Part of the Family of God
One of the things that has amazed us as we’ve visited other countries is the unique bond between Christian believers, despite the barriers of language and culture. This last Sunday we got to meet Karl and Mikaela who were visiting from Germany. They had met one of our elders and his wife at a church service during a vacation in Malta—17 years ago! After keeping in touch all this time, Karl and Mikaela decided to visit and also got to attend our church. When we found out that they could sing, they provided us with special music during our service (something not normally done here), singing “Amazing Grace”. I was also able to share with them about my German heritage.
Kids Bible Camp Week, Day 5, End of Camp
Today was the last day of camp, and like last year, the leaders were pretty tired today. In addition to leading the camp non-stop from 10am to 3pm each of the five days, they have been sleeping in the small hall at church and taking turns using a church member’s shower periodically. Luckily this year wasn’t as cold as it’s been in the past.
The last day also meant the kids were much more lively (the first day they’re always shy and quiet), and for the last hour of camp, the parents were invited to come along to a presentation of what the kids did this year in camp. It went quite well and involved parent participation in the songs and even a game. The former pastor who lives two doors down from the church was able to attend with his wife as they are very well known in the village. Mark was also able to let the parents know that we’re starting our weekly afternoon club, an abbreviated version of this week. People took flyers, and after Mark’s invitation, several parents from outside the church have volunteered their time to help us out, one of which is interested in teaching sports to the kids.
The leaders packed up shortly afterwards and should now be on their way back home to the North. We’re really appreciative of their help and contribution to our ministry to the village. Please remember them in prayer, as well as for our weekly club starting next Wednesday.
Kids Bible Camp Week, Day 3 & 4
Days Three and Four of the Bible camp went very well, and I’m happy to report that no dogs showed up. 
Wednesday we had the same number of kids and all went well with the weather being great so the kids were able to use the parachute for play (see example stock photo). The two main group leaders (think Den Mothers or Dorm Mothers) had to leave on Wednesday as the group is planning to replicate the same thing in the next two weeks in Poland. Thursday we had two additional kids show (schools were finishing for the year each successive day) bringing our total to 49, our highest so far of the camp this year. While a downpour of rain had been predicted for Thursday, luckily it wasn’t too bad or too long (but very needed for our vegetable garden!) 
To the rescue came our church projector and a movie to keep the kids entertained while waiting for the rain to subside. Later after the camp dismissed for the day, the leaders were taken to Newbridge for some down time at the mall, and then back to the church for Chinese food and hang out time.
Kids Bible Camp Week, Day 2
Today was a bright and warm day, so the kids enjoyed time playing with the parachute, and the afternoon sports and nature groups enjoyed the sun. We had additional kids show today, bringing the total in attendance to 47. One of the girls told me that it was her younger brother’s first time at the camp, and he’d told their dad that yesterday (at the camp) was the best day of his life! The team is doing a great job, and all is going smoothly.
An interesting side note: some of you may remember last year’s story of a neighbor’s dog paying an unexpected visit to the camp and causing chaos on the last day. Well, today when we arrived, two stray Bichon Frise dogs (the photo is just for example) had decided to visit! Although they were great with the kids, they were quite dirty and looked like they’d been lost for some time. After talking to a few neighbors and realizing that they weren’t from the village, the local vet found that they had a microchip. I’m glad to say that they’ve been returned to their owner—45 minutes away (by car) in Dublin! No idea how they got over to us in County Kildare, but we’re glad they’re home now. We’re starting to make jokes that during Camp Week we’re becoming the Branockstown dog pound!
Kids Bible Camp Week, Day 1
Today was the start of our Kids Bible Camp, and we had a great turnout of 42 for the first day! Because other area schools don’t finish until later in the week, some additional kids may attend as the week goes on, so that number may go up. With our new bathrooms in place, it was much faster for the kids to get their “potty break”, and all went well despite the sudden turn in what had been summer weather; the day was a bit chilly, windy, overcast, and sprinkly.
Yesterday the entire team from the North, three adults and seven teenage leaders, took our morning worship service, leading in the songs (see photo above), giving testimonies, and explaining what will go on this week. We had a great turnout as well, and on Wednesday we’ll have further testimony from the leaders during our Prayer time.
Please continue to lift up this week in prayer, especially for good weather, relationship building, the safety of the kids and all around the premises.
Ireland Weather
