Autumn 1987
Dear Friends,
It
is time once again for me to do an article for the Magazine. It seems only a very short time since I wrote one before, but
it is a year. Time has passed so
quickly. Another summer is past and
Autumn has come. While thinking about this article I was considering the passing
of time and so I want to share a few thoughts with you on the subject of time.
Firstly,
time is passing. For some it passes
slowly, for others it passes swiftly. I
remember that as a child time seemed to drag whenever I was waiting for
something. It seemed that the
school holidays would never come or that Christmas Day would never arrive, and
when the-long awaited event did arrive it passed so quickly. I suppose for
someone who is suffering pain or who is lonely then time goes slowly. How long
morning is in coming when we cannot sleep.
Yet for many of us time seems to fly.
How often we have heard it said that the older you get the quicker time
goes. It seems so short a time from
one weekend to the next. Each week is just a blink. Yet whether time passes
slowly or quickly, it is passing away. Each
second as it passes leaves us one second older and one
second nearer to eternity. In
the book of James the question is asked in Chapter 4 v 14 "For what is your
life?" and the answer is "It is even as a vapor that appeareth for a
little time and then vanisheth away". I believe that the writer was thinking about the
swift passage of time. Just as the
scientists count down to a rocket launch five, four, three, two, one, zero, so
our lives are counting down second by second for our take-off into eternity.
When zero hour arrives and the blast-off takes place to where will your soul be
launched?
Then I believe that time is precious. Many people say "Time is money" or "Don’t waste my time, it is precious." One thing about time is this, it does not repeat itself for us. Like words spoken or water spilt on parched ground it cannot be gathered up or taken back again. What a thought to ponder, that as each second passes by it is gone forever. How precious a commodity it is yet so often we are guilty of spending it foolishly. For Christians each moment should be very precious, and we should seek to use it wisely and not misuse it. Just as God will hold us accountable for each word spoken, I am sure He will also hold us accountable for each moment spent. Each second used will not be used again, it cannot be repeated and if misused that second is lost to us forever. How many people have said "If only I could put the clock back and live the past again things would be different". How many hours are spent, precious hours, undoing the harm done by mis-spent time. Time is also precious because money or position cannot buy it. It is in God's hand to give, a precious gift from God; so how do we use this precious commodity, usefully or wastefully? Also time is precious because of the golden opportunities for service for God it affords. So often our attitude seems to be, we can do God's will to-morrow, we will please ourselves today. That means another day lost for God, another day when we have laid up no treasure in heaven. We spend a large amount of time making sure that our bank balance down here is healthy, but I wonder what time is spent laying up treasure in heaven. In Matthew Chapter 6 verses 19-21 the Lord Jesus Christ sets before us the best way. Of course for the unsaved time seems of little consequence. They live for today, but how sad it is for so many when they discover that today is the last day.
Now while time is passing and precious, time is not permanent. Time will end. This is seen clearly in scripture. In Revelation, that great last book in the bible, we read of the end of time. Time will give way to eternity and in eternity there is no time measurement. But even before that great day when time shall be no more for many, time will end in death. In the book of Ecclesiastes Chapter 3 we are told “there is a time to every purpose under the heaven, a time to be born, and a time to die”. Now in view of that fact that time will end for each of us “What manner of persons ought we to be”. For the unsaved there is a word that is appropriate in Psalm 89 v 47 – Remember how short time is". While it may seem to many that there is no urgency concerning their salvation, scripture would warn "Behold now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of salvation" II Cor 6 v 2. Remember time is passing swiftly by, precious seconds, that give you opportunities to repent and believe the gospel to the saving of your soul, are drifting away and while you are sure of now, you should remember, time is short, time will end and you have no guarantee of tomorrow. For the Christian the Scriptures encourage us to “redeem time” in Eph. 5 v 16. The thought here is for us to make the very most of each moment. We are living, we believe in the very last days of time. The days are evil and a lot still has to be done for God, let us, as it says in 1 Peter 1 v 17 "pass the time of your sojourning here in fear". If we have been guilty of wasting time let us repent and seek to make our time count for out Master by our every word, thought and action, so that in that day when the trumpet of the Lord shall sound and time is no more we will have no regrets over wasted time.
