Big Happenings!

    A lot has been happening here in Waterford, thus there hasn’t been a blog written in a month, our apologies.  For the past couple weeks, we as a church, have been in the process of moving out of the hotel (where we rented space every Sunday to meet for church) into our own church building! Finally Calvary Waterford has a place to call home - a local pub, formally known as “The Toddle Inn" located in one of the rough areas of Waterford has now turned into a place of worship…talk about redemption!  Despite its funky shape - that is the least of our worries - this building that is located on a main road, where people walk/drive by often, truly is a gift to be grateful for.  With Sebastian heading up the whole project - these past couple weeks consisted of deep cleaning, scrubbing, (it was pub, you could only imagine what went on!) fire drill training, hoovering, moving tables and chairs in, sanding, mopping, more cleaning and scrubbing etc. you get the idea.  Quite a task, but with many hands makes lighter work, very thankful for everyone who volunteered their time to make this place look great!  There’s still a lot to be done such as stage building, sound system installation, painting, partition walls to be built, etc.  That being said, we have had two Sunday services so far in our new “home”!  With 100 people, including kids, it is really a remarkable feeling to come in that first time and it actually feel like church.  A place that is open to anyone and everyone.  God is so good and kind to bring us such joyous friends who have become like family since we moved here.

    Excited to say that our lead Pastor, Clay, who started this church 7 years ago with his wife Jannelle, are now being called back to California to take over another church.  Though this is bittersweet, we know and trust the Lord has amazing plans for them and their two sweet girls - they surely will be missed. God has blessed them immensely with what He has done over here, growing the church from just 8 people to what now is over a 100 people.  Clay and Jannelle's goal was to plant a church, raise up an Irish Pastor to eventually take it over - and that is exactly what is happening. Tyrone, our other lead Pastor will now be taking over Calvary Waterford. Along-side Tyrone is Pastor Danny who is also a local Pastor who just recently got ordained in September.  What an incredible journey we have been on these past years growing and learning together, it is a great joy and a huge blessing!  Also, because of the recognition and calling that they have seen in Sebastian, the leadership has decided to ordain him to come along side both lead Pastor Tyrone and Danny. They will be ordaining Sebastian in early March after a couple month waiting period.  To learn more about the Worrells update, visit their facebook page. Pastor Clay's Update Page
    Portico, the coffee shop that Clay started is still rolling right along, it will now be under the Pastoral staff rather than Clay, however will be business as usual.  I’m there regularly, along with the other staff members meeting new people everyday and serving regulars. However Sebastian is pretty tied up with the new building projects.  We will also be moving the church offices above the church building in the next few weeks so it's easy to say he'll be keeping plenty busy. Also please keep Portico in prayer as we have run into a few snags with our outside seating area and might have to enact some major changes quite quickly.
    Rumor has it…..we miss you. So, America…more specifically California, headed your way March 19th.  We’re stoked and can’t wait to come visit.  Thank you to everyone who has continued to support us prayerfully and/or financially.  We really can’t express it more, it truly has been felt.  We were blessed by the recent sale of one of my families horses and that has helped enabled us to come visit next month.  We would love to share at any churches who support us and meet up with anybody who would like to know more about what were doing over here! 

Blessings,
Chelsea and Sebastian
  
 Please keep praying for everything that was mentioned, we could all majorly use it!

The transition of the church/Pastors
The Worrells, as they transition back over to America
Finances
Building projects
That we would have a restful time in California
That God will be glorified through it all!

Christmas in Waterford

Christmas in Waterford, is very festive.

    Happy December everybody!  Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  Because this country doesn’t celebrate that holiday, it began to look a lot like Christmas right after Halloween, it threw us for a loop since there wasn’t any fall decorating or whatnot. Christmas is a pretty big deal around here — with what they call “Winterval” coming to town which is Waterford's big event that goes on every weekend for a little over a month —with lights lighting up the town, ferris wheels, carousels, horse drawn carriages, carolers, yummy food venders, different market stalls, and the ice crisp air that bites — I have definitely perfected the art of layering my clothes. 

Seb adding a storage area outside

On the weekends we have a crepe stand outside

    It truly does feel like Christmas most of the time in town - Portico is all decorated, music to go with this wonderful season, people joyfully coming in for a coffee and a crepe, all cozy in their winter clothes, and sitting inside or outside next to the new installation of a heater on the wall!
    Speaking of Portico, Sebastian headed up a recent construction project with the help of a couple guys, who pulled two all nighters to move back the entire coffee bar about four feet.  Making room for two small tables and chairs so people can sit inside, so far all the customers love it! There of course are pros and cons for us who work behind, for it’s a tiny space — but it’s not too bad and it’s a bit warmer since were farther back from the door.  Very thankful for these guys!!  Pray that through Portico, the gospel will continue to be preached and that the people of Waterford will see the hope that we have through this season.
    School of Ministry this semester has come and gone - there was four students - four amazing people from different parts of the states, that we got the pleasure of meeting and getting to know.  They were an absolute delight to have here, sad to see them go but knowing we will see them again puts joy in our hearts!
    Currently as I write — I have a sick husband who is cozied up on the couch next to the lit fire, with a cup of tea, listening to the Sarah McLachlan Christmas album — That’s how “Christmasy” feeling we get since we have no decorations.  Don’t take that as a complaint, for we are real content with these moments (except for the sickness part). 
    Please pray for health!! Seems were playing a ping pong match with it and would like to hit a home run with the ball.

