Autumn 97

 

FROM THE PEN OF AULDWYN CALDERWOOD  

 There is no dispute about what has been the chief talking point in our land during the first half of September Indeed the tragic death of Diana Princess of Wales has probably been the most sensational news since the shooting of President Kennedy Much has been said and millions of words have been written about her life and all the charities she has been involved with in recent years As 1 thought on all that has been written and said. 1 thought. that while it is good to have men say nice things about us, the most important opinion is what God thinks of us As 1 meditated on this 1 thought on three men of whom God's Word had something good to say

Of Abraham it is said that he was “The Friend of God" (James 2: 23) Of David God said. He was a man after mine own heart" (Acts 13: 22) and of Daniel it was said by the angelic messenger that he was a man “greatly beloved” (Daniel 10: 11)

Abraham was the friend of God because he believed God; that is what we are told in James 2:23. His belief in God led him to do that which seemed unreasonable. He left his home in the city of Ur at the call of God and set out to follow God because we are told, he looked for a city which had foundation. whose builder and maker is God" (Hebrews 11:10) Those of us who are saved have done something similar, indeed Abraham is often referred to as the father of the faithful " We have left the old life behind and have set out for that heavenly city, because we have believed God when He says in His word that we needed to be saved and that Christ died on Calvary. paid the price for sin and is alive today at God's right hand where he intercedes for us If you are reading this and unsaved, you will never be called the “friend of God” until you repent and seek the Saviour Then God will not only call you “friend" but He has said that you will be "His child" “For as many as received Him to them gave He the power to become the sons of God even to them that believed on His name" (John 1:12)

God said of David that he was a man after mine own heart" (Acts 13:22) because he would fulfill all my will " David not only believed God but he obeyed God God rejected Saul as king because of disobedience (1 Samuel 15). When we consider the life of David we see his obedience to the plan of God for his life. Taken from the sheepfold he became the greatest of Israel's kings He fought the enemies of God, defeated them and at the end of his time as King, Israel had peace from her enemies. There were times when David failed; yet in obedience to God's Word through the prophet he repented and God continued to bless him. If we as the people of God would know the blessing of God then the key is found in obedience to God's will as revealed in scripture. All disobedience to the Word of God is sin and must be repented of if the blessing of God is to be our portion

When we look at the life of Daniel we see a man who was “greatly beloved” by the God of heaven because he honoured God in his life. From the very start of the book of Daniel we see a young man who set out to be separated from the evil of the world around him. As a student he was different in his habits (Daniel 1) God honoured that by making him the best student of his year. In fact he was ten times smarter than the others. When he was in authority in Government he was beyond reproach. His enemies could not find one thing with which they might blacken his name. In his prayer life he never failed even when it meant the den of lions, but God honoured him again by closing the lions’ mouths. He was fearless in his proclamation of God's Word even when the message was one of judgment. Little wonder he had this testimony in heaven as the man “greatly beloved”, because on earth his testimony was beyond reproach. Dear child of God how is your testimony on earth? It is very important how we live. The world so often only know Christ through his followers. They never read the Bible and so very often all they know of God’s Son is what they see in us. Let us be very, very careful to live before the ungodly as Daniel did, bringing honour and glory to the God of heaven who loved him greatly.

What kind of things will the people say about us when it is our turn to die? More important, what does God say about us today? Does He call us His friend because we trust Him, does He say that we are someone after “His heart” because we obey Him, and does the angelic host know us as someone “greatly beloved” in heaven because our lives are honouring to Him.

******************************************************************************************************************************************

 

  BUT HE KNOWETH THE WAY THAT I TAKE: WHEN HE

HATH TRIED ME, I

SHALL COME FORTH AS GOLD. JOB 23:10.

 

This was the hopeful cry of Job when darkness had enveloped him on every side. All hope seemed to be cut off, he was beset on every side. Walled in completely without a visible door of escape, Job exclaims his faith in God. He says in Job 23 8,9.

Behold I go forward but He is not here; and backward, but I cannot perceive Him. On the left hand where He doth work, but I cannot behold Him; He hideth on the right hand, that I cannot see Him.

All was darkness round about. It seemed that God had forsaken him and he saw no human way of escape, and then with the eye of faith he pierces the gloom and rejoices in that fact that God still knows the way Job could not see one step ahead, but he knew that God was there. Today we stand before a brand new day. We know not what lies ahead. It is all unknown to us what will befall us of pleasure or pain, success or failure, sickness or health, life or death.

