If you can imagine being in Ireland at any point in the near future, please consider the things I have to say here. I realize now the importance of abandonment, more than I ever have. Abandonment is the act of “condemning someone/something to (a specific fate) by ceasing to take an interest in or look after them/it”. Some of my readers may remember Puppies in a Box, which refers to forsaking sin and relates well to abandonment. Still, I have a feeling most of them/you don’t remember the scripture I was analogizing. To refresh your memories, the reference was James 1:14-15. Check it out and see if it makes sense.

So how does this apply to abandonment? Well, the act of condemning someone/something is extreme. By condemning, we put ourselves in a place of authority and judgment over whatever we condemn. We are ultimately saying “you are not worth my time, effort, or attention” and then we… abandon it to whatever fate awaits.

For me, so far, abandonment is starting to look like taking less interest in communicating with family and friends, having less time for self-expression and writing to you all, and enduring a bi-weekly shower, a serious lack of hot water, and an air mattress that will not remain inflated in order to be here. But does that mean I’m condemning those practices and comforts? I’m having a hard time making that connection.

In this case abandonment looks more like a willingness to give up those things completely… a willingness to condemn those practices and comforts to whatever fate awaits them. I’d like to say my family will still be there, that my friends would still desire my company, and I know those comforts are always available to me if I desire them. But I have come to the point where you either keep going or you stick around, and as much as I love my family and friends and hot showers, I will (v.)to abandon them for God’s calling on my life.

Still interested in Ireland? Then here are a few notes worthy of your attention:

• I met a missionary earlier this week who has been here for nine months and is still discovering extremely important practices within this culture. Despite her research and studying of books and history there are in’s and out’s that are continually shifting. Just a town away, there is millions of things that are different and the customs and acceptable behaviors are practically unrecognizable until you make all the mistakes. Prepare to abandon knowing anything.

• I have found one of the most difficult things to put up with is the young native’s lack of interest in communicating with outsiders. At the drop-in center, which I’ve been attending/helping, the lads are really just there to use the facilities (because there is literally nowhere for them to be kids). At the same time they want to be “adults” and will stand outside and smoke, go off to pubs and drink a pint, then return with flushed faces and red eyes. Where do you meet them? Prepare to abandon any formulas you have conceived for evangelism or discipleship.

• In almost every town there are roughly four or five evangelic Christians, most of which are under the age of twenty. They are hungry for discipleship, direction for their lives, and relationship with other maturing Christians. I have taken two or three walks with 17-19 year olds who are completely willing to absorb all of my theology and doctrine. Also, I have had to engage in activities in which I have little or no interest in order to meet students where they are (don’t worry I haven’t drank or smoked anything that would kill me or inebriate me). I now know how important it is for me to guard my tongue and to not do anything that has the appearance of sin. Prepare to abandon your personal convictions, slightly inappropriate jokes, and fringe theologies.

Final Note:

Don’t try to inject the Gospel into a culture. The Gospel is the ultimate dye, protein-chain-breaker, and deformer. It will corrupt culture- leave it in turmoil and struggling to find some sort of stability. The Gospel is only good news to those who abandon culture for Christ… otherwise it is absolute breakdown and confusion. I guess one could argue, even in Christ, the Gospel is absolute breakdown and confusion. Prepare to abandon your perception of good news.