Brendan's Mountain Prayer

We are (still) learning to trust. Can you believe it? :) 

Brendan was a monk in 5th century Ireland who felt compelled to leave the shores of familiarity in a small boat without rudder or oar, entrusting himself to the currents of God to take him wherever he wanted him to go. Historical accounts of his journey show him traveling to the likely locations of Iceland, Greenland, and even North America - then back again. Before he set off on his journey, he ascended a nearby mountain (which we have seen), and fasted and prayed for 40 days and nights. This was what he prayed:

Shall I abandon the comforts and benefits of my home,

Seeking the island of promise our Father’s knew long ago,

Sail on the face of the deep where no riches or fame

Or weapons protect you, and nobody honors your name?

Shall I take leave of my friends

And my beautiful native land,

Tears in my eyes

as my knees mark my final prayer in the sand?

King of the mysteries, will You set watch over me?

Christ of the mysteries, can I trust You on the sea?

Christ of the heavens,

and Christ of the ravenous ocean wave,

I will hold fast to my course

through the dangers I must brave.

King of the mysteries, angels will watch over me,

Christ of the mysteries, when I trust You on the sea.

Christ of the mysteries, can I trust You on the sea?

Brendan’s example speaks to us each:

Have I the courage to leave the familiar

and journey into the unknown?

to journey beyond the way I have prayed,

the life I have lived, the sensible and the secure?

to trust God to take me beyond these familiar shores?

This last week there have been small oceans to cross in our lives, but God has been faithful to carry us through. This present week we are learning of and experiencing the outworking of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Pray that we receive all He has for us, as we pray that you receive all He has for you.


Love,
J and C

walking through walls

This weeks teachings on relationships. A great Irish couple sharing stories and wisdom. We had a good chat with the fellow, who gave us some good input about missions and married life.

This morning, walked around our neighborhood, praying and feeling the heart of God for this place. 

We are surrounded by walls.


There is so much going on here, and many contradictions. It is such a warm and lovely people who make their home here....still many of the houses are hiding behind walls and fences,which have been built up intentionally, including barbed wire, and nails in some places, and rubbish all over the place - there is a sense of isolation, fear and shutting others out. 

Praying for the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth - and  for the spirit of adoption to be alive in this place - so many are without an earthly father, may the hope of the most loving Father of all be poured out...
Only the love of Jesus in His people will bring the creativity and grace to walk through some of these walls to love our neighbors in a real way.

 Romans 8:15-17

“So you should not be like cowering fearful slaves. You should behave instead like God’s very own children, adopted into His family, calling Him Father dear Father. For His Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts and tells us that we are God’s children. And since we are His children, we will share his treasures,- for everything God gives to his Son, Christ, is ours, too. 

Last night we started learning some traditional session songs with a friend Mike who plays fiddle. Christy playing Guitar and Joseph on the bodhran (Irish drum).  A lot of fun.

Saturday, we are going to Dublin for Valentine’s weekend, have a bit of time together and will get to see Christy’s cousin Jesse play a show with his band, Midlake.

Monday, our small group is putting on a dinner at the Cafe for people who are over 60 - a time to build community and get to know people. We are going to sing "Moon River"...


Thanks a million zillion for your 

prayers and for the example 

you have all been to us. 

In His Love,

Joseph 'n Christy

Rostrevor

A week spent meditating on the Father heart of God out in the countryside. Christy drove a car and then the blue mini-bus, which was no too difficult, though a bit of a challenge.

 YWAM has just been given a property in Rostrevor, Northern Ireland (worth 4,000,000 pounds). It is situated on Carlingford Lough (an inlet of the Irish Sea), which lies right on the border of Northern Ireland and the Republic. 

For 30 years, this place has been a place of reconciliation and prayer, and has just been handed over to YWAM.  We got to visit there this week (the picture of the white building is the property, and the views of the sea are the view). YWAM workers from around the island gathered to pray and thank the Lord. There is a lot of vision coming forth for this place as a place for many nations and to continue in reconciliation, prayer and a place that is open to people from all sorts of walks. 

While we were there having a time of prayer, a fishing boat came by, which was lovely to see and reminded us of Ketchikan as well.

It is a really cool time to be here and see what the Lord is doing.

This week, we have all been talking about our stories and Msizi, our house-mate from S. Africa taught us a song in Zulu, and we all sang it for part of his testimony. That was a lot of fun and full of life!

Today, another person arrived from South Africa and will be living in the flat with us. His name is Spha and he is a blessing already! Our small group is starting some ministry in the local cafe we have talked about, so we could use prayer for that. 

Love and light, 

Joseph and Christy