Galway Gazette

Merry Christmas 09

2010-01-05T06:37:00.000-08:00

Dear Faithful Supporters,
Eph.3:20, “ Now glory be to God! By His mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. “
We are so grateful for your love and support over the last year! It has been a year of many overwhelming changes for us and your prayers and financial assistance have given us the means to continue running this race. We cannot ever begin to express our gratitude for we have received hundreds of cards, homemade special items and so many expressions of your support. In our windows we have hung paper ornaments made from some of the cards of encouragement, they continually remind us of so many of you that have prayed and blessed us.
Once again, at Holly’s last check up the doctor was amazed at the findings. Holly gave the glory to God saying that with prayer anything is possible. She takes 9 chemo pills per day. She continues to walk every day about ¼ mile and is able to do the household chores and feels very well.
Gary and the girls are working hard at their studies. Both the teacher and the students have challenging moments. Gary has also revived his basketball refereeing, not done since we lived in Warsaw 15 years ago!! He never lost his skill and the school appreciates his help. Olivia and Leah continue to do well with their art, music and dance as extra activities.
We had several boxes delivered from Ireland last week and we were so blessed to have some of our cherished Christmas decorations back with us. Our friends in Ireland are doing very well and Tim’s capable leadership has been such a joy to see. Many are growing in their walk with Christ.
We are so blessed to have our family close by and we will all be together for Christmas. This will be the first time in many, many years.
Eph.6:23,” May God give you peace, dear brothers and sisters, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. May God’s grace be upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. “
Wishing you all a very blessed and wonderful celebration of our Savior’s birth!
In Christ, Gary, Holly, Olivia and Leah Gilbert

2010-01-05T06:35:00.000-08:00

Latest update- Nov 09

2009-11-18T07:52:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

What a blessing it is to know so many of you are praying, we can feel the Lord working and His unfailing mercy always goes before us! We want to thank you all for all your support at this time, it has been truly incredible, why should we be surprised when God uses His saints to bless others?

On Friday, Holly saw the oncologist and received good news, as a matter of fact the doctor was so excited she gave Holly a big hug! It has been 6 weeks without chemo and we expected growth in some of the tumors, but instead all the areas of concern either remained the same or continued to decrease! A real answer to prayer. While the radiation was working on the brain tumors, God was taking care of the rest. Although it was a very tiring 3 weeks, finally the energy levels are rebounding as the radiation effects are lessening.

This week Holly is starting a new oral chemo drug and will continue to take the hormone receptor specific to her type of breast cancer as before. Please pray that the side affects will be minimal and remain under control.

Olivia has been given medication for her stomach problems and it seems to help, she is also having a thyroid study done because of some issues she is having. Pray that the Lord will give wisdom to the doctors as they treat her.

We were happy to have many visitors here from far away over the last month, but the winner of the longest distance was our friend Tina from Ireland. It was so nice to see her and we were blessed that Holly was feeling good. We were able to get updates on everything in Ballinasloe and all our Irish friends. The goodness of God was so evident as she shared stories of God's hand working in many areas. Continue to pray for Tim and all the Irish saints as they minister in Jesus' name to that country.

School is going well for our resident teacher and two students. Studies are challenging, but all goes well. Leah has a main part in an upcoming play and Olivia will be the stage manager.

Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion,
which cannot be shaken but endures forever.

As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the LORD surrounds his people
both now and forevermore. Ps. 125:1-2

May the Lord richly reward you for all your love and support at this time!!!

In Christ, Gary & Holly, Olivia and Leah Gilbert
33 Indian Hills Waterloo, NY 13165

Future Uncertain....

2009-11-18T07:47:00.000-08:00

That is the way we must see our lives and I have certainly learned this the difficult way..

For years I would have sleepless nights planning my future…days or months ahead. Recently through God’s design He has helped me to live a more contented daily focus than I ever imagined I could…

You see, a few months ago I thought I was coming to the states for a brief visit with our children and grandchildren. But a series of circumstances that spiraled into a life changing situation changed all my plans.

