Ireland trip support letter

Dear family and friends,        
 
I hope this letter finds you doing well. I’d like to share with you what God has been doing in my life lately, the opportunity He’s given me, and how you can help. Yes, this is a “support letter” because I do indeed need lots of support.
 
I am planning on going to Dublin, Ireland this summer (July 14-20) for a prayer conference (or missions trip, if you prefer) with World Harvest Mission. Lots of folks say something like “Wow, Ireland! Not a bad choice for a mission field…” but modern Ireland is in great need of the gospel. Yet the Spirit is moving and the opportunities are many. There is an especially exciting work starting up involving an arts and music ministry, which our friends Jim and Laura Pettit are working toward joining.
 
How did I come to decide to go to Dublin? In some ways I’m not sure myself, other than to say that I know that God is leading me. When I first heard about this opportunity earlier this year, I was very interested, but all my usual fears cropped up: too expensive; interferes with other plans; what good could I do over there? But God’s Spirit, through the counsel of a wise friend, showed me that allowing my fears to dominate my heart is not a faithful response. So I tried to give God my fears, and told Him I was willing to follow where He led. Almost immediately I felt led to go participate in this trip. So Michelle and I prayed and discussed and asked God to show us if this is really His will, and He continues to open doors. God has recently shown me my selfish heart and that my focus is usually on myself and my comforts. I have been richly blessed with so many good things, and I feel that God would have me use these blessings to bless others, and not be inward-focused. So I feel this is the Spirit prompting me to take a step out in that direction.
 
Another big factor for my desire to go is our friends Jim and Laura Pettit, who are planning on going to Dublin full-time, as I mentioned previously. We have a strong desire to support their work there. So this will hopefully be a good opportunity to learn firsthand what they will be doing and how God is working there, and what our role might be in supporting them. They are in need of long-term support, so if you feel the Lord leading you to assist in their ministry, please visit www.jimandlaura.org.
 
Speaking of support, the cost of my trip and flight total about $1800. This includes all of my expenses while I’m there (except for things such as a cool hat – sadly I lost my last Irish-made hat years ago). Not long ago this amount of money was overwhelming for me, but as a good friend and missionary says, “God has all the money.” So I trust that He will provide however He chooses. Perhaps that’s through you? Would you consider being used by God to provide for my trip? I would certainly be honored and humbled to receive your support.
 
If you do feel led to support this trip financially, please make out a check to my church: St. Elmo Presbyterian Church (or SEPC) and be sure to put a memo of  “Bob Wiegers Ireland Trip.” Please send it to my address (1610 W. 51st St, Chattanooga TN 37409) and I will submit them all at once. Your support will be tax-deductible. The deadline for sending the funds to World Harvest is fast approaching so please send your support by May 21 (that’s less than a month!). So far over 25% has already come in, for which I’m very thankful.
 
I hope it goes without saying that I need your prayers. Will you please pray for me? The people of Dublin need our prayers. The Irish pastors and Christians, as well as those working with them at World Harvest Mission need our prayers. That is really why I’m going: to pray, to learn, to seek and to do God’s will.
 
Many thanks!

Bob Wiegers

For more information on the trip, please visit: www.whm.org/go/vision-trips/dublin
To catch up with the family and such, visit: www.wiegersfamily.com