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By Andrew Canavan
The Irish have a keen sense of humor and their rivalries are second to none.

One well known rivalry is between Dublin, the real capital of Ireland, and Cork,
the wanna-be capital in Ireland’s southernmost county. The Dubs have been left
disappointed, joking “The best thing about Cork is the road back to Dublin.”
Well, I can say the road back to Dublin and more generally Ireland has been
one of the most joyful journeys of my life. Through it, God has proven Himself
faithful. I had the privilege of growing up in Ireland as a Missionary
Kid. Along with my triplet brother, Caleb, and sister, Becca,
we learned the joy of serving in ministry. As children, we
also learned the joy of making a difference, however small it
may have seemed. I surrendered to missions as a teenager;
however, due to the hardness of Ireland/Europe, I was
reticent to return. Gratefully, during my years in Bible
college, God’s call not only to missions but also back
to Ireland was unmistakable.

God allowed me to return to Ireland in 2015 to work with my
parents for four years. While here I learned the all-important
decision of being in God’s will and waiting for God’s timing.

That specific period of ministry so far has been the most
fruitful season of ministry I have ever witnessed. I marvel
at God’s work of grace in bringing us to the realization of
our own inability and then showing us His great ability
as we witness the amazing power of the Gospel.

A second hurdle was finding a faithful
helpmeet—essential for me as a church-
planter! Plans for deputation were already
beginning, and I was bracing myself for
deputation as a single man. Completely
unexpectedly, but in His perfect timing,
God crossed my path with the most
wonderful servant-hearted, beautiful
10 Andrew & Shawn Canavan