Before we left Ireland in June I lost a friend very suddenly, helping organize her funeral made me realize just how fast our lives can change.

In a few weeks I was told by my doctors that my breast cancer had returned in many organs and I needed chemotherapy. It was then that we made the very difficult decision to stay in the US for treatment and not return to our home in Ireland.

Our lives were filled with stress from the unknowns of cancer, relocation from another country, transitions of all our accounts and records ,facing new jobs, school etc….

Through all this time God showed Himself strong in many amazing ways. The contentment and peace he gave each of us was truly incredible. The friends who had had cancer or those touched by it in their families were the greatest assets of encouragement. They listened and gave reasonable advise when our minds were no longer able to think.

What a gift from God. To date I have received nearly 200 cards and letters, many with donations from Christians, some of whom I hardly know.( we have no health insurance)

I have always seen myself as a very independent person, yet God has chosen to make me rely on Him and others in a new and different way. In my pride I do not want help, yet I know it is His grace in the provisions. In my pride I was formerly unable to see how I could ever enjoy my life if I lived like this. Yet I have found contentment in the small things that come each day. I appreciate my shower and the strength to have it, I appreciate the trees and birds and the beauty outside my window each day as never before. I enjoy the gifts of grandchildren and children who have faces of love and pray for me.

I have been rereading the book “ Heaven Your Real Home” by Joni Earakson Tada. As a quadraplegic she has experienced much loss in her life, but her insight into the hope we have daily as we depend on God resonates like nothing else at this time in my life. How pale the little things have become and how enormous the essentials that were seldom spoken about…

Another book that I have been reading is by a cancer survivor, Dr. David Jeremiah, titled, “ A Bend in the Road”. His insights are wonderful and tell of his help from the Psalms to minister to his life facing cancer.Also, recently I had a book sent to me entitled "hear my Cry" by Tish Hagee Tucker, so perfect!!

Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 6: 17-20

I also have found incredible strength and hope in the Psalms, daily I read and journal as I listen to God speak to my heart personally.

Psalm 77:11- 14…..I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.

¹² I will meditate on all your works
and consider all your mighty deeds.

¹³ Your ways, O God, are holy.
What god is so great as our God?

¹⁴ You are the God who performs miracles;
you display your power among the peoples.

He is full of mercy and compassion, Ps. 103 tells us. My confident hope is in my eternal destination, I am certain of His love and mercy. He is so good to me every day. He never changes.

Holly

Logos Hope Ship in Dublin

2009-05-24T08:21:00.000-07:00

The largest floating book store in the world!

Puppet Power

2009-05-24T08:19:00.000-07:00

The children loved the puppet show with a bible story theme.

Thursday Club Parent's Presentation

2009-05-24T08:17:00.000-07:00

Songs, verses and ice cream made for a fun time!

On Deck for Spiritual Adventure

2009-05-24T08:16:00.000-07:00

Fusion enjoyed our retreat on the Logos Hope!

Youth Leaders in Dublin

2009-05-24T08:13:00.000-07:00

We are so thankful for the bond of friendship and hope between us.

Youth Event on Ship

2009-05-24T08:12:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed drama,teaching and fellowship on Logos Hope in Dublin port.

Award Winners

2009-05-24T08:08:00.000-07:00

Olivia and Leah both received awards for their past year's accomplishments!

Resurrection Sunday 09

2009-04-14T06:11:00.000-07:00

We were blessed to have a nearly full house to celebrate with us! A continental breakfast and many talented musicians rounded out a joyous day of singing praises to our Risen King.

Dinner & Drama

2009-04-14T06:07:00.000-07:00

Here Tim & Marie illustrate "My Heart, Christ's Home" through a skit designed to help us all consider how Jesus is with us throughout our day. This poignant truth touched many hearts.

Bag Lady Visits

2009-04-14T06:02:00.000-07:00

On Good Friday we hosted a Dinner & Drama. Here is a skit illustrating how we need to yield all our troubles to Christ. He is the Voice of Truth and keeps us focused on His goodness and mercy.

