Well, its been quite a bit of time since our last update on our missions blog. A lot has happened since then, including moving from our house into an apartment, my dad navigating through a serious head injury and having to take some extended time away from the ministry, some hiccups in the progression of getting Pierce’s mouth surgeries done, and various other bits and pieces of adventure. But God is good, and at this point, we are still on course to move here to Ireland in early March.
I say “here”, as some of you may not know that I am in Waterford as I write this. I’ve been here a week, and I’ll be here until November 29th, filling the pulpit for Pastor Clay while he and Jannelle spend some time in the States. I count it a particular honor and privilege to have the opportunity to serve he and the Family here in any way I can, and I’m thankful for the chance to be in Ireland for over a month!
Chels and the boys stayed home, and while it’s very hard being away from them, I am deeply grateful for her willingness to let me come and do this.
While I am here I am teaching on Sunday mornings, as well as being available during the week for anything. As I’ve only been here a week, I’m just now getting into the “swing of things”, but I’d like to think I’m finding my cadence. ;) The gang here is brilliant, and I love them all dearly. They have certainly embraced me and they are very supportive and encouraging. It is wonderful to see everyone working together for God’s glory at Calvary Waterford, and we seem to be in a sweet season of grace and growth. I can definitely see the fruit of Clay and Jannelle’s hard work here.
There is much opportunity to minister to people who are deeply hurt by Christ-less religion, who have given themselves to addictions of every sort. There’s so much emptiness, and despair. The Irish are a beautiful people, but they are a hurting people. I want so greatly to see Irish people set free from their sin and emptiness, and that will only happen through a true relationship with Jesus. The awesome thing is that it is happening…little by little, person by person. Jesus IS changing hearts in Ireland.
I am enjoying the cold weather here, as it gives me a reason to wear all the warm clothes I so enjoy wearing. I don’t have a decent camera, but I am thinking about purchasing one here. If/when I do, I’ll make sure to post plenty of pictures. It’s always beautiful in Ireland. :)
Prayer Requests:
For Waterford City to be filled with the light and love of Jesus!
For Calvary Waterford as the Lord leads and directs into the horizon.
For Clay and Jannelle as they shepherd the flock here.
For those addicted to alcohol and drugs here to be set free.
For the Christian churches in Waterford to be united under the banner of the Gospel.
For Jon Langley and myself as we continue to work on the details of establishing a Bible college here in Waterford.
For my family as we continue to raise support and work towards moving here in March.
For Chelsi and the boys during this next month while I’m gone: protection and provision.
For the Lord to bring in the monthly support we’ll need to live and stay here. (We’re still quite a ways away from our target goal.)
Support Opportunities:
As always, we covet the prayer support of our Family in Christ.
If the Lord leads you to financially support the Kelly family, you can find an online support link here: http://www.shepsstaff.org/kelly.aspx
Thank you for joining with us on this journey. God is good, and He is changing lives in Ireland!
