March  2011

St. Patrick Wasn't Irish!!!

The story of St. Patrick is actually pretty cool! Check it out...

At the age of 16, Patrick was taken prisoner by a group of Irish raiders who were attacking his family's estate (he came from a wealthy family, had lots of cash!) in Britain. They took him to Ireland where he spent 6 years in captivity. During this time, he worked as a shepherd, outdoors and away from people. Lonely and afraid, he turned to God for peace, becoming a devout Christian.

After more than six years as a prisoner, Patrick escaped. Patrick walked nearly 200 miles to the Irish coast. After escaping to Britain, Patrick believed that God was calling him to return to Ireland as a missionary. So Patrick began religious training, a course of study that lasted more than fifteen years. He then went to Ireland with two things in mind... minister to Christians already living in Ireland and try to convert the Irish to Christianity.

Patrick spent his life ministering to those who captured him and did wrong to him and his family. Imagine getting kidnapped by thugs from a foreign country, being held prisoner for over 6 years, and then escaping that country... only to go back and minister to the people there! The story of St. Patrick is a great story that illustrates loving your enemies.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 5... love your enemies. No matter who your enemies are and no matter what they have done to become your enemies... Jesus tells you, as His follower, to love them. Who are your enemies? How can you show love to them?

Through His Son Jesus, God calls you to be a missionary... to your enemies.  Will you accept His mission?

-Chris
 
"Come and see what God has done, how awesome his works in man's behalf!"   Psalm 66:5