Six grandchildren, now seven...

2009-03-21T02:51:00.000-07:00

It's hard to get a room full of wriggling kids to sit still! Here are six of the seven grandchildren. We are blessed by them, what gifts from God!

Olivia's Custom Chairs

2009-03-21T02:38:00.000-07:00

We are very proud of Olivia's success with her school enterprise. She has lots of talent.

Lunch & Fellowship at Conference

2009-03-16T11:22:00.000-07:00

Words of God Conference

2009-03-16T11:19:00.000-07:00

We were blessed to host this bible conference. Very informative and thorough!

Israel Tour Teachers 09

2009-01-23T00:59:00.000-08:00

Tim, Pastor Gary & Pastor Mark taught from the scriptures and made the bible come alive!

2009-01-23T00:57:00.000-08:00

Judean wilderness

Jordan river baptism on Sunday morning

2009-01-23T00:56:00.000-08:00

2009-01-23T00:55:00.000-08:00

Israel , Irish tour group 09

2009-01-23T00:53:00.000-08:00

Israel 09

2009-01-23T00:51:00.001-08:00

Overlooking the Sea of Galilee, Sermon on the Mount 09

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from us!

2008-12-31T07:16:00.000-08:00

We wish all our friends a blessed and happy New Year!!

National Library in Dublin

2008-12-31T07:12:00.001-08:00

Leah was selected among students from all over Ireland to participate in a poetry reading competition, we are very proud of her accomplishments!

Youth Service

2008-12-13T13:54:00.000-08:00

We are so blessed by talented youth in our small fellowship! We enjoyed listening and singing

along with their great music as they took charge of our worship for the Sunday.

Craft Time at Ladies Day

2008-11-16T08:18:00.000-08:00

Using rocks gathered from the beach these ladies set out to make painted tokens of a special day to remember for years to come. Thanks to Marie, our craft leader.

Ladies Day 08

2008-11-16T08:14:00.000-08:00

We all enjoyed the teaching of God's Word and the fellowship of a special day together. We learned about God's grace, how He sees us and how to walk in faith.

Story Time

2008-10-17T05:27:00.000-07:00

The puppets and the story of Jesus calming the sea had the children

loving every minute of the upper deck of the Big Red Bus!

Up, Up & Away

2008-10-16T11:58:00.000-07:00

Thursday Club opened with a visit from OM's Big Red Bus! We were blessed by the puppets,balloons, crafts, Bible stories and FUN! We had some new f aces amongst our regulars. We hope they all bring friends in the weeks to come.

Bus Team

2008-10-14T05:41:00.000-07:00

We are ready for action! We painted many faces, and gave out balloons of many shapes, provided coffee & tea and met many people during the Horse Fair. God is working, allowing us to tell of His great works and His great Love through His wonderful Word.

Big Red Bus comes to town

2008-10-14T05:37:00.000-07:00

The "Big Red Bus" from Operation Mobilisation follows some horses up the main street during the Horse Fair.

Fusion Fun

2008-10-14T05:33:00.001-07:00

Have you ever tried to paint a picture with your nose? Our recent youth group event did just that, using pudding custard, yum, yum!

Family Time

2008-09-09T02:42:00.001-07:00

This summer our family was able to spend some wonderful time together. We praise God for the special blessings of our family. Our grandchildren are such huge blessings to us, we cherish the moments we were able to enjoy with them. God's faithful love is evident in His care for all of our family as we live an ocean apart, but only a prayer away!

Biblical Dinner

2008-04-04T03:08:00.000-07:00

We were blessed to host a "Biblical Dinner" at our church. Pastor Jay and Pastor Ted came all the way from California to teach and edify us while we learned the significance of food in the culture of Jesus' day and how many scriptural references become clearified in light of this context. We ate authentic cuisine and adjusted to tables that required us to sit on the floor. God's timing was incredible to have them visit. To God be the glory!

I Heard God’s Voice When the Doctor said “Cancer”

2008-03-25T01:34:00.000-07:00

Have you ever doubted God’s love for you or wondered if the situation you are in is really something that God has under control? In this booklet I want to tell you the story of how God works and how you can hear His Voice if you listen….

