History
It is believed that the first people to settle in Ireland arrived from the
European mainland thousands of years before the birth of Christ. History
documents the presence of Celtic tribes in Ireland as early as 400 BC. They
spread into Britannia and clashed with Roman legions throughout much of
the early AD centuries. Much later, Viking armies invaded and pillaged much
of Ireland, but they were defeated by Brian Boru near Dublin in 1014.
English kings began politically subjugating Ireland through the Catholic
Church in the 11th century, and eventually gained total control of the island.
In 1920, the English Parliament divided Ireland into two separate countries,
each controlled by Britain. Several non-protestant areas of Ireland began
rebelling afterwards. In 1949, the independent Republic of Ireland was formally
declared and recognized. Northern Ireland remained under English control.
Church
History
In the fifth century AD, during the reign of King MacNeill, Saint Patrick
attempted to convert the Irish to Christianity. His labors brought very
few results but Ireland accepted Christianity nearly a century after his
death.
During the 1970s, there was a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit among
many Roman Catholics which sparked a hunger for Pentecostal teachings. The
first Assemblies of God missionaries to Ireland arrived in 1978. Others
followed soon after focusing on planting local churches. A Bible college
opened in Dublin, the capital, in 1982.
The
Movement Today
Many Pentecostal churches across Ireland are joining together in partnership
to more effectively minister to the needs of this island nation. Teen Challenge
and coffeehouse ministries are reaching out to the youth culture and students
in Ireland today. In fact, Teen Challenge has had such an impact on the
people that the Irish government has given it significant support.
The Irish Assemblies of God report the following statistics: 60 churches
and outstations, 31 ministers, 1,504 members and adherents. Christ for Ireland
Training Center provides ministerial training and has an extension program
serving a total of 57 students.
Additional
Facts About Ireland
Capital:
Dublin
Area:
27,133 square miles
Population:
3,920,000
Government: Parliamentary republic
Agriculture:
Potatoes, grains, sugar beets, turnips and
livestock
Industry: Food processing, textiles, chemicals, brewing,
machinery and crystal |
