Let God Lead

If God is for us, who can be against us? I (Katy) am reading an abbreviated biography of William Wilberforce. As most of you know, he was the man responsible for beginning the movement to end the British slave trade. Before he was about to begin the most intense battle of his life in Parliament, he received a letter from his friend, John Wesley. He read:

“Unless God has raised you up for this very thing, you will be worn out by the opposition of men and devils. But if God is for you, who can be against you? Are all of them together stronger than God? O be not weary of well doing.” 

It would be crazy to do ministry without the call of God on our lives…as crazy as it would be to continue in ministry without first seeking His voice and hand in our situations. The encouragement is this - while we wrestle with spiritual oppression, the God of the universe fights for us. With him leading the charge, we cannot expect anything but victory. 

So, let’s let him do the leading and we’ll be faithful to follow. 

Getaway

We are having a mini holiday for the next few days! We have been blessed with a holiday home near Waterford. As we rest and enjoy family time, we will be praying about our visa issues. We are asking the Lord for encouragement and strength. 

We are so thankful that we can be transparent with all of you guys as we walk through the different seasons of life in cross-cultural ministry. Please be in prayer for us, and if you have any prayer requests or needs, we would like to pray for you too!

Thanks so much for being a part of this team! 

Yes or No

Irish citizens are voting today in probably one of the most intense referendums of recent history. There is an article in their constitution that gives equal right to life for both an unborn child and its mother. Today, if they vote "No," the constitution stays as it is. If they vote "Yes," that article will be removed and replaced with permission for the government to legislate anything they want regarding the termination of pregnancy. 

Recently, the government has made public their proposed legislation (which is not final, of course, but they have made no statements suggesting that their minds have changed). The proposed bill would legalize abortion for any reason up to 12 weeks of pregnancy. It would also allow for abortion up to 24 weeks (viability) if the mother's mental health is at risk. The lack of limiting language would leave such mental health grounds subject to interpretation. Like in many states in the U.S., the reason could then range anywhere from psychosis to stress. 

Many people have advocated for a "Yes" vote because around 5,000 women per year travel to England to have abortions. They would prefer them to be able to be cared for here in Ireland. There are also a number of women who buy abortion pills over the internet and take them here without medical supervision. Theoretically, the government could give a woman 14 years in prison if she is discovered taking the pills. Those advocating for a "No" vote are pleading with their fellow citizens to consider that, although those previous facts are horrible, the fallout from abortion on demand would be far greater. 

Death and destruction are never in the will of God. What we are asking you guys is this: please stop what you are doing and pray for the people of Ireland. There are many people still undecided. Most importantly, please pray that the Irish Church will show the love of Jesus to people who are hurting. Thanks for lifting up the nation of Ireland with us!