THE CONGREGATIONALISTA- IRLANDA

the Congregationalist See cover comment - page 2

Spring, 2012

The Quarterly Magazine of The Congregational Union of Ireland

Cover comment:

UNDER HIS WINGS

A precious moment caught on camera, illustrating the truth of Psalm 57:1 - “..... my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.”

In this issue: 3 7 9 13 14

Our faithful, unchanging, triune God - Rev. V. Gannon Meet our Missionaries Welcome to the new ministers!

Children’s Page Invitation to Titanic Centre

15 17 29 30 31 32

Anna, prodigal daughter News from the churches Congregational Youth News New Year encouragements & challenges Holiday at Glenada Book Review

From the editor’s desk: Thank you to all of you out there who, once again, helped me to make this magazine possible. Thank you for keeping to the deadline and for curtailing the length of your reports.

Please note that the deadline for contributions for the next (summer) edition will be WEDNESDAY, 4th APRIL -midnight (just before Easter).

Mrs. Mabel Shaw, 28, Rossburn Manor, Connor, Ballymena BT42 3RB E: shawtm@hotmail.co.uk T: 028 2589 2994 Mabel Think about it: Researchers have found that about forty percent of the things we worry about never happen. Thirty percent are in the past and cannot be helped. Twelve percent involve the affairs of others that are not even our business. Ten percent relate to sickness, real or imagined. That means only eight percent of the things we worry about are even likely to happen! What about the fear of flying? You would have to fly every day for 19,000 years before reaching the probability of being in a plane crash. Yet it is one of the six most feared causes of death. There are 365 ‘fear nots’ in the Bible - one for every day of the year. When we worry, we doubt God and give the devil an entry point into our lives.

Knowing that Abraham was leaving his comfort zone and his security base, God said, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield.” Genesis 15:1. God is saying the same to us today. Do we really believe we are ‘Under His Wings’?

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Pastor Vincent Gannon and his wife, Margaret, minister on the south side of Dublin in The Christian Fellowship Church which is affiliated to The Congregational Union of Ireland.

In the following article he examines the theme of

Our faithful, unchanging, triune God

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he following is a quote from an article which appeared in a national newspaper in America. The headline read, “Spies who won’t come in from the cold”. At a recent black tie dinner in Washington, Russian ambassador, Vladimir Lukin, found himself seated across from CIA director, Mr. Robert Gates. The envoy from the former “evil empire” turned amiably to his dinner companion and said, “ So when are we going to get together and make some new rules for spying on each other?”

The article concluded, “Don’t expect U.S. and Russians to join hands and agree anytime soon on the kind of spying they will do and will not do in each others’ countries. Suspicions run too deep.”

Just as there is distrust between nations, so there is distrust between individuals. In our day, we are well on the way to trust no one. People are realizing by first hand experience that trust is an elusive virtue. Promises often mean little or nothing and lying has become common place in our society. They now use the term

“economical with the truth” which is lying, but does not sound so bad.

Yet in the mist of confusion that lying and distrust always brings, people look for something or someone to place their trust in.

Many place their trust in the gods of man-made religions, some place their trust in self-proclaimed healers.

There was one woman who brought her crippled son to such, and was instructed to take off the leg braces and leave them off and have faith.

Despite the terrible pain the child was going through, after some weeks she was persuaded to rush her child to hospital where emergency surgery was done to save the child’s legs from amputation.

How many times have we heard of the slick TV character who makes the appeal for money for charity or missionary work and after raising a considerable sum, then takes off?

Furthermore, many people go to churches that claim to teach about Christ, but in reality deny the truth.

As a result, the people learn nothing about the Christ of Scripture. With

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lies and deception all around us who can we trust?

The only one we can trust without reservation is God. Because of His character, He cannot lie - “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;” Titus 1:2 Whatever he says or does is absolute truth. He has no ability to contradict Himself. When he makes a promise, He can’t help but keep it. He never deviates from His will or His Word.

Because God is trustworthy, we can be sure that He is always faithful towards His children. That is why you can trust Him no matter what happens. Although you may be experiencing adversity, you can know that He is reliable. Do you know God like that? Have you acknowledged His faithfulness on your behalf?

1. God’s Trustworthy Character We clearly see God’s faithfulness illustrated in the life of Abraham.

You know the story well, how he was brought up in a pagan environment – in Ur, an ancient Chaldean city of Mesopotamia, between the Tigris and the Euphrates Rivers. Although a descendent of Shem, one of Noah’s three sons, for many generations his family worshipped false gods.

Joshua 24:2 a.

Abraham’s Journey One day God spoke to Abraham and commanded him to go to Canaan.

The writer of Hebrews says, “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. Hebrews 11:8

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The Greek word for “knowing” means “to fix one’s attention on” or “put one’s thoughts on”. His pilgrimage of faith led him to forsake his birthplace, his home and estate. He severed family ties, left loved ones and abandoned his present security for future uncertainty. Sounds the kind of thing every believer goes through - or does it! I don’t think so. Why did he obey and leave? Because he knew God is trustworthy. b.

Abraham’s Sacrifice “The Works of Jonathan Edwards” makes very challenging reading.

Edwards states, “I have been before God, and have given myself, all that I am and have, to God. So that I am not in any respect, my own. I have given myself clear away and have not retained anything as my own.”

We see the same attitude in Abraham as revealed in Genesis 22: 1-13.

God had already promised that Abraham’s posterity would grow to the size of a nation and would be His special people - Gen 12:2 and 15:2-5. The land to which the Lord would bring him would be that nation’s homeland -Gen 13:14-17, and his posterity would be a blessing to the world -Gen 12:2-3 and 18:18.

We read, “And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness”. Genesis 15:6 Abraham believed without a doubt that God would fulfil His covenant promises and do what He said. He knew, as we should, that God is trustworthy and faithful to His Word.

But how could Abraham expect the promises to be fulfilled if he were to offer up Isaac as a sacrifice?

Because Abraham “considered that

God is able to raise men even from the dead” - Hebrews 11:19, he knew that God would keep His promises somehow, even by a miracle if necessary. Abraham’s faith was not a blind faith for he had seen God’s trustworthy character and integrity on display time and time again. His faith was well placed.

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God’s Faithfulness to His Covenant Not long after God created Adam and Eve, they decided to disobey Him. The whole earth was cursed as a result. Our first parents lost their fellowship with God and were exiled from Eden.

Murder, corruption, violence, polygamy, idolatry, incest, lying, stealing, adultery, and every kind of sin became common so that God destroyed everyone from off the face of the earth, except for the eight in Noah’s family. In the generations that followed the flood people continued to flee from God. Yet the amazing thing is that God did not give up on humanity.

Abraham was a part of God’s eternal plan. He was to be the progenitor of the nation of Israel, which was to bring salvation to the world through the Messiah.

