader at Grace Fellowship, got us in contact with Martin (excuse me, "Maatin") and Mary Dunn who look after Maranatha House, a Bed & Breakfast in Blarney, when the owners, Doug and Olwen Venn are away, which they are for January. It is a wonderful manse, built in the mid 1800's. We were the personal guests of the Dunns and the only guests in the house, as it is closed during this time of the year. We were given the Honeymoon Suite, which interestingly has two king-sized beds. I asked if that was in case the newlyweds had a row. What gracious and thoughtful hosts. Plus we felt quite safe with the Venn's two dogs, Samson (the largest German Shepherd that I have ever seen) and Jenny (a black lab-like creature) there to guard us.
So now, a quick rundown of the weekend...
We drove to Cork Saturday morning arriving just after noon. We were to meet with Niamh Varian-Barry, the worship leader for Calvary Chapel Cork, after she finished playing for a wedding (violin). The wedding started later and lasted longer than she anticipated, so Beth and I spent time making the music shop circuit looking for a keyboard stand, speaker stands and a keyboard case, which we had failed to find in Dublin due to everyone being sold out after the holidays. No luck here either.
We were just heading to a cafe to get a bite when Niamh called and was on her way to meet us. A short time later she showed up at the cafe and we made our way to Calvary Chapel which has rented out a few rooms in an office building in the City Centre where Claire (we never learned her last name) was waiting for us. Claire and Niamh have been working together on music and seem to have really found a connection which they are finding very exciting.
The next couple of hours were passed talking about worship and sharing our individual experiences in worship leading. Our desire in meetings such as this is that we might be an encouragement to worship leaders who sometimes feel as if they are out there on their own.
Sunday morning we attended worship service at Calvary. Mike Neglia, the pastor and his wife Rachel and son Eoin, were away. Standing in for Mike was a pastor from south of Cork.
After grabbing some lunch in the City Centre, we headed out to Blarney, north of the city and had just enough time to get our equipment and drive to the Methodist Church in Douglas on the south edge of Cork. We had planned to borrow Niamh's keyboard stand and were short on time, so she conscripted a friend to bring it to us at the church.
Beth and I met with the pastor, Laurence Graham (who we had met in 2003), Paul, who assists him, and their organist Diane. This church congregation, which has been established in Cork for literally hundreds of years, is on the cusp of venturing into the incorporation of contemporary worship into their services and blend it with the traditional. Our conversation with them centered around the vision they have for this change and the frustrations that have arisen in the beginning phases of implementation.
We didn't have a lot of ideas that they hadn't already thought of or explored, but after hearing where they are and from where they have come, we were able to encourage them and help them to see that indeed progress has been made and for them to understand that our timing isn't always God's timing for things. We are excited to see what the next couple of years brings.
That evening, we led a night of worship for a small group of church members who gather once-a-month with Pastor Laurence to spend time together in worship.
Monday, we met a local pastor for lunch and gained some new insights and a new viewpoint about our ministry. It's important that we see our ministry through the eyes of others to help us hone our approach and think through all aspects of the ministry in a foreign culture. Of course, we will make our faux pas, but the more we can minimize those, the better.
Monday night, then we were at Grace with Michael O'Donovan and members of the worship team for a 3-hour workshop. We had a great time with this group. One can quickly see that they have great chemistry and camaraderie. They were very fun, but gave serious, well thought-out answers to the questions that were posed. It's exciting to be leading a meeting like this and see on the faces of those attending that you are connecting with them and that they are being challenged to think about some aspect of leading worship in a new way.
We've been invited back to Grace to do several more workshops and we look forward to continuing the relationship we have begun. We'll be back there in April most likely.
And finally, today we stopped to visit Seamus ("Shame-us") and Jenny O'Callaghan in Carlow on our way back to Dublin. Seamus pastors Carlow Christian Community and Jenny is their key worship leader. Beth and I were able to encourage Jenny in her keyboard playing and gave her a bit of a lesson, showing her some new techniques to expand her skills. We spoke with Seamus about coordinating a worship workshop with churches in Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford and other towns in the southeast.
I'm tired and have several emails to get out, so I'll cut this short (ha) and close for now.
Stay tuned...
We're back at Phil and Cheryl's now after a very busy weekend in Cork. If you read our October 4 entry about our contrasting B&B's in Cork, I must now add another chapter.
