Autumn
1994
From the Pastor
As pastor of Ballee Baptist Church, let me welcome you to our quarterly church newsletter, which I hope will be of interest to you. To any readers who have never been to our church, may I encourage you to look inside the front cover of this magazine for details of all our services, and invite you along, you will get a warm, warm welcome.
As I write this article our province is full of questions: Why have the I.R.A. stopped their military campaign? What, if any, concessions have been made? What gives apologists for murder the right to pose as peacemakers? What is peace? I have absolutely no authority to give a response to the first three questions, but as a Christian I can give a response to the fourth. What is peace?
Listen to the words of the Lord Jesus in John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." These words were spoken near the close of the Lord's earthly ministry, when the forces opposed to Him were wild with fury and the conflict was approaching its darkest and most desolate hour. He gathered the apostles about Him in the upper room in Jerusalem for a period of instruction. He was about to experience the betrayal of trusted friends, the desertion of those who had sworn allegiance unto death, the savage insults of a fickle rabble, the lying slander of false accusers, the agony of sin, and the terrible pain of a horrible death on the cross.
For three years the apostles had been associated with Christ, often they had marvelled at His calmness and self-mastery. Now that He was about to say good-bye to those whom He had loved so tenderly and who loved Him with a love unlike that which they had felt for any other person, Christ measured the extent of their grief and sought to comfort them by bequeathing His peace unto them.
But what is peace? Peace is the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ and so fearing nothing from God, and content with its earthly lot whatever sort it be. Not just a stop of conflict and hostilities, not just political compromise, real peace, lasting peace is spiritual and is that rest of soul that comes from the establishment of a right relationship with God and living in harmony with His will. Let us consider three areas:-
1. THE PURSUIT OF PEACE
No one in our province would question the need to pursue peace, whether you view it nationally or in the community, family or in the individual, there is a longing and a hunger for peace. Our present ; ceasefire', however, reminds me of the words of the Lord in Jeremiah 6:14 when He accused the people of ';saying peace, peace; when there is no peace." Sin has separated and alienated people from God, and people cannot be in rebellion against God and have peace at the same time. Isaiah 48:22; 'There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked." Of the unsaved Isaiah says; The way of peace they know not." Isaiah 59:8
People today are longing for peace, people search for it in many places where it cannot be found. For some money and possessions will bring them peace... but soon they are disillusioned, for others obtaining power and influence is the path to peace... but they too get disenchanted. Dear reader if you desire and wish to pursue peace, it can only be found in God for He is the only source of real, satisfying, and abiding peace.
2. THE PROVISION OF PEACE
Not only is peace to be desired, but it is available. Christ procured peace with God for those who would believe on Him when He suffered and died on the cross." But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was wounded for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5 The basic fact of the gospel is that Christ Jesus "made peace through the blood of His cross" Col. 1:20.We must never overlook the fact that sin had to be atoned for because it had broken the fellowship between God and man. Christ's death on the cross dealt fully with that, satisfying the justice of God and paying the penalty for the breaking of the law. "For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us" Eph. 2:14
When Christ was bidding His apostles farewell as they stood around Him in speechless sorrow, He did not promise them an easy way, a release from all burdens, freedom from discouragement, or that they would not be tempted. Rather He frankly told them that they could expect hardship, persecution, and even death for loyalty to Him. The one gift that He offered to bestow on them as a parting legacy peace. Included in this legacy was a quiet strength to bear the burdens of life, a new spirit in which to meet and master discouragement, adequate reinforcement to withstand temptation, and available strength to surmount all obstacles.
3. THE POSESSION OF PEACE
Coming into possession of peace is conditional upon " repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ" Acts 20:21. When we turn from sin (repentance) and trust and rely on Christ, who made atonement for sin, then we come into possession of the wonderful peace that deity has provided. "Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" Rom. 5:1. This peace can neither be obtained from the world or destroyed by the world.
Does Ulster know peace? NO! Much as we long for a ceaseation of violence, hunger for political stability, and desire a return to law and order, peace in Ulster will only be found when Ulster turns to God through His beloved Son who is the only 'door' to peace. This must start with you! Do you possess Christ's perfect peace? What would hinder you from right now, genuinely and thoughtfully, repenting of your sin that has created a barrier between you and God, and from this moment rest and depend on the glorious fact that Christ died on your behalf at Calvary to cleanse from sin. Then you will know God's peace, in your heart, in Ulster.
