Ireland - The Land of Abundance

Table Mountain, SA - Cliffs of Mohar, IE

    A little over a year ago my husband and I, along with our three children left Cape Town, South Africa to conduct a survey of Ireland often referred to as 'The Land of Abundance'. The meaning of this country's name is obvious when you see the land from a distance, from your airplane window. The mighty ocean hitting the cliffs along with the varied colors of green captures and holds your attention until the city of Dublin comes into view. We were greeted with colder temperatures, strong winds, and rain, it was refreshing. (Keeping in mind we had just left forty-degree Celsius weather.) Missionaries welcomed us to the country by picking us up at the airport and taking us two and half hours’ drive west to the Glen of Aherlow, where we would be staying for the next three months. 

    Our first Sunday we attended a church-planting ministry in Tipperary Town. We were given the opportunity to minister to this group of mostly young believers. They all had a heart for the lost in their community. Not all are originally from Ireland with some from England, Scotland, and South Africa. Yes, can you believe that first Sunday on Irish soil I was conversing in Afrikaans to a lady and her mother who were looking for a church to attend. We could clearly hear in each of their testimonies the love they have for the Lord and the desire to see their countrymen come to know Him as their personal Savior. 

    Over the weeks that followed we focused our survey on Tipperary Town, and nearby towns Cahir, and Cashel noting the need for Bible preaching churches. The old traditional Roman Catholic Church as well as the Church of Ireland (Anglican) are found in each town. Born-again believers are having to drive far distances to find a church that preaches the truth and at times we found those that didn't attend church at all because of this great need.

    Tipperary Town, Cahir, and Cashel are surrounded by farmland. On one occasion we were invited by a Christian family to visit with them at their dairy farm. We learned much about the culture from them and their own ministry to their community. They also shared the needs of the people of Ireland both spiritually and economically. They explained and stressed the important need of a ministry amongst the young people of Ireland. It was clear through the population growth and new development in these areas that there is a great opportunity to start children's and youth ministries in support of church-planting. You can understand how excited we were upon receiving this information. 

    We were privileged to be given the opportunity to serve the Lord in other towns throughout Ireland. It was through these opportunities of ministry in Co. Kerry and Co. Tipperary that we came to fully understand our fellow missionary, Shaun Abrahams, heart’s desire. He and his late wife clearly expressed over their years of ministry the need of reaching the Irish with the Gospel and why this country is in dire need of people who are willing to serve the Lord in evangelism and church-planting. 

"The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest." Luke 10:2

    Throughout our survey we included our children. Ruan, Jesse, and Julia ministered right alongside of us. We took them to church, Bible studies, people’s homes, stores, towns and small villages, schools, and historical sites. Ruan enjoyed learning about Ireland's history, animals, and vegetation. Jesse enjoyed the Irish food and grand walking trails. Julia was already looking forward to the possibility of attending school and making friends in Ireland. Julia talked about inviting her friends to church and Sunday school. Tipperary's small group of believers didn't have a Sunday school yet.

Megalithic Tomb

    Ireland may be the "abundant land" it is known for, but the people need to hear about our Lord. Few understand that the Savior has died on the cross for their sin, has risen, and is preparing a place for us in Heaven. God's precious gift needs to be shared to all of Ireland. As I look back on our trip, I find myself looking forward to the day we can return to Ireland to fulfil His Great Commission.

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20

"It just seems right that we are here in Ireland." Ruan