Michael O'Donovan, worship leader at Grace Fellowship, got us in contact with Martin (excuse me, "Maatin") and Mary Dunn who look after Maranatha House, a Bed & Breakfast in Blarney, when the owners, Doug and Olwen Venn are away, which they are for January. It is a wonderful manse, built in the mid 1800's. We were the personal guests of the Dunns and the only guests in the house, as it is closed during this time of the year. We were given the Honeymoon Suite, which interestingly has two king-sized beds. I asked if that was in case the newlyweds had a row. What gracious and thoughtful hosts. Plus we felt quite safe with the Venn's two dogs, Samson (the largest German Shepherd that I have ever seen) and Jenny (a black lab-like creature) there to guard us.So now, a quick rundown of the weekend...
We drove to Cork Saturday morning arriving just after noon. We were to meet with Niamh Varian-Barry, the worship leader for Calvary Chapel Cork, after she finished playing for a wedding (violin). The wedding started later and lasted longer than she anticipated, so Beth and I spent time making the music shop circuit looking for a keyboard stand, speaker stands and a keyboard case, which we had failed to find in Dublin due to everyone being sold out after the holidays. No luck here either.
We were just heading to a cafe to get a bite when Niamh called and was on her way to meet us. A short time later she showed up at the cafe and we made our way to Calvary Chapel which has rented out a few rooms in an office building in the City Centre where Claire (we never learned her last name) was waiting for us. Claire and Niamh have been working together on music and seem to have really found a connection which they are finding very exciting.The next couple of hours were passed talking about worship and sharing our individual experiences in worship leading. Our desire in meetings such as this is that we might be an encouragement to worship leaders who sometimes feel as if they are out there on their own.
Sunday morning we attended worship service at Calvary. Mike Neglia, the pastor and his wife Rachel and son Eoin, were away. Standing in for Mike was a pastor from south of Cork.
After grabbing some lunch in the City Centre, we headed out to Blarney, north of the city and had just enough time to get our equipment and drive to the Methodist Church in Douglas on the south edge of Cork. We had planned to borrow Niamh's keyboard stand and were short on time, so she conscripted a friend to bring it to us at the church.
Beth and I met with the pastor, Laurence Graham (who we had met in 2003), Paul, who assists him, and their organist Diane. This church congregation, which has been established in Cork for literally hundreds of years, is on the cusp of venturing into the incorporation of contemporary worship into their services and blend it with the traditional. Our conversation with them centered around the vision they have for this change and the frustrations that have arisen in the beginning phases of implementation.
We didn't have a lot of ideas that they hadn't already thought of or explored, but after hearing where they are and from where they have come, we were able to encourage them and help them to see that indeed progress has been made and for them to understand that our timing isn't always God's timing for things. We are excited to see what the next couple of years brings.That evening, we led a night of worship for a small group of church members who gather once-a-month with Pastor Laurence to spend time together in worship.
Monday, we met a local pastor for lunch and gained some new insights and a new viewpoint about our ministry. It's important that we see our ministry through the eyes of others to help us hone our approach and think through all aspects of the ministry in a foreign culture. Of course, we will make our faux pas, but the more we can minimize those, the better.
Monday night, then we were at Grace with Michael O'Donovan and members of the worship team for a 3-hour workshop. We had a great time with this group. One can quickly see that they have great chemistry and camaraderie. They were very fun, but gave serious, well thought-out answers to the questions that were posed. It's exciting to be leading a meeting like this and see on the faces of those attending that you are connecting with them and that they are being challenged to think about some aspect of leading worship in a new way.We've been invited back to Grace to do several more workshops and we look forward to continuing the relationship we have begun. We'll be back there in April most likely.
And finally, today we stopped to visit Seamus ("Shame-us") and Jenny O'Callaghan in Carlow on our way back to Dublin. Seamus pastors Carlow Christian Community and Jenny is their key worship leader. Beth and I were able to encourage Jenny in her keyboard playing and gave her a bit of a lesson, showing her some new techniques to expand her skills. We spoke with Seamus about coordinating a worship workshop with churches in Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford and other towns in the southeast.
I'm tired and have several emails to get out, so I'll cut this short (ha) and close for now.
Stay tuned...
Jan 14, 2007
A quick note
It's Sunday morning in Cork. We'll be at Calvary Chapel this morning and the Methodist Church tonight.
We're at an Internet cafe, as we don't have access at our B&B (which is wonderful otherwise, so I'll keep this brief and give a full update later.
There was frost on the ground this morning, but it's sunny.
Check back soon.
We're at an Internet cafe, as we don't have access at our B&B (which is wonderful otherwise, so I'll keep this brief and give a full update later.
There was frost on the ground this morning, but it's sunny.
Check back soon.
Jan 12, 2007
Busy like crazy
So this morning I hit the snooze a couple of times and woke up an hour later than we had planned. We followed Phil and Cheryl out to Leixlip (I think I had said it was Lucan earlier) for our GEM Ireland meeting. It was good to see most everyone again.
