I want to share a few thoughts and pictures with you regarding our outreach at the parade this past March 12th. The parade downtown most always crowded with thousands of people waiting for the parade to come by so there plenty of folks to give tracts to and start a really meaningful conversation with regarding the reality of who St. Patrick really was versus the misinformation that is out there.

The Saint Patrick Quiz
1) Was Saint Patrick Irish?
2) Was Saint Patrick Catholic?
3) Was March 17th his birthday?
4) Was Patrick kidnapped?
5) Why do the Irish honor him?
6) What would Patrick do if he were
here right now?

ANSWERS
1) No. He was born in Roman Britain (now part of Scotland) in 385 AD.
2) No. He was never canonized or named a saint by any pope.
3) No. He died on March 17, 461 AD
4) Yes. At age 16, by a band of pirates, sold to a chieftain in Ireland, where he tended flocks for 6 years. It was during that time in captivity that he came to a saving
knowledge of Christ Jesus. He escaped back to Scotland, but he received a clear and personal call from the Lord to return to Ireland.
5) Ireland at that time was a land of Druids and pagans. Patrick began preaching the Gospel throughout Ireland, converting many to Christianity. Over the course of 60
years, he and his disciples preached & converted 120,000 people & built 365 churches across the country. He is the true Apostle of Ireland.
6) If Patrick were here right now, he would continue with his work as he did in Ireland. That would lead to a serious question: Do you consider yourself to be a good person? Would God allow you in to Heaven?
References: The Confession of Patrick, http://www.Irelandnow.com, Book of Armagh, The History of the Christian Church, vol 4, ch 2 “The Conversion of Ireland” Encyclopedia Britanica

One among many, Nancy and Ade had a conversation with a young man who was raised in a Catholic church and had attended Catholic grade and high school. He was standing on his Catholic faith. He was proud of his Catholic rearing but had rejected it. He was listening to what was being shared but said thank you but no thank you!

He was very much trying to justify his actions even though he knew lying and stealing were wrong. He took a step back when confronted with the question: “Do you know why you are justifying yourself? It’s because you like living in your sin and don’t want to step into the light!” To which he developed a big smirk on his face.

As we speak to people please keep in mind that world does love living in it’s darkness. It’s more comfortable for them so please step out your comfort zone and reach out to them: John 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

Next week I hope to share with you the pictures and thoughts from the outreach at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the Town of Erin. Till then happy fishing.