So often we miss the blessings of life. There are little blessings that often go unnoticed in our rushing to and fro in our busy lives, but when you read the book of Psalms, you can see that King David took time to notice the blessings. He recognised how the wind through the trees sounds like hands clapping. “For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” (Isaiah 55:12) So often we overlook the abundance of blessings in our lives until they are suddenly missing.
March
During the month of March, I was basically out of commission with sickness, as I mentioned in the previous letter. It began the day after my birthday on February 21, and I did not get back to normal health until about 30 days later on March 27, when I was finally able to do a full service and was back to normal. Thanks to a doctor online, who posted a list of supplements for viral recovery and prevention, I was back to normal in just a couple of days after purchasing the supplements he listed. Again, I am thankful for Missionary Andrew Day, John M, and Tom B for filling in for me during my time of recovery, as well as a friend from Cork who brought me an oxygen machine, a nebulizer, and supplements, and a lovely wife who kept meticulous tabs on my temperature and prepared special meals. After I finally got out, I was shocked to see all of the mask signs and caution tape removed from the shopping centres, as well as people walking around without masks. However, about 25-35% of the people were still wearing masks in public and outside as well.
April
This month, I was back in the swing of things, trying to catch up on lost work and lost time. We rescheduled Keith II’s immigration appointment, and we were thankful that he was able to register with one of the very kind officers. We are now going to pursue getting him dual citizenship. There was a retirement party for Bro. Zemeski, who has been serving in Ireland for 43 years, but due to his failing health, he was not able to attend. Please pray for him and his wife Kathi during this difficult time. Our Easter service was blessed with an unexpected surprise. A lovely family of four from a supporting church in New Jersey made a surprise Easter visit. Near the end of the month, we attended an annual Men’s Camp, held by Pastor Ledbetter from Cork. I went down with our three boys, and Bro. Day brought three men from our church down for one of the days. The camp was great, with preaching and fellowship, and we even sang and preached on the street in Killarney and got applause from the passersby. Another camp highlight was abseiling (rappelling) off a cliff in the Gap of Dunloe. Our boys also got to be a part of a movie that the McKinley families put together called Operation: Rescue, which is posted on YouTube, features a salvation message, and has been a tool of outreach in their area, as well as to all who watch it. They had a premier showing of the movie on the last Friday, and it was a great time of fellowship. It has been a blessing not to be locked down anymore and to be able to travel freely.
We are planning to head back to the U.S. in August for a short trip, and we will be in the Newport News, Virginia, area (August 8-15), the Port Charlotte, Florida, area (August 15-22), and the Cincinnati, Ohio, area (August 22-29). If anyone would like for us to come by and talk about our ministry in Ireland, simply email or leave a voice message at the number below, and I will get back with you as soon as possible.
Soul Winning
Many people in our area are still living in fear of the virus. It is a shame to see such a fear of a virus that is 98% curable, but no fear of God or of Hell, which has a 100% probability without the free vaccine of the blood of Jesus Christ. I am so thankful for that perfect vaccine that is 100% effective and never needs a booster. Due to the continued fear of the virus in our area, we are still putting out Gospel tracts, while looking for opportunities to talk to people about the Gospel. One of the blessings here in Ireland is that you can put tracts directly into the postboxes. Please pray for a great harvest as the Word of God is planted in the area.
Please pray for these needs:
1. Co-laborers in Limerick
2. Protection over the ministry
3. More visitors in the countryside
Last, I thank everyone who sent encouraging emails, faithful prayers, and support. May the Lord bless your giving as we reach out to our Jerusalem and Judea with the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ.
In the battle for the souls of the Irish,
Keith Hamilton
