Convention chair reflects

The Revd Ivor Smith, Convention Chairman, reflects on the Irish National Christian Endeavour Union’s most recent Convention and shares some of those thoughts with our readers

Nearly two years ago when we began to prepare for the 2018 Irish Convention we were greatly helped because our Union Secretary had kept her full notes from the previous Convention we had organised, so we had a ready-made check list of items to be dealt with.

Recognising that everyone was already very busy, we decided that the Union Executive as a whole would be the Convention Committee. This meant that our regular Executive meetings were held in two parts. In the first part, chaired by our Union President, we dealt with general Union business; then we became the Convention Committee, chaired by myself, and dealt with the plans for the Convention. It worked very well and saved everybody’s time.

Our three initial priorities were ‘Speaker, theme and venue’. Thought and prayer were given to each of these and members were asked to consider the suggestions at the next meeting.

Rev Andrew Faulkner was known to us, and had led a young people’s seminar at a previous Convention which we had organised, so we were delighted that he agreed to be our main Speaker.

We wanted a theme that would be challenging, encouraging, give the Speaker a broad scope to work with and be easily remembered – and we felt that, “Jesus First” did all of that.

As far as location was concerned, we felt that there was good road access to Ballygawley,

ample car parking and the accommodation we needed for the various activities over the weekend.

These important decisions were, of course, just the beginning.

The focal points during the Convention were the two evening Rallies where the new Missionary Project, Missionary Aviation Fellowship, was launched and the new Irish President, Mrs Ruth Agnew, installed.

What about the Juniors? We planned that they would sing a special song during our Friday night Rally and then leave for their own activity, with their Speakers.

What about the Young People? Their programme was planned with flexibility, including an overnight stay, a Saturday morning seminar on the theme, and a physical activity to use up their excess energy.

What about the Seniors? They were given the opportunity to join with the Saturday morning seminar as well as their own Rally in the afternoon with their own Speaker.

What about CE business? The Annual Business Meeting was given its proper place in the programme, while a training session for Junior leaders was offered during the Senior Rally.

Many other decisions were made, including that of making available a selection of Christian books and CE supplies to purchase and, of course, the provision of appropriate food for all those attending the Convention.

All in all the Convention ran smoothly, and we trust that those who came were both encouraged and challenged as they seek to live and work for the Saviour day by day.

Ivor Smith