Greetings on our return from Ireland! First and foremost, we want to thank you for supporting our ministry during this trip through our umbrella ministry of QVI (www.QVI.eu). We felt greatly encouraged by those who were praying for us and your financial support not only made the trip possible, but confirmed that this ministry is one worth pursuing. The visit to Ireland was very interesting and we thought we’d give you a quick summary.
Events really started with a house concert and message in Winter Park on November 2nd. Dayle Seneff hosted a lovely gathering of about thirty people in her home to sample the idea of “Oikos,” (Greek for ‘household’, as in the hosts’ extended families, friends, working relationships, and neighbors to whom Paul ministered, like Lydia’s in Acts 16).
We departed for Dublin Monday, arriving Tuesday morning, and departed the following Sunday (Nov. 10). Sandy met with a key Senator that morning (Ronan Mullen), a faithful Catholic brother and a leader of conservatives on a number of issues. In fact, at his invitation Sandy joined him for a Mass in honor of former MPs and staff - Irish All Saints. They talked much about keeping the “pro-life” conversation as broad as possible, to include care for the poor, end of life issues, AI and questions of human dignity, etc.
Other meetings included Christian faculty at University College Dublin (most of whom are quite isolated and reticent to be identified at work), a house concert and message hosted by a faithful couple (Alan and Dianne Morris), a concert and talk on a faithful view of our work for about 100 men hosted by a Christian men’s breakfast, a concert/message in the University Club of University College Dublin, a dinner and consultation with music for the Agape Ireland board, worship and message for the Agape staff team, and a concert/message for about 65 guests held in the ballroom of a golf club. Sandy also met with staff of the university on serving post-traditional students and had a brief chat with the new president of UCD. Finally, we all joined a faculty member at his bi-weekly pub gathering and playing circle of traditional Irish music. We managed to keep up, though the tunes weren’t familiar, and gave them one tune of our own.
All this is to say that the Lord was gracious and Agape’s work was catalyzed, staff were encouraged, contacts made, and several groups formed for discussion of Leadership in the Crucible, work and faith, etc.
The ‘Oikos” strategy was clearly confirmed, but it requires some understanding on the part of the hosts, and trust that the guest artist/speaker will both delight and challenge. Our hope is that the idea of smaller, more intimate gatherings of people who are already connected in some way will facilitate the sharing of the Gospel message and offer built-in follow up to continue the conversation and relationships that develop. Sandy was pleased that the book, Leadership in the Crucible of Work, is still getting good use.
Unfortunately, both Stu and Sandy returned with cases of pneumonia…hazards of air travel. Pray for the antibiotics to work quickly.
So, a very fruitful and enjoyable trip that helps to offer us direction for the future of the Oikos model. We look forward to future opportunities to continue this important work. Thanks, again, for your support and encouragement.
