Redigging the Wells: Celebrating MVMNT

There’s something powerful about gathering with people who share a vision for what God is doing across Ireland. Recently, churches from all across Ireland came together for MVMNT, the national CCI (Christian Churches Ireland) conference, for a time of worship, encouragement, and remembering the foundations on which we stand.

This year’s theme, Redigging the Wells, invited us to look back at the faith, sacrifice, and obedience of those who came before us. Their willingness to follow God’s leading, plant churches, and build a foundation for future generations has helped shape the church we see across Ireland today.

One of the highlights was hearing from our friend and mentor (and boss), Gary Davidson, the father of CCI. His perspective and experience reminded us of the story behind the movement and the importance of honouring those who have faithfully gone before us as we look ahead to what God has next.

For us, MVMNT was also an opportunity to share about Zoe Community. We hosted a booth where we connected with more than 80 people, sharing the heart and vision behind Zoe and how we support women experiencing unplanned pregnancy. It was encouraging to meet so many people interested in learning more about our work and exploring how they might be involved.

We left MVMNT grateful for the people who have helped lay the foundations we stand on today, encouraged by the wider CCI family, and excited about what God is continuing to build across Ireland.

As we redig the wells of the past, we also stand on the shoulders of those supporting us now. That’s you! Thank you for being part of the journey!

God Knew Who Needed to Be in the Room

Sometimes God puts two people in the same room for reasons neither of them could have planned.

We’re still processing this year’s conference. One of our speakers shared vulnerably a publicly about her adult son, who has significant special needs. He was about to be sent to the UK for specialized treatment, and she was overwhelmed. She didn't know who to talk to, what questions to ask, or what to expect. She was simply trusting God.

Then there was another woman.

She was in Ireland on a business trip and had come to our hotel to swim. She wasn't attending Unshamed. But she saw the signs, followed them down the hallway, and one of our Zoe volunteers invited her into the conference.

She walked into that session having never heard of Unshamed—and heard our speaker tell her story. Afterward, she pulled our speaker aside.

"I need to talk to you. I work in the neurological field you're about to be dealing with in the UK. I know the people you need to talk to. I can help you know who to call, what questions to ask, and who to avoid."

Think about that.

One woman desperately needed help. Another woman, who had “accidentally” walked into our conference, had exactly the expertise she needed. It’s like finding a needle in a haystack!

But the story didn't end there.

The woman who had come to swim came back for the banquet that evening, returned the next day, and stayed for every session. By the end of the conference, she gave her life to Jesus.

She had been praying for faith. She had been thinking about her need for God. And she carried words her mother had spoken to her. Words so meaningful she had tattooed them on her arm: Faith & Patience.

She came to Unshamed looking for something she couldn't quite name. God knew exactly who needed to be in that room. And we're so grateful we got to watch it happen and that YOU helped to make it happen. Thank you!!

A New Season for Zoe

After an incredible Unshamed Conference, we're coming into a new season for Zoe Community—and there's a lot happening!

We're still processing all that God did through the conference, but we're also looking ahead to the opportunities right in front of us. We'd love for you to pray with us over the coming months.

Zoe Community Info Days
We're planning several opportunities for people to come and learn more about Zoe, our vision, and how they can get involved. We're praying that the right people will come, hear the story, and discover how they can be part of what we're building.

Irish Fundraising Events
We're also looking ahead to several fundraising opportunities here in Ireland. Our desire is to see Zoe increasingly supported by people and organisations here in Ireland, allowing the ministry to grow and become more sustainable for the future.

U.S. Fundraising
Katy and I will also be doing some fundraising in the United States. We're incredibly grateful for the churches and individuals who have supported us for so many years, and we're looking forward to reconnecting with our American supporters and sharing what God is doing in Ireland.

Our Family
And, of course, we're praying for our boys as they continue to settle into school and thrive in this new season. We're thankful for how well they're doing and want to keep that at the centre of our prayers as a family.

There's a lot ahead, and we're excited about it. Would you pray with us for these events, for the right people to connect with Zoe, and for God's provision and direction in every area?

Thank you for continuing to walk with us. We're grateful you're part of this journey!