Most every mission trip has a moment of difficulty or confusion or out-and-out spiritual battle.  This particular trip had all that in just the TRAVEL to get there!  Between delays due to far away storms, disappearing flights, a lost pilot (yes, that's what we were told!), and lost luggage (for 3 days), our team of 7 made it to Broughshane, Northern Ireland, safe and relatively sound and ready for ministry. 

Our main purpose for this trip was to work alongside the members of First Broughshane Presbyterian Church in hosting a Holiday Bible Club (like our Vacation Bible School programs).  Over 60 precious children came each evening to have fun and hear about Jesus - and sing kid songs with our band!   

Each evening after HBC, the younger members of our team met with the youth of First Broughshane, as well as some of their friends from other churches. The turn-out was great - more came than expected!  These events were filled with games and food as well as Biblical teaching by our team.  So these 4 members were busy until very late in the evenings!  

Our team also shared the Gospel with all the children at the primary school, including giving each of them a Gospel Colors zipper pull made by our own middle and high school girls.   Our band led the children in some songs, we invited them to the HBC, and then we were blessed in a huge way:  these children sang for US!  They sang "Peace Like a River" and then a beautiful version of "Awesome God" - and their voices sang loud and strong and moved some of us to tears!  It was so precious to hear these children sing and praise our awesome God!

There were various community groups where we led music and shared the Gospel, such as Fit For Life, Tuesday Fellowship, and Wednesday Friends.  We also had the privilege of meeting a community prayer group who prays each week for the schools, the children, the personnel - anyone and anything involved with the schools.  This group is made up of men and women from various churches who are committed to interceding for school children and their families and school leaders. It was such a blessing to be with them. 

Our musicians also participated in a Community Concert in the church hall along with fiddle groups and children from the primary school singing, playing instruments, and Irish dancing!  It was a lovely evening. The team also led in worship at First Broughshane on Sunday morning with some of the musicians from the church - it's always a special worship time when brothers and sisters from different parts of the world participate together!  

 
We are so grateful to God for all His provisions and blessings on this trip, so grateful for the privilege of sharing the Gospel and the Love of Jesus Christ with all ages, and we continue to pray for the seeds that were sown.  And we so appreciate the amazing hospitality of the First Broughshane folks!  We are also thankful for the prayers and support of our church family at Christ Covenant. 

The Ireland Missions Team