Justin and I are being drawn back for our third year of outreach with church planting ministry E3 Partners to the beautiful but broken land of Ireland. This year, our daughter Peyton will be joining us for her second year—we are thrilled that Peyton has faithfully and enthusiastically said YES to God’s prompting! She met a wonderful Irish friend last summer and has kept in contact with her all year—they’ll have a sweet reunion, and I know God is doing something cool through this friendship!

Last summer, we had the opportunity to minister to a fringe cluster of faithful believers in Donegal. By God’s grace, we forged deep friendships, and they have invited us back to continue to work with them in outreach and discipleship. We learned so much from each other! Our church, Willow Bend Church in Plano, has adopted the county of Donegal as our focus in fulfilling E3’s Irish Mission Vision: to plant a Gospel-proclaiming church in all 32 counties by the year 2032 (32 x’32 is the name of the movement). Our prayer is that we can help plant a healthy, grace-filled church in Donegal!

WHY do we go? Because Jesus asks us to: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

Here are some important facts that may be helpful for you to know.

·       Only 1.56% of Irish people identify themselves as followers of Jesus (Joshua Project)

·       The Republic of Ireland is the least evangelized nation in Europe (Gospel Coalition)

·       Ireland has 72 towns with populations of more than 5,000 that remain without any gospel-centered church (E3)

Will you partner with us? Our trip is scheduled for July 26-Aug 2. We are praying for mission-sending partners who will join in God’s work in Ireland. We’re going in faith that God will raise up prayer and financial support through His body of believers. In the next month, we’ll send a follow-up email with more details on how to pray specifically for our team.

Thank you for partnering with us in Ireland through your prayers, financial support, or both! We are so blessed to have friends and family who long to see all people find the hope, peace, and freedom that only comes through faith in Christ. We look forward to letting you know about all God is going to do through our team—thank you for being an integral part of it!

In Christ Alone, 

Justin, Diane, and Peyton Walton