Autumn 2005

FROM THE PASTOR

May I express my sincere Christian greetings in The Saviour’s name to everyone within the fellowship in Ballee Baptist Church. I have been so encouraged by the prayers and kindness of God’s people and count it a privilege to have been called to serve The Lord within the fellowship and pray that the Lord will use me as a chosen vessel to bring blessing to the church fellowship.

           Occasionally on a cold wet day my thoughts drift back to the warmer climate of Brazil, where we as a family spent ten blessed years ministering God’s word, I recently recalled visiting some families who lived in basic conditions just outside of Santa Cruz and upon arrival   having to lend a hand to unload some heavy five    gallon barrels from a donkey which were laden with fresh water drawn from a local communal well.

           As I meditated upon this and the importance of that well to        everyone in that rural setting, I searched the scriptures and found that wells play an important role in all our lives.

           To the unbeliever there is the well of salvation that quenches that spiritual thirst of the unsaved soul. From that well the woman of Sychar drew “Living Water” John 4.14 “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst;  but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into ETERNAL Life.”

           To the believer there is the well of supplication, from which we draw spiritual help and encouragement through communion with our Lord. There is the well of scripture, through which God waters our soul, leading us into righteousness, enabling us to grow and   mature spiritually into  Godliness.

           These spiritual wells are available to everyone, may God help you to draw from them, as ISAIAH did for his spiritual well being.

ISAIAH 12.3 “Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.”

                                                               Yours in Christ

                                                                   Pastor Billy Jones

Assistant Pastor at Ballee Baptist Church

From left to right: Pastor Billy Jones, Pastor Victor Maxwell, Dr Tom Geddis, Pastor Lawrence Kennedy, Mr David Mitchell (church secretary)

The service of induction of Mr Billy Jones took place at Ballee Baptist Church on Saturday 3rd September.  Pastor Lawrence Kennedy was chairman and extended a warm welcome to all present.

Mr Jones, from Waringstown, trained at the Belfast Bible College from 1989 to 1992. During his studies there, he met another student; Miss Agnes Carson from Ballymena. Billy and Agnes were married in 1993. They joined the Acre Gospel Mission in 1995 and their valedictory service was held in Ballee on the 16th Sept 1995. They have served the Lord in a Church-planting ministry in the North East of Brazil in the towns of Sao Bento and Santa Cruz from that date. Whilst loving Brazil and its people, Billy and Agnes felt a growing burden to return home to Northern Ireland. This was confirmed when the Fellowship at Ballee Baptist   issued a call to Billy to come and strengthen the Leadership Team. Billy and Agnes have two girls, Sarah and Rebekah.

Mr David Mitchell, Church Secretary gave the history of the call. He said that the circumstances in relation to this evening go back a long way.  Since the fire that destroyed our previous Church in Oct 1993 and the opening of this building in June 1996, God has been pleased to bless this Fellowship in so many ways. To HIM is all the glory.  That, in turn created an increasing workload and greater demands for our Pastor. He recalled that in May 1999, 6yrs ago, he had sent out a letter to the membership giving notice of new measures put in place and seeking their cooperation. Billy & Agnes came home from Brazil in 2002; Billy took on some Pastoral visitation and some meetings when the Pastor was off sick in the

summer of that year.

Much time has been spent in Oversight meetings and indeed Annual Business meetings in prayer, and thinking of this subject of workload in a growing        fellowship, with all the demands of present day living and sickness for example. During the early months of 2003 a few possible names were mentioned in     Oversight and in Sept 2003 the Pastor was asked to make a formal approach to Bro Jones about possible service at home, or to ascertain if he had any leading from The Lord in this regard. Bro Jones’ response was to the effect that when they joined Acre Gospel Mission and went to Brazil in 1996 it was always their vision to complete at least two full terms and then seek The Lord’s further leading after that. Consequently, they were committed to the work in Santa Cruz until June 2005.  Billy enjoyed working in the Fellowship in 2002 and he had no hesitation in coming back to assume a permanent role within the Fellowship, if that be the will of God and the call of the Church.