Sebastian and I walking through Town after work

    Also I have officially taken over Kids Ministry for the next three months, until Lora who is the head of it, returns from vacation back home in the states.  She has been an amazing tool to prepare me before she left for what it entails.  This last week was the first Sunday, and it went pretty smoothly — thankfully!  Prayer for me in that area would be super appreciated.
    In other news, because of the current weather, frosty and icy roads, we decided it would be smart to get a four-wheel drive.  And those of you who know Sebastian he’s all about Subaru's — so yes, we got one. With lots of prayer for the right one with the little money have to spend on one, we got hooked up with a great deal, almost a steal.  Thankful!!  So our plan is to sell our Honda which I will miss — I really like that car!!
    I apologize for the late update due to busyness — again.  We appreciate each and every one of you, for the prayers, the financial support, the encouragement, etc. We love you and wish you all a Merry Christmas!!!  

It's Fall In Waterford - Second month

Portico Coffee

    It is now October and the sun has started to disappear, the chilly morning each new day hails the start of winter in Waterford, Ireland. Chelsea and I are so blessed to have a nice and warm apartment just out of town. Every morning when we wake up we are reminded of Gods provision and how our constant looking to Him enables us to enjoy life while serving Him. If I could pick one word to describe to you the last two months it would be busy. I apologize that we have been ever so busy and rarely find time to sit down and communicate with everyone back home. But being busy means that God is using us and that there is much to be done in Waterford so it is a great thing.

Passage East

View from our place

Sunday morning kids lining up for kids church

    Let me give you an idea of what life over here looks like for Chelsea and myself, we are very blessed to have a great little car that takes us into town every day. I call it the space ship but really its a Honda HRV that kinda just looks like a space ship. Its about 7 miles into the office from our house, we live in the tiny fishing village called Passage East and could not be more blessed with our little apartment. Most days I will be in the office either doing Worship related stuff or out and about working on the building or developing Portico Coffee, the churches coffee shop. Currently we are building outside seating and planters to make the over all experience more comfortable. The coffee shop has been a hub for the church in the city and since we have been here, three people have gotten saved through it. Most weeks I usually work a couple of shifts as a Barista serving coffee and loving the people in the city. Chelsea has been put in basically full time at the shop and you can find her nearly every day happily chatting to people while she makes them a latte or espresso. I really never thought I would see the day when my wife who hates coffee would make better coffee than I do, we really do serve a mysterious God.

Chelsea making coffee Photo in the local Paper

    Friday nights I am helping run Roots — our youth group, I really enjoy the chance to get to speak into these kids lives and people are getting saved even through our little group of about twelve. Its a pleasure to teach the word to teens I really see God working in there lives every time.  

    We want to thank all who have given financially to us this past month — it has truly blessed us and has blown our socks off.  We are so very grateful to have so many generous friends and family, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
    A quick financial update is on our blog under finances please check it out if you are curious to where our money is spent. Also on that note we are about half way to getting all the monthly support that is needed for us to survive over here. So if you had promised to support us monthly please let us know so we can budget a bit better.
    As always we love you guys very much. All we can ask for is your continued prayer for us we really need it. God is so good but many times we just get tired. Here are a few things you can pray for.

Health for Chelsea as she has been sick for the past few days and for me so I don't get sick
That worship and everyone involved in it would run smoothly over the next transition
That we would be able to be a continual light in the city.
That God would continue to bring our heats closer to His.
That we would be fully supported in the next few months or so.

Much love Sebastian and Chelsea.

Week 2

Another week, another small story.

I'll try to keep up on updates once a month - I haven't been feeling well last couple of days...pray this sickness passes quickly!

After being married for three months, we finally have a place to call home - our own house - about a 15minute drive outside of town through beautiful country side.  We are in awe of this place and are loving it - Thanking God every day for His provision and the view we look at every morning.

Sebastian has began leading worship and also started on Portico projects.

I've been working in Portico learning this new foreign skill of coffee making.  Will be starting shifts this next week - never thought I'd see the day I'd be a barista - God is full of surprises ;)


Please pray against spiritual warfare - It's taking place close to "home" in many different ways -
Thank you so much, you all are very much appreciated!

Blessings

Were here!

