God At Work In Europe (Ireland, Greece, & Albania)
September 2, 2026
During this trip, so many memories were made, and so many laughs were shared. In Albania, when we were doing crafts with the kids, just seeing all the creativity in how they expressed themselves was such a blessing. Being able to connect with the missionaries there and hearing how Jesus is working in their lives was inspiring. All of the kids that we met are so kind, and they have the light of Jesus shining in them, and I can’t wait to see where it takes them.
This mission trip was one of the most transformative experiences of my life. Watching the kids grow spiritually, their faces radiant with hope and faith, was deeply rewarding. I’ve come to see the beauty in every walk of life, recognizing the resilience and innocence that transcend language and culture. I got to witness God’s love reflected in every smile, every struggle, and every act of kindness. This experience has opened my heart and mind to the incredible diversity and unity of His world, reaffirming my faith and inspiring me to carry His love into every corner of my life.
Sweet things from Northern Ireland mission trip 2026
Great Team- everyone bonded and pitched in. They saw stuff to do and did it. Everybody helped try to solve the problems of travel! No one complained about anything!
After the Rahab Story (with flannel board), Corey came straight to me (helped early 20’s) and wanted to know all about the Israelites. How did they get away from Pharaoh? Why were they in Egypt? Where was the Promised Land? How did they defeat Jericho? How did the walls fall down? We talked for some time as the classes were changing. He was fascinated by the story and said he was “gonna have to learn more about this stuff”!
At the end of HBS, the parents come to our program. There were more parents & Grands than kids! They were excited to be there and to see what we’d been doing. At the end of the program, they stayed and visited with each other – not rushing home to get dinner (5:30 pm).
Many were very complimentary to the LU students and me about the week:
- Harry (10) and Tom (5) didn’t want to leave. Harry attached himself to Paul and wept that it was over. He said, “I’m gonna miss you so much!” His dad couldn’t bear to “make” him go, but talked to us about how much the boys had enjoyed the week and how appreciative they were of the time we’d spent.
- Franky (5) was new this year. Her dad and mom loved the program, visited, and then went to the car. But dad came back in to search for me to say how wonderful the week had been. He said she’d been so excited to come each day and talked so much about what we had done every day. She usually didn’t go on like that, he said. He teared up and was emotional about how she had responded to us. He said, “I pass this church every day, but I’ve never come in before. It’s a nice church, though. I think we may have to come back and visit here.” (I gave Bert the name & phone # so they could reach out to the family.)
At Camp Shamrock, the Team worked at hard labor to get things set up in half the time, because of the 60th Anniversary party on Saturday. We were the only “school group” this year working with the Irish congregants, so it was extra! So many board members and friends complimented the team! :
- Sheba – “Your group is always the best! They work hard and are kind and happy. We never have trouble with LU kids, but there has been trouble with others. We love Lipscomb students, and they are always welcome here! How about camp counselors?” (Camp Shamrock Board)
- Bert & Doreen – Great Kids! We want Becky and Catherine at our house!
- Fenton - “These guys are great workers! They caught the rhythm quickly and put up the tents further than ever!” (Camp Shamrock Board)
- Liam – “We love your teams. These guys are the best – willing to work and full of fun.” (Camp Shamrock Board)
- David Bate – (Not a Christian. Former District Judge in London Courts) He “made an appointment” with me to talk about my team. He wanted me to know that he “saw” them and was quite impressed! They were willing to work, to take instruction, and cooperate. They didn’t complain and took the heavy load. Their manners were excellent, and they were happy and eager to help.” He asked permission to write a letter to LU Missions to let you know how much he appreciated this team!
- Fiona Bate – (David’s wife, also a retired district judge in London.) They had loaned her mom/dad’s (deceased) house for 4 of the girls to use for the week. She was impressed with how they had kept the house and taken care of things. She saw their work ethic and happy attitudes. But mostly she was excited that David had taken note of it all…that he was moved to praise them to me and to the Mission department. She told me it made her so happy for him to notice all that, since he wasn’t a Christian and generally didn’t like Christian “attitudes”, but his was so good for him to see!
- Connor & crew – Loved having the Team there to show around and tell the story of camp and Northern Ireland. Spent time together in the evenings.
- Leslie and Janet – they were carried away with having Paul as their houseguest! They loved his conversation and fun. Burt said, “They had the adoption papers drawn up and just needed Paul’s signature.” Paul said, “Where do I sign?”
- The “regular set-up” crew-board members of Camp Shamrock from all over Ireland: “Bring these guys back next year! We want them to make quick work and have fun with!”
7.19.26 – Sheba texted to let me know that Chris had baptized Connor on Sunday at Foley’s Bridge!
‘Happy Day!!!”
Not a Trip
Category: Student Life