Mission to IRELAND!!!
Ministering to Families . . . in Ireland!
Coming up soon, Jon & Ann Dunagan, along with Josh & Anna Dunagan, are going to be ministering throughout the nation of Ireland, motivating families to be more effective for God’s kingdom and encouraging churches for world missions.
The churches of Ireland need our prayer support. Less than 1% of Ireland is evangelical Christian, and there is a great need for the Gospel. Please pray for God’s will to be done on this mission outreach and for His eternal purposes to be accomplished.
upcoming ministry schedule . . .
April 29-30 – Life Church
Portaoise, Ireland
(Sunday morning service, and evening service for adults and for youth)May 1 – Elim Church Glen Road Monaghan
Monagham County, Ireland
(Tuesday evening service, 8:30 p.m.)May 2 – Meath Christian Centre in Navan
Meath County, Ireland
(Wednesday evening service, 8:00 p.m.)May 3 – Oasis Christian Fellowship in Roscrea
Tipperary Country, Ireland
(Thursday evening service, 8:00 p.m.May 4, 5, 6 – Effective Parenting and Family Life Weekend Conference
Westport and Castlebar, Ireland
(Friday, Saturday, and Sunday services)
a few words from others . . .
“We’re so thrilled . . . I have an excitement in my spirit about this and believe that God is behind this 100%!” –Pastor Peter & Martha Finch – Westport Ireland
“We are looking forward to hearing your hearts. We are similar in that we have a heart for nations and believe strongly in family.”
–Pastor James & Rachel Krechnyak – Portaoise, Ireland“So excited you guys are going to be coming to Ireland! I’m sure you could be a great encouragement! I know you will love the church and Pastor James and Rachel are really wonderful people who Love God and have a heart for missions and evangelism. They are YWAMers. Look forward to hearing you share. I’m sure whatever you bring will be a great encouragement to the church!” –Heather Church, engaged to a missionary from Ireland
Pray for Ireland
Harvest Ministry’s Mission to Ireland . . .
Jon & Ann Dunagan will be GOING on a mission outreach to Ireland, ministering to families and churches throughout the country, together with Josh & Anna Dunagan,
in late April and May, 2012.Prayer Focus 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.
Learn more (& PRAY) about
Harvest Ministry’s upcoming mission to Ireland . . . (click here)
A glimpse of what God is doing in Ireland!
On our ministry outreach to Ireland, it was exciting to learn about the history of past works of God AND to see how God is moving today in very exciting ways. We saw the mountain where St. Patrick fasted for 40 days for Ireland, we preached in a church founded by John Wesley, and we ministered in a growing church (on the border of Northern Ireland) that was the “seed” of a nation-wide Irish revival almost exactly 100 years ago.
Ministering as a Family-Team . . .
We met up with Josh & Anna in Dublin, Ireland, as they were beginning their 3-country mission outreach (ministering and traveling throughout Ireland, India, and the UK). It was awesome to be able to minister together as a family team, with Josh & Anna ministering to the youth, leading in worship and special music, and sharing a next-generation perspective.
a beautiful country
ministering in churches across Ireland
(Note: The yellow line shows our journey throughout Ireland!)
Life Church in Port Laois
In Port Laois, we met up with two great ministry couples, James & Rachel (above, right), pastor of Life Church and former YWAM’ers, and their assistant pastor, Noel Cammack, who is engaged to our dear long-time friend, Heather Church from Alaska (who used to be our pastor’s daughter and babysitter in Bend, Oregon). We had a very special time with Noel & Heather (above, left), talking and praying together about their upcoming wedding and marriage. Our fellowship together felt significant and God-orchestrated. What great people!!!
We preached in two services at Life Church in Port Laois. The congregation was very international (with church members from Nigeria and Poland), and both services were even interpreted into Polish. The worship was contemporary and vibrant and the church seemed very healthy. The pastor and his family had even just returned from their own mission outreach to Poland and Norway! (During this time, we heard about the vast spiritual needs throughout Ireland and Europe. Did you know that in 10 European nations, less than 1% of the population is Evangelical Christian. What a HUGE NEED for prayer and action!!!)
