History Made

Since we got to Ireland five years ago, we could sense and see God moving in the area of university ministry. We've seen ministries launched and students reached. Not just through our ministry, but through many churches and ministries around the country. God is moving.

This past weekend, history was made. The first young adult conference of it's kind, Chapel Conference, was held at St. Mark's Church (SMC) in Dublin. Over 400 young people gathered to lift up the name of Jesus and pray for their nation. This generation will not be silent. They are determined to see God move in Ireland.

Chapel is the college/young adult ministry at SMC. Five years ago, they started with six students in a small upper room. Today they have over a hundred in their weekly meeting. Katy and I have seen them grow from a small group into a movement. They are an inspiration and blessing to us and this nation.

We want to give a special shout out to Daniel and Deborah Malone, who pastor Chapel. They are amazing in ministry, in life, and in friendship. Well done guys. Keep going. This is just the beginning!

Family Update

This week we want to share a few quick updates about the family.

Katy's eye is about the same. We are still waiting for the next doctor appointment to be scheduled. All-in-all she has a great attitude, and she is trusting in the Lord for her complete healing. She's busy with the mom & tot group she started, launching an Alpha Course for St. Mark's South, and mentoring students in Carlow.

I (Blake) have been busy with a few branding and behind the scenes projects for Students for Christ (SFC) Ireland and SFC Europe as well as usual responsibilities leading the St. Mark's Church worship team.

Eden is LOVING school. He is getting so tall, never ever ever stops to take a breath, and has an amazing imagination. He has just about got going "number 1" mastered. We're still waiting on "number 2", but he is "dooing" much better. (See what I did there?)

Eli is about to crawl! His personality is coming out more and more. He's such a relaxed baby. Very chill. Now, if we could just get him to sleep at night...that would be awesome.

Thank you all for your prayers and support. Remember, you aren't just blessing Katy, myself, and the students of Ireland. You are making a tremendous difference in the lives of our boys. We can't thank you enough!

Carlow Student Update

We just wanted to give you guys a quick update on what's been happening with the Alpha course in IT Carlow. Portia has been leading the group so graciously, even in the midst of intense projects and exams lately. Because of the challenges that come with two sweet babies at home, I (Katy) am only able to travel up to visit them once every other week. Portia and her two core leaders, Frank and Amanda, join me in a Bible study where we discuss the book of Romans and pray for the students who come to their group on Thursdays. 

The group has experienced booming growth the past few weeks! Lately, Portia says that they have had to bring in extra chairs from other classrooms because the room is overcrowded. Students are sitting on tables just to get a spot! A couple of weeks ago, six students gave their lives to Jesus. Praise God! I wish we could add photos of the group in this post, but for the safety of those involved (some of the attending students are Muslim and may not give consent to having their picture displayed), we will leave it to your imaginations this time. 

Please pray for a continued atmosphere of harmony and lively discussion. Thank you guys so much for being part of our prayer team - you are making a difference more than you know. To those of you who contribute financially, you are the reason why the group is able to provide pizza for every student in attendance (in case you're wondering, students can put away a lot of pizza!). Thank you so much. We cannot wait to see how the Lord will continue to grow and develop His people in Ireland.