This was brought before the Annual Business Meeting of the Church in February 2004 and after that a voting opportunity went out to the Membership, because such decision required the approval of two thirds in accordance with the Church Constitution. In April 2004 Mr Mitchell sent a letter of call on behalf of the     Fellowship to Bro Jones to serve as Assistant Pastor in Ballee, commencing in the summer of 2005. Later that month he received a reply of acceptance, and Bro Jones, like us, was enjoying a growing peace in the will of God about it. We now trust that this will be a real blessing and a great step forward in the work and life of this Assembly.

The Act of Induction, charge and prayer was carried out by Pastor L. Kennedy who also extended the right hand of Fellowship to Pastor Jones. In reply Pastor Jones thanked the Church and Pastor Kennedy for all their help and                 encouragement during the years that he and Agnes served on the mission field in Brazil. He took the words of John 4 v34 “My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me and to finish His word” He said it would be an honour to preach the Word and serve God in this Fellowship.

Dr Tom Geddis, Chairman of Acre Gospel Mission, brought greetings and  prayerful good wishes from the Mission. He also spoke first hand of the good work of Billy and Agnes over the past nine years in Brazil and how they will be a missed couple in that work.

The guest speaker was Pastor Victor Maxwell from Banbridge Baptist Church, and he brought the message from God’s Word  2nd Tim Ch 3 v14 – Ch 4 v5 to Pastor Jones and Church. In the Pastoral letters we find help in this charge. First Paul exhorted Timothy to be a “Man of God”  That is what we need in our

Churches and Pulpits today. God has called you to be a ‘man of God’ here. There is possession in this text – God’s man. Always remember the One to whom you belong – whose I am and whom I serve. Belief and doctrine are also in the text. Holy doctrine produces a holy life. Belief and behaviour go together. “Bro Jones” said Pastor Maxwell, “You are called to be a Pattern in the home; a Pillar in the Church and a Pointer in the world. You are also called to be a “Minister of Jesus Christ”, giving devoted service to the Lord Jesus, for He has done excellent work for you.” The title ‘Minister’ would incorporate “Elder” – a man of experience, maturity and counsel, and would also incorporate ‘Bishop’- one displaying    leadership and responsibility, and also ’Pastor’ – a shepherd of the flock. Not only a Man of God and a Minister of Jesus Christ but a “Messenger of the gospel of Jesus Christ” – do the work of an Evangelist. “Pastor Jones this is a noble calling. Preach the word because of its supremacy; preach the Word because of its sufficiency; preach the Word because of its simplicity”.

The service was a joyful time enriched by a large number of visitors, members and friends. The Quartet “Solid Ground” from the Fellowship brought ministry in song. The Ladies of the Fellowship provided and served a very enjoyable supper.

Secretary

IT MATTERS TO HIM

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

(1 Peter 5:7)

It matters to Him! Oh, wonderful solace!

It matters to Him– my God on the throne!

It matters to Him– unspeakable comfort,

Whatever my need– it is all to Him known.

It is He who has made me: it is He understands me,

And all that is complex within me He reads:

My heart with its manifold hunger He knows,

It matters to Him that it suffers such needs.

It matters to Him! So I’m never quite lonely;

The deep things I feel all come under His care;

The pains and the pangs, the tears and the sorrows-

They matter to Him– and He does them all share.

It matters to Him! So with much so uncertain-

The present perplexing– the future so dim-

My heart is made strong, and my spirit is tranquil,

And this is my comfort- “It matters to Him.”

Submitted by Audrey Johnston.

Shem, Noah’s son, was the

ancestor of the Jewish people.

Genesis 11:10-26

Abraham’s father was

Named Terah.

Genesis 11:26

VITAL NEWS FOR ALL WOMEN

Psalm 119 v 105

      “Thy Word is a lamp to my feet and a light unto my path”

I wonder if you have ever been lost? It's not a nice feeling - not knowing where you are or unable to find your way back. This summer I got lost - the family went for a walk on our holiday, and what should have been a 30 min walk, took 2 hours before we reached our apartment! As I was thinking of this incident it reminded me that sometimes as Christians we can sometimes “lose” our way spiritually speaking - especially over summer months when church activity is at a minimum, holiday fever takes over or a quiet time can be more difficult because kids are at home. It is only when September comes and routine is once again established that we realize just how far away we may have strayed. Some may not wander at all but for many it can be a struggle to motivate ourselves and meet with other   Christians at church meetings when staying at home and having a ‘night in’ seems much more appealing.