Effective Families Seminar in Navan
In the quaint town of Navan, Ireland, we met-up with Pastor Johnny McEvoy (our ministry contact who we had met at Global Missions Conference in Wasilla, Alaska, and who had arranged all of our connections with the Elim churches throughout Ireland). It was good to see him and we thankful for his organizational work and effort. In Navan, we led a one-night Effective Families Seminar with representatives attending from three churches from this region, including pastor Richard from Meath Christian Centre.
Home Meeting in Roscrea
What a unique experience we had with a new church-plant in Roscrea, Ireland. We got to stay in an old mansion on a working horse farm (with a professional Irish bronze-sculptor-artist and her husband, a horse-trainer/100-mile-marathon runner). The pastor, Ken Baker (left), was so hospitable. We enjoyed the presence of the Lord during worship, and had a wonderful time of fellowship with wonderful new friends, such as Norman & Carianne (below).
Exciting Ministry & Vision in Monaghan
On the border of Northern Ireland, we were blessed by the vision and ministry of Stephen Matthews (below) and his family and congregation (Elim Church in Monaghan). Currently, the church is in a tiny building (left), but they are seeing revival! Many are coming to the Lord and the church is flourishing and growing.
It was thrilling and very informative to personally learn about the political and spiritual situation between the Republic of Ireland (the country we were visiting in the South, which is an independent country, historically Roman Catholic) and Northern Ireland (a part of the United Kingdom, which we briefly visited one afternoon, historically Protestant).
Over the years, there has been much fighting, division, and terrorism between the two sides, but God is bringing reconciliation and healing. Currently, less than 1% of the population of the Republic of Ireland is Evangelical (born-again or Bible-believing) Christian. But revival is stirring! We were fascinated by Ireland’s spiritual history and by what God did long ago through a fiery young evangelist named George Jeffreys nearly 100 years ago in this very spot (here’s more about the history), sparking spiritual revival all throughout Ireland.
We also learned about the current ministry news up near the border of Northern Ireland and we were able to see this church’s nearly completed (very large) building!
This Monaghan church is active in one-on-one witnessing, using tools as local personal testimonies on CD, and vibrant participation in the local city-wide St. Patrick’s Day parade (2 out of the past 3 years, this church has won the city prize for the best float-entry). But most of all, this church is a church that PRAYS and listens to the voice of the Lord. WHAT VISION!
And here was a “wee-bit” of fun: we were able to visit with an owner of race horses and he let Anna have an opportunity to ride (and even jump) one of his champion horses.
Westport
Westport, Ireland is a beautiful area known for tourism and recreation. A mountain just outside of the city is a world-renown pilgrimage destination, as this is where St. Patrick climbed to fast and pray for 40 days for the nation of Ireland.
Today, people come from all over the world to climb this Irish mountain, Mt. Croagh Patrick, sometimes even going barefoot over the rough rocks as a sign of penance for their sins.
The local church in Westport (led by Peter and Martha Finch of Amazing Grace church, who we met at a Missions Conference in Alaska) had a great idea to share the Gospel. On the yearly pilgrimage weekend, they washed people’s feet and shared the love of Jesus. The church worship was filled with life and we had a special time of ministry, sharing about The Scarlet Cord and God’s miracle working power!
(Everywhere we went, we gave away copies of our brand-new book, The Scarlet Cord: Nothing but the Blood of Jesus, a concise call to world missions. People were very thankful and appreciative and we were glad to have this “seed” to give.)
Castlebar
In Castlebar, Ireland, we had a wonderful time with the pastors and leaders.
Daniel Caldwell (right) was fascinating. He did his PhD in a study about the Pentecostal roots of Irish history and St. Patrick. He’s pioneered several churches, has preached at large mission gatherings all throughout Europe, but refused to be called either “Dr.” or “Pastor.” With a humble heart he insisted, “Just call me, ‘Daniel.'”
The church in Castlebar, Ireland, was founded by the famous minister, John Wesley, who laid the foundation stone for the building and often preached here during his visits to Ireland years ago. How fun to preach in the same church building where God moved long ago . . . and where He is still moving today!
Thanks for sending us. Please pray for Ireland!
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 . . .