God did not chose Abraham to be a part of His divine plan because of any particular merit on his part. God made His choice according to His sovereign pleasure and will. Abraham would become the father of a mighty nation, and in him all the nations of the earth would be blessed, simply because the Lord had said, “I have chosen him” Gen 18:19 The Lord certified His promise to Abraham through a covenant and it is

very interesting and revealing the way this was done. In those days the way covenants were ratified in the Middle East is described in Gen 15. God told Abraham to cut specified animals in half and set them opposite each other.

After this the Lord caused a deep sleep to fall upon Abraham but the Lord continued to speak to him about His promise and then passed between the halves Himself.

Ordinarily, both parties would walk between the pieces to symbolize their mutual responsibility in fulfilling the conditions of the agreement, as if to say, “May we ourselves be cut in two if we don’t keep our part of the bargain.” But Abraham had no part in determining the conditions of the covenant or the ceremony that sealed it. That only God walked between the pieces signified that the total responsibility was His. Abraham was not a party to the covenant, but a recipient of it and also a vehicle for its fulfilment.

Abraham was secure in the eternal plan of God. Why? Because God is true to His Word and faithful to fulfil His covenant promises. In all the universe only He can say, “Surely, just as I have intended so it has happened, and just as I have planned it so will it stand.”

Isa 14:24 3. God’s Unchanging Character In Malachi 3:6 we read what God says concerning Himself, “I the Lord, do not change.” The apostle James says of the Lord, regarding His character, “There is no variation of shifting shadow”. James 1:17

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In his book “The Attributes of God”, Arthur Pink writes, “God cannot change for the better, for His is already perfect; and being perfect He cannot change for the worse. Altogether unaffected by anything outside of Himself, improvement or deterioration is impossible. He is perpetually the same”.

God’s unchanging character sets Him apart from everyone and everything. The heavens, for example, are subject to change. They move about, following their courses.

Even the earth is subject to change. People have been trying continually to change the face of this earth . Again the book of Revelation tells us that both the people on the face of this earth and even the plant life will one day be no more. Peter was also aware of this - 2 Peter 3:6-7.

The ungodly are subject to change. Many who believe that they are reasonably happy and have an acceptable way of life will one day realize that an eternity without God is a tragic existence.

Even believers change. There are times when our love for Christ burns and we obey Him, but there are other times when it smoulders and we disobey. Even the prophets and apostles of old had their good days and bad days. Everyone and everything in the universe is subject to change and changes. But not God! Conclusion What does the unchanging character of God mean to us as Christians? – in one word - Comfort.

As A.W.Pink pointed out: Human nature cannot be relied upon; but God can! However unstable I may be, however fickle my friends may prove, God changes not. If He varied as we do, if He willed one thing today and another tomorrow, if He were controlled by impulse, fancy notions, whims, feelings who could confide in Him? But, all praise to His glorious name; He is ever the same. His purpose is fixed, His will is stable, His Word is sure. Here then is a rock on which we may fix our feet, while the mighty torrent is sweeping around us, and sweeping everything away. The permanence of God’s character guarantees the fulfilment of His promises.

His promises include a salvation for a believer that is eternal. That means that He will faithfully manifest His love, forgiveness, mercy, and grace towards us forever!

God reassuringly says, “The mountains may be removed and the hills may shake, but My loving kindness will not be shaken.”

Isa 54:10. Amen n

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MEET OUR MISSIONARIES Rev. and Mrs. Norman Fox are well known to many of our readers and listeners, having ministered in our Lisburn Church.

Thank you, Norman, for this summary of past, present and future plans of The Norman Fox Missionary Cause.

Pray for Norman, Ruth and the team!

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n 2003, after fifteen years of ministry, we left Lisburn Congregational Church to concentrate on our outreach in Romania. God opened up this door and has kept it open ever since. To reach the poorest people we have ever seen was God’s call to us. There are villages with little or nothing, mud floors in houses, no water, little food, poorly clad children and anxious parents.

So we have our motto “Wrap the Gospel in a sandwich”.

Over the years thousands of food parcels, items of clothing, pairs of shoes and medical help have been provided. From village to village we go and with our own two workers in the city of Bucharest. We also go unto the streets of Bucharest with Sister Ina (an elderly lady who works with the street people) and visit families who live in the railway station, parks and even underground below the manhole covers. How poor they are, so we supply soup, sandwiches, clothes and teach them God’s Word.

In Bucharest we also visit a hospital for very sick children, some having cancer, kidney problems and other sicknesses. There is a Christian play room and we are able to meet there to sing, play and bring a Gospel story. For these dear children we buy pyjamas , food, toys and Christian books including picture Bibles.

Our brother Cristi whom we support has just commenced in the city of Lasi in another area.. There he has a meeting in his apartment, preaches in a village church, has opened up new work in two villages and also has a class each week to teach teenagers God’s Word.

In the centre of the country we help a C.E.F. worker who meets with four hundred children every week.

Florina is a great girl, always ready to evangelise.

Over Christmas Cristi had a Gospel Rally in a Cultural Hall (formerly communist) and so many came they could not all get in.

We do have rallies and missions and they come in their hundreds to hear God’s Word. Thousands have been

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helped through our Cause and at the moment eight hundred children and young people are reached each week.

For the future we plan to continue the work, of course, but also to raise up a new church in Cristi’s city. This city with a population of 800,000 has only a 3% evangelical witness. We would also like to build a camp centre where the children could go in the summer and where we could reach the thousands of young people and children in Romania.

Please pray for our full-time workers, Laurentiu and Mariana in Bucharest and surrounding villages Cristi inLasi city Also helping Sister Ina (street worker, Bucharest) Florina- (CEF - village work) Also prayer is appreciated for Norman’s visits as he travels extensively in that vast country.

Praise God for all those who support us prayerfully and financially. n

Stamp Appeal Don’t throw away your used postage stamps any more!

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Since 1978 ‘Mercy Ships’ has used hospital ships to deliver free, world-class health care services in the developing world. They have worked in more than 70 countries providing services valued at more than $800 million, and touched the lives of millions of people.

Each year about 1,200 people from over 40 nations offer as volunteers, all paying their own way to do so. Professionals including surgeons, dentists, nurses, health care trainers, teachers, cooks, seamen, engineers, and agriculturalists donate their time and skills to the effort.

For more information log in to www.mercyships.org.uk

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After ten months without a minister since the retirement of Rev. Dr. Ryan, we are pleased that Rev. Dr. Ivan Hull, a retired minister of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, has agreed to take charge of Whitehead Congregational Church on a part time basis.

Over the past months during our vacancy we prayed to the Lord to send us a man of His choice as we wanted someone to lead us in our worship, bring the church together and help maintain the Congregational Faith and we look forward to his ministry.

The Rev. Hull sends this message to his congregation, ” I look forward to getting to know you and to ministering to you in the things of God and supporting you in times of crisis and need. We live in days of enormous challenge and also of great opportunity. Whitehead Congregational has a part to play in bringing a Christian response based on the sovereignty of Jesus Christ as Lord and His ability to save, not just that we might go to heaven when we die, but for day to day living in the here and now.

