This is Ireland. It is an island about half the size of the state of North Carolina, with a population of 4.5 million. Nancy and I spent two weeks in Cork, the south-central of the island, and are now in the second of six weeks in Wexford and Enniscorthy (abour 15 miles north of Wexford). The area is called the Sunny SouthEast, and it has proven to be so. Doubtless the rain will come, but it has been remarkably dry and warm--meaning in the mid 60's.


I am here to help out in two Presbyterian churches, one in Wexford and one in Enniscorthy. The official responsibilities are to preach in each on Sunday mornings and to lead a Bible Study in the Wexford church on Tuesday evenings. Needless to say these are important functions, but my prayer is that Nancy and I could have more of an impact than these involve.
The churches are historic churches with roots in the days when England and the Anglican church held Ireland in a firm grasp. The people who make up the churches are delightful people but certainly a minority in this Catholic country. Being very small (12-18 in attendance), and with some of the problems that all churches face plus the economic problems facing all of Ireland there are some hard decisions that need to be made about their futures. But we are not involved in those decisions, we are just here to encourage and enjoy!


The church has provided a car for us, which we appreciate, and also we inhabit the manse (pastor's house), which was wonderfully prepared for our arrival by the people of the churches. It is more than adequate for Nancy and me, and served well last night when we hosted our traditional Fourth of July pancake breakfast (in the evening). A bit chaotic cooking for the people on one pan (expanded to three as the evening went on), but the people of the church got to see something new, hear patriotic USA music, and mix informally. We hope to have more of such occasions as the days go on.

Just a few miles from us is a long, sandy beach, which we enjoyed this past weekend as part of a good time with friends from Adelaide Road Presbyterian Church, where we had spent two months in 1997. We have also connected with other friends, including Stuart Ferguson who occuppied the small apartment across from us in the attic of the Adelaide Road church. This week we probably will make it to Carlow to see them at work in a youth/children's club, plus meet up with another couple from Adelaide Road days for a day.


Two weekends ago it was Strawberry Festival weekend in Enniscorthy--and the berries are wonderful! Then this past weekend it was the beginning of the Tall Ships race in Waterford.We went to the Hook lighthouse, famous as half of the saying coined by Waterford residents waiting for Cromwell's navy to sail in to attack by "Hook or by Crook". Crook is the other side of the bay.


One of the delights of the area is a two mile walking/jogging path recently opened. It begins just yards from the manse and goes along the banks of the Slaney River--2 miles out and 2 back. Idyllic setting with the green of the Emerald Isle, the water flowing by and the water fowl fishing. Nancy and I make the walk every day, and often I do a second lap as well.

As I have said before, I sometimes wonder if we are not just plain selfish in volunteering for this kind of assignment! But as we get to know the people we do find that our presence is helpful and encouraging. It relieves the pastor who would have to see to these churches during their "vacancy" and it seems to be appreciated. Although the language may be a bit different, and the culture very different, we are still one in the body of Christ. And in his economy what is good and right for one is going to be good and right for the other. That is a mystery at times, but it is the truth. So we are grateful as we serve, as we look for new ways to serve, and as we receive as well. For great is the Lord, and most worthy of praise...Psalm 96:4

(You can listen to and access the study guides for the sermon series I am offering in Ireland by opening www.wacklesco.blogspot.com)