“No, no, no! There is no God!” the lady exclaimed vehemently. “How could there be a God who would allow me to be taken in as an orphan at the age of five, only to be slapped, beaten and terribly mistreated? And not just me. There were many others, too!”
I was on my annual trip to Ireland, visiting with Patrick and Bridget Dysert for a few days. Each day, we made our way to the teashop they have set up as a venue for interacting with local people. I was shocked to hear such a denunciation of God from one of their customers. We don’t know the lady’s full story, but many people in Ireland have been abused by parents and authority figures. Sadly, this lady’s experience had convinced her that there could not be a God of love who cares for everyone.
The little teashop is a center of influence in the city, providing a friendly place for anyone who wishes to relax with a cup of herbal tea and chat with the Dyserts or anyone else who might be there. People often ask the Dyserts’ advice on any number of topics, from hypertension and diabetes to the need for lifestyle changes. Books are available for purchase or to read in the shop, and full-spectrum lighting provides a great reading environment. Some healthful snack foods are also available.
While I was there, an older Irish man came in and sang us an Irish ballad as he played Patrick’s mandolin. It was a real treat for me.
I was also in the teashop on St. Patrick’s Day. The shop’s landlord wanted several men to be present to handle any drunks that might come in and cause damage. As it happened, there was no trouble at all. In fact, it was one of the shop’s most profitable days in a long time. Excitement was in the air that morning as we waited for the parade to begin. Crowds lined the streets along the parade route. I went outside for a while to get a better view of my first Irish St. Patrick’s Day parade. The sun was bright and warm. Many in the crowd wore green clothing and green broad-brimmed hats. Children waved flags. Noticing that I was a Brit, some people struck up conversations with me. It was a lovely experience.
At the end of the day, the Dyserts and I reminisced about the day’s events and the contacts and conversations we’d had. I wondered how many of the people we had met would someday take the time and opportunity to know Jesus. Such lovely, friendly people who, like you and I, need God in their lives. But sadly, so few have a true understanding of His character of love and compassion. It is an especially tragic irony on the festival day of Patrick, the first proclaimer of Christ in Ireland.
Will you join us in praying for the people of Ireland? Better still, why not go in person and tell them yourself how much Jesus loves them?