Auldwyn Calderwood.
THE LADIES FELLOWSHIP
What better time to face the task of writing out the report for the Ladies Fellowship than just on return home from one such meeting. I can say it was good for us to be there for truly we met with the Lord. We may not have Missionary representatives during the summer months but it would not be true to say we have no speakers. Mrs S Fleming, Mrs M. Robinson, Mrs I. Livingstone and Mrs B. Bankhead, all proved their worth over the holiday period when we were blessed of God.
Our outing this year on 30th May was a great success. We may have chosen the longest day last year but we certainly had the largest and most enjoyable meal this year! Greenmount Lodge comes highly recommended. Our thanks to our driver Mr R. Herbinson and those who helped to make it a day to remember.
From September on we expect representatives from
Dublin Christian Mission
Scripture Gift Mission
Leprosy Mission
Disabled Christian Fellowship
Gideons International
Belfast Bible College and a visit from Pastor Hamilton Moore
The holiday season is now over. We must be up and doing. Have you been to our Ladies Fellowship Meetings? If not, why not? Will you reply please God? Have you redeemed the time? Can I encourage you to join us in the battle for souls.
Support us in supporting others in their work for Him.
The
fields are white
The
labourers are few.
Join
us once per month for prayer.
Mrs F. Smyth.
Speaking
Personally ...... .Moira Herbison
I
thank God for a Christian upbringing and I know that my parents prayed that
their family would come to know the Saviour whom they loved and served. All
through my childhood
I was taken along to gospel meetings and many times my young heart would be
convicted and I know that the only way I would over get to heaven would be if I
accepted Christ as my own Saviour, and that because my parents were saved didn't
automatically guarantee me an entrance into heaven. I kept putting it off
because I thought that maybe I would be missing out on some of the pleasures
this world had to offer, but
I thank God that He
continued to speak to me and at the age of 14 years at a tent mission conducted
by Joe Black and Ken Finlay I finally got saved. When I left school and started
nursing I became very careless about spiritual things and soon I began to be in
a backslidden state. I never got deeply involved in the world but the very fact
that I was neglecting reading my Bible and praying left my spiritual soul barren
and dry. Then I got married and at that time Raymond wasn't saved either but in
January1969 we were attending a mission in Dunloy Orange Hall and I knew my
parents were praying for Raymond and at that mission he got saved and that was
when I made a fresh commitment to God. I
have much to thank God for and He has answered my prayers many times. I have
indeed proved that He is more than a Saviour but a very dear friend to whom I
can talk and not only in times of trouble.
The King of love my Shepherd is,
Whose goodness faileth never.
I nothing lack if I am His,
And He is mine for ever.
“Commit Thy Way Unto The Lord"
Psalm 37v5
To God thy way commending
Trust Him whose arm of might
The heavenly circles bending
Guides every star aright.
The winds and clouds and lightning
By His sure hand are led,
And He will dark shades brightening
Show thee what path to tread.
Although to make God falter the powers of hell combine
One jot they cannot alter of His all wise design
All projects and volition of His eternal mind
Despite all opposition their due fulfilment find
Then do not droop and languish thou sorrow stricken soul
Even from the depths of anguish whose billows o’er thee roll
Thy Father's hand shall draw thee in hope and patience stay
And joy will soon shed o’er thee an ever brightening ray
Those faithless murmurs leaving which darken many a night
Cease from Thy bitter grieving because things seem not right.
Wisely His sceptre wielding God sits in regal state
No powers to mortals yielding events to regulate
Trust with a faith untiring in thine omniscient King
And thou shalt see admiring what He to light will bring
Of all thy griefs the reason shall at the last appear
Why now denied a season will shine in letters clear.