I have lived in Ireland since 2004. Our family moved here because my husband is a pastor and we felt God’s call on our lives to come and teach from the Holy Scriptures about God’s transforming truth. My husband Gary is currently the pastor of believers at Ballinasloe Christian Fellowship.
In May 2007, we had the wonderful privilege of seeing a small miracle. A group of our friends from New York State came to help renovate a building that had been donated for use as a church. This team of committed believers radically transformed the forlorn structure into our meeting place. My friend Robin accompanied the men to help with the food preparation. At that time she gave me a little book called “ Calm My Anxious Heart”. Little did I know how that was to be used in God’s incredible timing and purposes for my life. I read it through the summer and urged others to read it. I was blessed and encouraged by it’s profound truths and the message of how God controls our lives.
The ladies from our church decided this little book would be a source of hope and encouragement to others. We planned our annual Ladies Day for the end of November 2007 with the theme of Calm My Anxious Heart.. At the time of the planning, I had noticed a lump in my breast and scheduled a mammogram. I asked for prayer and our small fellowship prayed for God’s intervention. The next few weeks were a blur of activity, the mammogram was suspicious. The ultrasound and biopsy confirmed that there was a lump that needed to come out., I was scheduled for a lumpectomy at Galway University Hospital.
During this time as my thoughts began to run away with possibilities and fears I was once again reminded of the promises I had been trying to memorize from the little book..
Phil.4:6-9, 11-13
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
I began to lean on God, to follow through on His promises , and find peace to help guard my mind as I made a conscious choice to think on the right things and trust Him with my anxious heart.
I continued my habit of reading the Bible each day and also a small devotional called Our Daily Bread which I read on-line every morning. The Lord spoke to me as I read:
Day after biopsy results…

Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God.” —Mark 11:2
Some of Jesus’ words to His disciples about having faith in God leave me wondering if I can ever exercise that level of trust and confidence in prayer. I can’t recall telling a mountain to relocate itself into the ocean and watching it happen.
Hudson Taylor, pioneer missionary to China, said that Jesus’ words in Mark 11:22, “Have faith in God,” could be translated, “Hold on to the faithfulness of God.”
D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, former pastor of London’s Westminster Chapel, appreciated Taylor’s insight and said: “Faith is holding on to the faithfulness of God and, as long as you do that, you cannot go wrong. Faith does not look at the difficulties. . . . Faith does not look at itself or at the person who is exercising it. Faith looks at God . . . . Faith is interested in God only, and it talks about God and it praises God and it extols the virtues of God.
The measure of the strength of a man’s faith, always, is ultimately the measure of his knowledge of God. . . . He knows God so well that he can rest on the knowledge. And it is the prayers of such a man that are answered.”
“Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven. Your faithfulness endures to all generations” (Ps. 119:89-90). —David C. McCasland
Trust in Him, ye saints, forever—He is faithful, changing never;Neither force nor guile can severThose He loves from Him. —Kelly

Life is not always fair, but God is always faithful.

This was a confirmation that my Lord sees and cares for me! While I was in the hospital God continued to give me incredible peace that I knew was more than simply “mind over matter”. I was focused on the scriptures that I had brought along on a paper and also those I had hidden in my heart as I reviewed them over and over. I talked and prayed with others in my ward, helping them to see God was with them.
The results from my lumpectomy pathology showed the cancer was not clearly defined, the surgeon recommended a mastectomy. I decided to also have a Latissimus Dorsi Flap reconstruction.