What will this day bring forth – only God knows and so we turn confidently with Job to Him and say, “He knoweth the way.” And though we be tried it will be for our good because, “When he bath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”

Maybe this xviii be the day of days when Jesus will come and we shall emerge as gold to shine forever in the Saviours crown, and when He comes, our faith will give way to sight and doubts and fears be forever gone. Precious saint of God, let this be your strength today as you face an unfriendly world. He knows the way.

 

What need to worry then or fret?

The God who gave His Son,

Holds all my moments In His hand

And gives them one by one.

 

Ina Livingstone.

************************************************************************************

 

“What Must I Do To Be Lost?”

We shall see from Scripture that there is only one thing to do to insure being lost, forever.

It is a very simple, but a very solemn and dreadful thing.

Do you ask, What can it be? It is wrapped up in on single word: NEGLECT. “How shall we escape, if we

neglect so great salvation?” Hebrew 2 v 3. So then, to be lost forever, simply close you ear to the

glorious gospel, and continue to neglect this great salvation and your doom is certain.

 

 

**************************************************************************************************************

 

BACK TO BRAZIL

  When we arrived home to Ballymena last year, little did anyone know how many complexities would arise that would frustrate our efforts of a quick return after the birth of Rebekab. We are finally leaving this Wednesday at 5.30 pm.

As the days dragged on, we questioned many issues including our future in Brazil, yet throughout this time of uncertainty we gleaned strength from our friends in the Acre Prayer meeting and family who backed us with constant prayer. We all know that the Lord had a plan in withholding the visa, the words of Esther ch 4 v 14 (paraphrase) helped greatly. “who knows why?, but there is a purpose in that you where placed in this position for a time like this.”

But what about the future 7 What does it hold,? When we return to Brazil we will be “House & Car Hunting” in the Santa Cruz Area, as the house in Campo Redondo will eventually become home for the Bennetts in the state of Rio Grande Do None, where James & Dorrie laboured faithfully. We will be working alongside Pastor Jose Soares who has a large congregation in Santa Cruz, and also has other church planting situations in outlying villages in the district, and developing other ministries as we see the need.

The contrast between Manaus where we lived with nearly two million population and Santa Cruz, no bigger than Ahoghill ! is vast, but while there will be local variations our goal is the same, namely to present the gospel of salvation, care to the needy and the love of Jesus to those unfulfilled with what life and traditions offers. While you cannot come physically on that journey with us Please Please become partners with us in prayer.

 

Mr. & Mrs. Jim Carson

155, Whitesides Road

BALLYMENA Tel/Fax 0126641711.

 

Have kindly given to their time to act as our prayer secretaries in future days. When we find accommodation in Santa Cruz, we will supply you with our new address,

 

 

Yours in Christ

  William. Anges Jones and Family.

  Billy and Agnes Jones and Family have now supplied us with their new address in Brazil:

  Calxa Postal

59200 - 000

Rio Grande De Norte

BRAZIL.

 

 

*******************************************************************************************************************

 

 

YOUNG PEOPLE’S FELLOWSHIP

Report for Church Magazine

Autumn 1997

 

After a busy year of meetings and choir engagements, we started our summer activities with a team sports and barbecue evening at Graham and Hilary Kernohan’s farm outside Broughshane. We all enjoyed the games, particularly the tug’o’war, and were ready for the burgers (all various shades of black ) and a piece of Hilary’s gateau when the time came for the food. Our next outing was our annual ‘banana-boating’ and water-skiing trip to the River Bann, As ever, some of the party spent more of the time in the water than on the banana-boat; but again we had an enjoyable evening rounded off with a visit to Portstewart via ‘McDonald’s’. The pavilion at the University of Ulster in Coleraine was the destination for out next trip. There we attended the evening celebration at ‘New Horizon’, which is an annual Christian convention visited by thousands of Christians every year. Again we finished the evening in Portstewart, watching the fireworks (after calling in at ‘McDonald’s’ - of course).

Friday 8th August was the date for our YPF church barbecue and this year the venue reverted back to Greenmount College in Antrim. The route to Antrim was not the most direct one because of the treasure hunt, but everyone managed to get there anyway (thanks to Neil Harkness for helping to set the treasure hunt) . Once there, a “Whose car is it?” quiz kept everyone busy until the food was ready (one again, our thanks to Neil). After the barbecue (those notorious black burgers again) the prizes were awarded. This year both prizes went to one family - the Harknesses !! (a bit suss). To end the evening, Alan Hoey brought the epilogue.

