A picture of transformation: Ireland

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A picture of transformation

Ireland | OM International

OM Ireland’s new home

Eleven years ago, Lacken House in Ireland was derelict with trees growing out of its roof, gaping holes in the floor boards, broken windows and rubble piled up across the property. The advert for the property had been in an estate agents’ window for so long, it had gone brown!

Incredibly, a young Dutch couple saw beyond the ruin to the potential of the building. They bought the property and began the long process of rebuilding and renovation. On the wall of the house they wrote the text of Psalm 127:1 “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain.”

It was a severe blow for them to realise last year (2007) that they would need to sell the property for health reasons. Had all their work been for nothing? Would their efforts go to line the pockets of a rich developer? After much prayer, they knew that they wanted Lacken House to go to a Christian ministry and offered the property to OM Ireland for just €1.1 million (considerably lower than value estimates).

So began a remarkable story which came to a climax on February 23 this year when OM Ireland took possession of the deeds to Lacken House as their new headquarters and ministry centre.

Since the project was first launched last May, OM Ireland has received gifts totalling €334,288 almost 1/3 of the property price. Along with short-term loans from Christian businessmen, this has enabled the ministry to move forward by faith to purchase the centre.

“The response has been staggering,” shared OM Ireland Director Mike Mullins. “We are so grateful to those who have been praying and giving and to those who have stood by us in this major milestone in our OM Ireland history. Like us, many believe that this property will enable us to be more effective as we seek to see lives and whole communities transformed.”

“It is inspiring to know we will be operating out of a property that has been transformed,” Mike Mullins added. “I see a place which was once ruined but is now beautiful and of great value and usefulness. It is a picture of Ireland, of our vision to see broken lives and hurting communities transformed through the love of God and the power of the Gospel.”

“Lacken House reminds me to dream again; to dream big dreams for Ireland and for the world. It reminds me to see beyond the mess, the brokenness, the lost, to God's purpose and plan of transformation, restoration and healing.”

The main house and three accommodation ‘chalets’ come completely furnished and ready for use and ministry will start immediately with short term outreach teams based at Lacken House in April and May reaching out in the towns of Roscommon and Athlone.

Work is needed to finish three apartments and the office block / meeting rooms and work teams are expected to arrive within weeks.

To find out more about Lacken House and OM Ireland and to get involved in this exciting vision, please visit www.ie.om.org/lackenhouse