Around 15% of the entire population of Ireland – if not more – may have engaged with the What’s The Story? mission held across the island.
Statistics released by the organisation behind the initiative state that out of a total population of 5.1million, of which only around 1% are currently evangelical believers:
• More than 750,000 (14.7%) will have seen a What’s The Story? billboard or advertising poster
• Around 220,000 will have watched one of the What’s The Story? videos all the way through
• A further 200,000 will have bumped into church banners or will have seen What’s The Story? resources at major national events
• Thousands have been approached by a follower of Jesus, wanting to listen to their big questions about life and the Bible, and to share something of the good news of Jesus (verbally or through literature).
• Hundreds have engaged with church events, services or communities for the very first time and heard the life-changing words of Jesus from the Scriptures.
Peter Grier, a volunteer member of the steering committee, said: ‘All this through 140 local Irish churches living out the unity that Jesus has won for them at the cross, and the prayers and support of many others round the globe. In all honesty, the spiritual fruit of such an initiative will be hard to measure. But some things were very evident, as small church plants embraced hard circumstances to step out in faith together.’
Some of those involved said:
• ‘This is our first outreach we’ve done post-Covid as a church together. We didn’t feel ready for it, but to be honest, I don’t think we ever would have done. This has got us going and we’ll not stop now!’ Church leader, Mayo
• ‘We’re not used to this. We’re so used to being on the back foot in Ireland, with the institutional church receiving endless negative press. To see life-giving media all over the island has reminded our congregations that we’ve got good news to share. They’ve been going crazy sharing like I’ve never seen them do before.’ Church-planter, Dublin
• ‘We’ve always relied on British or American gospel resources before, but now Apologetics Ireland, an evangelistic John’s Gospel resource, and some great other Irish resources are available. It feels like the growing of the gospel going out with an Irish accent to engage the Irish heart questions.’ Evangelist, Waterford
• ‘We’ve used this as a way to launch our church plant in a more high-profile way. Bible studies have been very small, but it has helped us so much.’ Pastor, Tipperary
Grier concluded: ‘Please do keep praying for the fruit of much of this project as hundreds come along to follow-up events, Christmas services and courses in the days ahead.’
