Day Thirty: County Longford

Saturday 30 May

The annual VOX magazine Finding Faith Tour looks very different this year. Instead of a 7-day road trip around the island, this year VOX editor Ruth Garvey-Williams brings you highlights from all 32 counties (one per day plus one for each of the 31 days in May). Contact Ruth if you have a story to share.

Day 3: The Beauty of Simplicity

New Ground Ireland is a new ministry with a vision to establish missional communities across Ireland. I caught up with founder John Oliver to find out more and to hear what has been happening in Longford town.

“I came to the faith at the age of 29.  It was a real encounter with Jesus and a Damascus Road experience,” John shared. “I was passionate about evangelism and ended up in Bible College and then went straight into ministry with Elim.”

The work in Longford began with prayer, and with a time of worship in the centre of town. “Within a few months, we had connected with some people, started some house groups.  It is just really informal.  We meet around a meal and share the word of God and break bread together.  Those times have been beautiful,” John explained.

“We have made church so complicated. Our ministry is about bringing people on a journey. We’ve simplified everything - there are no structures, no buildings, no bank accounts, just a heart to meet people where they are and see them become disciples of Jesus.”

“What a huge privilege it is to be a wee cog in God’s plan.”

During lockdown, John has been reminded of the disciples between the resurrection and Pentecost. “Jesus keeps showing up with small groups around food - in the upper room, for breakfast on the beach, walking and breaking bread with the disciples on the road to Emmaus. Jesus was preparing them for the coming harvest. And I have no doubt that God is up to something!”