Church News - May 2026
Men's Spiritual Camp with 79 men; grandchild number 10; building purchase progress; 32 years in Ireland
May 2026
Greetings once again from God’s Country — Ireland! I am truly glad to be saved, and to be a Bible believing Baptist Missionary, serving the Lord here in Europe. It was 32 years ago my family and I travelled from New Jersey to start a church in Blarney! I can tell you, The work of the Gospel is worth it — not just because of the fruit, but more so because Jesus is worthy of every moment of my life — and He is worthy of yours as well! I constantly pray for more Christian men to seek to do the most important work of the ages — going into all the world with the Gospel! Ireland needs more Bible preaching and teaching. Europe needs so many more men to come and stay, preaching the whole counsel of God! Come over and help us (see Acts 16:9)!
Men’s Spiritual Camp! Our church hosted our yearly Men’s Spiritual Camp in April, and we had a great meeting! 79 men from our church and 6 other Baptist churches here in Ireland gathered together and focused on learning from a godly man in the Bible named Nehemiah. On the surface, the book of Nehemiah looks like a construction project, just building walls. But underneath the block and mortar is a complete blueprint for how a Christian man is supposed to think, lead, pray, fight, build, and live. We explored how this Book guides a man’s inner thought life, his relationship with God and His promises, his courage and character, his finances, his family, his church and his long-term perseverance — which is essentially the whole man. Nehemiah is one of the most complete portraits of godly masculine leadership in all of Scripture next to Jesus! And we only scratched the surface.
Grandchild number 10, with another on the way! When I got saved at 17 years of age, I had no idea where God would lead me, or whether I would ever get married. I just started living for my Lord, and He gave me everything I have today — especially grandchildren — TEN of them! I am in awe of the way that God has blessed and used my children. And I am privileged to be allowed to watch as my grandchildren grow up and serve the Lord too!
Progress on building purchase. Our church folks are constantly giving sacrificially towards the purchase of a building across the way from where we currently meet! I am amazed at all God has enabled us to do so far! Would your church pray about helping us so we can expand our auditorium space? We are getting close to being able to afford it! If you want to know more, please contact me!
I remain your friend and fellow-servant,
Pastor Craig Ledbetter