If you today do trust Christ as Saviour, please ring me at Ballymena 653003 as I would love to help you along the Christian pathway, and I will give you some booklets free of charge to encourage you.
Enjoy the rest of the magazine...
A little while to bear the cross for Jesus
And meet the foe that once He overcame;
To stand unmoved, the Sword of Truth uplifting,
And through its power to conquer in His Name.
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LADIES MEETING
As I sit down to write this I think back on the past few months of relaxation - commonly known as school holidays! Maybe you are like me and glad to see September come whenever life can continue back into its normal routine and pattern. In many ways our life is ruled by routine of some description. However, maybe you find that is all about to change, the youngest child starting school, an older one beginning university or work, and as I thought of these things I thought of our ladies meeting. If its not your practice to come why not join with us and see what you are missing. As we start back into our winter programme why not make Wednesday evenings part of a new beginning for yourself, and be part of the exciting programme planned for this year. Our prayer meetings continued as usual throughout the summer and my thanks to those who faithfully support the prayer meetings. It is a wonderful time of refreshment and blessing when we spend time as a group of ladies and talk to God. What a privilege we have and how often we abuse and neglect the place of prayer. It would be lovely to see you at our next missionary or prayer meeting. Why not come and join with us. We look forward to your company on the 2nd and last Wednesdays of each month.
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MY HOPE
Jesus is coming! It could be today,
It could be tomorrow, but surely one day.
The hope of His coming is blessed to me,
I long for the day when His face I shall see.
When weary with things that perplex and annoy,
And many things threaten my peace to destroy,
I think of His coming and soon they depart,
And peace once again reigns supreme in my heart.
I read of the mansions in Heaven so fair,
And ponder the place He has gone to prepare;
And hope fills my soul as I go on my way,
Rejoicing to know that He may come today.
My hope for tomorrow sustains me today,
His word like a lamp gives a light on my way.
I know that the future is in His control,
This hope for tomorrow brings peace to my soul.
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REFLECTIONS ON BALLEE
When the pastor asked me to write this article, my first thoughts were "How could I put into words my feelings towards the fellowship at Ballee Baptist." It was about ten years ago that I first came to Ballee. I had just met a wee lassie and had fallen head over heels in love, and she had invited me to her church (Ballee Baptist). The minute I walked through the door of the church I was met with a smile and a warm handshake, which made me feel at home right away, and it wasn't long until it was me taking Heather to Ballee on our dates, and enjoying every minute of it.
Time passed, I proposed and Heather accepted and we got married "Oh happy day that fixed my choice." As tradition has it the wife went with her husband to his church. Although I was heavily involved in many of my church activities, both Heather and myself found that our hearts were turned towards the fellowship at Ballee. Also at this time I felt that God was calling me into full-time service although I did not know what. What Heather and I did know was that God was leading us back to Ballee. On our return we found again that warmth of welcome that Ballee has become famous for, it was as if we had never left. By this time there was a new man on the platform, a wee Belfast man, and little did I know then the impact he would have on my life as I would sit under his ministry.
As time moved on God's call became stronger and more irresistible, and soon I was off to Bible College. Now this is where words begin to fail me, for I found that Heather and myself were not alone as we followed God's call, but that the whole fellowship were behind us. It was thrilling to know that God's people were praying for us and supporting us in every way they could, and for me just to say "thank you" seems so shallow and superficial, but let me assure you that it comes from a heart that has been deeply touched by the kindness of the fellowship at Ballee.
The fear of starting Bible College could only be matched by the fear of leaving it not knowing what was going to happen next, but praise God the Lord knew. So when the pastor approached me about becoming his assistant for a year while Heather finished her last year at Bible College I jumped at the Opportunity of being able to give something back to the Lord and to the fellowship at Ballee. The year that followed was the most exciting, thrilling and frightening time of my life. Again my thanks go to Pastor Kennedy and the oversight for allowing me to serve the Lord at Ballee, and to the fellowship for putting up with me.
Now another page has turned in the lives of Heather and myself and our wee family. It finds us saying good-bye to Ballee, and so our excitement at the work to be taken up at Larne Mission Hall as pastor is tinged with sadness at leaving a fellowship that we love so dearly.
Butt !!! your responsibilities are not finished yet, keep on praying for us that God would richly bless His work in Larne, that we would see many souls won for Christ and the people of God built up in their most holy faith. May God bless you as you have been a blessing to us.