I am absolutely committed to Jesus making a difference in life. I love preaching because I have a great God and Saviour to preach about. In addition I love worship and a long-term involvement in the PCI has been helping the church become more missionary minded and competent – surely a need everywhere.”

We pray that Rev Hull will lead us forward in the Power of God and help build up and extend His Kingdom and lead us into 2012 and for many years to come and that it may be the beginning of great things to come.

On Friday, 30th December, 2011, Newtownards Congregational Church had the privilege and pleasure of conducting a special service for the Ordination and Induction of Mr. Paul Acheson to the Pastorate of the Church.

The Chairman, Rev. Colin McFarland, opened by extending a warm welcome to the many guests who attended.

The service continued with the hymn “Tell out my Soul”, after which Rev. Trevor Gillanders, brought greetings from the Fellowship at Abbots Cross

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Congregational Church. Trevor Paul as the Pastor for the Fellowship. fondly reflected on his memories In response, Paul Acheson thanked and friendship with Paul and his everyone for attending. He proceeded wife, Sharon over many years before to outline the prayerful deliberations committing the service to the Lord in which culminated in his and prayer.

Sharon’s decision to accept the call Mr. Trevor Matthews, Director of The to the Pastorate of Newtownards Faith Mission in Ireland ,commended Congregational Church.

Paul and Sharon to the Fellowship.

The proceedings continued with After reading and expounding a the Act of Ordination. With the selection of verses from 2 Timothy, which he said were wholly appropriate Congregation standing, Rev. Raymond McLarnin, Secretary of the to this occasion, he outlined his Congregational Union of Ireland, friendship with Paul and Sharon over performed the Act of Ordination. This the past two decades with The Faith was followed by Mission. He the Ordination testified that both Prayer, offered were faithful and

by Rev. diligent workers Jim Moore, in the Lord’s Chairman of the service and it Congregational was his prayer Union of Ireland. that they both prospered in their The right Hand of new ministry.

Fellowship was extended to Rev. On behalf of Paul Acheson by the Church, Mr. l/r: Roy McKee (deacon), Sharon Acheson, the Deacons of John Stewart, John Stewart (Church Secretary), Rev. the Church, the Church Secretary, Paul Acheson, Raymond Finlay (church Rev. McLarnin extended thanks treasurer) and Rev. Moore to everyone for Front: Timothy and Philip Acheson on behalf of the coming to this Congregational Union of Ireland. special landmark occasion in the life of Newtownards Congregational John, on behalf of the Fellowship, Church. John extended thanks to Rev. welcomed Paul and Sharon and their Colin McFarland and all taking part in sons, Timothy and Philip. He also the service. He paid tribute to the extended thanks to Rev. McFarland for former Pastor, Rev. James Logan and His assistance with visitation, Bible his wife, Janice, thanking them for study and pulpit supply during the their loving care and commitment period of vacancy. to the Fellowship over twelve years.

Mr. Raymond Finlay, Church Treasurer, Continuing, John recounted the thanked John Stewart for his prayerful process the Diaconate administration of Church affairs during pursued which led to the choice of the vacancy and his wife, Gladys,

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for her management of the catering arrangements and other aspects of church life.

Then followed ministry in song by Mr. Peter Mander who sang “From the dust of the earth.”

The service continued with the singing of the hymn “Give me the faith.”

The Charge to the Church and Minister was given by Pastor John Shearer from Musselburgh Baptist Church near Edinburgh, Scotland, and a lecturer at the Faith Mission Bible College.

Pastor Shearer outlined His association with Paul and Sharon and expressed his pleasure at being invited to speak at his ordination. He offered Paul some sound advice for his future ministry, which was “If you preach the Bible, you will never run out of seed to sow.”

Pastor Shearer’s Bible reading was from Romans chapter 11 verse 33.

The essence of the message was “The awesome Supremacy of God and the need for an earnest desire to know Him in greater depth.”

The Service concluded with the hymn “Lord, for the years” and Benediction.

Supper and a time of Fellowship were enjoyed at the culmination of the service.

The church in Larne had waited a long time for this day. Our patience and our prayers have been rewarded.

The Lord has sent a man to shepherd His flock here on Curran Road and we give thanks to Almighty God for all His goodness and His benefits.

Chris McKinven was Pastor of Dagenham Congregational Church

when he received the call from Larne.

Under God’s divine guidance he accepted the call and his Ordination and Induction service was held on Saturday afternoon 7th January 2012.

The church was packed to overflowing with some folk in the back hall where there was a video link to the service.

The introduction was by the Chairman of the Congregational Union, Rev. Jim Moore and the first hymn “To God be the Glory” surely reflected the mood of the congregation as they praised and thanked God for His faithfulness.

Rev. Henry Montgomery opened in prayer and the scripture reading was

by Rev. Paul Bradley.

After a statement from the Church Secretary, Mr William Smyth, there was a statement from the minister elect, Mr. Chris McKinven, and following this, the act of Ordination and Induction by Rev. Raymond McLarnin, Secretary of the Congregational Union. Rev McKinven then received the right hand of fellowship from the Diaconate and also from the Chairman of the Union, Rev. Jim Moore.

The Quartet, ‘All for Jesus’ then sang two pieces before Pastor Simon Smallwood from London brought the Charge to the new minister. This was followed by a Charge to the church from Rev. Noel Darragh. Mrs Agnes Moore presented Mrs. Stacey McKinven with a bouquet of flowers.

After the Benediction by Rev. Chris McKinven the congregation sang the Doxology, “How good is the God we adore”.

The last two lines of the doxology read thus; “We’ll praise Him for all that is

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and trust Him for all that’s to come.”

That is what we in the church in Larne are doing.

Despite a rather chequered past, we have real assurance that Almighty God is still with us and we know by the words of our loving Saviour, “I will never leave you or forsake you,” that this is true.

As we begin this new chapter in the life of the Larne church, we think of these words that Nathaniel, Pastor Smallwood mentioned in his charge to the Stacey, Rev. Chris, Gracie and new minister, “The advancement of the Gospel”, Noah McKinven -In whatsoever we do, let it be for Christ. He must increase, but we must decrease.

Albert Bridge installed their new work in the interim period. Rev. David minister, Rev. Wesley Ellis, on Kelly, former minister of Bloomfield Saturday, 14th January. A congregation Congregational Church, spoke on the of around two hundred was present need of minister and congregation at the service which was led by having a shared vision for the future. the church’s Assistant Minister, Rev. There were light refreshments at David English. It included Wesley’s the reception following the service family and friends, present and and everyone enjoyed a time for former members of the congregation, fellowship. Rev. Moore brought the representatives from a number of best wishes of the Union to Wesley other Congregational Churches and and the church and Canon Edwy Kille, other denominations.

Willowfield Parish, brought greetings on behalf of the local churches.

