Pray for Gene McKinley – Irish Missionary
This request just came in an email from a pastor in Mullingar, ROI. Please pray for this situation.
Urgent Prayer Needed!!
Dear Pastor and praying Friends:
Romans 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
Things are changing with the Immigration Office at a rapid rate here in Ireland. Last month I wrote to the main office in Dublin to clarify the things needed to get our yearly stamp, because two of us missionaries are being given different requirements than all the others. On Friday (March 28th), we received a letter back from the main immigration office in Dublin. It stated the necessary requirements (as I hoped it would), but also added a statement saying that as a person in Ireland doing pastoral work, we are only allowed to be in the country 3 years. They noted that we came into the country in July of 2005, and asked us to be out of the country by July 6th, 2008.
As you can imagine, this news has sent us to our knees. We still have very few answers, but it appears that this is something that will potentially affect all missionaries that are in Ireland the same way we are. We are not sure if this is an old law, a new law, etc. I am going on Monday to see an “Immigration Solicitor” (lawyer), to try and find out what we are able to do.
We know several missionaries here (as well as those not yet on the field) are hanging in the balance based on what might happen. We desperately covet your prayers in this matter, as this could potentially leave some very young churches without leadership.
What we do know: 1) God is still on the throne. 2) Proverbs 21:1 “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.” 3) Our local immigration officer did not know about this situation either, and he is working with us, trying to help us every way possible.
Philippians 4:6-7 has been an exceptional help to us during this time. In times like these, the comfort of the Comforter becomes very real. And though we have no answers yet, there is a peace that passes all understanding. God’s grace IS truly sufficient, and the outcome has no bearing on our dependence upon this fact.
Our church does know the situation, and we are keeping them updated. We are going forward as if God is not going to let us be moved, but preparing the people to be leaders and shoulder the responsibilities in case we are told to leave. Praise the Lord! We have had people saying they believe God is calling them to be leaders and teachers.
We continue to long and pray for new souls to be saved, discipled, and go on for our Lord (fruit that remains). Our hearts desire and prayer for the Irish is that they might be saved. Please pray with us for souls.
Thank you so much for continuing to keep us before our heavenly Father in prayer. We praise the Lord for His goodness and grace!! Pray that we would be yielded, usable vessels for God to reach these people for His Kingdom and His Glory. Thank you so much for your prayers and support. Ephesians 6:18-20
Your servant in Christ, Gene McKinley
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