Alan Hoey
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"Prayer is the language of man burdened with a sense of need. It is the voice of the beggar, conscious of his poverty, asking of another the things he needs. Not to pray is not only to declare there is nothing needed, but to admit to a non-realisation of that need."
E. M. Bounds.
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HOLIDAY BIBLE CLUB
Our Holiday Bible Club this year was from the 4th to the 8th of July. One hundred and thirty youngsters in total attended the Club on at least one of the five mornings, with the average attendance being just over one hundred. Although this was a slightly smaller number than in recent years, it did make for more straightforward organisation, and the running of the Club was certainly the smoothest that we have ever been involved in at Ballee.
The theme for the week was "Joseph", with five separate lessons based on various events from throughout his life. All of us, children and adults alike, had much to learn from Joseph, and we could see quite clearly just how God can work so powerfully in the life of someone who trusts Him fully. The attention of the children throughout the lessons was magnificent this year. Indeed, their behaviour throughout the other parts of the meetings was also very good, and it was evident that they enjoyed themselves very much. The singing was both loud and lively, the learning of the memory verses (Luke 19v1O, Romans 8v28 and Proverbs 18v1O) was excellent, and the participation in the daily quizzes was enthusiastic to say the least'. Outside too, in the games, they appreciated the chance to run around for a while, although the indoor "Bible Mimes" and "Bible Pictionary" that we had to substitute on the first of the five mornings (when unfortunately the weather meant that we just were not able to get outside for games on that occasion) were equally well enjoyed.
The last half-hour of every morning, when the children are sat at tables and given "bookwork" exercises to complete on the lessons of the day, is usually the most frantic part of all. Partly because of the smaller numbers of children this year, however, but also because of the particularly good turnout of leaders as well this time, even those periods passed off very smoothly indeed. We believe that the children benefited directly as a result, with the leaders able to devote just that little bit more time to them as individuals than usual.
The leaders worked extremely well as a team this year, and everyone took to their various tasks most willingly. We trust that each of them - as well as everyone else who took part in the Club this year, whether by praying or by giving financially towards the running of the meetings - will have been richly blessed of God. One little girl came forward at the end of the Wednesday meeting to ask the Lord Jesus into her life, and we have heard subsequently of another child who became a Christian throughout the week. Still others were able to delight us with their testimonies of already being saved.
Please remember all of these children in your prayers - those who are saved (that God will guide them in what will no doubt for many of them be difficult times ahead), and those who have not as yet asked the Lord Jesus to be their Saviour (that He will continue to speak to them and convict them of the greatest need of all in their lives, the need to be saved). Pray that perhaps God would bring them back to the Club again next year (DV), or that He might lead them to the Good News Club as it meets every Monday night (7.00-7.45 pm) throughout the winter season.
".... behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (II Corinthians 6v2)
Ivan Bankhead
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Take as many to heaven with you as ye are able to draw; the more ye
draw with you, the more ye yourself shall be welcome.
Rutherford.
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ANANIAS AN D SAPPHIRA
Acts ch 5 v 1 - 11; The sad story of Ananias and Sapphira
In Acts chapter 1 we have "ASCENSION"
In Acts chapter 2 we have "RECEPTION"
In Acts chapter 3 we have "TRANSFORMATION "
In Acts chapter 4 we have "OPPOSITION"
But in Acts chapter 5 we have "IMPERFECTION"
'The church is not perfect, even when standing in the shadow of Pentecostal blessing' From Acts chapter 4 v36 and 37 we read of the generosity of Barnabas; he sold land and laid the money before the Apostles for the Lord' s work. Ananias and Sapphira were impressed and wanted to play their part. They decided to do likewise. So far so good, but then a terrible thing happened. Satan got involved and tempted them. He was MAD at this time because the church was growing so rapidly and he must do something about it.
This dear couple deliberately and intentionally held back part of the money while pretending they were giving it all. They fell to Satan's ploy. Verse 4 says they need not have given anything; they could have kept it all; their sin was pretence and deception, it was a sin against God. This husband and wife were probably well respected in the local Church, enjoying the good blessing of God in that day.
