All I can say is… WOW! God is so good. My wife said it best, “This was the best trip I’ve been on…” Our trip to Ireland this year really was amazing. God used each of our team members in very simple, but profound ways. We were all extremely blessed to be a part of what God is doing in Ireland. Such a strong presence, sincere love, and a hunger amongst the body of Christ.
Pastor James did an amazing job running the pre-teen services each night, Ben and Christian did phenomenal helping with the sports camp and pre-teens each day and night. Viet, oh my Viet (Zen)! How that man has grown in the Lord! It blessed me tremendously to see his spiritual growth, his zeal, his knowledge of the word of God and his leadership. He has grown so much and God is still doing an amazing work in his life! Jen and I were used in unexpected ways as we were able to share not only our testimony, but also God’s heart for purity amongst his children. From those talks we were able to minister one on one with lots of individuals. We walked alway from this trip with not only a hope, but with the evidence that our ministry made a difference. Jen also had an impromptu opportunity to speak and she did an amazing job. It was so incredible having the opportunity to minister along side my wife!
It was a real blessing reconnecting with our Irish friends from last year and building some new relationships that hopefully will continue to grow as the years go by. Jen and I were so excited to sit under the ministry of Gary Wilkerson, Nick Cassidy, and Carter Conlon. Three men of God who have walked it out and speak with an authenticity and from a place of prayer. It was so refreshing. And of course, my time, although short, with Pastor John Bailey was just what I needed. He has no idea what he means to me, and to countless others, but I cherish the time we had. Got to play a bit of soccer with the lads. Although our team didn’t advance, we held our own and under different circumstances things may have been different… we’ll just leave it at that! Ireland will be in my prayers and I simply cannot wait to see all that God has for that island!! See you all next year! P. Mat
Hey guys! Here’s our first Ireland update… it’s brief because other than travel and meet we haven’t got to the fun stuff yet… keep praying and we’ll keep you all informed with what’s happening! God Bless! PM
Hey guys… just wanted to give a quick update on our upcoming trip to Ireland. We had our Chick-Fil-A fundraiser night and it was a huge success. Thanks to everyone who joined us and made it possible. Still waiting on our total (I guess that’s a good thing?), we should know something real soon.
We also have Parent’s Night Out on June 17, with all the proceeds going toward our trip. You can click here to register online.
Oh yeah, one more amazing announcement: Pastor James Kennison is coming with us! It’s last minute, but it’s totally a God addition! Jen and I went to lunch with him to pick his brain for ideas because of all the kids stuff we’re doing and eventually he was just like, “Why don’t I just go with you?” To which I replied, “THAT WOULD BE AWESOME!” So, short story short, he’s going. Not only that, but he was able to find flights similar to ours, so, even though we’re flying separate, he still ends up at the same airport as us around the same time so it makes it easier for our Ireland mates to collect us and drop us off! That sound like a small thing, but it’s really huge.
So, please continue to pray for us as we make our final preparations! Pray that all the small things that often get overlooked are taken car of and pray for unity and anointing on our team to accomplish all that God has for us to do! Thank you Suncoast family and God bless! PM
Hey Church family! Well, we are just a few weeks away from departing for Ireland and the excitement and anticipation of what God is going to do through and to us is overwhelming. Please continue to pray for us as we pray, prepare and plan for this amazing opportunity.
I would also like to say thank you so much to everyone who has financially supported our trip. Many people have given anonymously, many have sent in checks, and many supported us by attending our Parent’s Night Out events and other fundraisers like our Chick-Fil-A Night. Thank You! You have all been tremendous blessings to the team. By the way, it’s not too late to support us! If you would like to make a contribution to our trip, you can use the offering envelopes on Sunday morning and designate it for Ireland, you can bring your donation by the church during normal business hours, or, you can give it to me so I can thank you in person!
Thanks again Suncoast for all of your prayer and support! Blessings! PM
Hey everyone! Jen and I are so excited to announce our return this summer to Ireland! Last year we had an amazing trip… we witnessed over 60 people giving their lives to Christ for the very first time!
This year, our trip is much different in its scope. Yes, we are going over to minister, but instead of reaching the lost, we are going to help build the body. We have been invited back to help facilitate Summer Fire, the largest church conference in the nation of Ireland. Did you catch that? We are not going to minister to a city. We are going to minister to a nation. Christians from all over Ireland gather annually at Summer Fire for a time of spiritual refreshment, fellowship, and empowerment. This year, The Gathering will play a pivotal role at this conference. Not only will we be ministering to the youth and young adults in attendance, we will also be leading a children’s camp during the day and helping as needed in any additional area.
Many of you played a huge role in our trip last year. You believed in us, you prayed for us, and you financially supported us. I am proud to report that not only did we cover all our expenses, but we also were able to leave equipment and money in Ireland to bless our host church, Donnybrook Pentecostal Church.
The date for our trip this year is June 22-July 2. Please keep us in your prayers. We have two other young men joining us for this trip. I know that God has a plan for each of us, a plan to use us to impact His Kingdom, and a plan to bless us. For additional information on ways you can support this trip you can contact me at 727.522.2171. Check back here regularly for updates on this exciting mission trip! God Bless… PM
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