About Ireland
Ireland, a country of 4.5 million people, is predominately Roman Catholic. Evangelical Protestants make up less than half of 1 percent. Historically, St. Patrick's passionate preaching and missionary heart brought Christianity to the island in the 5th century. In later centuries, the Roman Catholic church powerfully increased it's influence in the country, and brought the Irish church in line with Roman orthodoxy and control.
Ireland's history is marked by many centuries of conflict with England. English colonization, confiscation of land, and severe measures of oppression led to great suffering and hostility among the Irish. Sadly, Protestantism and the Bible became associated with suffering and political oppression...a sentiment that still lingers today.
In 1921, the Anglo-Irish treaty was signed and the island was split between 26 counties of Eire in the south (what would become the Republic of Ireland), and 6 Ulster counties in the north, Northern Ireland. The two are now separate countries. Northern Ireland is a heavily evangelized country with a significant evangelical presence. The Irish Republic remains staunchly Catholic and the true gospel of God's grace in Christ is largely unknown.
MINISTRY IN IRELAND
The Thomas' serve in the midlands of Ireland at Grace Community Church, Roscommon. Jeff serves as an elder, preaching regularly and overseeing the adult equipping ministries and Jenny is active in women's ministries. Both Jeff and Jenny also serve in the area of music and worship ministries at their church. In cooperation with Calvary Mission (a fellowship of like-minded churches) they are seeking to reach their area for Christ, train leaders and plant new churches.
PERSONAL INFO
Address
Cruby Hill, Roscommon Town, Co. Roscommon, Ireland
Stateside Address
25463 Sheffield Ln.
Santa Clarita, CA 91350
Phone Number
Home: +353 906661447
Jeff: +353 864141294
Jenny: +353 864161941
Jeff: circleemail
Jenny: circleemail
Website
Skype
jtfamily6ie
Wedding Anniversary
June 20, 1998
Birthdays
Jeff: June 12, 1972
Jenny: April 4, 1973
Noah: November 12, 1999
Ellen: June 22, 2001
Madeline: February 27, 2004
Elisabeth: September 29, 2009