The day after meeting the surgeon I read this devotional after a long sleepless night:

"He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses." —Matthew 8:17
In reflecting on his deteriorating health, John Donne (1572–1631) described his feelings as physicians examined him to find "the root and occasion" of a serious illness. In hushed tones, they discussed their conclusions outside his room.
At first Donne was afraid, but in time he saw compassion in their faces and began to trust them. Their concern reminded Donne that he could trust the Great Physician. As he read the Gospels, he saw God the Father’s face in the tender, compassionate face of Jesus.
Many of us struggle with our thoughts about God, especially during illness. Perhaps we grew up attending a church that portrayed an angry God who inflicted sickness on us. Can we trust Him? Like Donne, we turn to the Gospels for our reason to trust God. And we find it in His Son Jesus, who was unfailingly compassionate toward those who were afflicted, regardless of the reason.
So we pray as Donne prayed, "Deliver me, therefore, O my God, from these vain imaginations"—the belief that by our sin we have forfeited God’s goodness and mercy. As Donne wisely said, the Great Physician "knows our natural infirmities, for He had them, and knows the weight of our sins, for He paid a dear price for them." —David H. Roper
The cross of Jesus is the supreme evidence of the love of God. —Oswald Chambers

Yes, I was having problems with my imagination, it was running away, a hundred miles an hour in the wrong direction! I needed to get back to the place of hope. It was a matter of trust, not anything I could do, I only had to remember how God is the “Blessed Controller of All Things, the King of kings and Lord of lords” says, 1 Timothy 6:15. I found such strength and real blessing from the Psalms as I read them., especially my favorite, Ps.103.
God’s perfect timing once again allowed me to speak to the Ladies Day about my experiences and show them that I could have perfect peace while awaiting the surgery only a few days away. He brought me through with such a joy, the deepest time of trust I have ever felt and more opportunities to tell my three breast cancer roommates about how much God loves them.

A great time of restoration and renewal occurred just before my surgery as my husband and I celebrated our 30th anniversary in Israel. It was a lifelong dream that was like an oasis in a desert for me. I began to see how the God of the Bible, who performed these miracles was there for me in my unique circumstances. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever”, it says in Hebrews13:8. If He could do it then, He was able to do it in my life today and in my future, whatever it holds. Another verse that spoke to me was, “My times are in His hands”, Psalm 31:15.
Even though I believed in Jesus Christ and had been a follower of Him and His Word I neglected to trust Him completely with the areas of my life that were out of my control. I began to see how often I wanted the control myself and I assumed that I was running things, but it was not the case. God was watching me and allowing me to run around frantically, just patiently waiting for me to call out His name.
Since I have had cancer and experienced His amazing love through this journey I have begun to relinquish other areas of my life over to His control. My children, my husband, my finances and my future are all well taken care of as I lay them down at His feet and ask Him to release me from the burden of worry or frustration. He never meant for me to handle any of these, just trust and admire Him as He does a much better job than I could ever imagine!
My days and nights are filled with praises as I honestly think on how wonderful and powerful God is, and all He has done in my life. He is my Healer, my Helper, My Savior, My friend. No longer do I allow my thoughts to wander for very long, I quickly “pull in the reigns” and keep them in control. Jesus reminds us in Luke 10:27, “ Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and all your mind”. I am working on this, little by little every day, Jesus is changing me.
I pray that you will also put your trust in your heavenly Father. He says in Jeremiah 33:3 “ Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know”.
“ Call upon the name of the Lord and you shall be saved” Romans 10:13
“Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent." John 6:29

Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow ( Nav Press) can be ordered through Scripture Union in Ireland

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Holly goinire@yahoo.com

Sweet Fellowship

2008-01-22T02:15:00.000-08:00

How Great is Our God! We can praise Him from whom all blessings flow!

Full House For Dedication Service

2008-01-22T02:13:00.000-08:00

We were blessed to have many friends neighbors and relatives come and enjoy our special time of giving thanks to God for all He has done!

The kitchen and Downstairs Completed

2008-01-22T02:10:00.000-08:00

Our new kitchen is such a blessing for our meals after church!

Shining Our Light for All to See

2007-11-03T03:09:00.000-07:00

The new sign will be clearly visable to the new Galway to Dublin road about 150 yards away. We ask God to bring in the people who desire to know God in a personal way.

Yes, we are thankful for this corner!

2007-10-21T08:14:00.000-07:00

Little things mean so much! The conveniences of running water and a toilet are never to be underestimated! Once a cottage ( 200 years ago) now it has everything!