Our last summer event was a day out to Belfast Zoo and ten-pin bowling at Dundonald. It was a long day but enjoyable nevertheless, and we even managed to find a ‘McDonald’s’ for our tea. We came home via Antrim and called at Lough Neagh for a walk. Needless to say, we had no problem sleeping that night.

We would like to thank all those who helped in any way at any of the summer events: your help was sincerely appreciated.

Our meetings recommenced again on Sunday 7th September, and again we would take this opportunity to invite all young people of secondary school age upwards to come along for some friendly fellowship. Also, please continue to pray for the ongoing work of the YPF and the new Saturday night youth club; and for all the young people connected with Ballee, that they would all know Christ as Saviour and seek His will for their lives.

Please Note

Due to increasing numbers of under 18s and fewer car drivers coming to YPF meetings, we ask that parents arrange to collect their children after the meetings. To avoid confusion, we have set a regular ‘collection time’ of 945p.m. If you cannot collect your child on a particular night, please speak to any committee member.

 

**************************************************************************************************************

  The Lord Hath Done Great Things For Us, Whereof We Are Glad.

Ps 126 v 3.

  God’s people had been in captivity for a long time and then God stepped in and delivered them. Here in Ps 126 we have the song of the returning captives. The experience of the long awaited deliverance was so wonderful that they could hardly believe it had really happened, it was like a dream and they laughed and sang for joy. The joy of past favours - v 1-3 inspires their prayer for final restoration - v 4 - 6:

But the Lord has done great things for us also and we want to cry out with the Psalmist - The Lord had done great things for us whereof we are glad.

What are some of these great things?

1. He has dealt with us in Great Mercy Ps 103 vii, For as the heavens are high above the earth, so Great is his Mercy - toward them that fear him. Gods mercy is so great that it forgives great sins to great sinners, and raises us up to great enjoyments and great privileges. “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and plenteous in mercy.” His mercy is plenteous and great, plenteous in quantity and great in quality. Grace and mercy are after linked together. Grace is God bestowing on siniful man what he did not deserve, God’s favour upon the unlovely and undeserving people Mercy is God withholding from us what we do deserve: My sins deserved eternal death but Jesus died in my place.

He has loved us with a Great Love.

2.”But God who is rich in mercy, for His great love with which he loved us:”

Oh the greatness of God’s eternal and unchanging love which goes out to unworthy sinful men and woman. His love is a lifting power and an unclasing inspiration. Paul also tells us that God commendeth his love towards us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us - Rom 5 vS.

Think of the prodigal son after he had come to him-seW returned to his fathers house was forgiven and reinstated. As the father looked at his wayward son, how his love had never changed. So it is with us. God loved us and His love never changed. When we were in the far country, spiritually dead, - pleasing ourselves and serving Satan, God still loved us. “For God so loved the world.”

He has saved us with a Great Salvation.

3 “How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation Heb 2 v 3.God is its source; Man is its object; Faith is its receive;Holiness is its outcome; The Spilt is its power; Glory is it consummation:

Salvation is a great inclusive word involving all the provision that God has made for guilty sinners to be delivered from sin and brought into an experience of pardon, new life in Christ and eternal glory.

He has assured us with Great Promises.

4 “By which are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises” 2 Pet 1 v 4.

The promises of God recorded for us throughout all scripture are exceedingly great and precious. He has chosen us; He will never let us go; He will never forsake us; He will supply our every need; His grace will always be sufficient; Heaven is our home:

He has endured us with Great Power.

5 “And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus and great grace was upon them all.” Act 4 v 33.

Before His ascension the Lord Jesus promised the power of the Holy Spirit. “But ye shall receive power after, that the Holy Ghost is come upon you, and ye shall be witnesses unto me unto the uttermost pans of the earth” Acts 1 v 8. The Spirit’s enduement is the power to keep us right and to work in and through us with effectiveness. This power is available for every Christian, power for living; power for speaking; power for serving; power for suffering. God has not left us to our own resources. We are not expected to do this in our own strength, for it is not by might, but by my Spilt saith the Lord of hosts.

He hath given us Great Peace.

6 “Great peace have they who love the law and nothing

shall offend them.” Ps 119 v 165: To love God’s word us to find the joy of His peace.

He has surrounded us with Great Faithfulness.

7 “His compassions fail not, they are new every morning, great is thy faithfulness.” Lam 3 v 23.

He has thrilled us with Great Joy.

