Thank you for your prayers and support. As I write to you, Ireland is now entering its third month of lockdowns and church bans. People around the country are fearful, and many are looking forward to the miracle vaccine that will enable them to get back to some kind of normalcy. Unfortunately, I feel these heavy-handed, inequitable restrictions for a virus with a 99.8% survival rate are going to result in the financial devastation of the country. The future is uncertain, but we know the Lord has it in His hands.
January
In December, we faced a sudden lockdown, banning churches from meeting and restricting people from travelling more than 6 miles (10km). Where most Americans are independent-minded, because of socialism, that is not the case here. There are a few who are, but the majority of people place their complete reliance on the government and their protections. So, that is where we are. I am allowing our people to follow their consciences, and we continue to broadcast live services and post recordings to those who do not have proper internet access. At the beginning of the month, a local lad came a couple times after the lockdown, but he stopped. Currently, most of our people watch services online. Our family continues to homeschool, and there is enough work around the property, with our sheep and chickens, that everyone stays quite busy. Our oldest boy had his 17th birthday at the end of the month, and we celebrated with some Kentucky Fried Chicken and gifts.
February
The lockdowns were only supposed to last until February, but they extended them another month. Our oldest son needed to register with the Immigration Office. After travelling to the city to register him, we discovered that he could only register by appointment, and I needed to email the office to schedule the appointment. I did so immediately when I got home, and I was informed that they are backed up and that the country has extended all immigration status until June. I did end up getting him an appointment for the end of the month. Around the same time, I also celebrated my 45th birthday with takeaway from a local Italian restaurant. During these months, I have kept in contact with our people and tried to encourage them. At the end of February, another lad, who had not been in church for over a year, arrived for a couple of services. Due to the censorship I was seeing on Facebook, I deleted my personal and missions account. During a service in February, I got to experience some censorship firsthand; it was for playing a video during the service that merely asked questions regarding the severity of the “pandemic.” The Bible study video was removed from YouTube within 12 hours, and we were given our first strike. Despite things that seem wrong, by the grace of God, there is still much that is right. Through our YouTube livestream, we were able to reach a local man who was looking for a King James Bible church to attend. When the lockdowns are over, he will be willing to visit.
Soul Winning
Back in November, Bro. Elias Correa sent us hundreds of DVDs of the video, Light of the Word, by Chick Publications. So, for the last couple of months, we have begun getting those out to the countryside community. They give an overview of the story of the Bible and how it relates to salvation in Jesus Christ. So far, we have not received any responses, but please pray that people will watch them and will consider salvation in Jesus Christ.
Please pray for these needs:
1. Co-laborers in Limerick
2. Protection over the ministry
3. Kelly’s health
Last, I thank everyone who sent birthday cards, gifts, and emails and for the faithful prayers and support. May the Lord bless all of you for your sacrifices to hold the ropes.
In the campaign for Irish souls,
Keith Hamilton