Student Missions – Ireland’s Spring Break Trip
Article by Kelly McClain, Liberty Christian School Senior
On March 12, 2010, Liberty high school students, faculty, and parents will embark on another spring break mission trip. However, instead of returning to Honduras, Trinidad, Panama, or Jamaica, as they have in years past, the team will experience Liberty’s first-ever mission trip to Ireland.
The group of 205 will take part in evangelical dramas, service projects with the elderly and homeless, and sports camps for children, while traveling across Ireland. Along with proclaiming the gospel, the mission teams will serve many of Ireland’s churches in areas where local pastors have specifically requested help, something that has not taken place on Liberty’s previous mission trips.
Another first for the spring break mission trip is the addition of the Liberty Chorale. Not only will the Upper School choir have the same mission work as the rest of the groups, but they will also perform in cathedrals across Ireland to share the Gospel as part of their annual choir trip.
Although the main focus of the trip is to share the message of Jesus with the people of Ireland, the group will also have the opportunity to see the sights, visiting places such as Blarney Castle, King John’s Castle, the Treaty Stone, St. Mary’s Cathedral, and the western cliffs of Ireland. Perhaps the most exciting cultural experience, however, will be Kilarney’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, in which the students will participate.
Since the announcement of this year’s destination, some have asked, “Why go to Ireland?” As many know, Ireland’s most prominent religion is Christianity, with more than 70 percent of the population belonging to the Catholic Church. However, within a nation of 4 million people, only 30,000 (less than 1 percent) are considered active Christians.
In addition, Ireland is one of Europe’s leading nations in teen suicide, pregnancy, and drinking. Illegal until 1997, divorce is also becoming a problem. Over the past four years, the divorce rate has increased 70 percent. So the answer to the question is simple: Ireland (along with the rest of the world) needs God, and God has called Liberty to Ireland this spring break.
For more information about the mission trip, please visit www.libertychristian.com/missions.