Some of the GEM Ireland people
We left there about an hour later than we had anticipated, because several people who came to the meeting got stuck in traffic on the motorway around Dublin as they came in from the north (we came the southern route).
It took us a while to connect up with Tim and Moya Jarvis due to the fact that my phone ran out of minutes while I was talking with Moya to get directions to their house. I had just registered a credit card with the mobile phone company, but apparently it takes some time before it activates, so we had to drive until we could find a pay phone.
Tim gave me directions to their house which happened to be maybe half a block from where we were when I got cut off while talking with Moya.
With Moya (Brennan) and Tim Jarvis
Had a really nice time with the Jarvises, discussing many different aspects of music, worship, ministry, raising kids, etc. They were a great source of information and encouragement, giving us a perspective on worship ministry that we might not get from the typical worship leader. We arrived strangers and left friends.
After that we went to get our phone working again and then found ourselves back at the Kingsleys' for dinner and more phone calls. Our dance card for our great tour of Ireland is just about as full as we can get it.
We still have some time to fill while we're in Dublin, although we only have about 5 days left that are open for making appointments.
The Weather - 'twas quite blustery today, but rather mild. About 50F with light rain here and there.
Tomorrow - Cork.
Some of the GEM Ireland peopleWe left there about an hour later than we had anticipated, because several people who came to the meeting got stuck in traffic on the motorway around Dublin as they came in from the north (we came the southern route).
It took us a while to connect up with Tim and Moya Jarvis due to the fact that my phone ran out of minutes while I was talking with Moya to get directions to their house. I had just registered a credit card with the mobile phone company, but apparently it takes some time before it activates, so we had to drive until we could find a pay phone.
Tim gave me directions to their house which happened to be maybe half a block from where we were when I got cut off while talking with Moya.
With Moya (Brennan) and Tim JarvisHad a really nice time with the Jarvises, discussing many different aspects of music, worship, ministry, raising kids, etc. They were a great source of information and encouragement, giving us a perspective on worship ministry that we might not get from the typical worship leader. We arrived strangers and left friends.
After that we went to get our phone working again and then found ourselves back at the Kingsleys' for dinner and more phone calls. Our dance card for our great tour of Ireland is just about as full as we can get it.
We still have some time to fill while we're in Dublin, although we only have about 5 days left that are open for making appointments.
The Weather - 'twas quite blustery today, but rather mild. About 50F with light rain here and there.
Tomorrow - Cork.
Jan 11, 2007
In Dublin
Well, we have arrived safe and sound. The travels were uneventful and we got everything here in good shape, including the keyboard and sound system. Although is was tricky getting it to the rental car.
We're staying at Phil and Cheryl Kingsley's. Yesterday's challenge was to stay awake long enough to ensure a good night's sleep. When you travel this direction, the best thing (in our opinion) is to be sure to stay awake the day you arrive, even if you didn't get a good sleep during the overnight flight (which we didn't). Then you can get a good solid night of sleep without waking in the middle of the night with your internal clock all confused. So we went out driving and then to a shopping mall and kept looking at our watches. "What? It's only 5:00? How are we going to make it to 9:00?"
Somehow we made it. This morning I woke up and it was beginning to get light out. At home that would mean it was about 6 AM. I looked at my watch and it was 8:00. Couldn't believe it. I never sleep that late. The next thing I remember, I was awakening again and it was 10:00! So 13 hours of sleep and we're doing great!
Today we have to go shopping for stands for the keyboard, speakers and microphones and for a keyboard case.
Tomorrow after our GEM Ireland meeting in Lucan, just west of Dublin, we will make our way to the other side of Dublin -- Dun Laoghaire (pronounced Dun Leary -- no really) to meet with Tim and Moya Jarvis. Moya, better known as Moya Brennan, is a Christian recording artist who was in the group Clannad and is the sister of Enya. She and Tim have been heavily involved in their church, St. Mark's in Dublin and will hopefully help us gain insight into the whole area of worship in Ireland.
Our trip through the country is beginning to take shape as we hear back from people abroad. More on that as it develops.
That's about it for now.
We're staying at Phil and Cheryl Kingsley's. Yesterday's challenge was to stay awake long enough to ensure a good night's sleep. When you travel this direction, the best thing (in our opinion) is to be sure to stay awake the day you arrive, even if you didn't get a good sleep during the overnight flight (which we didn't). Then you can get a good solid night of sleep without waking in the middle of the night with your internal clock all confused. So we went out driving and then to a shopping mall and kept looking at our watches. "What? It's only 5:00? How are we going to make it to 9:00?"
