The connection with OM and the Bailies started with Cheryl in 2002 when she joined the OM ship Logos II for two years. During this time, she felt God leading her into full time missions. After her time on the ships, she went back home to Northern Ireland and started working full time with Youth for Christ, where she met Dave.

After working there for six years, they felt God was moving them on. Since the OM connection with Cheryl was already there, they looked into different OM fields, and felt the call to join their field in Australia for one year doing youth and children's work. As their year came to an end, Dave and Cheryl felt a burden to return to Ireland, so they looked into joining OM Ireland. During his time with Youth for Christ, Dave had a lot of practical work and evangelism experience, so he was very excited to fill the role of working in operations, while also joining available outreaches. Cheryl, having a heart for the youth in Ireland, was excited to see the Youth Coordinator position open. "As God was confirming more of who we are as people," says Cheryl, "OM Ireland seemed to fit perfectly."

Dave and Cheryl have a son, Elijah, who is almost one year old. As a family, they are very active and adventurous, and in their free time, they love to explore new coffee shops.

 Recently, we’ve had a lot of updates of things happening around Lacken House – but we can’t forget the Immersion team who are placed in Carlow, Co. Carlow and Athlone, Co. Westmeath! Each team of four just completed the first month in their church placements.  We were blessed last week to have them all back at Lacken House for our team Christmas party, and hear all about their new homes.

Carlow Bible Church

The Carlow team is settled into their four-bedroom flat with five people (the four team members and house managers). “It definitely gives me a different perspective on ‘me time’” said Ashley (USA). “I am definitely getting a feel of what it is like not to take the little moments of alone time for granted.”

Each team member is given responsibilities in their church based on their interests and skills.  “It’s all a team effort here in Carlow,” said Lindsay (Canada). “We all have a different part to play depending on our gifts.” Lindsay is helping with communications and taking leadership roles in kids clubs and youth group. Ashley is helping in administration with planning and event coordinating. Seong Bok (South Korea) is also working in communications, working with social media and videos. David (USA) is in charge of youth club, and is involved in the teaching side of things. Next Sunday, David is preaching for the Christmas Carol service!

It is very apparent the Carlow team feels happy and blessed to serve in this church. There are already signs of growth in their relationship with each other and the Lord.  “My life means a ‘Christian life,’ said Seong Bok. “God has been teaching me that all Christians are missionaries, and it’s not my business, but God’s business. The field is not important, but wherever we live; our life is important.” Lindsay said that God is teaching her that trying new things is important to finding out what your spiritual niche is. “You have to try every aspect of ministry out there to know what suits you and what doesn’t. This is what this year means to me, a year to grow and to return home with old and new gifts!”

Cherith Athlone Baptist Church

The Athlone group is set up a little differently. The three girls, Julia (Germany), Haley (USA), and EunJin (South Korea) live in a flat close to town centre and CJ (USA) lives in a flat with a lad attending the Athlone Institute of Technology.

The four work at Cherith. Each team member helps with set up/tear down for events and services. The girls attend and help out with Ladies’ meetings and Mums & Tots. CJ is responsible for a lot of the physical labour that needs to be done. As the church plans to volunteer and provide more opportunities to serve, the team will help out with planning and preparation.

The four Immersion team members all expressed their love for the congregation at Cherith. “I love my church,” said CJ. “I love pastor Dom and the way he teaches.” With a diverse congregation, it gives the team a new perspective on the Church. “Cherith is like a huge family,” said Haley. “Everyone knows each other, and everyone is always willing to help each other out if someone is in need. Church isn’t like a gathering on Sunday mornings, but a family meeting. Our church has a wonderful fellowship atmosphere, and everyone is welcome. We have about ten different nationalities in our church, so it is very cross-cultural which is really cool. It’s a wonderful reminder that we all, no matter what background we might come from, have that common ground of serving an amazing God. “ 

The Lord continues to teach this team about His faithfulness. “When I look back on this time, I can see God is always with us to help us and lead us if we put down the rights that we think we deserve, and listen to his words,” said EunJin. “God is teaching me to give everything, even small things, to the Lord and take his grace, which He has given to me.”