FourteenIreland 2012: Day 14

Day 14: Camp Staff

Today, Day #4...  Our final day!  If you made it to day fourteen, way to go!  Thanks for praying with us daily.  Your commitment means so much!  Tomorrow's the big day--the FCA Golf team will be leaving for Ireland!  Would you join us today in praying for all camp staff?

Please pray for everyone's attitude.  Pray that staff would be all about the campers, ready and willing to serve them.  Pray that none of our efforts would be about ourselves, but rather all about Jesus Christ!  Pray that our presence amongst these youth would be marked by: honesty, sincerity, service and love.

I'll do my best to keep you updated on camp while in Ireland.  So please continue to check back next week for camp updates.  Regardless of how often I am able to update you about the week, know that you'll receive a full report upon my return!

  
Again, thank you for your prayers and support!

  

You are loved,

    

FourteenIreland 2012: Day 13

Day 13: Coaching Groups

Today, Day 13 of our fourteen day journey, would you join us in praying for Coaching Groups?

  

Coaching Groups, or "Huddles" as FCA calls them in the US, are small groups consisting of a leader and several campers.  Each camper is assigned to a group with other campers of similar age and same gender.  The purpose of these groups are to encourage discussion and understanding of how the Gospel applies to each of our lives.  For more information about coaching groups, see FCA's Huddles Overview (scroll down once the page has loaded).

   

Each day following lunch, I will share a short message to campers about each day's topic (topics were shared in yesterday's post).  These messages are designed to get the campers talking and thinking--providing an excellent transition into our Coaching Groups, where leaders discuss with campers how the message that was shared applies to each of our own lives.

Please pray for our coaching group times.  Coaching Groups are by far the most important and beneficial time of camp.  It is during the Coaching Group time that people share life with one another.  Pray that the truth and beauty of the Gospel would touch the hearts of everyone involved.  Pray that campers and staff would embrace the good news of the Gospel in every aspect of their lives.
  

You are loved,

    

FourteenIreland 2012: Day 12

Day 12: Bible Curriculum/Camp Theme

Today, Day 12 of our fourteen day journey, would you join me in praying for our Bible curriculum and camp theme: Run The Race?

In addition to great instruction and plenty of golf, I will be sharing a series of short messages from Hebrews 12:1-3, getting campers thinking about the topic of faith.  These messages will spur on further discussion that will take place in coaching groups (small discussion groups--more about this tomorrow).  The following four daily themes each express a truth about faith relevant to the Hebrews 12:1-3 passage.

  

• Monday: GET IN THE RACE
  Without faith, it's impossible to please God.
  "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses..." (Hebrews 12:1a)
  
  
• Tuesday: RUNNING OR STANDING STILL?
  Faith is the only thing that matters.  Get rid of everything else.
  "...let us lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely..." (Hebrews 12:1b)
  
  
• Wednesday: OUR EXAMPLE TO FOLLOW
  No one showed more faith than Jesus.
  "...and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame..." (Hebrews 12:1c-2b)
  
  
• Thursday: THE FINISH LINE
  Our response to faith today determines tomorrow's destiny.
  "...and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted." (Hebrews 12:2c-3)

  

Would you join us in praying for our curriculum?  Would you also pray for me as I communicate these truths to campers next week? And lastly, would you pray that these truths would penetrate the hearts of each camper?

Thanks for sticking with us in prayer!!

  
You are loved,

    

FourteenIreland 2012: Day 11

Day #11: Golf Instruction

Today, Day 11, of our fourteen day journey, would you join us in praying for the golf instruction at camp?  Below is a basic overview of our golf instruction curriculum:

click schedule to enlarge

Each day, instruction will begin with a clinic put on by Anders Forsbrand introducing (through demonstration and explanation) a particular aspect of the golf swing.  Following Anders' clinic, campers will split up into groups and rotate through various stations, covering all aspects of the game during the week.  Although it is our intention to instruct campers in the morning and get them out on the course in the afternoon, you may have noticed that the above schedule can easily be switched to the afternoon, should we need to adjust our plans.

