August 2021 Prayer Letter

Two of the most powerful words you can ever use or hear are simply, “Thank you.”  Recently I received a note that said just that.  The author recalled a conversation that we had several years ago under an oak tree.  That conversation had proved particularly powerful in their present circumstances.  They commented how a simple phrase spoken at that time had proved life changing today.  They wanted to reach out and share how important that was for them and to simply say thank you for taking the time to talk.

I must admit, so many times, I fail to fully grasp the way that God has been using and blessing our ministry in Ireland.  At times it may seem so subtle that it is easily overlooked.  It might simply be a precious moment of vulnerability that we are invited to share with someone and in that space, we share the Father’s love for them.  This note was a powerful illustration of this.

I sometimes ponder the different interactions that Jesus had when he was on the earth. How would you choose these specific people, with all of the significant needs that would have surrounded him?  For me, I imagine it was the Father’s heart, beating strong in his Son, Jesus, leading and guiding him.  A Father’s heart, who sees the pain that his children are dealing with and will stop at nothing to get alongside them, to love them, lift them, and to carry them.  I imagine this was the passion that drove Jesus as well.   Without being too dramatic, this is the challenge for each of us as we see the people around us.  Can we hear and feel the Father’s heart beating strong within, propelling us forward in love?

As we have been obedient, God has moved in simple and powerful ways.  We have been blessed to hear these words: “Thank you for being there for me when no one else was.  Thank you for all that you have taught me and helped me grow in my faith.  Thank you for being a voice of truth. Thank you for loving me as I am.  Thank you for being here in Ireland.”  Face to face, heart to heart, one to one, family to family, God’s heart for his people is proclaimed.  In light of the global pandemic, these words of life and love are even more vital.

As we took time to process each of these moments, you dear reader, were at the center of it all.  Without you, none of this could have happened.  Thank you to each and every one of you.  Thank you for praying for all of us.  Thank you for supporting us financially.  Thank you for your words of encouragement.  Thank you for responding to the Father’s heart within you, reaching out to impact the world.  Thank you all so very much.  May God bless you and keep you.