What we learned in that first week would got us completely ready to share what kind of relationship we have with Jesus Christ with anyone and everyone! One thing we had to accept as a family were the rules, now these rules weren’t strict, but guide lines if you want to enjoy the trip. “PRIORITIES” Prompt, Responsible, Initiate, Organize, (1. Passport 2. Slack time 3. Daily laundry 4. Pack) Relationships (40/60- 3-friends only) Injury-report it, Talk, (stop and listen) I- that’s the problem - yield your rights! Enthusiasm (Choose to Ooze!) Sleep (Don’t worry about it.) This was a big thing that would help all of us throughout the next 4 weeks being together!
Londonderry (Northern Ireland)- We stayed in Eberington Presbyterian Church one the floors with what bedding we had brought. We got right into action the following morning we arrived with the tiddlers (toddlers and their moms.) Other things in the church was Integrity (youth) Wednesday-Friday nights, Holiday Bible Camp (for kids ages 6-12) July 12th-16th each evening, and leading worship and sharing testimonies during morning services on Sunday which I got to play the piano! We did a total of 3 street performances which follow up with talking to the city people after. We had a totally of 13 teens get saved in those 10 days!
Skerries (Southern Ireland)- This place is 45 minutes directly East of Dublin on the coast. This was Royal Servants first time to stay in Southern Ireland ever! We got connected with a small town church called Cornerstone Church that started about 2 years ago. They are meeting in a primary school/ elementary school every Sunday at 5pm. We stayed in the school classrooms the 7 days there. We got involved with the church by helping out in their first “Kids Camp” 3pm-5pm, July 19th-21st. Skerries is very different then Londonderry, more diverse, and not as strong as an accent. There are also several teens in Skerries which gave us all a great interaction and new relationships. So, we hosted an American Block Party, and since most of them know how to party we were going to show them how we do it! This gave us great oppurtunitys when we went out toward the harbor to invite people to come. One of the days (July 22nd) we got to go into Dublin for the day and do two performances in the city where 1 person recommitted their life to Christ! It happened Friday, July 23rd, 7pm-9pm which ended up ending at about 11pm cause of so many teens hungry for God! Six teens accepted Christ that night after we shared our performances (dance and drama.) I was honored to leading a girl named Shannon age 15 to Christ that night who I had met earlier that week when handing out invitations! It was so powerful to see how hungry she was for Him and how many questions she had for Jenessa and I to answer! Once I had prayed with her, she was glowing with Joy and Happiness! I was so proud of her and I am still keeping in contact with her, her twin sister Saoirse, and their friends!
Nonetheless, Ireland is very proud of their culture and heritage! It was very exciting to be able to visit a castle, monks living grounds, giants casaway, church ruins/castle of St. Patricks locations, the city, and farm lands!
Overall, I had such an amazing experience and it was sad to leave all the new friends I had met in Ireland and my wonderful Royal Servants Ireland family! We had our last 5 days in London were we debriefed with 5 different sessions into getting back to our regular life in the states and what we were going to change when we get back! We also got to spend two full days inside London, but that’s not as important as to the kids, teens, and adults that we helped lead to Christ! Still need prayer for all of them for most of them are still growing and have a ton of questions that need to be answered, pray that they find the answers through His word! Thank you for all your prayers and support!
-Kristi Elisabeth
*Saoirse and Shannon - age 15 (twins) in Skerries
No comments:
Post a Comment