Problems outside of the Church can be great and difficult to deal with but problems within are just as serious and damaging. Think of this day, in the morning all is well, in the evening two members are missing. Their sin must have been great when we consider how God judged it. If God judged His people today in the same way for falsehood, pretence, insincerity, how many of us would be left in the Church at the close of the day. Maybe this was the first appearance of sin in the Church and God wanted to protect its purity.
When I read on, verses12- 16, I see that the blessing of God came down in great measure, multitudes added and multitudes healed. What was the reaction of their fellow believers? See verse 7 - great fear, a great sense of the holiness and power of God. Chapter 4 v 29 - 30 teaches us; "Let no corrupt communication proceed from your mouth and grieve not the Holy Spirit".
Psalm 51 v 6 "God desirest truth in the inward parts". If the record of this couple teaches us anything, it teaches us truthfulness and reality and that is what we need to be before God.
We can use our feet - to go to meetings
We can use our hands - to do God's work
We can use our lips - to say things
But God seeth our heart. We can tell how men look, but only God can tell how men are.
Proverbs 4 v 23 "Keep thy heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life:" Proverbs 23 v 7 "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he."
Competition is good in all things outside but not in the Church. The words of the Lord Jesus in Matthew 26 v41 are very relevant "Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation". The Lord's mercies are new every morning and by them we are not consumed, great is His faithfulness.
D. Mitchell
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CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
Can I be a christian without joining a local church?
Yes, it is possible. It is something like being:-
A student who refuses to enroll in a school.
A soldier who refuses to enlist in an army.
An explorer who has no base camp.
A tuba player who will not join an orchestra.
A football player who sees no advantage in joining a team.
A sailor who feels the demands of a ship too restricting.
P.S. From Pastor
Church membership is also biblical Acts 2:42 "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." A major part of the teaching of the epistles is concerning local church order and procedure, and the New Testament does not envisage a christian abdicating their responsibility to the local church, and limiting their God given gifts and talents. It is our prayer and desire that all those saved by God's grace and enjoying the blessing of God at our fellowship will be committed to the fellowship as members.
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GO TOWARD THE SOUTH
The South of Ireland beckons,
O Christian, do you care;
That where there is no vision
The people perish there.
In the towns and countryside,
The chapels do abound;
And the statues of Mary
Everywhere are found.
We possess the Bible,
God's Truth is in our hand;
O who will go to spread it
In Southern Ireland?
The fields are white to harvest,
The labourers are few;
The Lord of the harvest
Is calling now for you!
The road will not be easy,
But He'll be with thy mouth;
Arise when He bids thee,
And go toward the South.
When the working day is over,
And before the Lord you stand;
You'll rejoice with the souls saved
In Southern Ireland.
Joy Patterson 1992
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PRAYERS & PRAISE FOR LITTLE CHILDREN
God Made Everything
God made the sun to shine so bright
Thank you God for its warm light.
I have a puppy, very small;
God made my puppy, tail and all!
See the trees that reach the sky?
God tells them how to grow so high.
And for the night, when I'm asleep,
God made the moon and stars to peep.
And who made all the fishes too?
God made the fish; I'm glad, aren't you?
But best of all, I'm glad to know
God made me - and loves me so!
Going to Sunday School
I put on this shoe,
Then I put on that.
I smooth down my hair, Give my coat a pat
Take up my bible,
And put on my hat.
Then to Sunday school I go
Just like that!
Going to Church
Walking fat, walking slow,
To our church we will go.
With the people who are there,
We will thank God for His care.
Not Too Young
Of course, I'm just a little child,
But not too young to know
That even I can spread God's word,
And loving kindness show. ,
For God so loved this world of ours
He gave His only Son;
So I will tell the folks I meet
"Jesus died for everyone!"
"Passing rapidly by a person on the street, we usually find time and opportunity to make critical remarks to ourselves about that person. It takes place almost automatically, because our evil nature is asserting itself. Just think if the Spirit of God could make the new nature within us so strong that we would automatically lift our hearts to God every time we met someone."
O. Hallesby
TAKE ME IN
Take me past the outer courts
Into the Holy place,
Past the brazen altar
Lord I want to see your face.
Pass me by the crowds of people
The priests who sing your praise,
I hunger and thirst for your righteousness
And it's only found one place.
Take me into the Holy of Holies
Take me in by the Blood of the Lamb,
Take me into the Holy of Holies
Take the coal cleanse my lips here I am.