Somehow we made it. This morning I woke up and it was beginning to get light out. At home that would mean it was about 6 AM. I looked at my watch and it was 8:00. Couldn't believe it. I never sleep that late. The next thing I remember, I was awakening again and it was 10:00! So 13 hours of sleep and we're doing great!
Today we have to go shopping for stands for the keyboard, speakers and microphones and for a keyboard case.
Tomorrow after our GEM Ireland meeting in Lucan, just west of Dublin, we will make our way to the other side of Dublin -- Dun Laoghaire (pronounced Dun Leary -- no really) to meet with Tim and Moya Jarvis. Moya, better known as Moya Brennan, is a Christian recording artist who was in the group Clannad and is the sister of Enya. She and Tim have been heavily involved in their church, St. Mark's in Dublin and will hopefully help us gain insight into the whole area of worship in Ireland.
Our trip through the country is beginning to take shape as we hear back from people abroad. More on that as it develops.
That's about it for now.
Jan 8, 2007
Ready or not!
They have taken over our bedroom and office, their mouths gaping, hungry, begging to be filled. "They" are our suitcases and carry-on bags.
Sorry - didn't mean to scare you.
I'm sitting here racking my brain, trying to figure out what I've forgotten. The bills are paid. The dogs and house are taken care of. We have all our prescriptions filled. Molly has the contact information she needs. I still have a few odds and ends to do around the house, not the least of which is to finish packing.
I just got off the phone with an Internet vendor from which I ordered some lenses and filters for our camera which were supposed to have arrived Saturday at the latest (I paid for expedited shipping so that I could have them for this trip). I was ready to be all mean and stuff and demand this and that and threaten to write a bad vendor review on Amazon. However, after finding out that the package is apparently lost in the mail somewhere, I'm glad to say that I was told they were going to do whatever it takes to get another package to me before we leave for the airport tomorrow. We'll see.
This trip is lining up to be a very busy one. We have heard back from some of our contacts "down country" (that means outside of Dublin) and we may end up taking a 4 or 5 day circuitous trek through Northern Ireland and the west coast to see them all. That's in addition to our long weekend in Cork.
It will be interesting to see how it shapes up. We should have a better idea by Wednesday night after we call everyone when we arrive.
Well, I have a lot to do and the hours are growing shorter.
Keep coming back for exciting play-by-play action!
Sorry - didn't mean to scare you.
I'm sitting here racking my brain, trying to figure out what I've forgotten. The bills are paid. The dogs and house are taken care of. We have all our prescriptions filled. Molly has the contact information she needs. I still have a few odds and ends to do around the house, not the least of which is to finish packing.
I just got off the phone with an Internet vendor from which I ordered some lenses and filters for our camera which were supposed to have arrived Saturday at the latest (I paid for expedited shipping so that I could have them for this trip). I was ready to be all mean and stuff and demand this and that and threaten to write a bad vendor review on Amazon. However, after finding out that the package is apparently lost in the mail somewhere, I'm glad to say that I was told they were going to do whatever it takes to get another package to me before we leave for the airport tomorrow. We'll see.
This trip is lining up to be a very busy one. We have heard back from some of our contacts "down country" (that means outside of Dublin) and we may end up taking a 4 or 5 day circuitous trek through Northern Ireland and the west coast to see them all. That's in addition to our long weekend in Cork.
It will be interesting to see how it shapes up. We should have a better idea by Wednesday night after we call everyone when we arrive.
Well, I have a lot to do and the hours are growing shorter.
Keep coming back for exciting play-by-play action!
Jan 6, 2007
But Three Days
The holidays are now past. Things were very laid back for us this year. But it was nice. Molly returns to the dorm today. Tempus fugit.
There are but three days left before we leave again for Ireland. It seems like we were just there, and yet it seems too long. Our hearts are definitely becoming anchored there.
Here we are in the City Centre of Dublin:
It's going to be a challenging trip over, in that between the two of us we will have two large suitcases, two guitars, four carry-ons, a keyboard and a portable sound system. Crazy, huh? Fortunately, the keyboard and sound system will be living in Ireland.
We were needing to have these for the work we're doing, but there were two factors to consider. One, we didn't want to have to haul them back and forth to Ireland every time we go. Two, musical and sound equipment is very expensive in Ireland. So it just made sense to purchase them here in the States and take them with us to leave over there.
The guys at the music store (Tringas Music - Pensacola - give them your business) did an incredible job boxing everything up for us (using three roles of packing tape in the process). Now I'm wondering if TSA will have to open them up to look inside. Guess I'll call and find out before we get there Tuesday morning.
