“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the LORD has done this, and it is marvellous in our eyes. The LORD has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.” (Ps 118:22-24)
We serve a God who turns things around, who reverses fortunes. This passage, of course, refers to Christ, rejected by men but exalted by God. We were bound for hell, yet He redeemed us; we were lost, but He found us.
Here in Charlestown, County Mayo, we sense that God is doing something new, and it is marvellous in our eyes. For many years, we simply plodded on, seeing little visible fruit. But now, we are witnessing the Lord at work in remarkable ways.
In recent years, David also walked through a season of depression, yet at the beginning of 2025, he sensed that the dark cloud had finally lifted. God is restoring joy and strength.
Alongside this personal renewal, the fellowship has been encouraged by several new believers moving into the area and committing to the church.
The church began praying for her husband … he too trusted in Christ.
One of these is a lady who found us shortly after coming to faith about a year and a half ago. The church began praying for her husband, and six months ago, he too trusted in Christ. In June, they were baptised along with four others: a lady in her 70s, two middle-aged men and a young man whose family already attend the church. Recently, another woman asked David to pray with her as she sought forgiveness and to meet Jesus personally. What a joy to see hearts being softened and lives changed.
Once a month, we hold an outreach service followed by lunch. We encourage believers to invite friends, family, and neighbours and rarely has one of these services passed without unbelievers present to hear the gospel. Please pray that many will be saved through these opportunities.
Our monthly Ladies’ Friendship Group has also been blessed by the presence of women who don’t yet know the Lord. Some of the ladies in the fellowship recently asked to start a women’s Bible study, and it is a joy to see them searching God’s Word and being transformed by it.
The Men’s Breakfast continues monthly as well, with good attendance. The men are currently reading Jerry Bridges’ The Pursuit of Holiness together, and the discussions have been both honest and encouraging. David is also training some of the men with a view to future leadership. Please pray that God will raise up godly, faithful leaders for His church.
We hope to develop a youth ministry, as we have around eight young people in the fellowship. We long to provide something that will help them grow in Christ. Pray for God’s leading.
Robert Murray McCheyne said that during a time of revival in Scotland, he felt like a bystander watching God at work. We feel much the same, marvelling at what the Lord is doing. Please join us in giving thanks and continue to pray that His Spirit would sweep across our community and our land, turning many hearts to Jesus.
David and Wilma serve in church planting and discipleship in Ireland.