On St. Patrick’s Day, let’s be Mission-Minded!
Podcast with Ann Dunagan (10 minutes)
“What about St. Patrick’s Day?”
Oh, we love Ireland (at any time of the year)!
The month of March is a great time to be inspired by the example of Patrick, the famous missionary to Ireland. Let’s also PRAY for today’s spiritual needs of both Ireland and of Europe. As you see decorations in stores and shops, allow St. Patrick’s Day GREEN to remind you we’re all called to GO with the Gospel of Jesus!
Get Inspired for Missions . . . in MARCH
Be sure to also see . . .
A Glimpse of what God is doing in Ireland < < <
St. Patrick’s Day
For many people, St. Patrick’s Day is simply a holiday to commemorate the traditions of Ireland. People wear “Irish” green; stores decorate with shamrocks, leprechauns, and rainbows; and restaurants feature meals of corned beef, cabbage and potatoes . . . or green-colored mint milkshakes.
To others, March 17th is a day to guzzle beer, or to glorify “progressive” lifestyles through city-wide parades.
Oh, how far we’ve come from the real story of a missionary named Patrick and the sacrifices he made to bring the love of Jesus to the people of Ireland. Today, more than ever, our world needs the Gospel.
During the month of March, let’s remember the missionary story of St. Patrick. And let’s use all the GREEN decorations as a constant reminder, wherever we see them (in stores, restaurants, etc.), that we’re all called to GO with God’s GOOD NEWS!
Q & A Prayer Focus:
How can we pray for Ireland?
In previous generations, Ireland was a predominantly Christian nation, even “sending” missionaries to other countries and helping to spread the Gospel throughout Europe. Today, according to a recent European Believers report, less than 1% of the people of Ireland are born-again believers (only 0.62%). That percentage is so low.
As mission-minded families, we need to PRAY for Ireland.
Learn how to pray for IRELAND on OPERATION WORLD.
Harvest Ministry’s ongoing heart for Ireland . . .
We had the wonderful opportunity of ministering all throughout the nation of Ireland, in churches, homes, and in effective family/parenting workshops. And yes, we’re hoping and praying about going back to Ireland, Lord willing . . . soon. (We’re praying!)
Quick Facts:
St. Patrick’s Day 2018 – Saturday, MARCH 17th
Patrick was the first Christian missionary to Ireland. In the United States, celebrations include city parades, Irish cultural celebrations, and the wearing of green.
Who was Saint Patrick?
“Saint” Patrick (389 – 461 AD) actually went to Ireland twice – first as a slave, and later as a missionary. Born in Britain (in Wales), Patrick is widely known as the first Christian missionary to the Irish people. During his youth (from 16 to 22 years old), he was captured and taken to Ireland. While there, young Patrick repented of his sinful, backslidden condition. Years later, after escaping to his homeland, he received a vision from God calling him to return to the Irish people to proclaim the Gospel of Christ. Patrick obeyed God’s call and went back.
For the remainder of his life, Patrick ministered among the heathen tribes of Ireland – confronting Irish idolatry and sorcery, converting many to Jesus Christ, and baptizing thousands of people. Tradition says he used the three-leaf Irish clover to teach the unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
According to historian William Federer, who wrote St. Patrick: The Real History of His Life, From Tragedy to Triumph, “He was actually a missionary and he converted 120,000 druids from paganism to Christianity.” Federer claims that in the fifth century A.D., Patrick did more than perhaps anyone in history to spread Christianity in Europe. Although druids attempted to kill him over a dozen times, Patrick continued to preach the message of Jesus Christ, and throughout his ministry he pioneered over 300 Christian churches. Patrick also spoke out against slavery, and because of this, some call him the world’s first abolitionist.
Mission-Minded Family Resources:
To learn more about St. Patrick, I recommend Hero Tales – Volume III, by Dave & Neta Jackson (Bethany House Publishers). Along with the short biography summary, St. Patrick: Missionary to Ireland, the Jackson’s include three devotional stories (each with a focus “From God’s Word” and “Let’s Talk About It” discussion questions) to read aloud:
- “Your Ship is Ready” — Trust
- The Fire on the Hill — Boldness
- Blood on the White Robes — Righteous Anger
VeggieTales has a funny “flannel-graph” version of the St. Patrick story, which is surprisingly historically accurate, on the VeggieTales DVD, Sumo of the Opera.
