Day 5: 2026 Ireland
God’s ongoing work
Our day at the Women’s Center began with Frankie leading us in worship. Then Bernie spoke about Jesus’s encounter with the woman caught in adultery and how clearly Jesus knew her and loved her. To introduce our next activity, Robin shared a story from her own life about how God’s plan isn’t always our plan, and reminded us that his plans are often bigger and better than we can imagine!
At tables filled with stickers, magazines, pictures, and markers, Tara led the women through a creative, interactive way to dream and plan for their own futures: vision boards! The women loved the hope and creativity that came with designing these boards, and many of them shared their finished masterpieces with us all. One of the women wrote “write a song” on her board, which led perfectly into a songwriting workshop led by Frankie after lunch! Then, Olivia and Susan encouraged the women with powerful stories of God’s lavish love, forgiveness, and mercy in their lives. We had an incredible day together that passed too quickly!
Meanwhile, the men returned to Tiglin’s Men’s Center for morning chapel. Cole Spain led worship, and Matt Knab shared a powerful and moving message from Jeremiah 17:5–8 that deeply resonated with many. From there, the men enjoyed an excursion to the Treetop Tower and slide, followed by lunch off campus. It was a fun change of scenery and a chance to enjoy time together before returning to Tiglin for a second chapel service.
Cole once again led the men in worship and David Baker shared his powerful testimony of God’s restoration in his life through recovery. Pastor J shared a message on Psalm 23 and the presence of our Good Shepherd in every season of life. Afterward, our West End team enjoyed time together hiking to an epic Irish waterfall before returning to Tiglin.
Our Celebrate Recovery team spent the day continuing their training with the Tiglin staff. Dale began by recapping the previous day’s training. Penny taught on Step 4 and the importance of taking a personal inventory, and ChaCha taught on leading a small group. After another meal (graciously provided by Tiglin), Michael closed out the time together by sharing his testimony for the first time. It was a powerful moment for both Michael and the group!
That evening, the entire team came together with the men and women of Tiglin. We shared incredible hospitality and a delicious Irish stew. With full stomachs, we gathered in the chapel to end the evening with testimonies and worship. We heard stories from the men and women at Tiglin and members of our own team about the many ways God has met, rescued, restored, and sustained his people.
It was another rich and powerful day filled with laughter, worship, honest stories, and beautiful reminders of God’s ongoing work in the lives of his people. We are grateful for all God is doing here and for the privilege of witnessing it firsthand.
HOW WE’VE SEEN GOD AT WORK:
Through the powerful testimonies and teachings from our West End ladies
In the opportunities we had to encourage and speak life into the women of Tiglin
The questions about faith the women asked us, showing that their hearts are being stirred
In so many ways we saw God’s restoration and faithfulness reflected in the stories shared throughout the day
The joy of worshiping together as one big group
prayer requests:
Strength and stamina for our team as we move beyond the trip’s halfway point
That the Gospel may continue to be clearly presented to and received by the hearts of the 10 women we spent time with today at Tiglin
Tiglin staff’s strength and enduracnce as they continue to walk alongside and guide the residents through recovery
The Celebrate Recovery team and Tiglin leaders as they wrap up their CR training and prepare to lead a meeting Thursday night in Bray