The team stayed with two sisters from the church. Both had recently become Christians and had many questions for us. We ofter stayed up into the early hours discussing topics of divorce, alcohol, and forgiveness. The foresight of the pastor in placing us with these ladies was amazing. By the end of the week we were calling them our Irish moms. Truly God brought Mary and Jean to us.
John wondered into the church one day with his daughter Bernadette. Jes jumped up quickly to talk with the pair and soon found herself in deep discussion. The man seemed to be hungering for God and later told the team he felt “compelled” to come there. He showed up later that night and this time we sat down to talk. He had many questions. The team had to move on to our next event, but Ilona, Jeremy, Jes, and I arranged to meet John later. He expressed appreciation to us many times saying, “No one ever comes to visit me,” and “No ones ever just listened to me.” During our visit different member of the team where able to share about God and forgiveness. John seemed to be haunted by his past and desperately wanted to believe in God. We hoped to meet up with him later in the week, but we seemed to always miss each other. Our last Sunday in town the four of us once again walked to John’s house to leave him a Bible. We had written notes of encouragement and had underlined passages that addressed the ares we had discussed. I’m still praying for John and I hope his soul one day finds the forgiveness he has been searching for.
Pastor John's daughter was such a blessing to us throughout the week. She provided a clear voice in certain situation and encouraged the team greatly. I got this message from her this morning:
once again, thanks for being a blessing while u wer ova here. i know sometimes it doesnt seem like a lot but i strongly believe u guys have planted a good seed and i can see it growing and u never know what mighty trees will grow from your seeds.
i'm sure ure still doing the good work in ur own community.
(Galatians 6:9)
things have finally settled down here a little nd we're meeting up on saturday to plan the next step for the youth and one of the top things on our list is community service and support! will keep u posted as time goes on.
stay smiling...
Much luv & God bless!
There are so many more that impacted us. Our drivers Ed, Robert, and Janice. The youth at the church with there amazing spirits and soulful voices. Jean's son Luke and his friends. Too many to name.
Next installment will be a few more stories and the prayers God answered.
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