There is a lot of mystery about St. Patrick's life, but there are some things that we know to be true. First, his father was a leader of a local church in Britain. His family was fairly wealthy. At the age of 16 Patrick was captured in a raid and taken back to Ireland, where he stayed as a slave for six years. During his time there, he developed a passion for his relationship with Jesus, and grew greatly as a Christian. He worked as a shepherd, and was able to spend considerable time in prayer.
Here's where things get cool - after six years, he heard God's voice, telling him to leave Ireland. Acting on what he heard, he left his captivity and walked about 200 miles to the coast where he escaped back to Britain. Once there, he had a second vision of an angel who told him to return back to the land of his captivity - as a missionary! He trained a long time and finally got ordained as a Priest, going back to Ireland to reach a people that didn't know Christ's loving grace to that point.
What a life! He listened to God's voice and he heeded God's call to make disciples of all nations (even the one where he was a slave). He is a great example of our need to follow Jesus' Great Commission as well:
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
(Matthew 28:19-20 ESV)
Emily and I are also called to seek and save the lost, and to be instruments of grace to the young adults of Pierce County. Consider joining us in this bold mission. Click on the picture to the left to learn more about how you can impact this county in Washington state.
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