Many hats make a busy cat.

This past year, I had the rare (for me) experience of concentrating 100% of my efforts in one direction in the establishing of Clear Media here in Ireland. Then in July, I pulled out of the company to make room for the owner of the company, along with some young Irish believers to take over the full responsibilities of the ministry/business.

I’ve not rushed into committing myself to new directions this fall. I’ve been able to try on some new responsibilities while asking God specifically how to focus my full attention. Here are a few of them.

•I’m still working to use my abilities in creative media production, by helping small ministries with big needs and no funds. And I’m writing scripts for several new television programs for children.

•A national leader in youth ministry and I are writing a curriculum for youth to be used nationally that will help build the DNA of service into young believers while making the Gospel clear for those who think God has somehow forgotten them.

•GEM’s leadership has asked me to explore new partnerships in Ireland and the UK to mobilize missionaries to areas where the church is not. I also created a website and an online community for URBANA to connect people in North America who are considering serving in Europe with people who already are.

•I’ve volunteered to help the Irish Bible Institute develop an online learning environment that will give leaders outside the Dublin area the chance to train in ministry.

•eDOT (GEM’s group harnessing technology in ministry) has asked me to partner with them to create a new approach to online discipleship that will hopefully make sharing Christ online more effective in helping people become fully devoted followers of Jesus.

•Finally, I’ve been asked to assist in exploring possible new initiative cities in countries around Europe. Through networking, small exploration teams and partnerships I’m being asked to take part in “scouting” out the land. (Know any good Joshua’s and Caleb’s?)

•Ruth has been able to work two days a week as a piano teacher at a local music school. Even with the job, we continue to only have enough support for partial salary. The dollar’s loss of buying power (two-thirds of what it was at the beginning of the decade) and churches cutting back on support are daily reminders of our need to depend on the Lord.

I listened to a sermon recently that asked a question I’ve asked every day since. What would someone in my situation do if he were completely confident that God was with him?

Emmanuel. God is with us. May God use you to be a blessing to others this Christmas.