As the Ladies meetings commence in Sept. again for another seasons work Psalm 119 v 105 is a gentle reminder that God's Word is there to guide, direct and      instruct at all times. May I encourage not only ladies that usually attend, but maybe those that used to come and indeed those who have never come, to join with us as we meet around God's Word and listen to various speakers from      different parts of the globe. As well as a variety of guest speakers we have a cup of tea after each missionary meeting and so this gives excellent opportunity to meet new friends and encourage each other. Everyone is very welcome and cards are available in the church detailing each meeting.

Our prayer meetings have continued throughout the summer and these have been well attended over the holiday period. It has been encouraging to have new voices not only taking part in prayer but also leading the prayer meeting. If you are free on the last Wed of each month please come and join with us.

                                                                                            Lesley Kennedy

The term “scapegoat” comes from the use of a goat that was

to receive the sins of the people and be released into

the wilderness.    Leviticus 16:10

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

WHERE DO YOU FIND IT, ANYWAY?

Below are some familiar Bible passages that people often like to quote. They aren’t necessarily trivial, but their references aren’t as easily

recognized. So, where do you find them, anyway?

1.              Jesus wept.

2.              This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

3.              They shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

4.              The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

5.              For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

6.              A man reaps what he sows.

7.              Let my people go, that they may serve me.

B’s OF THE BIBLE

Find out the answers to the following clues. Each one begins with the letter ’B’.   Central column: He was spoken to by an animal.

1                A blind man healed by  Jesus                         (Mark 10:46)

2                A prisoner with Joseph   (Genesis 40:1)

3                A King of Moab          (Numbers 22:10)

4                Ruth’s second husband     (Ruth 4:9-10)

5                A tower which was never completed (Genesis 11:1-9)

6        A son of Jacob               (Genesis 35:24)

ANAGRAMS

Unscramble the following anagrams to reveal names of people in the Bible.

1                ALCEHMIBE

2                BZLREZASHA

3                CIAPHSAA

4                DCSROA

5                ECIMLELEH

6                FUSTSE

7                GIBLERA

8                HASIDERO

9                ICHSARSA

10                JOABEMER

11            KAHOR

12            LUZASAR

"Jesus Himself drew near and went with them" 

Luke 24 v15

Sorrow's paths are oft-times lonely,  Friends we love seem loath to aid,

Trials surround us, ever deepening,  Hearts despair, hope seem to fade.

Can we bear these cruel burdens?  Who can calm our souls to rest?

Must we sink beneath this onslaught?  Who will hear our heart's request?

Comes the Saviour, at this moment,  Rightly judging our despair;

He Himself is drawing near us,   Ready now our grief to share.

Lighter seems the way before us,  One who trod the path before

Stands beside the weary traveller,  As He did in days of yore.

As of old He shared the journey,  Hearts were burning, full of cheer,

All the path below was brightened, Since the Saviour had come near.

Happy they who know His presence, Ever on life's storm-tossed sea;

Walking side by side with Jesus,  Sweet communion, troubles flee. 

                                                                                                 David Mitchell

A Friend

A friend is a person who listens and cares,

A helper in times of need,

Who’d sacrifice all for the one that he loves,

A friend true in word, and in deed.

There’s never been any so faithful and true

Who’d stay with us until the end,

Except for the Saviour, our Lord Jesus Christ,

The One who is surely, a Friend.

YOUTH REPORT MARCH-AUGUST

It’s a bit longer this time round….sorry! 

The past few months has seen many of God's blessings bestowed upon us for which we are truly thankful for and have also enjoyed.  We praise our heavenly father for the souls saved.  We would like to thank everyone for their support to the youth fellowship and for remembering us in prayer.

A DVD night was arranged for 6 March by Geoff.  We were all challenged as a result.

Richard Logan spoke to us on 20 March concerning witnessing.  This was       implemented through a power point presentation.  Thanks Richard.

The 3 April saw Gareth and Diane Fleming coming to speak to the youth. We would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank them for the message they brought to us

Our Y.P.F weekend was held on 15 April.  Over 50 of the young people ventured to Donegal aboard Francey's coach.  The journey lasted just over 3 hours.  The committee took the weekend and once again, God used each member to         spiritually enrich the young people.  The general consensus was that everyone found the weekend to be an enjoyable, if not, exhausting experience!  The food and facilities provided by CEF were greatly appreciated by everyone.