8 “Fear not, for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy:” Luke 2 v 12.

The message of Philip brought great joy to the city of Samaria. Acts 8v8, The Saviour is its secret and source. This joy is full and lasting.

Many are the great things done for us and these give us great cause for thanksgiving. Look at the last three words of our opening verse “we are glad”. Hallelujah. Great is Thy faithfulness 0 God my Father, There is no shadow of turning with Thee, Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not, As Thou hast been Thouforever wilt be.          

 

D. Mitchellr

************************************************************************************

 

  Ladies Fellowship

Once again ladies, we find ourselves at the beginning of a new seasons work. I am constantly amazed at how quickly time passes and yet it is wonderful to know that we have a God who is still “the same yesterday, today and forever.”

On Wednesday 10 September we had a visit from Phyllis Arnold who shared a word of testimony. All who attended that evening were moved and touched deeply by the way God worked in her life and in her husbands through the loss of two of their children. How dark a valley to go through and yet the comfort and hope that God was with her and in control of the situation was a challenge to every lady present to examine themselves and their walk with God. A truly memorable evening.

At the time of writing we look forward to a visit from Mrs. Beth Williams from the Stauros Foundation in October. A hearty invitation is extended to all ladies to join with us the 2nd Wednesday of each month.

As usual our prayer meetings continued throughout the Summer months. It was encouraging to see the number of ladies present over the holiday period. However there is always room for new faces at the prayer meeting. How can we expect blessing if we don’t take time to pray collectively. Out of an average 720 hours per month 1/720th or one hour is not much to ask.

Remember - it is good to give thanks unto the Lord. 1 Chro 16 v 34.

  Leslie Kennedy.

  **************************************************************************************************************

  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 you soul on the Living Bread.

10 Give your all to Christ; He gave His all for you.

 

 

THE WEAVER

 

My life is but a weaving, Between my Lord and me,

I cannot choose the colours, He worketh steadily

 

Ofttimes He weaveth sorrow, And I in foolish pride

Forget He sees the upperAnd I, the underside

 

Not till the loom is silent, And the shuttles cease to fly

Shall God unroll the canvas, And explain the reason why.

 

The dark threads are as needfil, In the Weaver’s skillful hand

As the threads of gold and silver, In the pattern He has planned.

 

We stay alive not so much by adding years to our Life

but by adding life to our years!

 

**********************************************************************************

 

My Fathers Way

My Fathers way may twist and turn, My Heart may throb and ache

But in my heart I'm glad to know, He maketh no mistake.

 

My cherished plans may go astray, My hopes may fade away

But still I'll trust my Lord to lead, For He doth know the way.

 

Though night be dark and it may seem, That day will never break

I'll pin my faith, my all in Him, He maketh no mistake

 

There's so much now I cannot see, My eyesight far to dim

But come what may, I'll simply trust,  and leave it all to Him.

 

For by and by the mist will fade, and plain it all He'll make

Through all the way, though dark to me, He made not one mistake.

 

Submitted by Louise Mc Auley

*********************************************************************************

AUTUMN

This year is swiftly waning, the summer days are past.

And life, brief life, is speeding; the end is nearing fast.

 

The ever-changing seasons, in silence come and go,

But thou, Eternal Father, no time or change canst know.

 

O pour Thy grace upon us, that we may worthier be,

Each year that passes o'er us, to dwell in Heaven with Thee.

 

Behold, the bending orchards, with bounteous fruit are crowned,

Lord, in Our hearts more richly, let Heavenly fruits abound.

 

O by each mercy sent us, and by each grief and pain,

By blessings like the sunshine, and sorrows like the rain.

 

Our barren hearts make fruitful, with every goodly grace,

That we Thy name may hallow, and see at last Thy face.

 

**********************************************************************************

 

A word of Testimony

Redeemed How I Love To Proclaim It, Redeemed By The Blood Of The Lamb.

Having experienced redemption through His Blood, even the forgiveness of sins, in January 1969, I have sought to serve the Lord in whatever way He lead me. Early in my Christian experience I joined a group of believers in the factory where I was employed.

Bible readings were arranged each Wednesday at lunch time. Soon this was changed to Gospel Meetings to encourage our fellow workers to attend, this proved very successful and souls were saved. Later an outreach team was formed and we went from place to place on Sunday evenings bringing the Gospel in word and song. Many Churches and Mission Halls where visited during this time. (some who started off in this humble way and now in full time ministry and teaching. Dr James Mc Keown, vice principle of Belfast Bible College and Rev. Derek Erwin, Free Presbyterian Minister, to name but two, many others now serve in Eldership in local Fellowships).

