Well, after a long weekend in which I finally had a free day to do some sight-seeing, we are back in camp. This time we are in a community north of Dublin called Portmarnock. The camp is run by Jerome Westbrooks, who Todd helped lead to Christ. Jerome & his family are originally from Chicago, but moved here 25 years ago. Jerome is recognized as one of the best basketball coaches in Ireland and his kids are among the best players in the country as well.
Portmarnock is a different community than the place our last camp was held. This is outside the city and has more of a small town feel to it. We had nearly 40 kids today and this time I am in charge of the boys & girls that are 11-12 years old. We had a good first day and this group of kids is not nearly as rowdy as the group I had last week. Our first "Coach's Corner" went well today as I spoke a little about courage.
I am also in a different location for lodging this week. Randall Fudge is a missionary from the States who is helping at the camp and lives a lot closer than Todd does. So I have moved in with Randall & his wife Carolyn for the remainder of my time here. Talk about a small world...the Fudge's are from Berne, Indiana and remember Paul & Jean Biggers leaving several years ago to start a church plant in Las Vegas!
On my sightseeing tour I was able to visit some very interesting places that were loaded with Irish history. I visited Trinity College, where I saw the Book of Kells - which is a illuminated copy of the 4 gospels that dates from around 800 A.D. I also went to the Chester Beatty Library where I was able to see some of the oldest Christian manuscripts that are known, including some Pauline letters that date to 180 A.D. I also visited the Guinness Storehouse and the Kilmainham Jail, where many of the leaders of the 1916 Easter Uprising that led to Irish Indepence were held and later executed.
That's all for now - please continue to keep me in your prayers and to pray for the kids that are at the J.A.M. Camp!
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Sounds like you are having a deadly time. Do you have any messers in your group? Been to many chipper shops?
ReplyDeleteHow about them castles?
Man, I am praying for you and enjoying the updates.
Blessing to you heaps my friend. I will see you soon.
In His Grip,
Pastor John
Ps - Feel free to get that All Black jersey if you want, Large. Oh, and I can't pay you - sorry. :)
It sounds like you are having a super time doing work for the Kingdom. I pray that you will see much fruit this week as you close out your time with these young people and also say good-bye to this land that may some day be your home:)
ReplyDeleteI am also praising God for His provision for a place to stay for your second week. He knows our every need and takes care of every detail, including the Biggers connection!!
We look forward to hearing all the details and especially find out how God has worked in you. I'm sure your heart has already become more endeared to the country and its people.
Praying for safety on your return. Bill will be awaiting your arrival.
Blessings,
Kathie Roe