Copeland Missionary Update: Sowing Seeds in Ireland’s “Hard Soil”

Our missionary partners in Galway, Ireland—Chris and Joi Copeland—recently wrapped up a whirlwind seven-week partner development tour in the United States and are now back on the ground. From preaching across the American West to navigating administrative hurdles in Ireland, God is moving.

Here is the latest update from the Copelands on what God is doing through their ministry, the challenges they are facing, and how we can stand with them in prayer.

Hard Soil Does Not Mean Barren Soil in Ireland

During their trip to Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana, Chris and Joi visited seven churches to share their hearts and preach the Word. Speaking from John 4:35–38, Chris shared a message that heavily resonates with their day-to-day ministry in Galway: "Hard soil does not mean barren soil."

"The place you assume is closed is exactly where God is already at work."

When people think of Ireland, they often think of warmth and friendliness—and that is certainly true. But beneath the surface lies a deep spiritual emptiness. Evangelical believers make up less than 1.5% of the population, and many locals carry deep wounds from institutional religion.

But just as Jesus didn't avoid Samaria—a place others wrote off as hard soil—He doesn't write off Ireland. Chris and Joi see this reality every week in Galway through quiet conversations, slow trust, and small, under-the-surface steps toward Jesus.

Praises and Ministry Updates

• A Successful US Tour: The Copelands had safe travels and wonderful meetings with partners, supporting churches, friends, and family. They were even able to squeeze in quick, sweet visits with Joi’s mom in assisted living and her father in Idaho, as well as celebrate their nephew's wedding (which Chris officiated!).

  
  

• Leadership Transitions: Big changes are happening at their local church! Chris and three new elders were voted in recently. Starting in June, the church will officially transition to a plurality of elders leadership model as the current lead pastor steps down from his role.

  
  

• Theological Education: Chris is six weeks into his "Church Planting and Ministry Development" class and wraps it up in June. At the end of June, he will attend a seminary residential in England to finish out the school year.

  
  

Joi’s Writing Ministry: Beyond local church work, Joi continues to share stories of redemption and hope through clean, Christ-honoring romance novels. These books serve as gentle doors for gospel conversations.

Financial Update: The Gap is Closing!

At the start of the year, rising costs of living, higher insurance premiums, and a difficult currency exchange rate dropped Chris and Joi's support level from 85% down to 77%—putting them below a sustainable level for long-term ministry.

But God provided. Thanks to generous churches and individuals during their US tour, their support has risen back up to 83%! They are profoundly grateful but still need to bridge the final gap to reach 100% funding. They are currently $2,954 short of their monthly budget.

How You Can Help Reach Ireland:

• Partner Monthly: Commit to a recurring monthly amount.

• Give a Special Gift: Help cover vital ministry or seminary education costs.

• Link Your Grocery Card: If you shop at King Soopers, Kroger, or City Market, you can link your loyalty card to fund their ministry with everyday purchases.

• Support Galway City Baptist: Contribute directly to their local church building fund.

To partner with them financially, you can visit their WorldVenture Designation Page.

Urgent Prayer Requests

Chris and Joi rely heavily on our prayers to sustain them in this patient, faithful work. Please join us in praying for:

1. Visas: Due to a minor administrative blunder (applying one day after the expiration date), their visa renewal was denied. While this does not affect their ability to remain in Ireland, they must ask Domestic Residence for a new approval letter to reapply. Pray for an expedient resolution to this matter.

2. Citizenship Application: They are still waiting on their long-term citizenship application. The government requested additional paperwork, which has pushed them back into a months-long processing queue. Pray for a significant milestone breakthrough here.

3. Summer Church Leadership: Pray for Chris and the new elders as they lead the church this summer. Their missionary colleagues are currently returning to the States for their own partner development, leaving the local team with a heavy ministry load.

From Chris & Joi: "How can we be praying for you? We would love to hear from you and pray for you. Please reach out and let us know how you are doing."