I’ve got some big news that I want to share with the whole world!

About a year-and-a-half ago, dear friends of mine, the Van Malsens, answered the call to partner with Operation Mobilization and head to Ireland. With only 1.5% of the population in Ireland professing to have a personal relationship with Christ, the Van Malsen family is partnering with OM to share the gospel, build relationships, make disciples, and be active in the local church. The Van Malsen family is also practically serving at Lacken House to maintain and develop the five-acre property to allow the current OM ministries to continue to grow in order to reach the lost, equip the local churches throughout Ireland, and to mobilize Christians to put their faith into action.

The reason I am sharing this information with you all is because I am excited to announce that I, my husband, and two boys will be going to Ireland on a mission trip from June 1 to June 11, coming alongside the Van Malsen family and Operation Mobilization!

Here is what we’ll be doing while in Ireland. In addition to simply caring for and loving on the Van Malsen family (who just welcomed a baby boy by the way!), we will be helping out practically with day-to-day things at home and at the OM Lacken House. A group of men, including Jeremy, my husband, will be coming during this week to work specifically on the chalet roofs that desperately need to be redone so that Lacken House can host short-term teams for the different outreaches done during the year. We’ll also have the opportunity to do street evangelism one night during that week. In short, we’ll be getting to know what the Van Malsens do, getting to know their co-workers, getting to know their Irish friends, getting to visit their church, and basically getting to do life together. Other than family, the Van Malsens have not had any visitors so we’re glad we can go and encourage them in person and work alongside them!

Where do you come in? First and foremost, please pray for us. A trip like this is huge, and something that none of us have done before. A lot of things are involved and there are a lot of unknowns. We ask you pray for our safety, sanity, patience, and that our hearts remain in the right place. Most importantly, pray that our trip will be a blessing to the Van Malsens and the Operation Mobilization team, as well as may it be a chance for us to be God’s hands and feet in Ireland.

Another way you can help, if you feel led, is to support us financially through a tax-deductible donation. We are looking to raise roughly $3,400 in order for all four of us to go. If you would like to help us in this way, you can do so by going to the following link:

https://engedichurch.managedmissions.com/MyTrip/thehoelsemafamilygoestoireland

Keep in mind that all donations have to be in by May 14, 2018!

Now I know many of you have no idea who I am outside of the fact I am an author. But I don’t want to put a limit on God. Many people that know me personally have told me to tell anyone and everyone because you just never know who might be willing to give, and the extra prayers never hurt! So, thus the reason I am blogging on this and sharing on all my social media platforms.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post, and for considering donating to this cause. It’s only because of family and friends (including you!) that this trip is possible. My family and I look forward to having you come alongside us on this adventure!