A. Alexander.
Young Peoples Fellowship
During
the summer months we had arranged a number of outdoor activities for the Young
People in order that we might have fellowship during the time when we had no
regular fortnightly Greetings. Unfortunately
these were not well attended but for those who did
come we can truly say we
had a good time.
We went yachting one evening with Mr Girvan McCorkell under “F.O.C.U.S.” (Finding out Christ under sail). All who attended on that occasion enjoyed a good time of fellowship. As usual the barbecue brought our summer activities to a close. However, summer is over and a new seasons work has begun and we would love to see you all coming along to support us. If you have never been before now is a good time to start and you will be made very welcome. Among the speakers expected in the near future are Mr Girvan McCorkell, Gideons, Mr Arthur Williams, Starous Foundations and Monkstown B.Y.F. Our Praise Evening will be held on 12th November D.V. We will announce more details later.
A Mother’s Love Is a Haven in the Storms of Life
A
Mother's love is like in island
In Life's ocean vast and wide
A Peaceful, quiet shelter
From the restless, rising
tide
A
Mother's love is like a fortress
And
we seek protection there
When the waves of tribulation
Seem to drown us in despair
A Mother's love's a sanctuary
Where our souls can find sweet rest
From the struggle and the tension
Of life's fast and futile quest
A
Mother's love is like a tower
Rising
far above the crowd,
And her smile is like the
sunshine
Breaking
through a threatening cloud
A Mother's love is like a beacon
Burning bright with faith and prayer,
And through the changing scenes of life
We can find a haven there.
For a Mother's love is fashioned
After God's enduring love
It is endless and unfailing
Like the love of Him above
For God knew in His great wisdom
That He couldn't be everywhere
So He put his little children
In loving Mother's care.
by Adeline Larkin.
She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed, her husband also, and he praiseth her.
Proverbs 31 26-28.
Missionary
Focus
Another
few months have passed since our last missionary report and in that time many
many precious souls who have never heard the message of the gospel have passed
into eternity. 1 hope we always remember to pray for those who are seeking to
reach the millions who are yet enriched for Christ, even as you read this little
report some missionaries are battling against all the forces of darkness
such as witch craft, witch doctors, demon possession and evil of all sorts from
the devil, so friends let's not forget those who have gone forth, let's stand
behind them in Prayer. I trust that we will all think on the words of the hymn
that says,. Revive us Lord is zeal abating, While harvest fields are vast and
white, Revive us Lord the World is waiting, Equip Thy Church to spread thy
light.
As
I read the letters from the different missionaries, some of them has a real
challenge. Jana Price who is working in Venezuela with New Tribes Mission tells
of an old man out hunting when a branch fell from a tree killing him instantly,
the tribesmen ask the missionaries did he go to God’s house?
Sadly thy had to say ‘No’ he didn’t know the Lord.
Then they said why don’t you tell us about the Lord. Sadly the
missionary replied we don’t know the language of you tribe so we can’t tell
them. Jana has asked for Prayer
that she might be able to learn the language quickly that this tribe might hear
the Gospel for the first time this year. This
is just one case, there are hundreds more the same, so do Pray many who have not
heard might hear in 1987.
Most
of us receive the ACRE Prayer Letter so you will know most of the latest news
from Brazil and the other places, it’s good to know that God is doing his work
and saving souls. Stanley Todd and
his wife will be leaving in September to return to Liberia.
This is a big step, especially as they are getting on in years and I’m
sure they would appreciate your prayerful support as they look to God to lead
them in future days.
I
would like you all to remember Geoffery and Gillian McGrath at this time, as
they have left these shores for USA and the training they will have to go
through over there. This will not
be easy, and they will need strength mentally and physically, so do remember
them daily as you come before God that He will strengthen them and equip them
for the task that is before them.
Walter
Burrell continues to give us some very interesting reports of his work amongst
the seamen down in Cork. He is
getting unto Polish and Russian ships and planting many Bibles in the hands of
these communist men and even seeing some of them coming to know the Lord.
He would like to thank you all for your Prayers and faithful giving.
He will be coming to the church D.V. on 2nd October.