On 1 May we had a power point presentation and slide show from Alison, Cherith and Laura who recently visited Brazil as part of the church team.  The slide show showed the work that was carried out in Brazil by the team and as a result touched all of our hearts.

On 15 May, Y.P.F took the format of a panel evening.  The members of the panel included:  BILL CULL, YOLANDE MOORE and WESLEY COULTER who bravely answered questions put to the team by the youth.

A Youth Rally was held on Friday 20 May sponsored by Word of Life.  This was taken by Dave Kelso.  We were delighted to see that many of our young people attended and were pleased to see new faces too.  This night was greatly enjoyed by all and we rejoiced in a young lady coming to saving grace.  Thanks to those who provided the food and helped out in so many ways.

Our final Y.P.F meeting of the season took place on 29 May and was conducted by Pastor Kennedy and the election was held to find a new committee…

The new committee for the 05/06 season is, Ian and Claire Calderwood, Cherith Cameron, Geoffrey Kennedy, Richard McCord and Alison Whann.

The new committee would like to express our thanks to the outgoing committee and pray that God will continue to bless Noel, Pamela and Sarah for their        contribution in previous years.

Over the summer the newly formed committee wasted no time in organising the summer event for the youth. A night to the beach and a progressive dinner were all generally considered to be a great success. Good numbers attended the events and it was a great opportunity to welcome in new members to the group.

Our first youth meeting of the new season has seen a continued numerical growth in the youth, which we give God the praise for. We know that glory is not found in numbers, but it is so encouraging to see such a large group of teenagers taking an interest in the things of God.

Please continue to pray for the committee as we seek to provide an environment in which our Christian young people can spiritually thrive and please also pray for the young people individually. School nowadays can be a very intimidating and discouraging place for young believers so please pray that God will give them the courage to continue on with him as school starts back this September.

  Sarah & Geoffrey

The fellowship at Ballee would like to congratulate Julie and Jonathon Pollock on their wedding on 

Tuesday,20th       September.            May God bless them in their marriage. 

Someone Must Have Prayed

I was troubled in my heart

was anxious and afraid,

but suddenly the cloud,

it was lifted.

Someone must have prayed

Feeling lost and uncertain

of the choice that must be made

The answer was

someone must have prayed

Someone must have prayed for me.

Prayer changes things I know

so try to win the love of all

as through this world you go.

Being loved and being remembered,

is somebody’s prayer.

And the blessing you’ll receive

someday, somehow, somewhere

In crises unseen powers,

will hasten to your aid,

And when it’s over you will say,

Someone must have prayed

And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father,

The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Daily Prayers Dissolve Your Cares

I meet God in the morning

And go with Him through the day

Then in the stillness of the night

Before sleep comes I pray

That God will just take over

All the problems I couldn’t solve

And in the peacefulness of sleep

My cares will all dissolve

So when I open up my eyes

To greet another day

I’ll find myself renewed in strength

And there’ll open up a way

To meet what seemed impossible

For me to solve alone

But once again I’ll be assured

I am never on my own

An Acrostic on the word ‘STUDY’

Study the Scriptures - Jesus said “they testify of Me” John 5.39

Study       Theology -  (The knowledge of God)

                                    Jesus said “this is life eternal, that they might know Thee”

                                                                                                         John 17.3.

Study the Universe -  for, The heavens declare the glory of God; and the                  firmament showeth His handiwork. Psalm 19.1. Rom 1.20.

Study       Doctrine -  Give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

                                                                                                         1 Tim. 4.13.

Study      Yourself -    Take heed unto thyself and unto the doctrine 1 Tim. 4.16.

                                   Study to show thyself approved unto God 2 Tim. 2.15.

                                                                          Submitted by Wilson Burgess

REMIND ME

Dear God, when I am lonely, and ….

Perhaps I feel despair ….

Let not my ailing heart forget ….

That You hear every prayer ….

Remind me that no matter what ….

I do or fail to do ….

There still is hope for me as long ….

As I have faith in You ….

Let not my eyes be blinded by ….

Some folly I commit ….

But help me to regret my wrong ….

And to make up for it ….