Also, Focus on the Family has a special “Days to Remember” edition of Adventures in Odyssey, with two episodes specifically highlighting the true meaning of St. Patrick’s Day.
Adapted from “Enjoying Missions Throughout the Year” from Ann’s book, The Mission-Minded Family – Releasing Your Family to God’s Destiny.
Equipping Nationals: Motorcycles for INDIA!!!
Pictured (from left to right) are N.E.T.S. Ministers: Rajkumar, John, and Paul.
N.E.T.S. News:
We’re praising God for His generous supply for the work of the ministry, and specifically for providing the resources for 3 new motorcycles for all 3 PROJECT INDIA “N.E.T.S.” Ministers. “N.E.T.S.” (National Evangelism Team Support) is a mission outreach of Harvest Ministry. It’s an honor to partner together with national missionaries (evangelists and pastors) to help expand God’s Kingdom. These motorcycles will help these men of God to more effectively reach out and travel to remote villages and new areas to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Special THANKS to East Olympia Community Church, in Olympia, Washington!
For more about Project INDIA’s VISION – click here.
For introductions to Project INDIA’S “N.E.T.S.” Ministers – click here.
Meet Jolly @ Guma Na Yesu
Introducing one teenage orphan girl from Guma Na Yesu Children’s Center:
Meet Jolly . . .
JOLLY is one of our youth leaders at Harvest Ministry’s Guma Na Yesu Children’s Center. Jolly loves the Lord Jesus and she enjoys worship and African dance at Guma Na Yesu’s new high school, Kingdom Vocational Secondary School. She leads a lunchtime “Scripture Union Club” which fervently prays for the lost and shares the Gospel through preaching and music at various schools throughout the district.
“I’m an orphan, but now I’m okay. I study well. I sleep well. And I thank God because of this Bible. I was having a desire in my heart and prayed to God for a Bible just this size
. . . and God has done it for me.” — Jolly Casandi
In her own words:
MBARARA, UGANDA, EAST AFRICA — In this video, Jolly Casandi shares a praise report about how God answered her specific prayer. You’ll also see a glimpse of the GUMA kids and youth fervently worshiping the Lord at GUMA NA YESU “Keep With Jesus” Children’s Center. What a joy to love and help orphan children, in Jesus’ Name.
Photo Highlights . . .
“Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” –I Timothy 4:12 (NKJV)
Harvest Ministry’s prayer focus for LOVING ORPHANS:
Equipping Nationals in Africa and Asia
“N.E.T.S” – National Evangelism Team Support:
It is an honor and a blessing to work alongside anointed national ministers to more effectively reach the lost with the Good News of Jesus. Currently, Harvest Ministry is partnering together with these N.E.T.S. Ministry Teams (led by these anointed men of God, their wonderful wives, and assisted by many ministry co-workers), in Africa and Asia.
For an introduction to Harvest Ministry’s “N.E.T.S.” Ministry, click here.
N.E.T.S. Ministers:
N.E.T.S. Ministers Naboth & Alice
Mbarara, UgandaFocusing on Church Planting and Overseeing, Pastoring,
Village Evangelism, and Orphan Ministry (Guma Na Yesu).
More about Naboth & Alice
N.E.T.S. Ministers Joseph & Margret
Bwera, UgandaFocusing on remote Evangelism in the Rwenzori mountains
Village Church Planting, and Care for Pastors
More about Joseph & Margret
N.E.T.S. Ministers Paul & Juliet
Masaka & Kampala, UgandaFocusing on City-Wide Outreach Preparation,
Evangelism, Prayer, and Organization
More about Paul & Juliet
N.E.T.S. Minister: Haron Adrian
AsiaFocusing on remote village evangelism and church planting throughout the Himalayas
More about Haron Adrian
Startling Orphan Statistics
These startling orphan statistics are more than mere facts; remember that each number is a precious child . . . a real little kid. Every one is precious in the eyes of God, and He has an extra-special place in His heart for those children who are orphans (see verses here). But whatever you do, don’t let these overwhelming statistics discourage you. Instead, allow God to take these needs . . . and move your heart . . . to do something.
