Earlier this year, Steve accepted a new role with Reaching and Teaching as an Associate Regional Leader (ARL). In this position, he serves and supports missionary families in a more focused leadership and mentoring role. He is currently working with six missionary units across Ireland, Scotland, England, and Iceland, providing encouragement, guidance, and care.
Valarie continues to serve the women at PBC by teaching their Wednesday night Bible study, which has recently been working through the book of Titus. In May, the women also enjoyed a one-night retreat, giving them unhurried time for fellowship, fun, and encouragement together. Valarie and Steve recently traveled to Edinburgh, Scotland, for the Pillar Network International Conference. In the days leading up to the conference, Reaching and Teaching also hosted a gathering for European and MENA workers. The week was a great encouragement, with time for teaching, networking, and fellowship.
New Journey Church recently had the joy of raising up a new elder in their congregation. He has served as a staff pastor in a previous church, so he brings with him a lot of pastoral experience and gifting. They've had the joy of seeing his pastoral heart and gifting in countless ways for several years now. It is exciting to have another godly, like-minded brother on board as Jarred seeks to faithfully shepherd God’s people. NJC has several members who are faithfully stepping out in various evangelistic efforts in the community. Things like workplace Bible studies and even smaller interactions with neighbors and others in the community. Though they haven’t seen any conversions, it is still a joy for Jarred to see God's people stepping out in faith to proclaim Christ as King in their spheres of influence.
There are a couple of difficult marriages in the congregation. One specifically has become particularly difficult. It has been a challenging and even perplexing situation not just for the pastors, but also for mature members who have sought to love and counsel them well. Jarred has been experiencing health challenges and difficulty getting treatment to alleviate them. Though they are minor things, there's enough going on that it affects his capacity and effectiveness.
Children need milk, but they must mature to solid food. Likewise, all Christians, including adults, ought to progress from the “basic principles” to become “skilled in the word of righteousness” (Heb. 5:12–14). Knowledge can puff up (1 Cor. 8:1), but the aim of teaching is love (1 Tim. 1:5) and to equip the saints for ministry (Eph. 4:12). Those who remain immature in the things of God are at risk of being tossed around by false and deceitful teachings (Eph. 4:12–14) and led astray from the faith (2 Cor. 11:3–4). Thus, the goal of Immanuel Adults is to present men and women mature in Christ (Col 1:28) who can stand firm and hold onto truth (2 Thess. 2:15).
Location:
Republic of Ireland
Population:
4,802,425
Ev. Christian:
1.16%
Main Language:
English
Spiritual Beliefs:
Post Catholic
Bible in Heart Language:
Yes
Many Irish are professing Catholics yet are greatly influenced by the secularization of society. The Irish are one of the European peoples that qualify as unreached (less than 2% evangelical Christian).