Would you pray that campers would have fun becoming better players as they practice and learn next week?

  
You are loved,

    

FourteenIreland 2012: Day 10

Day #10: Prepared Minds & Hearts

Today, day 10, of our fourteen day journey, would you join us in praying for prepared minds and hearts?

In this final week as OM Ireland organizes, the FCA Golf team packs, and campers anticipate, would you pray that the Lord would prepare the hearts and minds of everyone involved? Please pray that campers' hearts would be softened to receive the message of Christ we'll bring.  Pray that OM Ireland and FCA Golf staff would be examples of Christ in the service and love we offer.

You all are great!  Thanks for following the posts--and even more so, thank you for all of your prayers!
  
You are loved,

    

FourteenIreland 2012: Day 9

Day 9: Camp Schedule

Today, Day 9, of our fourteen day journey, would you join me in praying for our team's daily schedule?

  

click schedule to enlarge

  

As you can see, we're planning to accomplish a lot during our time in Ireland.  Each day will be extremely intentional and full!  At 1:00 pm, Monday through Thursday, campers will break out into small groups (we'll call them coaching groups) and discuss a different topic each day, relevant to the week-long theme of "Running the Race" (from Hebrews 12:1-3).  I will be sharing more information about our camp theme and Bible curriculum in upcoming FourteenIreland posts.

Again, would you join me in praying for our schedule?  I encourage you to use this schedule as a prayer guide during the week of camp.  Pray that there wouldn't be any unnecessary mishaps.  Pray that when flexibility in our schedule is needed, wisdom would be granted in how to properly adjust.   And lastly, pray that FCA Golf and OM Ireland would make the most out of the time we've been given with these youth!

Thank you for being a blessing to us!
  
You are loved,

    

FourteenIreland 2012: Day 8

Day 8: Lacken House

 

Today, Day 8, of our fourteen day journey, would you join me in praying for OM Ireland's Lacken House?

The Lacken House serves at OM Ireland's headquarters and includes 5 acres of land, a large office building with meeting rooms, a fully furnished 10 bedroom house, 4 self-catering chalets, a large kitchen & dining area, and rooms with potential for development & refurbishment.  

Would you pray with us that the Lacken House would provide a great means of connection between FCA Golf and OM Ireland Staff?  Additionally, please pray that the Lacken House facilities would continue to serve OM Ireland and the needs of their ministry well.  Thank you for your prayers!

You are loved,

FourteenIreland 2012: Day 7

Day 7: Glasson Hotel & Golf Club

Today, Day 7, of our fourteen day journey, would you join us in praying for the Glasson Hotel & Golf Club? 

On Monday, April 2nd, many Irish youth will converge on the Glasson Hotel & Golf Club for FCA Golf's 4th Annual Anders Forsbrand Ireland Junior Golf Camp.  The Glasson Hotel & Golf Club is a family owned, four-star hotel and club.  FCA Golf and OM Ireland are quite blessed to have access to such a great facility.

Would you pray for the facility, it's owners, and all the activities that will take place during the week of April 2nd?  Also, pray that FCA Golf and OM Ireland would be able to deepen the relationships with staff that already exist there.  Thanks for your prayers!

You are loved,

FourteenIreland 2012: Day 6

Day 6: FCA Golf Team

Today, Day 6, of our fourteen day journey, would you join us in praying for the FCA Golf Team? 

The FCA Golf team headed to Ireland in just 9 days is made up of FCA Golf staff, volunteers and past interns--all of which have experience in past FCA Golf Camps.  The 6 members of the team are spread all across the nation: Missouri, Indiana, Florida, and South Carolina.

Would you praying for unity & cohesion amongst our team members?  Pray that friendships would be built and strengthened during, and as a result of, this camp.  Thank you so much!
  
