Our Ireland GO Journeys are in support of our Sports Across Ireland (SAI) ministry partner in Dublin which is led by American missionaries Dan and Amy Tabb. The ministry is focused on the community of Ballymun, one of Dublin’s most disadvantaged areas– 20,000 people, 24% under age 14, 70% single parent, 15% disabled, 22% unemployment, high rates of alcoholism, drug addiction and suicide – in desperate need of the gospel. SAI programs are purposefully designed to build faith, character, and self-esteem into the children through positive athletic and recreational activities. SAI provides opportunities to learn sport and life skills in a fun and safe environment, leading to spiritual discussions with Christian coaches and volunteers. End of day/week celebrations provide an opportunity for sharing the gospel & offer opportunity to journey further with the Lord.
We have established this GO Journey to come alongside the Tabbs and provide coaches/leaders for the camp that he has scheduled for the Dublin “mid-term” school break. We will fly to Dublin on a Friday night, arriving Saturday morning, recovering from jet lag that day and then worshiping on Sunday at Hill City Church in Ballymun. Sunday afternoon will be a time for orientation and getting to know the Tabb family. The camp runs from Monday through Friday and involves soccer, basketball, playground games, arts and crafts, and dance. Our team will serve alongside 16 local leaders, including 8 teenagers (camp alumni). The expectation is that 120-150 Ballymun youth ages 6-14 will be participating.
Our typical day at the camp will run from 10am – 4pm so we will have sufficient time to prepare and debrief each day. On Saturday there will be an opportunity to see and experience some of the sights of Dublin and then we will fly home on Sunday morning, arriving in Atlanta mid-afternoon.
This is a wonderful opportunity to share the love of Christ with children who sorely need your encouragement and to have fun while doing so. As Dan frequently exhorts his coaches and helpers – “You can change the life of a child forever”.
