3 Nov 2026, 10:28Farai Mutungwazi
When Faithful Labour Meets Divine Power: The Irish Mission Journey
Since arriving in Ireland on 12 August 2019, I have had the privilege of worshipping, fellowshipping and serving across Ranelagh, Dublin West, South Dublin and now Dublin Central SDA Church. I have also visited and sat for worship in New Market on Fegus, Drogheda, Enniscorthy, Longford, Blanchardstown, Galway, Cork, Letterkenny, Tralee and other congregations, while hearing of the growing work in Naas, Kilkenny and beyond.
Having witnessed this journey across several congregations, I can say with conviction: Someone planted, someone watered, many laboured, but God gave the increase! (1 Corinthians 3:6).
The recent TED Executive Committee approval for the Irish Mission to progress towards Conference status is more than an administrative milestone. It is a testimony to generations of prayer, sacrifice, vision, evangelism and faithful human effort, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Consider these remarkable milestones reported by TED:
1. 35 congregations serving across the island of Ireland, as of August 2026.
2. More than 50 nationalities represented within the Irish Mission, reflecting the beautiful diversity of God's people.
3. Approximately 15 congregations established in the previous decade, evidence of continued church planting and expansion.
4. Over 95% membership retention, demonstrating a remarkable commitment to nurturing and retaining believers.
5. An average of 26 baptisms annually over the past decade, representing lives reached and souls added to God's kingdom.
6. Sustained financial growth and increasing self-reliance: approximately 9% average annual tithe growth since 2020, with the Irish Mission contributing more to the worldwide Church than it received in support since 2018.
These are not merely statistics. Behind every number are people, prayers, sacrifices, answered supplications and countless unseen hours of service.
Having witnessed a similar journey in South Africa, where Zimbabweans and people of other nationalities contributed to strengthening the work of the Church within the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division (SID), I see a beautiful parallel here in Ireland.
The Irish story is equally beautiful: a Church strengthened through immigration, with people from across the world bringing their gifts, talents, cultures and commitment to one common mission.
As Ellen G. White reminds us:
"Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend." (Steps to Christ, p. 93).
And we must never underestimate the POWER OF THE PRINTED PAGE. Literature carries the Gospel into homes, across borders and into hearts that a preacher may never personally reach. It is a silent missionary, continuing its work long after the messenger has departed.
Prayer gives birth to the vision, the Holy Spirit empowers the mission, and the faithful labour of God's people gives expression to that vision.
To every pioneer, pastor, Bible worker, Literature Evangelist, church elder, administrator, member and silent supporter who has contributed to this journey: your labour matters!
May we never celebrate the growth of the institution and forget the spiritual purpose behind it. May the Irish Conference, when formally established, be more than a change of name or structure. May it become an even stronger instrument for winning souls and preparing people for the soon return of Jesus.
The seeds were planted by faithful hands. God provided the rain and sunshine. And now, as we witness the fields flourishing, may we remain faithful until the bumper harvest!
Rooted in Christ,
Connected in love,
Sent in Mission
Glory to God!
Since arriving in Ireland on 12 August 2019, I have had the privilege of worshipping, fellowshipping and serving across Ranelagh, Dublin West, South Dublin and now Dublin Central SDA Church. I have also visited and sat for worship in New Market on Fegus, Drogheda, Enniscorthy, Longford, Blanchardstown, Galway, Cork, Letterkenny, Tralee and other congregations, while hearing of the growing work in Naas, Kilkenny and beyond.
Having witnessed this journey across several congregations, I can say with conviction: Someone planted, someone watered, many laboured, but God gave the increase! (1 Corinthians 3:6).
The recent TED Executive Committee approval for the Irish Mission to progress towards Conference status is more than an administrative milestone. It is a testimony to generations of prayer, sacrifice, vision, evangelism and faithful human effort, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Consider these remarkable milestones reported by TED:
1. 35 congregations serving across the island of Ireland, as of August 2026.
2. More than 50 nationalities represented within the Irish Mission, reflecting the beautiful diversity of God's people.
3. Approximately 15 congregations established in the previous decade, evidence of continued church planting and expansion.
4. Over 95% membership retention, demonstrating a remarkable commitment to nurturing and retaining believers.
5. An average of 26 baptisms annually over the past decade, representing lives reached and souls added to God's kingdom.
6. Sustained financial growth and increasing self-reliance: approximately 9% average annual tithe growth since 2020, with the Irish Mission contributing more to the worldwide Church than it received in support since 2018.
These are not merely statistics. Behind every number are people, prayers, sacrifices, answered supplications and countless unseen hours of service.
Having witnessed a similar journey in South Africa, where Zimbabweans and people of other nationalities contributed to strengthening the work of the Church within the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division (SID), I see a beautiful parallel here in Ireland.
The Irish story is equally beautiful: a Church strengthened through immigration, with people from across the world bringing their gifts, talents, cultures and commitment to one common mission.
As Ellen G. White reminds us:
"Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend." (Steps to Christ, p. 93).
And we must never underestimate the POWER OF THE PRINTED PAGE. Literature carries the Gospel into homes, across borders and into hearts that a preacher may never personally reach. It is a silent missionary, continuing its work long after the messenger has departed.
Prayer gives birth to the vision, the Holy Spirit empowers the mission, and the faithful labour of God's people gives expression to that vision.
To every pioneer, pastor, Bible worker, Literature Evangelist, church elder, administrator, member and silent supporter who has contributed to this journey: your labour matters!
May we never celebrate the growth of the institution and forget the spiritual purpose behind it. May the Irish Conference, when formally established, be more than a change of name or structure. May it become an even stronger instrument for winning souls and preparing people for the soon return of Jesus.
The seeds were planted by faithful hands. God provided the rain and sunshine. And now, as we witness the fields flourishing, may we remain faithful until the bumper harvest!
Rooted in Christ,
Connected in love,
Sent in Mission
Glory to God!