Walls and Floors Finished

2007-10-21T08:08:00.001-07:00

An inviting place for our youth group and lunches.

2007-10-21T08:04:00.000-07:00

The new floor and painted walls have given the lower floor new life.

2007-08-13T06:35:00.002-07:00

23 children came to Day One! Praise God for His wonderful ways! Jesus said, "Let the little children come unto Me"

2007-08-13T06:30:00.000-07:00

The Crew from our 5 day club. Working hard to give the Good News to the children in Ballinasloe.

2007-08-13T06:27:00.000-07:00

"Hairy" greeted children as they arrived for "Going Bananas!" 5 day Club.

New Chairs!

2007-07-20T05:26:00.000-07:00

The addition of new chairs really makes the room attractive and bright,comfortable too!

Front View Summer 07

2007-07-20T05:20:00.001-07:00

Work continues as we little by little complete tasks on the "Upper Room". We are still waiting for the electric service, flooring in lower level and water,sewer etc.

Baptism Sunday

2007-07-11T10:03:00.000-07:00

Even though the forecast was for heavy showers God blessed us with

sun and a beautiful time together of fellowship! The River Suck provided the perfect spot nearby our home. The testimony of the faithful blessed us all.

2007-07-11T10:01:00.000-07:00

2007-07-11T09:57:00.000-07:00

2007-07-11T09:50:00.000-07:00

Our Fellowship

2007-06-01T12:22:00.000-07:00

The faces of our church family are showing the delight of meeting together!

A Light Upon a Hill

2007-06-01T12:16:00.000-07:00

The Upper Room stands as a shining light in Ballinasloe. We are so blessed!

Full House

2007-05-21T14:52:00.000-07:00

We are so blessed by our new "Upper Room". Everyone at Ballinasloe Christian Fellowship is ready to sing praises to our awesome God for all His provision!

First Sunday at the "Upper Room"

2007-05-21T14:47:00.001-07:00

We enjoyed our first Sunday 20th of May 2007 at the Upper Room! We had a full house and the presence of the Lord was there in our midst. Better is one day in the house of Lord than thousands elsewhere. The new glass and steel pulpit was donated by our friend and is a beautiful addition to the sanctuary.

Dedicated to God

2007-05-12T03:28:00.000-07:00

Even though the seats are empty in this picture the people are standing and singing in the back area of the " Upper Room" giving glory and praise to an awesome and mighty God! The service was full of testimonies of God's power and perfect ways and lots of beautiful singing! Many eyes were full of tears of gratitude. What a privilege to be part of the body of Christ.

Exterior May 12

2007-05-12T03:21:00.000-07:00

We are very blessed by our nearly completed "Upper Room"

Total Team Effort

2007-05-12T02:05:00.000-07:00

The unity of the body of Christ was felt as the team worked long hours for the week!

TEAM USA ( Seneca Falls division)

2007-05-12T02:02:00.000-07:00

Awesome God

2007-05-12T00:09:00.000-07:00

A week filled with incredible miracles and supernatural strength and protection gave testimony to our wonderful and awesome God. We praise Him for filling these men with His mighty Spirit which enabled them to minister to us here in Ireland. We will never be able to thank them enough for the sacifices they made to come and give so generously hours and hours of manpower and skill to accomplish exceedingly more than we could ever ask or imagine! All honor and glory to the King of Kings who gave energy, protection and grace in abundance! This building called "The Upper Room" stands as a beacon of Light and Hope on the hills of Ireland. Thank you!! Many gave behind the scenes and the power of prayer undergirded each step. We are grateful to hundreds of partners in this work. God is knitting all this together to accomplish His plan of spreading the gospel.

