The Republic of Ireland (Éire) is the only English-speaking Catholic nation. While Catholicism is a major influence over the country and culture, few have a living relationship with God. Traditional 'religion' has failed to tackle serious social problems such as alcoholism, teenage pregnancy and a high suicide rate among young men. The overall suicide rate has risen dramatically since the economic collapse.
Although OM has a long history of involvement in Ireland, OM Ireland itself is one of the newest ministries in OM Europe. It was launched in 2002 to work alongside the Irish church for outreach and world missions. In 2008, OM Ireland moved from its base in Donegal in the North West to a new headquarters, Lacken House, in County Roscommon - the very heart of the country. This growing team is involved in a wide range of projects with a primary focus on sharing the good news of Jesus in Ireland.
OM Ireland's home in the heart of the country.
Our vintage double-decker bus travels throughout the country providing a range of activities for all ages in co-operation with local churches and local communities.
Partners for Church Growth seeks to resource Irish churches with missionaries/full-time workers who can contribute in all areas of church life.
MDT is a one-year programme that combines intensive training with placements alongside Irish churches around the country.
Our short-term summer outreach involves Christians from around the world working together with local churches sharing and demonstrating the love of Jesus.
The Creative Arts Team offers multi-media theatre programmes in schools that explore the Christian celebrations of Christmas and Easter.
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
English
POPULATION
Ireland has a population of 4.5 million (a further 1.8 million live in Northern Ireland).
RELIGIOUS MAKE-UP
In the Republic of Ireland the majority of the population is Catholic.
STATE OF ECONOMY
The so-called Celtic Tiger years of unprecedented growth were followed by a spectacular economic collapse that led to the Irish Government requesting financial assistance. In simple terms, Ireland went from being held up as a shining example of how a small, open economy could become successful in the modern, global marketplace to being a country on the brink of financial collapse. Ireland is now recovering and measures have been put in place to encourage growth and protect the economy for the future.
STATE OF THE CHURCH
Catholicism is a major influence over the country and culture, but few have a living relationship with God. Evangelical numbers have grown over the past 10 years and stand at around 0.75 percent of the population, though according to Operation World, this is still the lowest percentage of any country in the English-speaking world.
Pray for Ireland to be reached with the Gospel, for new churches to be planted and for existing churches to be strengthened and encouraged.
Pray for the Lord to send more labourers.
Pray that we would be faithful to the ministry to which the Lord has called us.