Rev. Raymond McLarnin, Hon. Secretary, Congregational Union Rev. Ellis brought of Ireland, took the Act of the proceedings Induction and the right hand to a close by of fellowship was given by the thanking all who Deacons and Rev. Jim Moore, had brought or Chairman, CUI. sent greetings to him and the Mr. Alan Ranson, Deacons’ church and also Secretary, told of how the thanked everyone church was led to call Rev. involved in the Ellis to be their minister. He preparations thanked all those who had for the service, filled the pulpit during the reception and the vacancy and also paid tribute Rev. Ellis is welcomed to manse. n to Rev. David English for all his the church

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CHILDREN’s PAGE So, what’s growing now?

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o you remember Mrs. Haaijer’s story in the last magazine? Wow! That’s such a long time ago. You were looking forward to Christmas; maybe you’ve been doing exams; So much has happened.

In the last magazine we also asked you, “What’s growing?” Remember now?

The fruit of peace was growing in Mandy’s heart because she wasn’t in a panic as she sat her transfer test. She knew God was with her. Alex’s fruit was patience. Can you remember why? I’ll give you a clue - Alex’s brother, Alfie, took ages to learn his spellings. That’s right. Alex was so patient with Alfie and helped him with his spellings.

Can you remember the last one? The boy was called Jack and he was looking forward to his friend’s birthday party. In fact he had promised to be there - until ...... Jack’s uncle invited him to a football match that he really wanted to go to. Of course he would go to the match but ..... it was the same day as the party. Now he had a choice to make. Because Jack had faithfulness growing in his heart he kept his word to his friend and went to the party.

The Holy Spirit lives in every Christian. He is invisible so nobody can see Him coming to live in a person. But people can see that He is there by the way the Christian lives. The Holy Spirit “grows” LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS and SELF-CONTROL in the lives of God’s children.

Lily plucked up the courage to invite her friend, Sophie, to Sunday School.

Sophie’s reaction was quite a shock. “No way,” Sophie told her, very loudly, “I don’t know how you can be bothered with something so boring. All these rules – you have to read your Bible, you must go to church, you must do this and you must not do that.”

“It’s not like that at all,” Lily stammered. “I don’t go to Sunday School because of a rule. I go because I love Jesus and I want to be there. I get to know him better that way.”

“Is he real?” asked Sophie.

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“Oh yes! I know Him, He’s with me all the time” Sophie cooled down a bit – this was new to her. She finished the discussion with - “Well anyway, I don’t want to go.” The two friends trudged on towards home. They stopped at a shop to buy something to eat. Sophie chose crisps and Lily bought a bar of chocolate. Sophie noticed that her friend paid with a £5 note. “You could buy far more stuff,” she suggested, “I would buy loads.”

“I know, but this money has to last me a whole month,” Lily explained.

They munched their way through their treats and caught up with some class mates.

As they joked together they passed an old man whose shopping bag had dropped and some of his things had spilled out. The others didn’t seem to see him but Lily did. She stopped to help him pick up his shopping and then joined the others.

Did you find three fruit? Are they growing in your life? n Answers: love, kindness, self-control.

Saturday, 8th September, 2012 TITANIC CENTRE The story of the TITANIC Belfast from a Christian perspective with You may include a fully guided tour of the TITANIC centre beforehand for an addi!onal £8.75.

Tour commences at

11.15a.m.

Elizabeth Conn soloist: Kellie Hanna

12.30p.m. - 2.30p.m. £7 p.p. for TICKETS contact: Dessie Coffey 028 91817934

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ANNA SIMPSON Prodigal Daughter This testimony was originally published in ‘News & Views’, a newsletter written by the Women’s Ministry team of The Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (F.I.E.C.). I was so encouraged when I read it that I thought it should be shared with our readers and listeners. It is printed here by kind permission of the writer and the editor of News & Views. Ed.

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ife was good. I enjoyed my job, owned a three-bedroom house with my fiancée and had a good social life. But every so often I stopped to think about the way I was living and knew that it was against the way I was raised. I felt a nagging burden of sin, but I always put that to the back of my mind and carried on. My mum reflected sadly at the state of all her offspring, “None of our five children showed any desire for God and several lived in open rebellion to His Law and the way they had been taught, dishonouring the name of Christ. We began to wonder where we had gone wrong.”

I was raised a daughter of a Baptist minister, in a small church with few other children. From a young age I was taught the Bible and believed in God but I wasn’t interested spiritually and knew I wasn’t saved. At school I behaved much like everyone else but it didn’t always feel right. At home I behaved as my parents expected, but for the wrong reasons.

I threw myself into student life at university enjoying the freedom from home. My mum put a local church in touch with me but I ignored their

contact. Although I held strong beliefs, often defending the Bible with friends, I didn’t really want to be a Christian yet. I suppose I thought the Christian life would be dull and I didn’t want to sacrifice the things I enjoyed, so I didn’t go to church.

I continued to grow more distant after university. I moved in with my boyfriend, Tony, we bought a house and later got engaged.

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Life seemed good but I began to think about church, again reminding me of my sin. We hit a crisis point when we tried to plan our wedding. Tony wasn’t interested in using a church hypocritically for a wedding but agreed to attend for a six month “trial”. I knew I wanted to go to a faithful evangelical church, an indication that all was not lost, and once we found one we soon started a Christianity Explored course.

Even though I had heard the gospel before, it felt new. I started to look at life differently – not the sacrifice of being a Christian, but the sacrifice Christ had made for me.

I finally realised the gospel was true in my heart and, mercifully, the Lord had also saved Tony. “Hallelujah, what a Saviour!”

I found it difficult to tell my parents that I had been saved as we had grown somewhat distant. Perhaps I also found it difficult to admit being wrong for so long. My younger sister, Ruth, didn’t know what to make of my sudden change. She was going to university and I had influenced her into following the same path in rejecting the Lord.

But over time she saw my new life being lived out and she was challenged to look at her own life.

“The Lord had his plan”, said my mum, “and graciously began to save them one by one. Wonderfully four of them are now God’s children.

He is continuing to fulfil the promise given to us many years ago that “all your children shall be taught of the Lord and great will be their peace” Isaiah 54 v 13. It is encouraging to remember that salvation belongs to the Lord and He will work it out in His perfect time”.

At the time of writing (summer, 2010), Anna and Tony Simpson, with their daughter, Naomi, were living in London Theological Seminary where Tony was in his second year of ministry training.

Ed.

Unanswered yet?

The prayer your lips have pleaded In agony of heart these many years?

Does faith begin to fail, is hope departing, And think you all in vain those falling tears?

Say not the Father hath not heard your prayer; You shall have your desire, sometime, somewhere.

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Unanswered yet? Nay, do not say ungranted; Perhaps your part is not yet wholly done; The work began when first your prayer was uttered, And God will finish what He has begun.

If you will keep the incense burning there, His glory you shall see, sometime, somewhere.

News from the Churches Abbots Cross (Rev. Trevor Gillanders) www.abbotscross.org While Christmas is a distant memory it was a busy time in the church with our Christmas Morning Family Service a real blessing. Our Watchnight Service was a time of food, fun and fellowship and was the best attended in recent years.

