The man the world knows as “St. Patrick” was born in 389 A.D. in Britain. Though he was raised as a Christian, his spiritual lack became unmistakably plain to him around the age of 16 when he was tragically kidnapped and sold as a slave in Ireland. Given the job of herding swine, it was there that Patrick began to contemplate the barren condition of his soul. He realized that he did not know God and was indeed a great sinner, but he also came to understand that God’s grace was great enough to forgive him and offer him a new lease on life. Patrick developed an insatiable desire for prayer and began to sense God’s presence in His life in profound ways. Patrick would go on to escape his captors and return to Britain.
While back home, Patrick experienced God calling him in “the depth of the night” to go back to the land of his captivity and bring the gospel to the ignorant pagan people who were in complete darkness. Although many of his well-meaning family and friends questioned this and even tried to dissuade him from making such a “foolish” decision, Patrick was unfazed. He pressed forward and prepared for his call.
In 432 A.D., Patrick made his way back to Ireland to engage in the mission work to which God had called him. At the time of his arrival, Ireland was truly considered “the very ends of the earth.” It was a wasteland filled with idol worshippers and pagans engaging in magic and even human sacrifice.
While this would have deterred lesser men, Patrick remained unfazed and carried out his evangelistic duties with tireless zeal. It is estimated that Patrick planted over 200 churches and led over 100,000 people to their conversion, many of whom would go on to become missionaries and evangelize the rest of Europe.
Every March 17, much of the world celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with beer, ethnic food and a nod to Irish culture. However, Patrick’s real life and passion are sadly forgotten. We would do well to emulate the “Way” of Patrick and live a life of religious devotion, commitment to mission and willingness to endure hardship and opposition (even from family and friends).
There are still dark places locked in superstition, paganism and total ignorance of our loving God and His great salvation. There is still a tremendous need for people to freely give themselves to these places and people, even if those closest to them think they are crazy or are wasting their lives! Oh friend, will you follow the “St. Patrick Way”? If you sense God calling you to a life of service in an unreached area, please contact us at 800-937-4236 or recruiter@afmonline.org.
