Not Only in Word

For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.

This is our prayer in Atticall. That they would know that they are chosen by God because the gospel came to them not only in word, but in power, in the Spirit, and with full conviction. That they would know beyond a doubt that they are Christ's, and would live a life of discipleship that flows out of that. 

This was our prayer Wednesday as we continued to speak the gospel into the lives of the teens in Atticall. After a rousing game of ultimate frisbee in the morning (in which multiple people collapsed at the end), we came back in the evening to do a abbreviated program. Matthew, one of the local Irish teen boys from Kilkeel Presbyterian, gave his testimony. Joel talked about Jesus' brothers, and we talked a bit more about his family in discussion groups. The girls were quite surprised that Jesus had brothers, and that led to them opening up about a few things. 

Afterwards, when we went up to watch a comogie match at the nearby pitch, a couple of the girls expressed a desire to have more Bible teaching; they also made it clear that the cost of discipleship is what is holding them back from coming to Jesus. This is a good thing that they realize the cost is high! Pray that they see the price of not following Jesus to be higher. 

On Thursday, the adult tea saw 11 adults come out. We played several games with the teens, including mafia (the best) and a few others. In the evening, Nina shared her testimony and Matt spoke about the leper that Jesus healed in Matthew 8. In the discussion groups, the weight of the message meant the girls were quieter, but they were totally engaged. The power of the Spirit was evident in the room throughout the evening. 

Pray for fruit in these young girl's lives. Pray for fruit at the adult tea in the morning. Pray for those who are starting the Treasure Hunters programming this weekend. Pray that God would break stony ground and bring forth salvation for those that do not yet know him.

Daniel