The Kennedys

The Kennedys
Stephen, Angel, Caoimhe &Taylor

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Thursday, September 23, 2010

St. Patrick - Baptist

For centuries Roman Catholicism has laid to the supposition that Patrick of Ireland was a Roman Priest. However, over 100 years ago W.A. Jarell, much respected author and church historian, put into print what had been known by Baptists since the very beginning, that Patrick was not a Catholic Priest, but rather a Baptist Missionary. It is because of this much neglected fact that we put into print this material so that this present generation may know the truth and great heritage of this early Baptist Missionary to Ireland. So zealous were these historians of the 1800s and so spirited was their conviction to this that one wrote, "Rome's most audacious theft was when she seize bodily the Apostle Peter and mad him the putative head and founder of her system; but next to that brazen act stands her effrontery when she annexed the great missionary preacher of Ireland and enrolled him among her saints" (A short history of the Baptists {1907}, Henry C. Vedder, pg 71-72).

Most church historians agree that Patrick, originally named Succat (or Succathus) Patricus, was born sometime between the years 360 AD and 387 AD, probably near what is now Dumbarton, Scotland. It's also generally accepted by those knowledgeable of the subject that he lived to a well advanced ago, some placing him at over 100 years old at the time of his death.

Cathcart, the dean among the Baptist apologist, suggests that Patrick is not his name, but rather a title of honor meaning noble and illustrious and bestowed upon him by his grateful admirers (The Baptist Encyclopedia {1881}, by William Cathcart pg 886). His writings reveal that his father, Calpurnius, was a deacon in a Baptist church (we know that there were Baptist churches in British Isles as far back as AD 63, (History of the Welsh Baptist (1770) by J. Davis, pg 14), having apparently been converted to Christ while on a business trip to Rome as he also served as a Roman civil officer. In spite of being reared in a godly home and taught the ways of the Scriptures, Cathcart also states that the young Patrick was "....wild and wicked until his sixteenth year...." when while working on his father's farm, he and several others were seized and carried away captive by a band of pirates to Ireland, where he was sold into slavery to a petty cash Irish clan chieftain, For over five years he suffered the atrocities of slavery. Later, however he would recount that it was during this most dark period of his life that he, himself, was converted to Christ remembering the Christian training he had received from his godly father while but a child. Regarding this, W.A. Jarrel wrote over one hundred years ago,"....the truth which saved him when a youthful slave in pagan Ireland was taught him in godly home of his father" (Baptist Church Perpetuity or History {1894} W.A. Jarrel, pg 472).

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Prayer Letter

September 1, 2010
Greetings praying friends,
We praise the Lord for another good month serving Him. In the past two months we have traveled through eight states and have been in more than thirty churches and meetings. Our support level has been at a standstill for the summer months. Summertime is a difficult time to raise support in relation that summer is a time for church families and pastors are busy with holidays, vacation bible schools, and camps. Although it may have been difficult, we have had no problems with helping in these ministries. Deputation isn’t what a missionary can get out of the church; it’s what the church can get out of the missionary. The Lord is very clear in His Word that a minister of the gospel of Christ is to be a servant to those in need.
Just recently we had the opportunity to help with missionary Stephen Brock, whom serves in Salem, MA, with his first church service. He has labored very hard for the last three months by knocking on 9,000 doors in the greater Salem area. As a result, the first service had in attendance nineteen people which resulted in two souls receiving Christ as their Savior. Salem has a reputation as being the witchcraft capital of the world. There are many witchcraft, Satan supporting, and demonic shops that specialize in magic potions and devil worshiping. Every year for Halloween downtown Salem is flooded with devil worshipers and a large group called “Satan’s Army” from all over the world. Halloween isn’t just a time for children to dress up and receive candy from neighbors. It’s a time that Satan shows his face every year in Salem, MA and worldwide. All this is happening right under our noses in America.
Also, we are still in need for donations for the travel trailer. We have a travel trailer waiting for us in Elkton, VA by some very good honest Christians. We have had a good response from the previous letter and are very thankful for those sacrifices. We are praying to have the travel trailer by the end of September. If anyone feels led to help, there is an account setup for us at our mission board (address at bottom). All donations through mission board are tax deductable.
Thank you all for your continue prayers and support in the effects of seeing the gospel reach the people of Ireland and now presently the people in America.

In Christ’s name,
Stephen, Angel, Taylor, & Caoimhe Kennedy