Our minister and his wife completed their first year in the church and they have endeared themselves to the congregation, young and old alike. During the year we have seen a number of souls saved and quite a number of new members join the church. It is exciting to see God working in the fellowship.

The Ladies’ Fellowship now meets once a month but a number of events have been planned for this year. In addition the ladies have started to meet for a monthly craft evening which is proving to be very popular.

The Trailblazers’ Club, our outreach to children, takes place in June, as usual. We normally have up to 150 children of primary school age attend each night and we are praying that many of them will be touched by the gospel. The club is an opportunity for everyone in the church to work together to reach the boys and girls.

and details about all our upcoming events. Also, we are now putting sermons online through the website.

Albert Bridge (Rev. Wesley Ellis)

Mums and tots Christmas party

The carol singers See page 12 for news of the Induction Service for Rev. Wesley Ellis.

We are planning an outreach in the area in July so keep an eye on our new format website for further information

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annual winter barbeque.

In weather significantly more clement (Rev. Henry Montgomery) than last Christmas, a family service www.ballycraigy.org.uk was held on Christmas morning and 2012 started following a fellowship a variety of interesting Christmas night when we reviewed some events presents were proudly displayed connected with church throughout by children – from dolls to iPods to 2011. As well as enjoying looking at security systems, The Christmas this, we were reminded that being period continues at the time of busy is not everything as we sought writing, with the senior citizens’ God’s blessing for 2012.

Christmas dinner will take place on This followed the various Christmas Saturday, 21st January. events during which visitors at the With the start of a new year, a Christmas markets in Belfast were new series of studies has started. treated to the On Sunday melodious tones mornings the of Ballycraigy focus has carol singers, as been on 1 we participated Corinthians in outreach with the there on 16th title “How December. to Behave in (see report on Church”, a next page.) practical and On 18th challenging December the series of Christmas services took place. In the sermons so far. The Lord’s Prayer morning there was a nativity play with is the subject of preaching in the a fantastic stable, where the story was evenings and on Mondays nights the told through a wordless book format. study is on the book of Daniel.

It was no mean feat to produce such Church a play involving so organisations are many children. now back in the A family Carol swing of things.

Service which took Men’s Fellowship place in the is having a trip evening was well to Belfast City attended and Hall where an again the children epilogue will and young people be brought by ministered in song.

Jonathan Bell This was followed MLA. A ladies’ by carol singing Paddle & life jacket in church -kayak weekend at the in the Ballyrobert at home! north coast is area and the

Ballycraigy

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planned for February.

This is also the time when consideration is given to the possibilities for summer outreach. As people begin to seek direction or plan teams we pray that God would direct and bless.

What a lovely present! Does it bite?

to join in with the singing. Along with the Carols, there were a number of scripture passages read out and some of the musicians had an opportunity to briefly share something of their faith.

At first the men weren’t too sure about joining in but by the end many of them were singing their hearts out with ‘O Holy Night’ being a particular favourite. When the service was over there was a chance to chat with the men over a cup of tea and to share the love of a Saviour who came to ‘set the prisoner free!’

Also at the Service were Father Ciaran and Sister Margaret who run the Prison Chapel. They too greatly appreciated the visit and even asked if the group could come back again at Easter!

All in all we felt it was a wonderful opportunity to share the light and hope of the gospel in such a dark place.

Would you continue to pray for Vincent as he regularly visits the men and for opportunities for us to return and to share again the great love of God in Christ who came to seek and to save that which was lost?

YOUTH REPORTS On the 10th December, Arbour Hill Prison in Dublin opened its gates to five unusual visitors carrying three guitars, a keyboard and a tin whistle!

They were there at the invitation of Pastor Vincent Gannon to hold a Carol Service in the Prison Chapel to which each of the men inside had been invited.

It was with some nervousness It has now the group set become a up – not really Christmas knowing what tradition for to expect or many of us in how the inmates Ballycraigy to visit would respond the Continental to the first Market at Belfast Carol Service to Prison visitors - l/r: Richard Harris, Aileen City Hall. While Montgomery, Adam Humphreys, Andy be held in the we enjoy browsing Lamberton and Jamie McMillan Prison in living the stalls and memory! As munching on hog roasts, kangaroo the men gathered in they were each burgers and crepes there is also handed a Carol Sheet and encouraged

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another reason for the visit – Carol Singing!

Each year permission is sought and granted for us to stand on the City Hall steps and sing Carols to the passing crowds. So for two hours on a cold December evening we sang of the Saviour who came to save from sin and to reconcile to God. A number stopped and listened and more than

once comments were made along the lines of “That is just lovely – thanks so much for coming” or “We are fed up with the Christmas music played in the stores – it’s so nice to be reminded of the old Carols!”

Christian leaflets were also handed out – this year over 700 were taken!

One had a candy cane attached and explained the Gospel by using the candy cane as an illustration. Another had a Chocolate Coin attached and was called ‘Money isn’t everything – but it’s handy to have when you go shopping!”

It reminded its readers that real and lasting happiness doesn’t come from getting stuff but by meaningful relationships, especially with our Creator. All too quickly though, the time passed and we were singing “We

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wish you a Merry Christmas” before taking our leave.

We don’t know and maybe will never know the impact on lives this kind of outreach has. However, our desire and prayer is that God will use this witness to bring light into the darkness and to draw men and women to himself through the New-born King.

Ballynahinch (Rev. George Speers) www.ballynahinchcongregational.com On 7th December Tom McKendry spoke about the work of European Missionary Fellowship at the midweek.

On Friday, 9th December there was a reunion with the Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) Mission Team who had led a youth mission earlier in the year. The speakers at this event were the CEF workers, Chris McCune and Marcus Somerville. Chris gave his testimony and Marcus delivered a gospel message.

On the 18th December the Girls’ Brigade held their Annual Candlelight Carol Service. Rev Speers spoke on the gifts that the Wise Men brought.

Bangor (Rev. Victor Neill) Our Christmas outreach centred around our children’s work with two special services, when our boys and girls ( mostly from non Christian homes) took part. It was pleasing to see that mums, dads, grandparents etc who would not normally be present, were there to support the children as they sang and also did a Nativity play.

We are thankful, that though we are a small Church, we have between 40-50 children attending our clubs and it is

our prayer that as the real message of Christmas was presented on both occasions, boys and girls, mums and dads would realise the ‘must have gift’ is ‘the gift of God ( which) is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord’.

As we have just commenced a New year, we are conscious in Bangor as in other places, that there are ‘on- going battles’ to be fought against moral decline within society, against issues which are splitting and dividing Churches, against spiritual indifference at large within the commmunity, and, sadly at times, within the Church.

We also recognise there is much work to be done if the Gospel is to make progress - it is a work in which all of God’s people need to be involved. If we cannot be physically involved we certainly can be prayerfully involved. Indeed this is absolutely vital.

Leonard Ravenhill wrote, “The Church is dying on its feet because it is not moving forward on its knees!”

In Bangor it is our aim to make Christ and the wonder of the Gospel more widely known in 2012 so we will be praying and working to that end. Your support in prayer is a vital link in the chain.