David Browning
Y.P.F REPORT
During the summer break the Y.P.F. have had a very busy schedule. Many events were arranged and it was encouraging to see a number of newcomers attending.
Our summer programme kicked off with a barbeque at Billy and Agnes Jones' house. Everyone had a choice of volleyball or football to help us work up an appetite. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Billy and Agnes for such an enjoyable evening.
On Monday 27th June we visited the fire station at Belfast International Airport, where we were given a guided tour of the airport and the fire station. Some of us even had a 'wee run' in a fire engine, compliments of fireman Billy! Our thanks to Billy McDowell for organising our visit. Afterwards we took a stroll along the banks of Lough Neagh and finished the evening off with a visit to Mr. Chippy.
To celebrate the end of school for our younger members we went for a refreshing walk along Portstewart strand on Friday 1st July.
Our programme continued on Friday 15th July with pony trekking at Timbertop Farm in Aghadowey and then on to Portrush for a bite to eat.
The annual church barbeque was held on Friday 29th July at our usual venue - Greenmount. Our thanks to John McCartney for a challenging treasure hunt (baffling for some) which kept everyone alert on the journey from Ballee to Greenmount. We all appreciated the food when we arrived, followed by a few choruses and Billy Jones brought the evening to a close with a short message.
On Friday 12th August we headed to Ski Supreme outside Coleraine, where those watersports enthusiasts among us went canoeing and enjoyed trips on both the 'banana boat' and speed boat. After these activities the barbeque was very welcome.
Our final event of the summerseason kept us in Ballymena where we went ten pin bowling in the Sportsbowl and, as usual, went for something to eat afterwards.
Our Y.P.F. meetings recommenced on Sunday 4th September when Pastor Kennedy shared a few thoughts from the Word of God with us, we had a good attendance and were encouraged to see some new faces.
The meetings continue fortnightly throughout the winter and all young people of high school age and upwards will be made very welcome. Our desire would be that God would bless the young people through these meetings and in turn that He would use the young people to bless others.
PROVE THE SINCERITY OF YOUR LOVE (2 Cor. 8:8)
If I really, really trust Him, shall I ever fret?
If I really do expect Him, can I e'er forget?
If by faith I really see Him, shall I doubt His aid?
If I really, really love Him, can I be afraid?
- F.M.N.
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POINTS TO PONDER
In the last century, an American tourist paid a visit to a renowned Polish rabbi, Hofetz Chaim. He was astonished to see that the Rabbi's home was only a simple room filled with books, plus a table and a bed. The tourist asked, "Rabbi, where is your furniture?" Hofetz Chaim replied, "Where is yours?" The puzzled American asked "Mine? But I am only a visitor here. I'm only passing through." The Rabbi replied "so am I".
It warms the heart of a preacher to tell him how much you enjoyed his sermon, but if you want to pay him a real compliment, tell him you will bring a friend with you to the next service.
This is my church It is composed of people like me. We make it what it is. I want it to stand as a signpost to sinners and a light on the path of pilgrims, leading them to goodness, truth and beauty.
. It will be, if I am.
. It will be friendly, if I am.
. Its seats will be full, if I help to fill them.
. It will do a great work, if I work.
. It will bring many under the message of the gospel, if I bring them.
. It will be a church of loyalty, if I am loyal.
. It will be a church of prayer, if I come to pray.
. It will be a caring church, if I care.
Therefore, I dedicate myself to the task of being what I want Ballee Baptist to be.
A Little Poem :-
The members sleep a little late, they go to church a little late
Then they'll chew their gum a little, joke a little, doodle a little
Brethren in class argue a little, commune a little, give a little,
After dismissal they gossip a little, go home and forget what little they heard
And act like they cared but little, for the greatest, holiest, and most
Precious institution on earth - the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I may have exaggerated a little, but very little, and I think in some cases have omitted a little.
Brethren, will you think on this a little?
The greatest proof of Christianity for others is not how far a man can logically analyse his reasons for believing, but how far in practice he will stake his life on his belief.
The Extravagance of God :-
More sky than man can see, more seas than he can sail,
More sun than he can bear to watch, more stars than he can scale
More breath than he can breathe, more yield than he can sow
More grace than he can comprehend, more love than he can know.
