Some assume that Ireland is a historic hotbed of Christianity , an ancient Celtic people who transformed the world as saints and scholars , a fertile soil . However , the nation of Ireland is tired of religion and the perceived shackles it brings . Yet , one commentator explains that Ireland is not finished with God but rather with a religion that is holding it ransom . The results of this weariness are skepticism , doubt , guilt , and a misunderstanding of God , all of which are muddied by history , struggle , shame , and abuse . My family and I minister in Ireland , recognizing this as a humbling experience that helps us enter into a people ’ s pain . Nevertheless , we have a God who is great , a Gospel that is beautiful , and a commission to carry out . So , how do we reach out with the Good News , and what do we need to understand before sharing ?
1 . The soil might be hard , but our God is able . Ireland is the least-reached English-speaking country in the world , with less than one percent of the population claiming evangelical Christianity . This culture makes planting Gospel seeds a challenge . We have learned that , rather than becoming overwhelmed by the whole culture , we should focus on the biblical concept of sharing our lives and the Gospel with those God places around us . We are called to start by reaching our families , friends , and neighbors , not entire towns or cities . Instead of seeing the fields and lamenting the scale of the work , we can see the souls of those around us and faithfully pray and share Christ with them .
2 . We are Gospel planters . We are not marketers , influencers , or communicators . We know these things can help , but first , we are Gospel witnesses . Our evangelism overflows from our Gospel joy to those around us . This means that we aren ’ t called to plant churches but to plant the Gospel . Of course , a church is an inevitable outcome of a transformed and redeemed people , but once we begin prioritizing strategy over Gospel ministry , our posture negatively changes . In the Irish culture , we do not need large-scale events or campaigns ; we need more acts of everyday Gospel faithfulness .
3 . The harvest is in God ’ s hands . This connects with my children ’ s struggle in my opening illustration . We are sowing seeds of the Gospel but may never see the harvest . However , as humbling and sometimes frustrating as this is , it reminds us that the harvest is in God ’ s hands . He alone breaks strongholds ; he alone transforms hearts ; and he alone gets the glory , honor , and praise .
“ The harvest is in God ’ s hands .”
15