2007-05-12T00:06:00.000-07:00

2007-05-11T23:35:00.000-07:00

2007-05-11T23:33:00.000-07:00

2007-05-11T23:30:00.000-07:00

2007-05-11T23:27:00.000-07:00

2007-05-11T23:25:00.000-07:00

2007-05-11T23:22:00.000-07:00

2007-05-11T23:19:00.000-07:00

2007-05-11T23:17:00.000-07:00

2007-05-11T23:15:00.000-07:00

2007-05-11T23:11:00.000-07:00

Interior

2007-05-11T23:06:00.000-07:00

This unique view shows both floors as the work was progressing. the sky lights in the upper level where we will have services give a bright perspective.

Ready for Action

2007-05-11T22:56:00.000-07:00

Help I need somebody, that's what this building seemed to be saying! Team USA heard it all the way across the ocean, they came and poured out their sacrifice of love for Jesus, through long and challenging days.

A Firm Foundation

2007-05-11T22:50:00.000-07:00

After hours of jackhammers and shovels the foundation of concrete was ready to be poured. It is incredible that we had experts here from our home church who love the Lord and are so willing to serve and equip us with a meeting place.

Roof Renovation

2007-05-11T22:44:00.000-07:00

Off with the old and on with the new...roof. We praise God for His perfect protection and provision in miraculous ways all week long!

Sunday Tour

2007-05-11T22:39:00.000-07:00

Sunday was a day of wonderful fellowship and blessing! "Team USA" encouraged us so much. A quick tour of the beautiful Irish countyrside was the only break for this hearty crew.

New Windows

2007-04-25T02:19:00.000-07:00

The scripture says the eyes are the window to the soul... This building is getting a renovation and these new windows really make it look great! Our team arrives from May 5-12. Pray for God to use them powerfully as they transform and mnister in the name of Christ.

A Work In Process

2007-04-25T02:12:00.000-07:00

This shows the front of the building during the clean up process. You have to use your imagination at this point! Just like us ...God sees the potential in us and uses us dispite our rugged exterior. He cleans us gradually with His precious Word.

Latest family photo

2007-02-26T04:14:00.000-08:00

Our family is changing day by day as our girls grow! Of course us adults stay the same, yeah right! Olivia is finishing grade 8, Leah grade 6. "My times are in Your hands" Psalm 31:15

Future Site

2007-01-28T23:54:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful beginning! God can do more than we ask or imagine, and we asked HIm to be with us as we seek to make this our future home for many activities. The upstairs will hold 60, the downstairs will have a multiple function and be useful for youth and children. In 1 Kings 8, Solomon dedicated the temple and we used this for our message..." May your eyes be open to this temple night and day, the place of which you said ' My Name shall be there, so that you will hear the prayer your servant prays.' May He be our Guide through the days ahead, and may His Name be praised!

Ladies Day

2007-01-12T02:56:00.000-08:00

Many ladies from Ballinasloe and the surrounding area came together for a day of refreshment, singing and crafts. The Father's Flowers was our theme and we focused on how we are the flowers that will attract others to God's kingdom if our "roots and leaves" are receiving sustenance from His Word.

Transforming Power

2007-01-12T02:42:00.000-08:00

With the coming of 2007, we are rejoicing because of God’s faithfulness and provision over the past year and the great things He has in store for the coming year.
Beneath a mass of ivy and bushes is hidden a new church building for Ballinasloe Christian Fellowship! A faithful family from our church has donated a building for use as a sanctuary and youth ministry venue. This structure once used to grind corn will now be a home for believers to meet and hear God’s Word. We are so very blessed by their generous and loving gift to the community. An equally faithful and generous man who happens to be a contractor has done a preliminary work up of the costs involved, plumbing, new stairway, new raised roof and sub flooring (Approximately 25,000 euro or $35,000). Our labor will be primarily through volunteers, saving us money (a work crew from our sending church is presently being organized). When finished, we plan to seat around 60 on the second floor. Long range plans are to have a kitchenette and Sunday school area on the first floor. This site will be clearly visible from the new Dublin to Galway highway now being built.
Another matter of prayer is the purchase of a new vehicle. We are currently seeking a dependable, used (10 year old) mini van. This is needed to help in transporting many members of our body who have no cars. Our new building is 2 miles outside of the town, our home lies one mile out of town in the opposite direction.
Please pray as we ask God’s guidance for schooling for our daughters, Olivia and Leah for the next year. The girl’s secondary school here in Ballinasloe has a very good reputation and we are considering this as a possibility. Home schooling is the other option. Enrollment papers must be filed in coming months.
We are excited to see all that God is doing here in Ireland.