As a friend from Sri Lanka wrote , “Without faith and prayer God’s plans cannot be achieved; you do not just pray for the work- prayer is the work!

Prayer has lifted us from the realm of human effort to the Divine.”

Carrickfergus (Rev. Paul Clarke) Christmas was a good time in Carrickfergus Congregational Church; We had our usual Carol Services and the children’s Christmas Party was a resounding success as usual (except for 2010, cancelled for bad weather). It was held on Saturday, 10th December and was attended by twenty-nine children and a number of older children (adults) all in fancy dress.

On Sunday morning, 18th December, the children’s Sunday schools took the whole service. They presented to us a first class and very enjoyable nativity play; this was well played out by the children with even a hint of

comedy. The shepherds were washing the Pastors socks, instead of watching their flocks, but the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of the Saviour was not missed!

It is a tremendous encouragement when anyone repents of their sin and asks God to forgive them, even more so when it is a child. This was the case when two children from the Campaigners were saved just recently.

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It is God who convicts and saves a person but Pastor would like to thank all those who serve God in our children’s and youth ministry. The results of your service are recorded in heaven.

Pastor Paul Clarke led the bible study the latter part of last year on ‘Revival’. What a subject for the end times! It is close you know; we were truly blessed. “But to Israel (the Ekkiesia & Ekklesia) he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.” Romans 10:21. However, this is no good unless we put into practice what we learned. I am reminding myself more than anyone because we can all do more to improve our “conversation”. Phil 1:27.

By the time this is in print we will have had our next study, brought to us by our brother, Pat. He is going to take us into a study of the “Jehovah witnesses” church. We will find out what they believe, how to witness to them when they confront you on your doorstep; more tools in our toolbox of love for the lost.

We are well into the New Year and there are many things to be done in

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the church.

The fellowship is short of workers.

Many people say, “I could not do this or do that”.

Dear Brother, Sister, you are right! You can do nothing of your own, but Christ, Who is your Saviour, can do all things through you.

Why not volunteer for something, even if it is just making up the legal number of adults at an event for one hour a week? You would be doing something for the God who gave you life.

May Almighty God bless you!

Cregagh (vacant) The work of the church continues in the absence of a minister.

We live in an urban setting where only a very small minority of (usually older) adults attend church or would profess faith in Christ. There is a constant need for our members to turn from being inward looking to being missional and seeking to proclaim the Gospel in our post Christian community.

For example, we worked hard and prayed hard in the Christmas period to invite neighbours, friends and relatives to a traditional ‘Carols by Candlelight’. This time we were joined by more ‘outsiders’ than for many years. We follow this by Carol singing to the neighbours, bringing presents to

them and then joining in a supper of traditional fare.

We look forward to an Easter ‘kindness initiative’, again seeking to engage with a lost community.

We pray earnestly for our community and seek that God might continually lead us to be effective witnesses.

Shortly, we will rerun the Christians Against Poverty seminars. We live in an area which must have many folks living in poverty and this programme seeks, in God’s name, to bring help.

Our Evangelism Team is considering a few other projects as we seek to be a Gospel light in our area, proclaiming in a relevant way.

We praise God for our own and visiting speakers who give us consistent preaching and teaching following a schedule of Bible and subject themes.

The series at the moment which we are following is ‘Gospel Words’, explaining the words Paul uses in Romans 8 – ‘pre-destined, ‘called’, ‘justified’ etc. This fits into the broader picture of ‘Christian Beliefs’ as we seek to teach and understand Reformed doctrines in a simple way.

By far our largest work is amongst children and young people. We thank God for the fifty leaders and helpers who serve over one hundred and fifty children. Our youth organisations continue to flourish and do excellent work.

‘Remix’ is the name of our youth fellowship or club. We are making a special effort to pray for and support this work, mainly on a Sunday evening, where numbers in the past have fluctuated greatly, depending on the attraction of Sunday night television.

At the moment our morning Sunday School has somewhat lower numbers which we hope can be improved, following a large group progressing to a junior Bible Class.

Our Bible studies continue at a number of levels. We are grateful for our own panel of Bible study leaders, a number of whom have been trained

by Precept Ministries. These lead both our midweek Bible Study and Prayer meetings, our ‘LifeGroups’ (small groups) and Growers’ group of newish Christians. A very substantial number of folks are additionally following the study of Amos – ‘Prepared to Meet Your God!’ We are being amazed how God speaks so precisely to us and our society today out of this book, 2,800 years later.

Our Pastoral Care Team organised for us an excellent family New Year’s Day this time on the 2nd of January – a time for the whole church, young and old, to enjoy time together. They also organise visitation of the elderly shutin members, helpful talks, and ‘Care Catering’ at funerals and for folks at times of personal crisis.

God’s church throughout the world now generally recognises the pressing need of discipleship teaching and training. As God leads, later in the year we hope to follow the ‘Freedom in Christ’ programme, and seek to see our lives changed to fully recognising what God has given us in Christ.

By God’s grace we are encouraged!

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Donaghey (Rev. Nigel Kissick) www.donagheychurch.com At our Watchnight service, on the threshold of 2012, our Pastor spoke from 1 Samuel on the theme of “Ebenezer – Hitherto has the Lord helped us”. This was a fitting text as we reviewed the final part of 2011 and look forward to all the Lord has in store for 2012.

We give thanks to the Lord for His help in 2011. In preparation for our Harvest Mission a week of prayer was held at the end of October. This ended with a Church breakfast on the Saturday morning, after which some members went out to distribute leaflets and invitations, while others stayed behind for prayer.

The Harvest Mission began with our Thanksgiving service on November 6th. The mission continued for a fortnight, with Pastor Victor Maxwell as speaker each night. We were blessed as we sat under his ministry, and thank God for the unsaved who attended and for souls who sought and found the Lord. Our church website – www.donaghychurch.com has links to Pastor Maxwell’s messages. We would encourage you all to listen to these.

During the Christmas period the church once again distributed the Meet the King booklet and invitations to our services to homes in the nearby areas of Newmills, Stewartstown and Coalisland. We pray that as the good news of the Gospel is put into homes it will reach others.

As Christmas approached, we also had our annual carol singing in local villages. On the Sunday before

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Christmas the children took part in the morning service and received their attendance prizes; the evening service was the Carol service where Mr Adrian Kelso, a member of our congregation, gave a word of testimony to God’s dealings in his life.

The Christmas morning service was well attended and it was lovely to see many of our children out, each one bringing one of their presents to show the congregation.

Missionary interest continues to be an important part of our Church life.

After our Monday night Harvest Service the offering was used to sponsor three children through F.A.M.E. (Friends of Africa Missionary Endeavour) and at a recent midweek a DVD was shown to update members on this.

Some of our missionaries were home over the Christmas/New Year period and gave updates on their work and also points for prayer.

Now, as we look to the Lord for 2012, we pray that He will bless the work of our Pastor and bring further fruit from the Mission.

