Unity

This past weekend we celebrated the tenth anniversary of OM Ireland. The two days of celebration were a culmination of months of hard work and preparation from staff and volunteers. Many things could be said about this weekend, and many good things have been said, such as how there were more people than we expected or how George Verwer, founder of OM, came and encouraged each individual in the crowd. What I would like to share however is not about the event or even about my experiences; it is about unity. The topic of unity came about several times this weekend and whenever something is repeated, you know it is important.

The ten-year anniversary was an event for us to celebrate with others all that God has done and is doing in Ireland, so naturally we had some people on the property who were not from around here. In speaking with one of them, it was brought to my attention how very blessed I am, and we all are, to have such a wonderful community and team. Each staff member has a job to do each day, yet we still find time to help one another and see the needs of the team as a whole. Work and duties aside, we are able to come together every morning and learn, worship, and pray with one another. It never even occurred to me that in other work places people don’t generally squeeze around one table at lunch to eat together, or spend time in conversation with one another over cups of tea, because it all just felt so natural. I believe it is this unity that made my transition into the office so smooth. It would have been difficult to not feel welcome. This unity among the team allowed us to pull together all that was needed for the celebration and it allows us to continue toward a common goal.

A common thread is essential for unity, and this weekend brought to light another form of unity. Over forty people came on Friday night and over two hundred joined Saturday, coming from near and far to be with us. And what was the common thread? It was not involvement in or even people who have been impacted by OM, although both had a presence. The common thread was, and is, Christ. Some who attended may not know who Christ is, but they came to see what He has done and is doing in Ireland. OM would not exist or have a purpose without Christ, and it is in Him we have unity. The two hundred people in that tent gave a mere glimpse of the unity that is in Christ around the world and the unity that should be enveloping every nation and people group. What else can bring together liars and thieves, pastors and preachers, young and old, strong and weak, rich and poor? We are all subject to the human condition, which means we all need a savior. When we understand that, we are able to stand together in Him.

The tent on Friday morning.
Thankfully the weather cleared up later.

Floating lantern ceremony, representing the different
lights we have shining here for God's kingdom.

Taste of Ireland: If you are asked "have you had any tea?" depending on the time of day, that could be a question referring to if you have eaten supper.