KIDS WHERE DID YOU FIRST BELIEVE IN GOD?

        WHAT IS THE THREE LEAF CLOVER?

ST. PATRICK'S DAY ~ SLEMISH MOUNTAIN

Patricia visits Ireland on top of Slemish Mountain.  She asks, "I am holding a 3 leaf clover.  What is the meaning of this clover?"

A boy named Conor replies, "The 4 leaf clover brings good luck."

Another boy, Rory adds, "The 3 leaf clover is known as the Shamrock."

Erin a red haired girl says, "Three leafs represent God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit."

Patricia continues, "Was Saint Patrick born in Ireland?

A spunky girl named Aileen speaks, "Nope!  Some people believe he was born in Northern Britain near the modern city of Calisle around 415 AD."

Rory adds, "Some say he was born in Scotland or Wales."

Patricia says, "What happened to Patrick when he was 16 years old, living in a villa in Britain?"

A lad named Liam answers, "He was kidnapped by Barbarians that raided his village and taken to Ireland in 431 AD."

Norah a shy girl speaks, "He was sold to a Druid chieftain and forced to tend a flock of sheep on Slemish Mountain."

Patricia adds, "Patrick was tending a flock of sheep living in isolation, wind, rain, and snow.  This is where he met God, and sometimes prayed 100 times a day. and night."

Aileen smiles, "When he was 22 years old, God gave him a vision to escape on a ship.  He left his flock and hiked 200 miles south."

Norah continues, "The ship sailed to France, and three years later he returned home to Britain."

Patricia continues, "

He traveled to Britain and joined a Monastery, serving God in Britain and France for 20 years.  Does the story stop here?"

Erin smiles, "God gave him visions to return to Ireland to preach the Gospel.  He loved the Irish people.  In his life he established over 300 churches."

Patricia speaks, "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams and your young men shall see visions."  (Joel 2:28  ESV ~ English Standard Version)

Rory speaks, "I had a dream about going to a jungle in South America."

Patricia remarks, "Maybe Jesus is calling you to be a missionary just like Patrick, who was a missionary to Ireland.   Class what else did you learn on Slemish mountain this morning?"

Norah blurts out, "When you are all alone, cold, hungry, and feeling hopeless; God is there to help you!  That's why Saint Patrick prayed 100 times a day!"

Patricia concludes, "You are never lonely when God is with you!"