St. Mark's South

Over a year ago, a group from St. Mark's Church were sent to begin pioneering a church in South Dublin. They've grown together, connected with the local community of Ballybrack, and have prepare the way for a local church to be born.   

This past Sunday our St. Mark's Church family prayed for, commissioned, and released the St. Mark's South (SMS)  team. Beginning September 11th SMS will launch Sunday morning meetings as well as several other community oriented gatherings that will bless the Ballybrack area in the name of Jesus. I really should say "they" will be...I should say WE. 

Katy and I have felt God lead us to commit fully to SMS and help serve this team however we can. The church is local to our home, our boys will be better connected, and we feel it will be a key move in our life & ministry. Katy and the boys will be solely involved in SMS. I will continue to coordinate the worship team at St. Mark's in the city. I will attend in the city twice a month and SMS the other two Sunday's. 

We are so excited about what God will do through this community of faith in Ballybrack. We are also excited for this new page in this chapter of our life.  

Thanks for all your prayers and support. Together we move into this new season! 

Eden's First Day of School

Tomorrow begins a new chapter for our family. Eden will begin his first day of Montessori (play school). Just yesterday Eden was Eli's size being carried around in a car seat. 

It will be a big change for us, but we are so excited. Eden is full of life and energy. We can't wait to see him make new friends and learn from his wonderful teachers. 

Thank you for all your prayers and support. You've not only blessed the work here in Ireland, but you've blessed our family. We love and appreciate you all. 

Summer Summary

It's nearing the end of summer here. Schools with start back up, holidays will come to an end, and church/ministry life will start to pick up. We want to give you a quick summary of events/updates from this summer. 

• The biggest event by far was the birth of our second son, Eli. He's a beautiful, healthy baby boy. He's not the best sleeper, but he's been very chill. And lately his personality is really coming out!
• Some of our family got to visit before and after Eli was born so that was really wonderful!
• We are still waiting on our visa to be approved. It's long overdue, but we are not worried. God is in control, and we have peace about the whole situation.
• Due to our visa situation we missed our annual student training conference in Germany. It was tough not seeing our colleagues, friends, and students. But we know God is working all things to glorify him so we are at peace.
• Many things were supposed to happen this summer that ended up not happening. We were left with a fairly empty summer ( great for just having a newborn), but it has really been tough on me (Blake). I didn't realise how addicted I was to business. God has been teaching us many things. I'm looking forward to moving into this coming busy season fueled by a renewed relationship with God.

We want to thank you all for your constant prayers and faithful support. You are always vital members of this team, but especially in weird/dry summers like this one. Your prayers have sustained us.