God blessed this effort and soon many engagements came flooding in. Mr's Grace Allen, was a tremendous encouragement to us all, she opened her home each Tuesday at lunch time for prayers and many a blessed time was spent there. I could fill a book with the blessings of God, many received through these efforts. Because of my involvement in the Sunday evening work I was unable to attend many of the evening services in our own Assembly and so I decided to attend only those starting at 8pm. About this time I was called to serve as an Elder along with the late Brother Matthew Calderwood. As many changes were taking place in our Assembly at this time, I was asked to take care of the Sunday School work and God moved graciously among the children and many of them at that time professed faith in Christ, some of these are still with us as parents and bringing along their families.

During the ministry of Pastor Sam Gordon I was asked to take on the task of Secretary until someone suitable could be found for this post (it took 20 years and a severe illness before I was relieved of this task) but an ideal Secretary has been found in the person of brother David Mitchell. I wish him continued success and much blessing as he serves the Lord in this capacity.

God continues to be good to me and many prayers have been answered on my behalf. He has been with me through serious illlness and helps me day by day. I find it most encouraging to witness God's blessing on Pastor Kennedys ministry and pray he will be long spared to enjoy his labours among us at Ballee. Also to see the Sunday School and children's work flourish, not forgetting the men's Bible class each Lord's day at 10:15am, when over 20 men gather to study the word of God. (Man: have you been their? I wouldn't miss it).

I pen these few lines not to tell you what I have done, but to show you what God can do through others when yielded to Him. May God continue to bless all who seek to serve Him.

Robert L Cameron.

************************************************************************************

 

CHARMED BY CHRIST

Thine eyes shall see the King in his beauty.” Isa 33 v 17.

Leave me Jesus, only Jesus - let the lights of earth grow dim;

I shall miss no other radiance, looking ever unto Him.

Put away my earthly idols; let them crumble; let them fall;

Leave me Jesus, only Jesus; let me keep my All-in-all.

While the changeful years are passing, bearing from my heart away

Many treasures, loved and cherished - only let Him stay.

Other joys no more may bless me; other friends may leave my side;

Only let me hold His friendship; only let Him still abide.

Let the chill mists fall about me; let the lights of earth grow dim;

Leave me Jesus. only Jesus I am satisfied with him.

 Norman Mc Keown

 

*************************************************************************************

Calling all young People Between    11 - 18 years

  Starting on Saturday the 11th of October 1997 at 7.30 p.m. your very

own ‘youth club’ here at Ballee, in the church hall

  Come and join us between 7.30 p.m. and 9.30 p.m. every other Saturday night for lots of fun and friendship.

We will have all the usual activities, (i.e.) table-tennis, badminton, snooker, tuck shop and lots more!

As well as a short epilogue we will also have some special items for you

  So why not make a date with us and come along to find out more about our new Saturday night venture.

Make a note in your busy diary now for the following dates this year;

*(special drug awareness night - don't miss it) We look forward to seeing you there!!

Please note that unless prior arrangements have been made with the youth leaders, parents are responsible for bringing their own son! daughter to the youth club and arranging to have them picked up promptly afterwards.

P.S. A number of items have already been donated to the youth club (i.e.) table-tennis and snooker tables and we want to say a BIG BIG thank-you to those who have donated these items to the church for our use. If you have any items which you think we might be able to use, please let us know.

 

Stephen & Linda Irons

 

******************************************************************************************************************

 

THE TOUCH OF THE MASTER’S HAND

 

Twas, battered and scarred, and the auctioneer,

Thought it scarcely worth his while.

To waste much time on the old violin,

But he held it up with a smile

“What am I bidden, good folks?” he cried.

“Who’ll start the bidding for me,

A dollar - one dollar - then two, only two, -

Two dollars, and who’ll make it three?

Going for three - but no -“

From the room far back, a grey haired man,

Came forward and picked up the bow;

Then wiping the dust from the old violin,

And tightening the loosened strings.

He played a melody pure and sweet.

As a caroling angel sings.

 

The music ceased and the auctioneer,

With a voice that was quiet and low,

Said, “Now what am I bid for the old violin?”

And he held it up with the bow.

“A thousand dollars and who’ll make it two?

Two thousand and who’ll make it three?

Three thousand once - three thousand twice -

And going - and gone” cried He.

