Reflecting Hope, the British Union Conference (BUC) initiative (part of the General Conference's (GC) Christ for Europe programme) has injected new life into the missional spirit of pastors and church members across the Irish Mission. Under its banner, evangelistic and outreach events took place in eight locations across Ireland (Tralee, Limerick, Cork, Ennis, Ranelagh (Dublin), Drogheda, Portlaoise, and Baltinglass). The focus of these events was on family and the seminars at the four last locations mentioned were led by Dr Jeffrey Brown (GC Associate Ministerial Secretary and a family specialist) and Karen Holford (Trans-European Division Family Ministries Director and a family therapist).
The meetings in the West and South of Ireland were led by a team from the Central California Conference and in Ennis, pastor and evangelist Daniel Pel from Norway presented the seminar 'Religion – What Went Wrong?'. The events proved once again that it is very important for the Seventh-day Adventist Church to engage with the community and to build relational bridges. Attendees and church members alike expressed the desire for such seminars and talks to be repeated and to become a regular occurrence within the respective communities. During that period, eight people committed their lives to God through baptism.
Further events are planned for the rest of the year with Pastor Shawn Boonstra and the Voice of Prophecy(US) is planning for an evangelistic partnership in Northern Ireland, specifically the city of Belfast.
Limerick, Cork, Tralee
During 15-22 April, 2023, a team of 6 people from the United States, joined local pastors in the West and Southwest of Ireland and impacted their churches and their communities through public meetings, health expos, and literature distribution.
On Sunday, 16 April, a group from Limerick and Newmarket-on-Fergus churches distributed 'The Power of Hope', 'Health and Wellness', and gave out invitations to the health seminars at Limerick church during the week.
Cork City was also impacted by a group from Cork Adventist church. They made themselves visible to the city by distributing flyers for the series of meetings titled 'Facing the giants in your life'. The series focused on the reality of these giants in life, and how you conquer them only through Christ, and with Him constantly on your side.
In Tralee, there was also a group on the streets with booklets and flyers for the series focusing on family. These series of meetings were a great opportunity to strengthen family relationships and encourage them to be God's grace instruments to the communities around them.
When a Pentecostal Church learns about the Sabbath (Ennis)
While organising the 'Religion – What Went Wrong? 'evangelistic campaign nobody could ever have thought that this would happen: members of a Pentecostal church, including the pastor, coming, enjoying, and being moved by the message of the Sabbath. Of course, this wasn't the only blessing from this Pentecostal group.
One of the leaders of their church was streaming the seminar to thousands of his social media followers, as well as the Pentecostal pastor telling the organisers that he had cancelled the church's services and Bible studies for his congregation to be there in person.
When asked how they found out about this seminar, the Pentecostal pastor said: "We received a Celtic Connection book during the St Patrick's parade in Ennis and then we saw the advert on the front page of the local newspaper by the same group, so we knew that we would hear the truth."
"It was such joy to know that the Lord had blessed all the work that we had done. Handing out pamphlets and free books months earlier, as well as the local newspaper advertisement – it all came together for the Lord to use, praise God!", said Daniel Wilson, member of Newmarket-on-Fergus Adventist church and one of the seminar organisers.
Ranelagh (Dublin), Drogheda, Portlaoise and Baltinglass
With the aim of serving the local communities and helping them to experience and keep the heavenly atmosphere in their homes, and as part of the Reflecting Hope initiative, 'Relationships & Family Seminars' were held from 20-26 May in several different places in the greater Dublin area: Cuisle Centre (Dublin), Solid Rock Church (Drogheda), Parish Centre (Portlaoise) and Germaine's restaurant (Baltinglass).
The main speakers during the week were prominent family experts: Dr Jeffrey Brown and Karen Holford. By sharing their knowledge and experience with the church members and visitors in these four places, the presenters have been a huge blessing to everyone attending the meetings. Based on the questions the audience asked each night, the presenters have made a positive impact on the listeners. After the meetings, the attendees were able to share their thoughts with the presenters in private conversations and to buy the books written by them.
As the cherry on top, during that week three young people (Richard, August, and Michael) made their decision to follow Jesus and have been baptised.
Instagram Talks for the Youth
Adventist Youth Ireland has introduced an Instagram live Christian podcast, hosted by youth sponsor Pastor Jefferson Melki, featuring esteemed guest speakers Karen Holford (18 May) and Dr Jeffrey Brown (17 May). This dynamic podcast focuses on the significance of a healthy multi-ethnic church and addresses young people's mental health in a multi-ethnic community.
Presented with genuine passion and purpose, this Christian podcast has become a guiding light for young individuals in search of spiritual nourishment and guidance. Karen Holford and Dr Jeffrey Brown deliver engaging content and an authentic approach, resulting in a dedicated following and a profound impact on the lives of its young listeners.
Through thought-provoking discussions, inspiring testimonies, and insightful teachings of guest speakers, this podcast has established a sacred space where faith is cherished, questions are explored, and lives are transformed. With two episodes dedicated to addressing multi-ethnic issues, this extraordinary Christian podcast continues to resonate deeply, offering hope, encouragement, and a sense of belonging to all who tune in. We hope to have more talks with outstanding speakers in the future.
Mobile/Cell Phone Evangelism
The Mobile/Cell Phone Evangelism project is an initiative developed by Adventist World Radio (AWR) and it is also part of the Reflecting Hope initiative. This feature of the programme was introduced to Ireland by Gideon Pelser who provided training in churches in Belfast and Dublin. This project was then introduced to the churches in Cork and Tralee. Each of these locations has its own local campaign. The campaign name for Dublin is pray4dub. Each campaign is made up of a team. The team is made up of subgroups: our Promotional Team, Question Handler, Prayer Team, and Cell Phone Evangelists (CPE). CPE's work directly on the Digital Missionary app which they use to contact members of the public who send in prayer requests. Through this app, CPE's can share the gospel with others and pray for them. Through this ministry, people's requests are being listened to and as people feel heard, they are open to learning more about God's word.
One story shared was about a man who was facing some difficulties in his life and was very anxious. He found hope through prayers that were being sent through the app by a CPE.
He linked him with the Discover Truth website, and he was able to receive a free Bible, The Desire of Ages, and The Great Controversy.
Commenting on the work done in the Irish Mission, Catherine Anthony Boldeau, BUC Reflecting Hope Coordinator said, "We praise God for the outreach work that has been done in the Irish Mission to fulfil the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church through this unique initiative."