This year we have had the most outstanding summer in ages. Usually the temperature is in the 70s, with small rain showers throughout the day. This year the temperature held at around 90 degrees for two months, with no rain at all. A few weeks into the drought, restrictions were put on the use of water, the countryside turned brown, and it was nothing like I had ever seen in Ireland since we arrived 10 years ago. Still it was nice to have a warm summer this year.
July
This month began with Victory Youth Camp. Kelly and I volunteered and got to be a part of a great youth camp this year. In addition to our family, we brought two teens from our church, and there were several teens who were saved during the week. The week after youth camp, we had Dr. Bob Jones with us holding a revival meeting. He was a great encouragement. We went soul winning each day during the week and got the Gospel to loads of people. A lady was saved on Friday afternoon, and 15 attended that evening.
I have had a burden for many of the young adults in Ireland. After doing a bit of research, I found that there were 20 or more scattered throughout the country, but we didn’t have an opportunity for them to fellowship. I expressed my burden, and one of our fellow missionaries, Philip Tharpe, was also interested in starting fellowship meetings for 20- to 30-year-olds, so we started the Young Adults Baptist Fellowship and held our first meeting on July 21. The Lord blessed with 21 people who came from all over the country. Please pray for the next one on the sixth of October. Finally, at the end of the month, we had our annual Kids’ Bible Club and Youth Rally. Two lads from Neighbourhood Bible Time came and helped us conduct these meetings. Last year we had a high day of 14 in the Kids’ Bible Club, but this year we had 18—most of the kids who came were brand-new. Then our teen rally in the past has only had 2 or 3, but this year we had 7, with 2 of the teens trusting the Lord as their Saviour.
August
Much of this month was recuperation from the busyness of July. We kept on with the regular service and soul-winning schedule. At the beginning of the month, our middle child turned 10, and we were able to take him to an amusement park here in Ireland. Near the end of the month, the mother of one of our church people passed away. Unfortunately, she was unsaved, which made it very difficult. I was pleased to see several church members come out in support. Please pray for our building, which is being sold soon. We are not sure if we will need to leave or not.
Soul Winning
On Friday of the revival meeting, I was out soul winning with Dr. Bob Jones. While knocking on doors, we met an African lady, who invited us in. As she sat on the couch, she listened intently as I presented the Gospel to her. I had her read the verses and explain them to me. At the end, realising she needed to be saved, she bowed her head and asked the Lord to forgive her sins and save her from Hell. “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” (Psalm 126:6)
Please pray for these needs:
1. Young Adults Baptist Fellowship – 6 October
2. Co-laborers in Limerick
3. Protection over the ministry
Last, I would like to thank all of you for your continued prayers, unwavering support, and all the churches and individuals who sent cards and gifts for Keenan’s birthday.
In the campaign for Irish souls,
Keith Hamilton