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MlSSlONARY REPORT
There's a call comes ringing o'er the restless wave
Send the light, send the light
There are souls to rescue there are souls to save
Send the light, send the light
This would seem to be the desire of many people throughout the world today; the people from the little villages and towns in Africa, India, Brazil and many other different places have been asking the missionaries to come to where they live and bring them the message of the Gospel, but sadly the answer has been "sorry we just don't have enough workers". How sad and how depressing it must be for the different missionaries to have to do this. No wonder the word of God exhorts us to pray that the Lord of the harvest would send forth labourers into His harvest field. We in Ballee are very thankful that so many young folk from the church have been called of God to work for Him in different spheres of service. Pray that God would take each one of them up and use them for His glory and that many souls will be saved as a result of them going forth.
Remember Alan Hoey and family as they settle into this new work in Larne. We thank God for saving Alan and Heather , and what a blessing they have been to so many around the church over the past twelve months. May God bless them.
It's good to have Geoffrey and Gillian back with us once again and to hear first hand all that has been happening during their time in Panama. We trust that their time at home will be a refreshing and blessed time for each one of them.
Remember Billy and Agnes Jones as they make preparations for Brazil. We pray that God will be with them each step of the way.
We would thank God for what we have been hearing concerning the work of Irish Missionary Fellowship. It was wonderful to hear how the young man, a mormon, who through visiting the centre in Dublin and chatting to Joseph, came to know Christ as his Saviour. Others have been saved in the open air meetings. Praise God for answered prayer.
Remember again Walter Burrell, down in Cork. Tremendous stories of men on the ships finding Christ as Saviour and girls being rescued from Dockland. Only a dedicated child of God could do this work so he needs our prayers.
Nancy Gill has been praising God with regard to her work in Indonesia. One of the people who was a real hindrance to the work has been removed from his position and now the work of God can go ahead unhindered. Pray that God might even save this man and that in future days, he may be a help to the missionaries.
God is doing a wonderful work in Spain in recent days. A prayer letter I received lately tells of 40 people saved and 80 baptised at a camp held by OMS. Pray that this work will continue.
The news from Mark Vogan in Ecuador is that souls are being saved and many baptised. Surely God is answering prayer. Praise Him indeed.
Please pray for the work in Hong Kong and China. I read in a prayer letter recently where 500 believers share one bible and yet their zeal for God is tremendous. Yes friends, God is doing a work there too and many souls are being saved.
I could go on with many reports, but this is just to let you know that God is still answering prayer.
Remember again Sam and Anna, James and Audrey, Derek and Anne. Pray God's blessing on their ministry, where God has placed them.
Desmond
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WHY?
"He knoweth the way that I take." Job 23:10 One of the words most frequently used by little ones in the home is the word, 'why?' Those of us who are God's spiritual children seem to be infatuated with the same expression.
. Why does the Lord allow me to suffer so?
. Why did the Lord take my loved one from me?
. Why doesn't the Lord answer my prayers?
. Why? Why? Why?
God does not always choose to give us the answer here, but we may rest assured that there is a sufficient and weighty reason for everything which He sends. All is shaped by His hand of love and is dispersed according to His unerring wisdom. Trials, sickness, disappointment, everything is working together for our eternal good. We are receiving exactly what we would request if we could see us as God sees! "Therefore, whatever comes of apparent good or ill, give thanks for it." Eph. 5:20. Our insistence and often faithless "Why" finds its sufficient answer in the gracious and comforting words, He knoweth!
I promised a doll to my dear baby girl;
I pictured a treasure most fair,
With exquisite features, and teeth of pure pearl,
Moving eyes, walking limbs and real hair!
We entered a shop, and the dear little maid
Clasped a cheap, tawdry doll to her breast;
To make the exchange I was really afraid,
Though I wanted to give her the best.
I took it away, and the tears filled her eyes,
Till I gave her the one I had planned;
Then the dear little face glowed in joyous surprise
That a dolly existed so grand ...
Oh Saviour, I too am a child in Thy sight,
I choose the first things That I see;
I struggle to keep them, I do not know quite
Why the Father should take them from me.
But when I look back, through the wisdom of years,
When my faith is age-old and sublime,
I know I shall see, through a rainbow of tears,
That my Father planned best all the time!
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TRUST
Though the rain may fall and the wind is blowing,
And cold and chill is the wintry blast.
Though the cloudy sky is still cloudier growing
And the dead leaves tell that summer has passed,
My face I hold to the stormy heaven;
Glad to receive what God has given,
What're it be
When I feel the cold I can say "He sends it"
And His wind blows blessing I surely know,
For I've never a want but that He attends it,
And my heart beats warm though the winds may blow.
