First, I want to thank you for taking the time to read our letter. We hope and pray that it will be a blessing to you and will motivate many to pray for our ministry and for the souls of the people in Ireland.
March
As the month began, I did my best to maintain homeschooling and pastoring at the same time while Kelly was in the U.S. helping her mom. She finally returned March 4, after being gone for three weeks, but due to the reports of the spreading virus, we felt it wise to isolate her for a couple of weeks. So, although I looked forward to getting my schedule back, this was not going to be possible. She ended up getting sick during her isolation, but it was not the Coronavirus. When she came out of isolation, her first service was on a Wednesday night. That night we entered the church building, only to find every single thing had been cleaned out—the pulpit, projector, TV in the window, baptistry, seats, carpeting, bookshelves, books and CDs, Bibles, songbooks, offering box and offering plates, portable PA system, etc. I estimate the total worth of things missing was close to €25,000 (US$27,000). We were shocked to find it all gone. My family and I gathered the few fragments, and I rushed home that night to record our service online, since people had not been coming to Wednesday services for a couple of weeks. I was told the next day by the new landlords that it was a mistake made by the contractor. His workers were told to leave our things alone and only to clean out the rest of the building. It seems the message never made it to the workers, and they threw out all of our things, aside from a TV and a projector. That Friday was the lockdown. The Lord knew this situation, and He truly timed it perfectly. One of the silver linings is that, due to the lockdown, we have not needed to meet at the building. I am excited to see how He works through this.
April
After Kelly got out of her isolation, we discovered that she has developed some sort of a neurological condition. A medical advisor believes it is possibly a condition called MDDS and that she developed it from her turbulent flight back to Ireland. The condition causes one to feel as though they are rocking back and forth, like on a boat. It comes and goes, from mild to severe; but with the Lord’s help, she is managing. Due to the situation with the lockdown and church, we are making the best of it as I continue all of our meetings online. Then, for those who do not have internet access, I have been recording DVDs and CDs and posting them to them weekly. Our online presence has ramped up our outreach through a platform called Periscope, where our videos are livestreamed to the world. Many people are subscribing and watching our services from across the globe. Another blessing is that several church people, who usually missed our Sunday school and Wednesday Bible study, are now faithfully watching them online. I even had a lad text me and ask about attending our services when the lockdowns are lifted on July 20. Until then, I need to pray and search diligently for a new meeting location, as well as try to replace all that we lost.
Soul Winning
The boys and I continued to go soul winning until the lockdown on the 27th of March. I have been able to post a Gospel webpage online and have been pointing people to it through social media and emails. Others have also taken to promoting the webpage as well. We are looking forward to being able to go door to door once again.
Please pray for these needs:
1. New building
2. Co-laborers in Limerick
3. Protection over the ministry
4. Wisdom in dealing with church situation
5. Kelly’s health
Last, I thank everyone who sent encouraging cards 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
