New Leadership

You may or may not know that Katy and I are missionaries with the Assemblies of God. As AG missionaries, we commit to serving the local church in the countries we serve…specifically the AG churches within that country. In Ireland the AG movement is call Christian Churches Ireland (CCI).

This past weekend was a huge milestone for CCI. Our friend and former CCI national leader, Sean Mullarkey, passed the baton to the next national leader, Brian Somerville. Sean and Susan welcomed us as Katy and I moved to Ireland. For years they were our pastors and will forever be our friends. We’re so grateful for the impact they’ve had on our lives. We’re equally grateful for their leadership over CCI these past 10 years. Sean lead tremendously with character, integrity, and love.

Brian Somerville is now the national leader. We are also so grateful for Brian and Judith. Prior to becoming CCI national leaders, we met them as they pastored in Derry, N. Ireland. In the last few years Brian transitioned to an executive leader within CCI as well as an executive pastor in our church, Open Arms. We have been blessed to be around them much more lately when he preaches in Dublin. We’re overjoyed for Brian and Judith to step into this new role with CCI (still serving at Open Arms btw). They will do a phenomenal job leading, inspiring, and guiding the movement into the new season ahead.

Please pray for Sean, Susan, Brian, and Judith as they each step into new spaces. May the Lord guide their steps ahead.

Time with Legends

I (Blake) had the privilege of spending a couple of days this past week with Gary and Wilma Davidson, as well as Joe Kelly and his wife, Ruth. Joe and Ruth are an amazing couple and have been so supportive of Zoe Community. In just the number of months Joe is on our board, he has already played a tremendous role through is wisdom, encouragement, and vast experience.

Gary and Wilma spent nearly 40 years in Ireland as missionaries planting St. Mark’s Church and eventually establishing Assemblies of God Ireland (known today as Christian Churches Ireland). Joe has spent years working alongside Gary in a number of roles, not least of which serving as an elder when Gary pastored St. Mark’s. Joe began a project of filming Gary and Wilma to record their decades of experience as believers, pastors, and leaders. I was so blessed to be in the room to help record three sessions. Truly a memorable time with a house full of legends.

As Katy and I stand on the shoulders of Gary and Wilma here in Ireland, we are also standing on the foundation you provide through prayer and financial support. Thank you for also being legends in dedication, consistency, and generosity. We’re grateful for you!

Collaboration Station

I’d like to introduce you to Chloe and Jonny. Two years ago we had the opportunity to expand our workspace. We now have one room for training, daily work, meetings, etc. We also have a second space specifically for pregnant women to come meet our volunteers, as well as therapists to use when Zoe guests are not booked. We were so grateful in so many ways for the expansion, particularly for God bringing us new opportunities for collaboration.

Chloe and Jonny work with Jesus Film. Jonny creates (directs/writes/edits/acts in) unbelievable world-class content. Chloe is the regional leader for digital strategies in Europe/Russia, and she also happens to be on the Zoe board. We were so blessed to have them join us in our space. As we all work day to day, we have had countless opportunities to collaborate on each others’ work. I can say for Zoe, our creativity levels have skyrocketed since having them in the space.

When you picture us working week to week with our Zoe volunteers and team, you can now also keep Chloe and Jonny in your mind and prayers. The Kingdom of God is collaborate. Relationships are essentially. And having fresh eyes that we trust to look into our work has been a tremendous blessing.

Thank you for all your prayers and support. We’re so grateful that you’re on our team, wherever you are in the world!