It has been a week since we have arrived here in Ireland.  Though we are still on the hunt for a house, our friends here have been more than hospitable for letting us stay with them until then.  Two days ago we bought a car - getting used to driving it is an adventure in itself.
Sebastian will be leading worship this Sunday - he's excited to start this again, as he did once before.  He is also prepping to do building jobs for the church coffee shop - Portico - and others as well.
I will start training in Portico tomorrow - one who has never made coffee in her life and doesn't even drink it - that will be quite the job!
Were excited to be here - new friends, new place, new life - not to mention the weather- it's not easy but His burden is light..

Also, since we have been here we have witnessed two people in the church get saved and three people have gotten baptized - Amen!

Thank you for your continual prayers - we appreciate every single one of them..

    

 


Dear friends and family,

    It's been a year and a half since I left the shores of Ireland to move back to California. God had called me back to get to know and marry Chelsea Hales who is now, Chelsea Muller :). (Every good and perfect gift comes from the Father!)
     About 8 months ago, Chelsea and I began to pray and seek the Lord about returning to Ireland. We were married in May of this year and leaving for Waterford August 19th to serve with Calvary Chapel Waterford. As we prepare to leave, we ask for your prayers most of all, and anticipate what God is going to do through this venture.
    I am currently in the process of confirming my Swiss citizenship (dual) in order to be able to legally work in Ireland (as a part of the E.U.) if the opportunity (or need) arises. This process however, could take a couple of years so we are not going forward depending on this, but that God will provide. 
    We often think of Ireland as an idyllic vacation destination, but any one who spends more than two months in the country will soon find a deep darkness that is shrouded by empty cultural religion.  Irish Catholicism is unique in that it culturally divides the people. It has become more of a “political” question than a religion or belief. In short, the Irish people have a religion, a set of rules, a cultural identity in that religion, but are missing the most important part; the grace and salvation of Jesus Christ. We can't in good conscience, ignore the fact that millions of Irish people are dying believing they are saved, because they were baptized and confirmed into the church when they were twelve.  For "How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” Romans 10:14-15

Things to Pray for -

Applying for a visa to work there part time and Swiss Citizenship would go smoothly.

As we wrap things up in California, the move etc. will all go well and easy.

God would provide for us our entire monthly support so that, as we serve we won't be a burden to the people.

That Chelsea and My marriage would be blessed and God would give us strength to love each other while we do ministry.

Provision for a good place for us to live and a good car for us to drive.

That Chelsea and I would have an easy time re-assimilating back into the culture.

That the Church and the School of Ministry would thrive; that more and more Irish believers would be discipled so they, in turn, go out and preach the gospel.

That we would continue to stay close to the Holy Spirit and always seek His guidance.

Not always sure where the stair leads, but if God is leading ya don't need to know.

    It’s been a year and a half since God called me to go to Ireland and minister alongside the people of Waterford City. In that time I can clearly see that God has changed so much---not only in myself but also here in the city. When I arrived, there was no Christian fellowship.  Now we have Christians living life with each other all over this city. God has started to break down the spiritual strongholds of this city and His light is shining in.  The heaviness that has enveloped this city has begun be peeled back and God has started to slowly revive people. Because of all of this there have been many heavy spiritual attacks against all of us over here, so prayer against that would be appreciated.
    A few weeks ago we had our quarterly prayer and fasting week and God revealed His heart and plan for the city. Many of us had visions and received words from the Lord declaring, “He is breaking the chains of the city.” and, “The prayers of past generations and ours today are going to be answered soon”.  These words are so encouraging to us as believers here! Its been such a battle and often times a battle with no real obvious results. But in the past few months God has shown us clearly that he is about to take wondrous action in the city of Waterford and in Ireland. In all of this God even gave me such a clear vision of what He will do in Waterford that my heart rejoices and praises Him because its a perfect answer to prayer! Revival is coming to Waterford.
    All of this to say, God called me here and now He is calling me on to other things. Through a lot of prayer and fasting and through some very clear prophetic words from God I am actually coming back to California to seek what He would have me do further in my life. It breaks my heart to be leaving Waterford and I begin to understand Paul’s sadness when he is continually leaving the churches that he planted. However I am leaving with the knowledge that God is going to do amazing things in this city and that comforts my heart.
    I do not know what God will have me do in the future I only know the next step that He has given me. I would ask for your continued prayer for that next step that He would reveal it in his time and that I would have the courage to accept it and do His will and not my own. I thank you all for your prayer and support over all my ministry here. I would have failed without it-- I am sure.
    God is so good in how His timing works and He has provided someone to take over every little facet of my responsibilities here in the church. So I am able to leave knowing that everything is in good hands.  From leading worship to teaching--God has fully and completely replaced me over here. Now I am simply looking forward to what He has for me in the future.
    I hope this all finds you well and that God is working in you as you seek His will for your lives everyday
To God be all the Glory.

Sebastian