Anything.
Even something small.
Maybe you could help . . . even one.
143,000,000 ORPHANS:
It is estimated that between 143,000,000 and 210,000,000 children are orphans. That’s at least 143 MILLION children in the world today. (Recent UNICEF report.)
To give you an idea of the enormity of this need, keep in mind that the approximate population of the US is 300,000,000; and the population of Russia is 141,800,000.)
ORPHANS in Africa:
Every 15 seconds, another child in AFRICA becomes an AIDS orphan. (At the end of every year, 2,102,400 more children will become orphans, in Africa alone.)
Think: “D-I-N-C-S”: There are more orphans in Sub-Sahara Africa than ALL of the children
in Denmark, Ireland, Norway, Canada, and Sweden – combined!Every day . . .
EVERY DAY, 5,760 more children in the world become orphans.
EVERY 2.2 SECONDS another orphan ages out, with no family and no home.
Older orphans . . .
Older orphans are vulnerable . . . to abuse, suicide, prostitution, slavery, becoming child soldiers, immorality (and as a result, vulnerable to AIDS and disease).
Yet, as orphans are rescued and saved by God, and brought into His Kingdom, the enemy’s plans are thwarted; instead, these older orphans can live happy, productive lives and help to advance God’s cause and mission purposes!
“Defend the cause of the weak and the fatherless; Maintain the rights of the poor and
oppressed. Deliver the weak and needy from the hand of the wicked.” Ps 82:3-4More ORPHAN verses:
Ex.22:22-23 NIV, Is.1:17 NASB, Ps.10:17-18 NASB, Hos. 14:3c NASB, Pr. 31:8-9 NKJV
There are so many wonderful ministries helping and loving orphans. At Harvest Ministry, our passion is to not only feed, educate, and provide for the physical needs of these children, but to raise them to LOVE GOD and to glorify Him through their lives!!!
For ideas about how to pray and to help orphans, click here. Listen to a short motivation audio with Ann Dunagan: COMPASSION for ORPHANS
N.E.T.S. News from Paul & Juliet
January – February – March, 2009
Paul Kintu is our primary advance coordinator for Harvest Ministry’s city-wide Africa outreaches. Before each crusade, Paul travels to the area to meet with government officials and any local church leaders. Just recently, Paul returned from Apac, in Northern Uganda, where he arranged details for the upcoming April outreach. In February, Paul also ministered and encouraged believers in several churches (in Masaka, Bussi, and Gombe).
Paul and Juliet are active in ministy, in both churches and evangelistic outreaches, in both Masaka, Uganda, and Kampala.
Prayer Request: Paul requests specific prayer for direction for 2009. Let’s pray for God’s vision and ministry effectiveness. Juliet also needs prayer for physical health and strength.
Recommended Mission-Minded Family Links:
e3 resources: the EvangeCube and more!
Resources for Prayer, Evangelism, and DiscipleshipGlobal Expeditions – TeenMania
Opportunities for teen mission tripsGospel Projects International
A new mission directed by Josh & Anna Dunagan (Jon & Ann’s son & daughter-in-law)International Faith Telegraph
World Christian News and Mission NewsMission Atlas Project
A fun resource for all ages to learn about world missionsThe Four Spiritual Laws
Share the Gospel with the 4-Spiritual Laws – in many languages!The JESUS Film – in many languages!
Learn about the JESUS Film projectThe Joshua Project – Unreached People Groups
Pray for today’s unreached people groupYWAM – Youth With A Mission
Learn about Youth With A Mission — books, discipleship training, and family mission opportunities
Recommended Mission Books & Resources
A quick look at a few of our favorite mission-minded books . . .
