Church Launch Prayer

We are blessed to have a wonderful home church here in Dublin. Open Arms Sandyford has been a tremendous blessing to Zoe Community, our two boys, as well as Katy and I personally. We have found deep friendships and a flourishing community of believers with which to raise our kids. OAS is a 7-year old church plant in South Dublin and has been meeting in the basement of a hotel since it’s beginning.

I would appreciate you praying for Open Arms Church, the leadership, and specifically Pastor Sean Booth. We are so excited to be opening our brand new building this Easter Sunday, April 20th! I (Blake) have had the privilege to help with this massive project, particularly in the area audio/video/lighting. Construction is coming to a close, but it will be tight.

• Please pray that all remaining goals be met on time or early.

• Please pray for favour with the fire inspector.

• And please pray for the leadership to maintain peace and joy in the midst of all the stress.

It’s going to be an amazing Easter celebrating the resurrection of Jesus for the first time in our new home!

When you’re giving and praying, you’re not only participating in Zoe Community. You’re also a huge blessing to all we’re able to help with here, including Open Arms Church! Thank you for all you do!

Family Time

This past week my (Blake’s) parents were able to visit. We did all kinds of fun things: hikes, shopping, taking the kids to/from school, St. Patrick’s Day craziness…at this stage our parents are pros at visiting Ireland. It’s just wonderful to be together.

Being away from family is the most difficult aspect of being a missionary, at least for us. However, God has blessed Katy and I with amazingly supportive families. I was having coffee with a friend once who lives near all of his rather large family. I told him how great it must be for him to have such consistent connection. His reply surprised me. He said, “Yes, but we take it for granted. We all got together on Christmas day for three or four hours…but we get to do that at least once a month. When you guys see your family, even though its only once or twice a year, you make every moment count and it really means something.”

I’ll never forget that perspective he gave me. I still wish we were able to be close to family. But I’m now much more grateful for the moments we have. Hug your family today, if you can. Take a minute to just be grateful you’re able to hold them in your arms.

Every week writing these updates, I’m able to take a moment and remember how grateful I am for you all. We make a wonderful team. When you give and pray, we’re your hands extended into the lives of those who need Jesus in the nation of Ireland. Thank you.

13 Years

It’s hard to believe, but Katy and I moved here 13 years ago today. It was a hard decision to move, and, at times, a harder decision to stay. We left family, friends, and the life we knew. Since then we’ve had kids, been through ups and downs, and have learned to live a new way. New culture, new routines, new perspective…everything new. But when God calls you, what seems like sacrifice to some, is simple (not easy) obedience to others.

We have tried our best to be obedient to God in the small steps day by day. When the longterm is foggy all we have is today. Thankfully God tells us not to worry about tomorrow. I’m glad He said that, because tomorrow can be frightening. He' has been faithful these past 13 years to keep us on His path.

The bottom line is that we are so grateful for God’s call and blessing on our life. Two beautiful kids, supportive/loving family, ministry that’s worth doing, and living in the nation of Ireland are a few of the unbelievable blessings we experience everyday.

And you. You have been faithful to give and pray so the work here can be done. Together we are celebrating these 13 years as a team, family, and partners in the work of Christ. Thank you!