Sam and Anna need our Prayers as they seek to do a very difficult work amongst the soldiers at Holywood, so many different tasks, and the work among the children and the wives etc. God has blessed this work so Pray that He will continue to work and save at Holywood.
James McKeown and his wife need to be taken upon our hearts too. He is doing no less a work for the Lord in Belfast so let's stand behind them all in Prayer, for Prayer changes all things and Our God is able.
Desmond Shaw.
Every Day is a holiday
to Thank and Praise the Lord.
Special
poems for special seasons
are
meaningful indeed,
But
daily inspiration
is still man’s greatest
need.
For
day by day all through the year,
not
just on holidays,
Man should glorify the Lord
in
deeds and words of praise
And
when the heart is heavy
and
everything goes wrong,
May
these "Daily Words for Daily Needs"
be
like a cheery song,
Assuring you "He loves
You"
and
that "You never Walk Alone"
For
in God's all-wise wisdom
your
every need is known!
(Philippians
4. 6,7)
By Adeline Larkin.
THE
TEEN COMMANDMENTS
1. Don’t let your parents down; they brought you up.
2. Choose your companions with care; you become what they are.
3. Be master of your habits or they will master you.
4. Treasure your time; don’t spend it; invest it.
5. Stand for something or you’ll fall for anything.
6. Select only a date who would make a good mate.
7. See what you can do for others, not what they can do for you.
8. Guard your thoughts; what you think, you are.
9. Don’t fill up on this world’s crumbs, feed your soul on the living bread, (God’s Holy Word)
10. Give your all for Christ; He gave His all for you.
Amen.
Too Busy
He was over 80 years of age and dying.
“Have you never thought about God?” asked the Pastor tenderly.
“I’ve never had time for that sort of thing”, came the reply.
Sadly he died.
4000 Sundays and he had not found time.
CHILDREN’S
HOLIDAY BIBLE CLUB
"Suffer
the little children to come unto me" (Mark 10 v14)
The first week of the school holidays (Monday 29th June to Friday 3rd July) saw our second annual holiday Bible Club. We thank God for His goodness to us once again, but with another week of fine weather for the Club, and in sending along so many boys and girls each morning. The bus was packed every day with a total of 130 different children hearing God's Word at some stage throughout the week.
The
format of the meetings was the same as for last year.
We had times of prayer, memory verses (Romans 6 v 23 and Isaiah 41 v 13),
Bible lessons and Bible quizzes each day, all interspersed with a variety of
lively choruses. There was the
usual break for outdoor games and refreshments, followed by a time for the
children to complete their individual workbooks (graded as before, into four
age-levels).
The theme for the week was Daniel, and some of the things that we can learn from the life of this great Old Testament character. The story of the mysterious writing on the wall at Belshazzar's feast, for example, was used to bring out the message that "God must punish sin", while the story of the fiery furnace helped depict the great truth that God is always present with His children".
The youngsters all seemed to enjoy the meetings immensely. We trust now that the Holy Spirit will continue to work in their hearts, and that the seed that has been sown will indeed bring forth fruit in abundance.
"And
that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make
thee wise unto salvation through faith
which is in Christ Jesus.
(11 Timothy 3
v 15)
Ivan Bankhead.
The
Windows of Gold (Luke 7 : 21 )
There is a legend that has often been told
Of the boy who searched for the windows of Gold
The beautiful windows he saw far away
When he looked in the valley at sunrise each day
And he yearned to go down to the valley below
But he lived on a mountain that was covered with snow
And he knew it would be a difficult task,
But that was a journey he wanted to make---
So he planned by day and he dreamed by night
Of how he could reach The Great Shining Light
And one golden morning when dawn broke through
And the valley sparkled with diamonds of dew
He started to climb down the mountainside
With the windows of Gold is his goal and his guide
He travelled all day and, weary and worn,
With bleeding feet and clothes that were torn
He entered the peaceful valley town
Just as the Golden Sun went down ---
But he seemed to have lost his "Guiding Light"
The windows were dark that had once been bright
And hungry and tired and lonely and cold
He cried, "Won’t You Show Me The Windows of Gold?"