Our organisations have recommenced and again we ask for God’s help and guidance. We also have a Church dinner planned for the end of January which will be a time of fellowship and fun.

LARNE (Rev. Chris McKinven) www.larne-congregational.co.uk On Saturday evening, 19th November the Ladies’ Fellowship held their Praise Service in the church.

This was led by Rev. Norman Fox and the singers on the night were soloist, Parker Donnelly, ‘Homeward Bound’

choir and the male quartet, ‘All for Jesu’s. The ladies gave Rev’ Fox a gift for his work in Romania. This service was very well attended and supper was served afterwards in the hall.

On Sunday evening, 18th December we held our Carol Service. This year it was a bit different with members of the congregation coming to the front to read passages of scripture and Mrs. Mary McKay reciting some poetry.

The singers were Ernie Croft and Paul Matthews.

In December, one of our ladies had a special birthday. Mrs Jean Wharry

reached the grand age of one hundred.

There was a small celebration for her in her home with family and friends from the church attending. Rev. Jim Moore read from the scriptures and Rev. Noel Darragh presented Mrs Wharry with a bible to mark the occasion.

On Saturday 7th January the ordination and induction of Mr Chris McKinven to the Pastorate of the Larne church took place.

(See page 11) As the church begins this new phase under a new shepherd, we would pray that the Lord Himself, the great

Shepherd of the sheep, would bless us abundantly here in Larne and that He would not only continue to build His church, but that He would pour out a blessing that will overflow and flood this town.

Moneymore (vacant) We had our Harvest Services the first weekend in October and heard wonderful messages from God’s word through Henry Caskey on Sunday and Eric Lewis on Monday evening.

Following the Monday evening Service there was a time of fellowship over a cup of tea in the church hall.

At the Children’s Meeting on Monday nights numbers are small but good times are had, singing choruses and learning memory verses. Please pray for more school children to come to the meeting and that young souls can be reached and saved through hearing the Gospel.

The Ladies’ meeting is held once a month. It is a time where the ladies enjoy fellowship and visiting speakers tell of how the Lord is working in their lives.

On Thursday mornings Noah’s Ark Toddler Group meets and the mothers and carers enjoy a cup of tea while the children play and have a drink of juice and a piece of toast.

Friday night sees the young teens of Moneymore come to Livewire and after fun and games a short epilogue is given. This is a hard work as 95% of the children who attend are from the Roman Catholic community.

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Please pray for the young people who come as some are from very difficult backgrounds and family situations.

Sunday School continues each Sunday morning before church and the children use this time to work on learning the Scriptures and singing

God’s praises.

In the lead up to Christmas, each of the groups that meet, had some sort of Christmas party with a special visitor coming to see the children during their parties.

As a church we had a Christmas Family Service on Wednesday 21st December with a variety of different people taking part. It was a wonderful time and we are thankful that a good number of people from the locality came in and joined with us. Following the Service a cup of tea and juice was enjoyed in the hall.

Saying goodbye to 2011 and welcoming in 2012 was a joint service held this year in Donaghey Church.

We are thankful and blessed by the great work of our interim pastor, Rev. Fox and look forward to continuing our Lord’s work in Moneymore in 2012.

Please remember us in your prayers for the coming year.

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Raphoe (Pastor Mervyn Carter) 25th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS Seek ye the Lord. Is. 55:6 Seek ye the LORD, has been the motto of Raphoe Congregational Church since its opening on the 22nd November, 1986.

Our focus for the past twenty five years has been to encourage people to “Seek the LORD while he may be found; to call on him while he is near.”

This scriptural principal applies to all who call on Him at any time.

We held a series of events from Sunday, 20th until Sunday, 27th November to celebrate 25 years of God’s goodness to us here.

Sunday, 20th November was one of our Missionary Sundays and we were privileged to have Mr. Gary Bolton represent Every Home Crusade at both services that day. God richly blessed and challenged us through Gary’s ministry.

We held a Praise and Thanksgiving Service on Tuesday, 22nd at which Gregory Logan and Jude Colhoun on guitars with Jessica Kane on the laptop/projection, led us as we praised God. Pastor Mervyn Carter ministered from God’s Word.

Coulter Blackburn and Jude were on guitars, Gregory, on piano & Jessica, on, laptop/projection, opened our Musical Evening on Friday, 25th.

Mr. Warren Smyth (Downtown Radio) was our special guest singer that evening.

He certainly honoured God with his very spiritual presentation. His repertoire included songs from

George Hamilton 4th, with whom he sang at the Grand Old Oprey, Charlie Lansborough and Elvis along with many of his own recordings.

Both Coulter & Warren had us laughing with some of their stories as the evening progressed.

Warren and his dad travelled from Banbridge to be with us for that occasion. His farmer dad seemed very much at home among us and we certainly enjoyed their company.

Pastor Carter ministered from God’s Word. Warren along with Coulter, Gregory & Jude sang before we went for a beautiful supper.

The ladies put on an excellent Anniversary Supper on Saturday, 26th at which we were privileged to have our two previous pastors with their wives, Pastor Caldwell and Mrs. Maryann Darragh under whose ministry and Godly inspiration Raphoe Congregational Church was planned and built. Pastor James and Mrs. Janice Logan were with us on Friday night, Saturday night and Sunday Morning. James and Janice spent nine years in Raphoe and God richly blessed their ministry here.

Some of the young people put on an excellent table quiz between courses and kept the very full hall of diners entertained while we “olds” cleared tables and served the next course.

Mr. Trevor Matthews, Irish director of The Faith Mission in Ireland, ministered to us from God’s Word on Saturday following the Anniversary Supper and at both the morning and evening services on Sunday, 27th.

The ladies provided excellent suppers each night which was very much appreciated.

Isaiah 26:12 has been our experience since we started even thinking about this church: “LORD, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us.”

Spamount (Rev. Jim Lyons) www.spamount.co.uk “You crown the year with Your goodness and Your paths drip abundance” (Psalm 65 v 11). This was the morning message on New Year’s Day brought to us by our Pastor. He reminded us of God’s goodness, power and sovereignty and encouraged us to keep our focus on Him and to take His word as our spiritual compass in 2012.

Reporting retrospectively, five candidates were baptised in October.

Each candidate gave a brief resumé of their conversion and subsequent walk with God. As each person was baptised the congregation sang a song or hymn of the candidate’s choice. A great number of young students and friends poured into the church to support them. The church building was filled. Pastor Lyons spoke on Ruth’s beautiful words to Naomi in Ruth chapter 1 ...” entreat me not to leave you or to return from following after you........”

December brought the start of Christmas activities. Each organisation celebrated individually but on 16th December we came together for a Family Night. A delicious supper was provided by the ladies of the church.

A short drama, which was a re-write of the Christmas story with a modern and topical twist, was enacted by the young people. The usual mandatory

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quiz was held and the evening finished with carol singing and a short Epilogue.