You are loved,

    

FourteenIreland 2012: Day 5

Day 5: The Costs of Camp

  
From April 2nd-5th, many Irish youth will receive professional golf instruction, enjoy wonderful competition, and experience engaging Bible teaching for about €100 ($150).  At that price, "Where can I sign up?" you may ask.

The truth of the matter is that without the generous and faithful partnership of many people, the Anders Forsbrand Ireland Junior Golf Camp wouldn't be a reality.  Today, Day 5, of our 14 day journey, would you join us in praying for camp fundraising?

Thankfully, several costs associated with this camp have been underwritten by local sponsors in Ireland who partner with the ministry of OM Ireland.  In addition, the members of the FCA Golf team are thankful for those who have partnered with us to help underwrite the travel and lodging costs each of us incurs during our week in Ireland.  This camp truly could not happen without the Body of Christ coming together in support.

As the FCA Ireland Team prepares to leave just 10 days from today, would you join us in thanking God for his provision and pray that all of our camp costs would be covered?  Thank you for praying with us!
  
You are loved,

    

FourteenIreland 2012: Day 4

Day 4: Ireland's Spiritual Climate

Today, Day 4, of our 14 day journey, I would like to share with you a bit about Ireland's spiritual climate. 

As you are probably already aware, there is freedom of religion in Ireland.  The Catholic Church has no official link with the country, though it has a strong, but waning, influence on all aspects of national life.  Click on the picture below for detailed information about the various religions and Christianity makeup of Ireland (taken from the book Operation World).

Ireland is a young country, with half of its population under 28 years old.  The youth's spiritual need is underlined by a dramatic rise in suicides, unwed mothers and marriage breakdowns over the past decade.  The unfoturnate reality is that there plenty of people living life with very little hope.

Thankfully, as Christians, we serve a God of hope.  And through the gift of His Son, Jesus, we have literally been given the Hope of the world.

During His time on earth, Christ said, "I came that they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of" (John 10:10).  Would you join us in praying that the youth of Ireland would get a glimpse into the life God has offered each and every one of us?

You are loved,

    

FourteenIreland 2012: Day 3

Day 3: Operation Mobilization Ireland

  

Today, Day 3, of our 14 day journey, I would like introduce you to Operation Mobilization (OM) Ireland, the ministry FCA Golf partners with in order to put on the Anders Forsbrand Ireland Junior Golf Camp.

  

OM Ireland is one of many ministries "under the umbrella" of Operation Mobilization International.  OM International has over 5,400 people serving in 110 countries worldwide to see lives and communities transformed.  Although the people working with OM come from different nations and backgrounds, they all have one thing in common: they love Jesus and want to share and demonstrate His love wherever they go.

  

OM teams have served in Ireland since the 1970s, but OM Ireland began in 2002 when Mike Mullins was asked to launch the work.  Imagine Christians in Ireland demonstrating and communicating the love of Jesus throughout the country.  Imagine seeing people's lives transformed and whole communities change for good.  Imagine churches in Ireland motivated, equipped and working together to bring about lasting change.  OM Ireland exists to see individuals and communities reconciled, transformed and mobilized to live and communicate the message of Jesus.

  

Would you join me in praying for the OM Ireland staff today?  These people are committed to sharing the Good News of Jesus with all of Ireland everyday.  Would you also pray that the FCA Golf team could be an encouragement to them as we partner together to transform lives through the game of golf? Thanks for your prayers!

  

You are loved,

    

FourteenIreland 2012: Day 2

Day 2: The Mullins Family

 

Today, Day #2, I would like to re-introduce many of you to the Mullins Family.  In the picture on the left you see Mike and Aster Mullins, as well as their six children.  Grace (their 1 year old daughter) and Andrew (their 2 and 1/2 year old son) are pictured on the right.

