Fortunately, April showers held off for our annual junior golf camp during the first week of the month. The camp's theme, "Game Changer," was organized as a partnership between OM Ireland, FCA Golf (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) and Glasson Hotel and Golf Club. Open to golfers age 12-17 from local clubs, there were 13 golfers total at the camp.

In addition to golf instruction by professional Anders Forsbrand, the participants focused on life lessons, which explored characteristics like honesty, openness, perspective, and experience. Coaches shared from their own personal experience as golfers and used principles from the Bible.

FCA golf coach Daniel, from the US said the golf camp even increased and strengthened his faith in God during the week. "This experience changed my attitude toward missions by showing me that missions is not about executing a program or telling others what they should believe, but all about humbling yourself, serving others in love, and listening to them and their hearts."

During the coaching groups, the campers were encouraged to give prayer requests. The second day, one camper, Paul, told them about his baby cousin who was born premature and on a ventilator. The doctors had tried to take the baby off the ventilator, but he barely lasted a minute without it. The next day, Paul raised his hand and said thank you for praying for his cousin. The doctors took him off the ventilator the night they prayed for him, and he breathed unassisted for 8 hours!

"The power of prayer and the power of God were definitely evident in our midst," said Daniel.

At the end of the week, the coaches held a banquet for the campers and their parents. Campers were awarded certificates of participation and other awards like "Camper of the Week" and "Most Improved."

"The golf camp is probably my favourite ministry event that we put on," said Dax, Sports Coordinator from OM Ireland. "Sport is such a natural launching pad for having conversations about the deeper things of life. To be a part of the experience of making the Bible and the Gospel practical and relevant for these young people is a real privilege. I'm so thankful for Anders and FCA Golf and their faithfulness to this event over the years!"

View our online photo album of the Golf Camp! 

Catherine and Colm first heard about OM when their daughter, Ciara was invited to TeenStreet. Then, when a friend of theirs who was on the OM Ships, Colm became interested. After pursing joining the ship, God closed the door, and they didn't go. They saw a copy of OM Ireland's bi-annual magazine, Pipeline, and read through it. In the magazine, OM Ireland had an advert for a project manager who would help develop the site, and a maintenance manager. Feeling God pull on their heart for Colm to fill these positions, Colm and Catherine decided to pursue joining.

Colm and Catherine met with Mike Mullins, field leader of OM Ireland at the time. Everything Mike wanted, Colm could do. Catherine says it was like Mike had a mental checklist and Colm was ticking them off for him.

Their original plan was to join for one year, but after a few months, both of them couldn't ever see themselves leaving. "It was like our puzzle piece fell into place," said Catherine.

Colm and Catherine have three children, Ciara, Sinéad and Ruiarí. They lived in Wales for 9 years and speak both Welsh and Irish.