“Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation….” Mark 16:15
In 1999, I had a reason to visit Northern Ireland on business and as I drove to an appointment, I turned the corner towards Dundrum and immediately my eyes focused on the incredible Mourne mountains, the mountains that a famous poet said, “go down to the sea”. It had such an effect on me that I pulled in and called Jude and said, “You would love this place!!”. It was prophetic and unbeknown to both of us, and for completely different reasons in 2004 Northern Ireland would become our next stopping place on the way to Glory.
On the fourth of August 2004, following a distinct call from God, we arrived in Northern Ireland and the local fellowship we were about to join welcoming us by helping us move in and get settled.
There is no doubt this last nineteen years have been enlarging with much laughter and tears. We don’t always realize, that as we go forward, we are being conformed to the image of Christ and this usually comes through periods of great brokenness and wilderness experiences. I carry no regrets for coming, and even after Jude’s promotion I continue by the grace of God to go forward.
Somebody said after Jude fell asleep, “Am I going to return home?”. I realized what they said was quite profound as I began to see even more that my birthplace was not my home. We are truly sojourners, pilgrims heading to our true and eternal home, a city which has foundations whose builder and maker is God (Hebrews 11:10).
I’m certainly no great musician but I penned the words of this song way back in 2004 not really knowing anything about the way the journey would take for me and Jude, other than a walk of faith. Here are the words, I do apologise for the rough hand written quality and trust they will minister to you also. I encourage you to obey the voice of God, it is a great adventure wherever it may lead you.
Prayer
Father, when we come to Christ, we come under new ownership, for our lives have been bought with a price. Help us LORD to not only hear your voice but to be obedient to the call to go and not only preach this wonderful Gospel but live it to the full.
You may keep us in a local place or send us to the ends of the earth. The question He asks, “Will we go?”. Father, I pray we will say “Yes”, trusting you for the journey ahead, whatever the cost.
In Jesus’ Name-Amen
Jude Gray 