We saw a vision

"In the darkenss of despair we saw a vision, 

We lit the light of hope, 

And it was not extinguished, 

In the desert of discouragement we saw a vision, 

We planted the tree of valour, and it blossomed

In the winter of bondage we saw a vision, 

We melted the snow of lethargy, 

And the river of resurrection flowed from it..." 

                   - Liam Mac Uistin

Service this sunday went wonderfully well. Our song that we played for the church (O, Church Arise) was well received by the congregation. Alan gave a very challenging message about those who are oppressed. It is a message that hits home to a congregation that consists of Irish people (one of the most oppressed people groups in History) as well as immigrants, refugees, and those seeking asylum. Alan reminded us of the great comfort we have in knowing that God is on the side of the oppressed - that he hears the cries of those in need. "The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?" After the service we had a congregational picnic in Phoenix Park - it's an enormous park on the southwest side of Dublin. Apparently its design was mimicked when they created New York's Central Park. At the picnic we enjoyed sandwiches, biscuits (cookies), crisps (chips), and a time of fellowship. I was able to meet a few more people from the church as wess as teach some fo the people how to play ultimate frisbee. I also kicked around the soccer ball with some kids and I took a turn at playing some field hockey - which was hardly successful. Today (Monday) was our team's day off - so i took the time to do some reading and then we walked down to Dublin Castle, Christ Church Cathedral, and the Chester Beatty Library - where we saw a collection of art and ancient manuscripts. Two of the pictures I posted are from our excursion today, and the last picture is the statue that is in the Garden of Remembrance (the park across the street from Abbey) Near the statue is a poem written by the Iris poet Liam Mac Uistin (I posted a portion of it at the beginning of this post). The poem celebrates the struggle for freedom of the Irish people - but its message reflects the resolve of our team. We have seen a need, we have been called to a purpose, and our vision is to reach others and glorify God. 

Thank you for reading

God Bless 

Luke