KP: So wait God, you want me to do what?
God: Simple, go in My name to another country.
KP: Simple? Even if it were, where would you have me go? I don’t feel pulled in any one direction.
God: You know which organization I want you to represent don’t you? I know you’ve been listening at least that much; start there.
KP: Well, two of my friends have been on the World Race with AIM. And I’ve always wanted to return to Europe, I was born there.
God: Then go to Ireland. Trust Me, your reasons for “going” aren’t as important as being willing “to go.” Just jump!
KP: You make it sound easy… but missions in Ireland? Why would Ireland need missionaries?
God: It’s not that a country needs missionaries, at least in your limited sense of the word. Would you disagree however that all nations need Me?
KP: You got me. Yet AIM’s focus in Ireland seems to be youth related… I’m not sure I can handle that.
God: You’re right you can’t, but I can. Here, take the Holy Spirit with you, let Him guide the way for you.
KP: Alright, I’ll try it your way.
God: O yeah, one more thing… you’ll be the only Canadian, naturally singled out and playfully but intentionally ridiculed; AND you’re going to be one of only 2 guys on the team.
KP: Seriously!?
God: You’ll like the attention… here’s a bridge, get over it!
It should have been very obvious to me from the start, but I am so shortsighted. On my own I am powerless, fearful, and weak. Kids scare me, youth intimidate me, and my faith seems far too adolescent to be of any use to the Creator of Heaven and Earth. Yet there is this member of the Trinity, I’m trying to remember His name; I can’t recall Him getting much attention in the denomination of churches I grew up in. I think it starts with an ‘H’? Wait, or an ‘S’? Maybe a combination of the two? It is my belief that discovering the Holy Spirit was the foundation of my journey in Ireland.
Almost immediately after all of the groggy, jet-lagged team members touched ground, we were whisked away to St. Catharine’s Church in Dublin, to be oriented and introduced to our first week of ministry: Challenge #1 Kid’s Camp. Not only are we exhausted from the hours in a plane and the time difference, we are now being asked to chase after a bunch of Irish 8-12 year olds from morning until night (Don’t let anyone tell you that you don’t need an interpreter in Ireland)! I remember thinking to myself as the orientation continued, and a girl or two across the table dozed off, that I was not ready for this, I couldn’t do it, I’m not great with kids, not like some of the other teammates grinning from ear to ear as they envision the week’s possibilities. “God, please give me the strength and energy that I need to keep up with the kids at camp, use me to be a light and give me love for all of them. And if you are feeling particularly generous, allow me to impact them in such a way that some of them will never forget me.”
My worst nightmares were confirmed that first night, and the continuously throughout the week. These were not just children, these were intercity Dub kids, many void of any discipline and love from home. Who knew that toothpaste could and would be used as practical jokes gone wrong? I felt helpless and lost before the first day was even half done. And then God reached me in my need, and sent His Spirit to me in the form of a bunch of college-aged young women, who encouraged me and saw in me what I couldn’t see myself. What I foresaw as failure was actually success, in my weakness was strength, I don’t know if I’ve ever seen such a tangible reflection of the Holy Spirit in me. As I allowed the Spirit to move more and more throughout the week, all of my prayers began to come to fruition; through him I was able to love on the kids, and not just give my time, but enjoy my time with them. I love you guys and girls, let your light shine in the darkness of Dublin, and if you ever go astray, know that God is going to be right there waiting for you with open arms.
To be continued…