Be sure to check back here often over the next few weeks. We'll keep you updated during our travels -- try to make you feel like you're there with us. And hopefully you will be through your prayers. We need them.
Be blessed...
There are but three days left before we leave again for Ireland. It seems like we were just there, and yet it seems too long. Our hearts are definitely becoming anchored there.
Here we are in the City Centre of Dublin:
It's going to be a challenging trip over, in that between the two of us we will have two large suitcases, two guitars, four carry-ons, a keyboard and a portable sound system. Crazy, huh? Fortunately, the keyboard and sound system will be living in Ireland.
We were needing to have these for the work we're doing, but there were two factors to consider. One, we didn't want to have to haul them back and forth to Ireland every time we go. Two, musical and sound equipment is very expensive in Ireland. So it just made sense to purchase them here in the States and take them with us to leave over there.
The guys at the music store (Tringas Music - Pensacola - give them your business) did an incredible job boxing everything up for us (using three roles of packing tape in the process). Now I'm wondering if TSA will have to open them up to look inside. Guess I'll call and find out before we get there Tuesday morning.
Be sure to check back here often over the next few weeks. We'll keep you updated during our travels -- try to make you feel like you're there with us. And hopefully you will be through your prayers. We need them.
Be blessed...
Jan 1, 2007
Humility and encouragement
Yesterday, Beth and I had lunch with a very interesting man, Dr. T Lunkim (do a Google search with his name), who is the father of a friend of ours.
Just a few things that will help you understand a little about him:
- Born to an animist priest, a member of the Kuki people, and now works in his homeland in northeast India
- Saved shortly after his marriage
- At 22 was made head of the North East Kuki Baptist Christian Circle Conference
- Translated the Bible into the Kuki Language from Hebrew and Greek texts (for which he was imprisoned for 43 days) and finished it in 4 1/2 years, the shortest time ever taken by any Bible translator
- Some 500 churches have been founded under his leadership
- After visiting family in the U.S. a year ago, decided to return to his work in India even though he knew there was a price on his head. He was subsequently kidnapped and held captive for 61 days by the Kuki Liberation Army -- he is now in his 80's
So here we are, at Barnhill's Country Buffet, answering questions about our work in Ireland, feeling that it is so insignificant compared to Dr. Lunkim's ministry. I mean, good grief, how can what we are doing have anything near the impact as Dr. Lunkim has had in India?
But Dr. Lunkim was so gracious and so encouraging. He didn't hesitate to express his feelings as to the importance of our ministry. He's been to Europe and seen the spiritual darkness and the need to support the church there.
He is heading back home soon and has no idea what to expect. But he is determined to continue doing what God has called him to do. He reminds me of the apostle Paul when a prophet told him that if he returned to Jerusalem he would be bound and imprisoned, yet Paul chose to go because that was what God had called him to do -- and the Gospel was advanced because of his obedience.
So now we are preparing to head to Ireland next week. Yes we're excited. We always get excited when we're doing what God has called us to do. I'll be updating this blog and uploading pictures and stuff to our website during our travels.
Stay tuned.
Just a few things that will help you understand a little about him:
- Born to an animist priest, a member of the Kuki people, and now works in his homeland in northeast India- Saved shortly after his marriage
- At 22 was made head of the North East Kuki Baptist Christian Circle Conference
- Translated the Bible into the Kuki Language from Hebrew and Greek texts (for which he was imprisoned for 43 days) and finished it in 4 1/2 years, the shortest time ever taken by any Bible translator
- Some 500 churches have been founded under his leadership
- After visiting family in the U.S. a year ago, decided to return to his work in India even though he knew there was a price on his head. He was subsequently kidnapped and held captive for 61 days by the Kuki Liberation Army -- he is now in his 80's
So here we are, at Barnhill's Country Buffet, answering questions about our work in Ireland, feeling that it is so insignificant compared to Dr. Lunkim's ministry. I mean, good grief, how can what we are doing have anything near the impact as Dr. Lunkim has had in India?
But Dr. Lunkim was so gracious and so encouraging. He didn't hesitate to express his feelings as to the importance of our ministry. He's been to Europe and seen the spiritual darkness and the need to support the church there.
He is heading back home soon and has no idea what to expect. But he is determined to continue doing what God has called him to do. He reminds me of the apostle Paul when a prophet told him that if he returned to Jerusalem he would be bound and imprisoned, yet Paul chose to go because that was what God had called him to do -- and the Gospel was advanced because of his obedience.
So now we are preparing to head to Ireland next week. Yes we're excited. We always get excited when we're doing what God has called us to do. I'll be updating this blog and uploading pictures and stuff to our website during our travels.
Stay tuned.
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