Historic First for Church of God Ireland
DUBLIN, Ireland — On May 5-7, 2012, Ireland launched its first Church of God Irish Chaplains Commission/Irish National Conference, “Maximize Your Call.” The Community Service Chaplaincy (CSC) was attended by 103 delegates representing over 10 denominations across Ireland, all graduating successfully. This is the first time (outside the predominant Catholic church) that Evangelicals/Charismatics/Pentecostals had an opportunity to embrace chaplaincy ministry “outside the gates” of the traditional church in communities across Ireland.
We were blessed in that over 90 percent of all our Church of God pastors participated and graduated! According to Dr. Donnie W. Smith, International Director of the Church of God Division of Care, and keynote speaker for the conference, “This past weekend was one of the most exciting weekends we have ever experienced.”
Barbara Smith, Project Coordinator for Division of Care Ministries, was the guest speaker at the Women’s Conference, “Embracing the Treasure of Christ Within You.” In addition, Carol Watkins and Becky Popejoy shared briefly at the Women’s Conference, which was well-attended by women from the various ethnic and multi-cultural churches from Ireland.
Church of God Legal Counsel Dennis Watkins and wife Carol, Licensing Advocate, both participated in blessing this very special series of meetings. The Irish Chaplaincy Board representing a diverse group of qualified leaders was elected. The course facilitator, Dr. Jake Popejoy, CSC Trainer, presented an outstanding series of teaching and was well-received by the Irish delegates. Bishop Nick Park, overseer of Ireland stated, “We have had evangelistic events in times past, but we have never had meetings of this nature that are certain to bless the work of the Church for many generations to come.”
Plans are already underway to offer our next Level 1 and Level 2 training in the not-too-distant future. Please keep the work of God in Ireland in your daily prayers.
Daniel and Millie Sylverston, Missionaries to Ireland
Project Number 065-0860
© 2012 Church of God World Missions