The Christmas Carol service was held on the 18th December. This beautiful candlelight service had an atmosphere of almost palpable joy suffusing the sanctuary. The music was led by an eclectic group of instrumentalists, brass, strings, woodwind, piano and organ – a veritable symphony of sound.

The flickering of candlelight against the windows reminded us of Milton’s beautiful words:- “And storied windows richly dight, casting a dim religious light....”

Readings were given by a representative from each organisation in the church and the wonderful story of the INCARNATION in both words and song touched us anew with its wonder and awe.

On the evening of New Year’s Day six people from the congregation chose their favourite hymn or song, spoke about their reason for choosing it and then we sang it together. This service is becoming a familiar tradition in Spamount and is always popular.

Outreach into the area surrounding the church continues regularly. A team of volunteers, armed with invitations and scripture leaflets visit homes in the area. We are earnestly praying for a response.

We have ventured on plans for the building of a church hall in God’s will and with His help. This is sorely needed as our present temporary building is very inadequate.

In conclusion, no report of activities can touch the hearts of those who are bereaved, or sad or spiritually

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In conclusion, no report of activities can touch the hearts of those who are bereaved, or sad or spiritually deprived or lonely or frightened.

Only love, awareness, sensitivity and prayer can! May God keep us focused on the needs of individuals and give us hearing ears ,seeing eyes and perceptive hearts as we seek to serve Him in the community in which we are placed. n

Sincere apology to Straid Church from the Editor.

The general news report did not appear in the last edition of the magazine, although the three summer reports were printed.

This is a very baffling development for me, personally, as I cannot recall receiving the article. As soon as contributions are received I record them in a special file on the computer and write them into a notebook, to be sure! Somehow Straid’s report disappeared without trace. I could blame modern technology but........

The only other time a report got ‘lost’ was when I discovered it after the magazine was printed - where? - In the junk file.

Sorry, folks, I will try to be more diligent in the future.

CONGREGATIONAL YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS Congregational Youth - FOR YOUR DIARY: Friday, 25th May @ 7.45p.m. - Annual Rally in Donaghey Congregational Church Monday, 14th May @7.45p.m. - Committee Meeting in Bangor Church First Tuesday of every month, starting in February - Strong Meat Discipleship (venue to be decided) Richard Young Adults (18+ years) Stephen writes: Hi folks, Hope you all had a great Christmas and are enjoying the start of 2021. In a rare flash of organisation, we’ve sorted the plans for Young Adults between now and the summer. Please note the dates.

(One event is not included as it will already be past when you read this. Ed) Saturday, 31st March @ 7.45p.m. in Lisburn Church Saturday, 26th May (time t.b.a.) - Walk in the Mournes 20th -22nd April - WEEKEND - Murlough House, Dundrum - £50 These evenings are a great time of fun, fellowship and meeting new friends. If you’ve never been, why not come along?

WEEKEND, 2012 In particular, please make a big effort to come to the weekend. Booking forms will be circulated shortly but please take a note of the dates and give this a big push in your church. Grab a few people and come along. Everyone is welcome!

Section of the group of ladies who attended the Ballymena Church’s Ladies’ breakfast in Adair Arms. The speaker was Mrs. Jacki Bradley.

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New Year Encouragements & Challenges EGYPT Over 10,000 people attended our church for the prayer and praise service from 8-10pm. The sanctuary, upper gallery, overflow rooms and front entrance to the church were full and overflowing into the street, which was also packed with thousands of onlookers. We rented the parking lot which is owned by the US embassy adjacent to the church and set up a huge screen and thousands of chairs there as well. This area was also completely filled. Many from within the Orthodox and Catholic Churches came to join with us - committing the country into God’s hands, declaring to return to the truth of God’s Word and to show love to the majority religion here no matter the cost. There were even a significant number of people from the majority faith attending the Church service, many of them noticeably moved to tears by the prayer and worship songs.

At 10:30pm, most of the people attending the Church walked to Tahrir Square, joining thousands of people from the majority faith who were already celebrating there. We estimate that around 50,000 filled the square that night.

Starting at 11:30pm and ending 12:30am, we had the opportunity and joy to pray to God and praise Him. It was deeply moving for us to be able to worship God before thousands of Egyptians in a square that has been the main scene of violence and bloodshed for the past year. We praise God that on THIS night this place was an altar of praise and worship to our God and a source of joy and celebration for the Egyptian people. Thousands, if not millions, more Egyptians witnessed this event, as it was broadcast on most of the secular Egyptian TV channels and highlighted on the front page of all the Egyptian newspapers the next day.

Thank God with us for His mighty protection and for the opportunity to praise Him and witness before our fellow Egyptians o0o0o0o0o0o

JAPAN On reading a recent prayer letter from a missionary in Japan I discovered that all new prisoners entering at least one Japanese prison have to listen to the testimony of a Christian missionary as part of their orientation programme.

Prisoners are seeking Christ as their Saviour!

Ed. o0o0o0o0o0o

JEWS - Christians can learn from them!

The Jewish New Year was 28th September. It is a time when Jewish people make the effort to set things right with their neighbours and to apologise to those they have offended during the previous year. One writer has suggested that if Christians would set aside one week every year (as Jewish people do) to seek ►

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forgiveness of others and they were ready to forgive those who had offended them, it would have a renewing and refreshing effect on the Church.

As believers in the Messiah, every time we go to communion, or the prayer meeting or do evangelism, conduct a Sunday School class, lead a Bible study or even before we pray privately, remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:23, 24: ‘Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.’ If we refuse to hear these words, we will be put to shame by Jewish people who do the very works we refuse to do.

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HOT OFF THE PRESS! Recommended reading for ministers’ wives AND members of the congregations -male and female!

Published by IVP, there are ten chapters, each one written by members of The Women’s Ministry team of The Federation of Independent Evangelical Churches (F.I.E.C.) Chapter titles include: Her responsibility to God; Her responsibility to her husband; Her responsibility to her family; Privileges: Perks of the job; Pressure points; Handling criticism; Ten questions younger ministers’ wives ask (or wish they could ask) .....and more.

Many books have been written on the subject. I found this new book practical and challenging, especially from the most important point of view -the spiritual life of the minister’s wife.

In the preface the editor states: “Gospel ministry is a war and men get wounded. A man can sometimes return to his manse or vicarage on a Sunday night or after a church meeting completely shot up. The maintenance and repair supplied by a minister’s wife is essential to his return to the front line.

That is the kingdom importance of the minister’s wife.”

The minister’s wife can ‘make or break’ the ministry of her husband and their church.

MORE ABOUT THE F.I.E.C. Women’s Ministry team: The team has two main aimst to encourage appropriate Biblical women's ministries t to encourage pastors’ wives.

A newsletter, News & Views, is published bi-annually and can be posted to you or you can download in PDF from www.FIEC.org.uk A ‘Women in Ministry’ document was approved by the F.I.E.C. Annual Assembly in November, 2011 and can also be downloaded from the F.I.E.C. site.

CONGREGATIONAL UNION OF IRELAND WEB SITE: www.cuofi.com

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