The people cheered, but some of them cried,

We do not understand;

What changed its worth? quick came the reply,

“The touch of a Master’s Hand,”

 

And many a man with life out of tone,

And battered and scarred with sin.

Is auctioned cheap to a thoughtless crowd,

Much like the old violin.

A mess of pottage - a glass of wine,

A game - and he travels on.

He’s going once - and going twice -

He’s going - and almost gone I

But the Master comes, and the foolish crowd,

Never can quite understand.

The worth of a soul and the chance that’s wro’t

By The Touch of The M aster’s Hand.

  Submitted by   Jean Craig.

 

*******************************************************************************************************************

Bible Quiz

(1)   Name a lasting proof of the love of God. (1 st John Ch 3v16)

  (2)   A word of four letters which describes God. (1st John Ch 4v8)

(3)   What does “The Blood of Jesus Christ” do? (1st John Ch 1v7)

  (4)   What shall we be when God appears? (1st John Ch 3v2)

(5)   God has “promised” this to his people. (1st John Ch 2v25)

(6)   The Word of the Lord --------/ --- /-----        (1st Peter Ch 1v25)

(7)  The eyes of the Lord are over --- / -------- and His ears are open unto their

(1st Peter Ch 3v12) 

(8)   Casting all your ---- upon him, for -- / ------ /---    (lst Peter Ch 5v7)

(9)   The day of the Lord will come as a ----- / -- / --- / -----  (2nd Peter Ch 3v10)

(10) Draw nigh to God, and he will ---- / ---- / -- / ---  (James Ch 4v8)

(11) Every good gift and every perfect gift -- / ---- / -----    (James Ch lv17?)

(12) Be ye doers of the Word --- / --- / ------- / ---- (James Ch I v22)

(13) Resist the devil, and he will --- / -- / --- / ----   (James Ch 4v7)

(14) What happened at the gates of Nain? (Luke Ch 7vs 11-15)

(15) How did Jesus’ first cradle come to be a manger? (Luke Ch 2v7)

(16) What did Jesus say to “All ye that labour and are heavy laden" (Matthew Ch 11v28)       Submitted by M.Robinson.

 

***************************************************************************************************

CONGRATULATIONS

 

William & Annaleen Knowles on the birth of a son Michael James 21/8/97

 

Jill Harkness & Stewart Megaw on their Wedding 4/10/97

 

David comes from the Isle of Lewis and is a last year student

at the Faith Mission College in Edinburgh.

 

into Fellowship on Sunday 27/7/97.

 

 

GLAD TO BE BACK

 

When the wheels of British Airways flight No. BA141S touched down at Aldergrove Airport on Tuesday 23rd September, I was tempted to copy the practice of others, and get down and kiss the ground. It was good to be home.

The past three weeks in Kenya were, if nothing else, Dramatic! Over the next weeks, no doubt, you will hear of me stranded at Nairobi Airport, of the food which would destroy the lining of even the most fortified of stomachs, the loneliness of sitting in a mud hut in the middle of a mountain forest, just holes for windows and a door, without running water or electricity from dusk (7.00am) to dawn (7.00pm) afraid to go asleep. Stories of snakes, grasshoppers, ticks, lice, poverty, lack of hygiene and basic necessities. But in the midst of all these stories, let me assure you that another story is also true.. The voice and hand of God was my daily portion. The mighty blessing of God, as many many souls found their way to the Saviour. I can tell of the doors that opened to the Gospel for the first time, because of the colour of my skin. This brief note is to thank you all for your prayers for me, which were answered daily. To thank you for all your love which encouraged me in Kenya, and strengthened Lesley and the children at home. On behalf of the Kenya believers to thank you for all the gifts which will enable the work of God to move forward. The gifts were distributed as follows:­

£500 to the work of God in Nairobi and Kijabe (South Kenya)

£387 to the work of God in Isiolo (North Kenya)

£2000 to the work of God among the refugees of Samalia and Ethiopia.

PURCHASES 1000 blankets, 750 bags of toiletries, 500 malaria courses/injections, medicines for dehydration, antibiotics etc. Basic clothing, shawls, baby clothes, literature on hygiene, family planning, aids, gospel tracts in Boran language, New Testaments in Swahili,transport costs.

Thank you again for your faithfulness towards me, and may this trip to Kenya, not just benefit Kenya, or just deepen my experience, but add another dimension to the work of God in our fellowship at Ballee Baptist.

L. Kennedy

**************************************************************************************

 

[BACK]   [HOME]