saint patrick

a man who was stolen by irishmen from his home in scotland at the age of sixteen.
a man who in the midst of slavery found & surrendered to God.
a man who after six years finally ran away to freedom, only to seek out enough learning so
he could return to his captors and preach the gospel of Christ to a nation of pagans.

The determination to accept suffering and success with equal indifference guided the life of God’s instrument [Patrick] for winning most of Ireland for Christ.

and a little something from his own confession:

I am, then, first of all, countryfied, an exile, evidently unlearned, one who is not able to see into the future, but I know for certain, that before I was humbled I was like a stone lying in deep mire, and he that is mighty came and in his mercy raised me up and, indeed, lifted me high up and placed me on top of the wall. And from there I ought to shout out in gratitude to the Lord for his great favours in this world and for ever, that the mind of man cannot measure.

Therefore be amazed, you great and small who fear God, and you men of God, eloquent speakers, listen and contemplate. Who was it summoned me, a fool, from the midst of those who appear wise and learned in the law and powerful in rhetoric and in all things? Me, truly wretched in this world, he inspired before others that I could be-- if I would-- such a one who, with fear and reverence, and faithfully, without complaint, would come to the people to whom the love of Christ brought me and gave me in my lifetime, if I should be worthy, to serve them truly and with humility.