Welcome to Narnia

Alan and Lori just returned from a training trip to Ireland with our YWAM branch, Kerygma. It was hard to explain why we were going, but it was an excellent time and here's why. There will be pictures later.

Why did you have to go to Ireland and the Global Gathering?

We went to Ireland because we needed to be there.

These aren't friends who kind-of understand our vision and strategy. Kerygma is our family. They understand. These are those most able to know what we know and are on the exact same track as us: The total balance of ecumenism, Holy Spirit, YWAM, pioneering spirit, aggressiveness, global vision and youthfulness. It was the most empowering trip we could make.

 These people can teach us more about what we do. They're doing things and talking about concepts we could never dream up. They've been down the roads we're walking now. There is nowhere in the US we can do that. The average YWAMer in the US has never heard of Kerygma.
This was like going home for Christmas and we're the young married couple in the family, the Yuppies. Upwardly mobile.

What we did learn:
“Reboot is about recognizing the moment we are in.” said our leader Bruce Clewett.
It was so solid, so focused  on exactly what we need to discuss and and be encouraged about.
What are your non-negotiables with your partner ministry? What do you not bend on?

What are Kerygma's Distinctives? What are we saying that no one else is doing? Our Executive Team taught on:
1.    Look at all the Catholics who came to the Lord and don't evangelize.
2.    Why Catholics and Protestants should do missions together
3.    Why Protestants should serve in the Catholic World.

We found out we should work more closely with our local YWAM bases. Our relationship with the YWAM family is more important than the issues.
They brought in a top notch German Catholic teacher to inspire us, Johannes Hartl, associated with the International House of Prayer, and leads that organization in Germany. Johannes spoke at length several sessions.

Our reunion with our Kerygma Team Family is a taste of heaven It was like entering heaven, because all the key people we met in India immediately came out the door to embrace us when we arrived at 9:45 AM.

Our schedule was full and lacked opportunities to travel anywhere but the sleepy village a 7 minute walk away. We went to the church for two Sunday masses and two weekday masses, shopped at two markets and twice to an Irish Pub. Once with banjo and guitar players. We had a chance to talk to some locals, mostly merchants and shop clerks. Met a few people after masses. They are pleased to meet folks from the U.S. These people seem to live in a very small world.

How was your trip to Ireland from a personal basis?
1.    A Fascinating new culture to experience
2.    Old World, Mystical scenery and settings, like Narnia. A place I'd like to go back to.
3.    Very beautiful, Refreshing, Breathtaking, Like being in a movie
4.    The locals were very closed up. Fairly friendly, but not nosy. They thought it cute that you were from Texas if you brought it up, but that was the end of their interest in us and they didn't let you know anything about them. It would take a long term relationship for evangelism.
5.    Everyone spoke English, only kinda funny, with hilarious accents and diction
6.    Mild days and cool nights, but harsh, cold winters we heard.
7.    The local YWAM staff were wonderful. We could work at that base and live in that house.
8.    Excellent facility.
9.    Best mass choir we ever heard.
10.    A relative safe feeling.

We returned from our trip to Europe refreshed, energized, rebooted and ready to hit the floor running. Join us as we continue to touch hearts.