Christmas Gifts and Christmas Blessings
First, I want to apologize to our supporting churches who did not receive many of our 2014 letters. Due to human error, my prayer-letter instructions were lost in a staff change. Thank you for your patience and understanding in this matter. If you happen to be missing any of our letters from 2014, they can be viewed at www.hamiltonsinireland.com, or you may email me at keithhamilton@www.fbmi.org.
“A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.” (Luke 8:5) As I think about the past year, I realize God has taught me much about faith, reliance, steadfastness, and longsuffering. I have learned about the distinct cultural differences in the different regions of the country. Limerick has different religious groups but few that are Bible-centered. Sin is rampant, morality is declining, and atheism and fear of religion are growing. I was knocking on doors in one particular neighborhood, and no one would speak at all. They would not even take the survey. Despite much of the apathy, the Gospel seeds have gone out abundantly this year into an area where people know nothing about the gift of salvation. I chose the name An Carraig (The Rock) Baptist Church. Like David took the rock from the riverbed and God used his faith to defeat the giant, may God use An Carraig and our efforts to defeat the giant of religion, that people would repent and come to Christ by faith alone.
In November we continued our soul-winning survey to get the Gospel out, as well as with tracts. One Thursday afternoon, I met a man named Graham who gave me a profession of salvation. He said he had gone to the only other Baptist church in town but was presently not going to any church. I was able to talk to him a bit and encourage him to come. He wanted a Bible, but the day I dropped it off, no one was home. Please pray I might be able to disciple him and get him to begin coming. During the month I was able to make a quick visit back to the States, where I got to see my dad and preach at our home church for the first time in six years.
In December we began a Christmas series titled “Miracle of Christmas,” as well as getting out Christmas Gospel tracts. As part of this, Kelly baked many different items, and we put together packages with tracts to give to friends at the Limerick Milk Market, as well as to people we know. Please pray that God will touch their hearts and that they will see a personal need of salvation. During the month I also advertised a Christmas offer on Facebook for a free download of the book Done in PDF. I had 11 people accept the offer.
I am thankful that God has allowed us to be here another year to get the Gospel to this needy area. I am working on plans for the next year and trying different ways to get the Gospel to people. Our theme is “Living by the Book.” I was able to acquire 600 John and Romans. I am looking for a community hall to meet in, and I am going to try to concentrate my efforts a little more toward individuals. With the approval of dual citizenship, we will be better prepared mentally, without the looming concern of possible deportation. Thank you for your prayers and help in this area. We received Christmas gifts this year that took a big chunk out of the amount we need to complete citizenship.
Please continue praying for these needs:
1. Our support level has maintained at 90% of what we need; please pray it might increase.
2. We need €800 (US$930.29) for our citizenship to be completed.
3. Furlough plane tickets
Also, I want to thank all of the individuals and churches who faithfully pray for us, those who faithfully support us, and those who sent letters and added Christmas gifts to their monthly support.
In the campaign for Irish souls,
Keith W. Hamilton
