Over 500 people of all ages came to Sligo in July for the New Wine Ireland Summer Conference. Eric Sandras, from the Desert Vineyard Church in California, was the speaker for the main Bible teaching sessions, and he brought a new flavour to the conference, drawing on his Native American heritage and culture to share with an island that is up to its neck, and sometimes over its head, in culture.

In addition to the high-quality programme, another highlight of the conference was a community, ‘family’ kind of atmosphere, which was evident from the start. The exception was perhaps a late night table quiz, which brought out the more competitive side of a few distinguished church leaders!

Many of the people who came, whether for a day or for the full week, met with God in a real and meaningful way and were challenged to go home and be ‘normal’ Christians who follow Jesus’ example and ministry.

We hope and pray that this conference will have a significant effect on churches and communities throughout Ireland.

Paul Jardine, Conference Administrator