If you prayed with us last year, you probably remember that a little over a year ago Andrew was diagnosed with a stage-4 cancer know as Neuroblastoma.  This type of cancer is very aggressive and had spread into his bones, spine, skull and stomach.  Since the diagnosis over a year ago, Andrew has undergone blood transfusions, several rounds of chemotherapy, and other types of treatment.
  
And as all of this was taking place, Aster gave birth to their 6th child (exactly one year ago yesterday).  Grace Mullins was born 4 weeks earlier than expected, but weighed a healthy 7 lbs!
  
Certainly, the entire Mullins family have been through quite a bit this past year.  Would you join us in keeping the Mullins family in your prayers?  Mike Mullins is the Director of Operation Mobilization (OM) Ireland, the ministry FCA Golf partners with in Ireland to put on the Ireland Junior Golf Camp. Since meeting the Mullins family a few years ago, I have grown to deeply respect how strongly rooted their faith in Jesus Christ really is.  
  
Shortly after Andrew was diagnosed last year, Mike created a Facebook page to keep everyone informed of Andrew's condition--so that people would know how to pray.  It has been an amazing testimony to God's love and grace as I've followed this family's journey over the past year.  Mike has made several comments that have been a healthy reminder of where we all stand--regardless of our circumstances--when we hold on tightly to Jesus.  Here are a  few of his comments:

You know in many ways I think the Lord has been preparing us for this.  We may hurt and cry and feel pain like never before, but our world has not fallen apart because our Redeemer lives! 

No one is hopeless whose hope is in God. 

UNBELIEF cries and begs and pleads but FAITH speaks and shouts and jumps!

Thankfully, Andrew is making progress.  Recently he has begun to put weight back on, wants to stand up more, and is talking a lot. His hair has begun to grow back too!  

As the Mullins family continues to walk a difficult road, they know that worry is a burden God never intended anyone to bear.  A few weeks ago, on the anniversary of Andrew's diagnosis (Feb. 25, 2012), Mike wrote the following:

This is not an anniversary we particularly want to celebrate but it is one that we will never forget.

This past year has flown by and we have seen and learned many things.  We have laughed, cried and seen the miraculous.  Every step of the way God has been with us and we can honestly say we know Him now in a much deeper way, unlike we have ever known Him before, praise God.

We've also made a lot of new friends along the way and we are so thankful to all who have followed Andrews progress and stood by us.  You have encouraged us so much. 

We encounter many who need healing and we've had wonderful opportunities to share with people what we've been learning such as the importance of knowing and standing on God's Word. 

God is good!  "March on my soul be strong" (Judges 5:21b). Onwards!!! 

Would you please pray for the Mullins family right now?  Would you also pray that our team could be an encouragement to them when we arrive in just two weeks?

If you'd like to follow Andrew's journey on the Facebook page Mike created, you can visit it by clicking the following link: Pray for Andrew Mullins (Ireland)

  

You are loved,

   

FourteenIreland 2012: Day 1

In just two weeks, five others and I will be on our way to Ireland for FCA Golf's 4th Annual Anders Forsbrand Ireland Junior Golf Camp.  From March 30th to April 7th, FCA Golf will share the Good News and hope of Jesus through professional golf instruction, excellent competition and engaging Bible teaching.  The past two years, campers have made decisions to make Jesus Lord and Savior of their lives.

Would you join me in praying for Ireland, the FCA Golf team, and the impact Christ will have through us in 2012 during the next fourteen days?
   

Today, Day #1, of our 14 day journey, please pray for Camp Registration.  Although there are campers already registered, there are several who have not yet signed up.  It is quite possible that there are Irish youth out there who will be at this camp that haven't even heard about it yet.  But God knows who they are...
   

• Pray for the youth who have already registered, as well as those who will...
• Pray that God would bring youth to camp who need to be there...
• Pray that the Lord would prepare the minds and hearts of these campers to hear and receive the Gospel...

Thanks for standing with us in prayer!
  
You are loved,