St. Patrick was a MISSIONARY!

Do your kids know that St. Patrick was a missionary?

All throughout the month of March, we should remember the real missionary story of St. Patrick. Whenever we see GREEN decorations (in stores, restaurants, etc.), we can use these as sporadic "reminders" to teach our children we're all called to GO and to share God's GOOD NEWS.

Quick Facts:

St. Patrick's Day - MARCH 17th

Patrick was the first Christian missionary to Ireland. In the United States, celebrations include city parades, Irish cultural celebrations, and the wearing of green.

Who was Saint Patrick?

"Saint" Patrick (389 - 461 AD) actually went to Ireland twice - first as a slave, and later as a missionary. Born in Britain, Patrick is widely known as the first Christian missionary to the Irish people. During his youth (from 16 to 22 years old), he was captured and taken to Ireland. While there, young Patrick repented of his sinful, backslidden condition. Years later, after escaping to his homeland, he received a vision from God calling him to return to the Irish people to proclaim the Gospel of Christ. Patrick obeyed God's call and went back.

For the remainder of his life, Patrick ministered among the unreached tribes of Ireland - confronting Irish idolatry and sorcery, converting many to Jesus Christ, and baptizing thousands of people. Tradition says he used the three-leaf Irish clover to teach the unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

According to historian William Federer, who wrote St. Patrick: The Real History of His Life, From Tragedy to Triumph, "He was actually a missionary and he converted 120,000 druids from paganism to Christianity." Federer claims that in the fifth century A.D., Patrick did more than perhaps anyone in history to spread Christianity in Europe. Although druids attempted to kill him over a dozen times, Patrick continued to prech the message of Jesus Christ, and throughout his ministry he pioneered over 300 Christian churches. Patrick also spoke out against slavery, and because of this, some call him the world's first abolitionist.

Mission-Minded Family Resources:

To learn more about St. Patrick, I recommend Hero Tales - Volume III, by Dave & Neta Jackson (Bethany House Publishers). Along with the short biography summary, St. Patrick: Missionary to Ireland, the Jacksons include three devotional stories (each with a focus "From God's Word" and "Let's Talk About It" discussion questions) to read aloud:

• "Your Ship is Ready" -- Trust
• The Fire on the Hill -- Boldness
• Blood on the White Robes -- Righteous Anger

Also, VeggieTales has a funny "flannel graph" version of the St. Patrick story, which is surprisingly historically accurate, on the VeggieTales DVD, Sumo of the Opera.

Family Prayer Focus:

Pray for God's peace throughout Ireland and Europe, especially between Protestants and Catholics. Pray for the true message of God's salvation to spread throughout this area, and for today's missionaries who are sharing the Gospel. Remember people in the United States who are celebrating St. Patrick's Day and for people who need Jesus to hear about the real story of St. Patrick, and the Gospel message he preached. Pray also for your family to have an obedient heart to go wherever God would call you to go.

This article is adapted from "Enjoying Missions Throughout the Year" from Ann's new book, The Mission-Minded Family - Releasing Your Family to God's Destiny. Ann is an international minister alongside her husband, Jon Dunagan (with Harvest Ministry) and a homeschooling mother of seven kids (ages 9 to 23).