Misty Morning

2006-11-17T00:48:00.000-08:00

This is the view from our back door. The Suck river creates a beautiful scene, the swans and waterfowl complete the picture on most days. This new hotel has been an attraction to many in Ballinasloe. We pray that God will "burn off" the fog from hearts and reveal the clear Truth to all.

Our new grandson, Ezra

2006-11-17T00:39:00.000-08:00

Holly and Olivia traveled to the Czech republic to help out our daughter Phoebe. Nehemiah played with his Teta ( aunt in Czech). Ezra is a good baby and a blessing to us all!

Horse Fair Follies

2006-10-11T14:14:00.000-07:00

The Fusion Youth group celebrated the Horse Fair by dressing in a Disney theme. We had fun with a trivia contest and watched the fireworks over the riverfront downtown, after we changed of course! Pastor Gary spoke to us about the unlimited grace God has given us.

Bouncing break

2006-10-03T06:25:00.000-07:00

These crazy kids are taking a break from hopping!

Food & Friends

2006-10-03T06:17:00.000-07:00

Soup and sandwiches kept us going for the day.

Fellowship at lunch

2006-10-03T06:11:00.000-07:00

Everyone relaxes and enjoys a bite to eat after Sunday worship. Notice (on the left) our newest member, Nkem. She was dedicated a few weeks ago.

Easter Breakfast

2006-04-17T03:18:00.000-07:00

Food, fellowship and fun! We were blessed to have tables full of friends at our Easter breakfast, which was followed by our Resurrection Celebration. We had a time of personal testimonies and a powerful messgage on Christ's sacrifice from I Cor. 15. Our church family is growing spiritually and numerically by God's grace.

Resurrection Day Celebration in Ballinasloe

2006-04-17T03:12:00.000-07:00

2006-04-17T02:58:00.000-07:00

The Ballinasloe Thursday Club sang and did an Easter puppet show at a local nursing home. We all enjoyed the event.

St. Patrick's Day Teen Party

2006-03-24T00:24:00.000-08:00

We rented a local facility to host a youth outing on St. Paddy's Day. We tried our best to do some Irish dancing and played games. Gary was able to give an inspirational message on the life of St. Patrick. He challenged the teens and asked if they would be as willing to go and teach in a foreign country as he did. Gary quoted one of Patrick's prayers that showed his dedication and love for Christ. He reminded them that we are all saints in God's eyes if we have accepted His Son as our Saviour and Lord. The blood of the Lamb paid the full penalty and we have full access to God.

Lambing season in Ireland

2006-03-24T00:17:00.000-08:00

We have been helping our friend Frank with his new lambs. What a joy to see these precious little ones and hear their bleating for mom when separated! We have remembered the scripture says, " all we like sheep have gone astray". We need a loving gentle Shepherd to guide us through life. As we learn more about sheep we see how vulnerable they are to disease and predators. The Shepherd is willing to lay down his life( and have no sleep) to accomplish the goal of caring for his flock. His dedication has been an inspiration to us!

Galway Gazette

2006-03-14T08:18:00.000-08:00

Galway Gazette

Sunday Services in Local Hotel

2006-02-03T12:00:00.000-08:00

We continue to meet and pray for our community. Our key verse, "Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples" John 13:35

Music Makers

2006-02-03T11:54:00.000-08:00

Gary & Frank Walshe provide the musical background as Leah and Holly warm up for the Sunday singing. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!

Celebration Cake on First Sunday Worship

2006-02-03T11:45:00.000-08:00

Olivia and Leah created this beautiful cake to have at our tea after church.

Ballinasloe Bible study

2005-10-07T06:49:00.000-07:00

Here are a few folks who come on Thursday evenings to sing and look into God's Word.