And a kind hand touched him and said "Behold!
High on the mountain are The Windows of Gold"
For the sun going down is a great golden ball
Had burnished the windows of his cabin so small
And the Kingdom of God with its Great Shining Light,
Like the Golden Windows that shone so bright
Is not a far distant place, somewhere,
It's as close to you as a silent prayer
And your search for God will end and begin
When you look for Him and find Him within.
By
Adeline Larkin,
A
BACKSLIDER’S PRAYER
You made us to worship you Father,
Our homage to bring to Your feet;
For the burdens of life and the pressures
You gave us the 'Mercy Seat',
But sadly, communion is broken,
Spoiled in the fellowship sweet;
Though changeless You are,
I confess that
To find no place of retreat.
My heart is so cold gracious Father;
I mourn, as in memory I see
The years that the locusts have eaten,
Forever wasted will be!
But now, as I plead for your mercy –
From bondage - please set me free!
Now humbly I ask for forgiveness;
Your servant forever I'll be!
Restore me the joy of salvation
Touch chords that are lifeless and dead;
Bring peace to my heart - clear my conscience
Create hunger for life - giving bread
Give me courage to go and tell others
The message of your saving grace,
That sinners to you be converted –
Start running the heavenly race!
Your Word gives me cause for rejoicing:
Plainly I read of your care!
Married you are to the backslider –
You long for the penitents' prayer!
I take now your promised forgiveness;
Accept the fresh cleansing you give:
Then out in a world that is dying,
The message of truth I will live.
Taken
from the Book of Poems "The Smile of Truth".
Composer:
I.E.B. Vera Smith
(Missionary)
NOTICE BOARD
Best wishes to Anne Calderwood and Andrew McLaughlin and David McMaster and Elizabeth Muldoon, both couples were married on 1st August. We wish them God’s richest blessing.
Congratulations to Rodney Johnston and Diane Alexander and Lynn Foster and Robert McCloy who have just got engaged recently.
Adeline Larkin and Stephen Smyth;
Philip Calderwood and Lorraine Halliday
Sylvia Robinson and Samuel Millar
We apologise for the delay
Friday 25th December – Christmas Family Worship Service at 10:30 am
Thursday 31st December at 11pm. Speaker Mr Ivan Thompson
Dates for your diary
October Speaker Singer
Sun 4th Mr Ken Brown Mr Evan Henning
Tue 6th Mr Ken Brown
Sun 11th Rev Ronnie McCracken Mrs Martha McClintock
Tue 13th Mr Ken Brown
Thur 15th C.P.A. Gospel Meeting
Sun 18th Mr James McKeown Mr James Anderson
Tue 20th Mr Stanley Mawhinney
Sun 25th Mr John McFarland Mr James McCosh
Tue 27th Mr Ken Brown
November
Sun 1st Mr Ken Brown ‘The McCluskey Sisters’
Tue 3rd Mr Ivan Thompson
Sun 8th Mr Leslie Armstrong Mrs Jean Wilson
Tue 10th Mr Ivan Thompson
Sun 15th Mr Jonathan Reid Mrs Margaret Russell
Tue 17th Mr Ivan Thompson
Sun 22nd Mr JL Allen Miss Irene Dennison
Tue 24th Mr Ivan Thompson
Thur 26th Prophetic Witness Meeting Pastor ST Carson
Sun 29th Mr Herbie Fitzsimmons Women’s Fellowship Choir
December
Tue 1st Mr Ivan Thompson
Sun 6th Pastor John Galbraith Sally, Eddie and Moira
Tue 8th Mr Ivan Thompson
Sun 13th Mr Auldwyn Calderwood ‘Royal Road Singers’
Tue 15th Mr Ivan Thompson
Sun 20th Carol Service 6:30 pm
Tue 22nd Mr Ivan Thompson
Sun 27th Mr Maurice McKendry Robert and Margaret McMaster