Bright were the blossoms on every bough,
I trusted Him when the roses were blowing
I trust Him now.
Small were my faith should it weakly falter,
Now that the roses have ceased to grow,
Frail were the trust that now should alter,
Doubting His love when storm clouds blow.
If I trust Him once I must trust Him ever
And His way is best; though I stand or fall
Through wind and storm He will leave me never
He sends it all.
Why should my heart be faint and fearing?
Mighty He rules above the storm,
Even the wintry blast is cheering
Showing His power to keep me warm,
Never a care on my heart is pressing,
Never a fear can disturb my breast,
Everything that He Sends is blessing
For He knows best.
E. McBride
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One of the greatest mistakes a Christian can make is to imagine that an increased social or spiritual activity can be any compensation for the lack of secret communion with God. A prayerful life is a powerful life; and a prayer less life is always a powerless life. If we cannot pray aright, we can really do nothing aright; but how slow we are to believe that.
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MY BEST FRIEND
Whatever may happen
I know He is there
Lovingly holding my soul
in His care
Watching and waiting
my needs to impart
Before even I speak or
open my heart
He's my loving Saviour
whose always on my side
No matter what befall me
in life's most stormy tide
He's shaping my life, each day
to give me blessing
My soul is in the safest place
when with the Lord it's resting.
Elaine Elder
(a friend of Mrs Sis Rodgers)
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QUOTABLE QUOTES
"We can read all the books that have ever been written about prayer, but until we actually choose by an act of our will, to pray, we will never learn."
Hope MacDonald
"There have been revivals without much preaching; but there has never been a mighty revival without mighty praying."
R. A. Torrey
"No man can do a great and enduring work for God who is not a man of prayer, and no man can be a man of prayer who does not give much time to praying."
Anon
"I am too busy not to pray."
Bill Hybels
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"Touched with a sympathy within
He knows our feeble frame;
He knows what sore temptations are,
For He endured the same.
But spotless, innocent and pure
Our great Redeemer stood;
No stain of sin did e'er defile
The Holy Lamb of God."
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GUEST SINGERS
October
2 David Millar
9 Audrey and Lee Graham
16 The Warwick Sisters
23 Tom Laverty
30 Diane Robinson
November
6 Derek and Trevor
13 Abbottscross Singers
20 Heather Campbell
27 Glenice and Pearl
December
4 Geoffrey McGrath
11 A.N. Other
18 Carol Service
25 Family Service
Congratulations to Wilson and Grace Logan on the birth of Olivia Joanne 3/6/94.
New Members
. Freddie and Betty Barr 26/6/94
. Sherrard and Diane McKay 3/7/94
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WHERE WILL YOU BE?
1. When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound and time shall be no more!
2. On that bright and cloudless morning when the dead in Christ shall rise!
3. Let us labour for the Master from the dawn till setting sun.
When the roll is called up yonder I'LL BE THERE!
Would you like to be up yonder as well? If so, turn from sin, accept the Lord Jesus today into your heart and then tell others.
A.M.
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SPECIAL DATES
Sunday 30th October a.m. and p.m.
Geoffrey McGrath (N.T.M.)
Sunday 27th November
a.m. Billy Jones
p.m. Derek Young (Baptist College)
Thursday 15th December 7:30 p.m.
Fellowship Christmas Dinner
Sunday 18th December a.m. and p.m.
Carol Services
Sunday 25th December
11:30 a.m. Special Family Service (45min), followed by breaking of bread service.
6:30 p.m. Special Family Service
Saturday 31st December 10:30 p.m.
Watch night Service
* Week of prayer: Monday 2nd - Friday 6th January 1995 D.V. *
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BEWARE!
THE WORLD is a moth' round the candle of pleasure;
Giddy and blind in pursuit of its treasure;
Heedless it whirls in the dance and the game;
But the moment is coming - darkness and flame.
THE FLESH is a cloak where the skeleton hides;
A betrayal of beauty, where passion abides;
A traitor to virtue, it charms for a day,
But the moment is coming - death and decay
THE DEVIL'S an actor, whose stage is man's soul;
Whose glance is hypnotic, and lures to his goal;
Fed on false promise, man lives by his breath,
But the moment is coming - destruction and death!
Winnifred A. Cook
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