Skip Navigation

Needy in Spite of Prosperity

Dean and Julia Langley

The Republic of Ireland is experiencing unprecedented economic growth and with it individual prosperity. Recently, the media reported that on average, the Irish are among the wealthiest people on earth. But prosperity does not guarantee the perception of well being. In fact, the same article indicated that with the increasing wealth and its materialism twin, the Irish are in fact becoming less satisfied as well as less generous. Could they be sensing a deeper longing, perhaps a spiritual one?

We have been living in Dublin for just over a year, pursuing effective relationships with existing Irish Baptist churches that will result in connections to those who sense this deeper spiritual need.

A significant number of culturally Catholic, Protestant, and non-religious Irish hold no expectation that religion and church have answers relevant to their lives. Many (if not most) people in Ireland are, at best, suspicious of church. The Irish have been so long and deeply immersed in a culture of religion (and so tragically betrayed and hurt by it), that they do not consider "church" to have a legitimate offer of hope.

Church gatherings are irrelevant to them, yet they crave authentic relationships. The gospel of Christ must be visible in Irish culture as authentic disciples live this hope in homes and neighborhoods. Opportunity for effective evangelism and church planting will naturally follow as Spirit-led learners pursue Christ.

A way to build these relationships is to live the gospel while intentionally seeking out those places and things that resonate in the community. Going where people go and doing what people do (if feasible), allows for the development of transforming interaction. We are discovering these kinds of possibilities here in the Republic of Ireland.

Currently, a “hands-on” opportunity to build relationships has presented itself. Preparing special Christmas boxes for impoverished children of the world has captured the hearts of many people the Republic. Several hundred thousand boxes from all over the island are shipped each year. Between picking up boxes (from local schools and neighborhoods), sorting and packing them alongside community volunteers, and observing the friendships formed through this endeavor, we are even more convinced of the value of building relationships in an incarnational way.

Pray that we would be perceptive and wise in identifying partnering strategies for the gospel. Also implore the heavenly Father that the uncompromising and powerful truth of His story will increasingly be seen as relevant in Irish culture. As the ABWE Irish team grows, it will be exciting to see God honored in the various ways they serve, and to see Christ further build his church in the Republic of Ireland.