In this issue: St Patrick, Captives freed, famines, and Jesus sightings
- MIDDLE EAST: Jesus Appears to Jailer, Leading to Release of Imprisoned Pastors
- BANGLADESH: Despite Persecution, Christianity Exploding
- NIGERIA: Christians Cry Out as Authorities Begin Church Demolition
- SUDAN: Czech Aid Worker Released, Two Sudanese Pastors Remain in Prison
- MADAGASCAR: Witch Doctor Finds Peace in Christ
- KOREA: The Blossoming of a Mission Movement
Greetings,
We are just two days away from my favorite holiday celebrating a person: St. Patrick’s Day. I’m not Irish but I am named after him as I was born one day before his day. I’ve come to think the March 17th revelry (which sometimes gets out of hand) as a Western version of India’s Holi Festival.
If you’ve been a Missions Catalyst reader for long, you may have noticed I like to leverage “holy days” for the Great Commission. Could St. Patrick’s Day be the least leveraged and most powerful holiday for mission mobilizers?
- For Patrick in his own words, read St. Patrick’s Confession. This may be the best source we have, but at more than 6,000 words, it’s long.
- Have just a few minutes? Watch this video clip from VeggieTales (eight minutes).
- Avoid getting your history from sources like this movie. (Know of a good film about Patrick? Please email me!)
- Myth and legend abound. If you find what seems a great story, I suggest you check it with a service like Hoaxology before sharing.
Christ’s words to love our enemies come to life in the story of Patrick. What stories could be more relevant for the church today? Read and share the stories of some modern-day Patricks below.
Celebrating saints past and present,
Pat
Editor’s Note: I (Marti) was pleased to come across a new book about missionary monks which gives Patrick a whole chapter. Reading it now!
St. Patrick’s Day header designed by Freepik.