How quickly seasons come and go! It seems so short a time since the dark nights, cold winter breeze, and the frost keeping Desmond Shaw busy as he kept our roads open and safe! But all that is in the past, never to be recaptured. Now it’s the sound of lawnmowers, the sore backs from weeding and of course the holiday brochures.

I am aware that our Church Magazine is read by many people and so, at this holiday time, it seems appropriate to ask the question "Are you Heavenward bound?" In order to answer that question honestly, I have gathered the following ten check items from the latest travel information:

1 Accommodation: Arrangements for first-class accommodation have been made in advance.

2 Passports: Persons seeking entry will not be permitted past the gates without having proper credentials and having their names registered with the ruling authority.

Revelation 21 v 27 "And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life."

3 Tickets: Your ticket is a written pledge that guarantees your journey. It should be claimed and its promises kept firmly in mind.

John 5 v 24 -25 "Verily, verily I say unto you, he that heareth My Word and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation: but is passed from death unto life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, the our is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God and they that hear shall live."

4 Customs: Only one declaration is required while going through customs.

I Corinthians. 15 v 1-4 "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain for I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures."

5 Immigration: All passengers are classified as immigrants, since they are taking up permanent residence in a new country. The quota is unlimited.

Hebrews 11 v 16 "But now they desire a better country, that is, an Heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for He hath prepared for them a City."

6 Luggage: No luggage whatsoever can be taken.

I Timothy 6 v 7 "For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out."

7 Air Passage: Travellers going directly by air are advised to watch daily for indications of imminent departure.

I Thessalonians 4 v 16-18 "For the Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel,. and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds: and so shall we ever be with the Lord; wherefore comfort one another with these words"

8 Vaccinations/Inoculations: Injections are not needed as diseases are unknown at the destination.

Revelation 21 v 4-5 "As God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away, and He that sat upon the Throne said, Behold, I make all things new."

9 Departure times: The exact time of departure has not been announced.

Acts 1 v 7 "And He said unto them, it is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power."

10 Preparation: Travellers are encouraged to learn all they can about their new destination and to encourage others to come.

Colossians 3 v 1-4 "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on earth, for ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ Who is our life shall appear then shall ye also appear with Him in Glory."

One day all the reservations will be taken - then it’s too late!

May each of you enjoy a safe, enjoyable, up-building summer season - and keep your eyes upward "for yet a little while and He that shall come, will come, and will not tarry." Hebrews 10 v 37

oOo

"Successful marriage is always a triangle: A Man, A Woman and God"

Friday 9th June Lynn Foster : Robert McCloy

Saturday 10th June Diane Alexander : Rodney Johnston

At a time when society is becoming more and more cynical concerning the institution of marriage, it is a joy for our fellowship not only to have a good youth fellowship, but to see Christian young people meet Christian partners and making their vows before God, one to the other.

It was a personal pleasure for me to perform my first two wedding services: with two beautiful brides - both Lynn and Diane were radiant as they walked up the aisle on the arms of two rather hesitant fathers. Two calm bridegrooms - Robert and Rodney were the picture of tranquillity [although Rodney did go a little pale when Diane was fifteen minutes late!]. Two lavish meals - one of the Pastoral hazards! Inches on the waistline - but I enjoyed every minute of it! Mr and Mrs Foster treated guests to an abundant meal at the Country House Hotel, Ballymena, and Mr and Mrs Alexander provided royally for the guests at the Highways Hotel, Larne, and of course two happy couples as they left smiling for their honeymoon, albeit in somewhat noisy cars!

We look forward to welcoming home Mr & Mrs McCloy and Mr & Mrs Johnston and trust that they will continue to enjoy many years of fellowship on the Toome Road at Ballee Baptist Church. I finish with this thought ... A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers!

Pastor L Kennedy

oOo

"Forasmuch as He was faithful" Daniel 6 v 4

It cost Abraham the yielding up of his only son.

It cost Esther the risk of her life.

It cost Daniel being cast into the den of lions.

It cost Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego being put into a fiery furnace.

It cost Stephen death by stoning.

It cost Peter a martyr’s death.

It cost Jesus Christ His Life.

What does it cost you?

Pastor L Kennedy

oOo

We are living on the border of Eternity each day;

We are just as close to Heaven as the stars so far away,

And the only thing between us whether we are big or small,

Is a tender, little heartbeat, just a heartbeat, that is all.

Just a heartbeat from Glory, just a heartbeat nothing more,

Just a tender little heartbeat till we walk the golden shore,

Keep your lamp all trimmed and burning, let it shine, you’ll never fall.

Just a heartbeat from the Glory, just a heartbeat that is all.

In this land of sin and sorrow, whether old or in our prime,

We are only just a heartbeat from the grave at any time,

No one has a lease on living, any moment death may call.

It is only by God’s mercy that we live and breathe at all.

There’s a place beyond the river where we’ll lay our burdens down,

Where we’ll meet our friends and loved ones and we’ll wear a starry crown.

All our troubles will be over and no tears shall ever fall,

Just a heartbeat from the Glory, just a heartbeat, that is all.

oOo

God make me brave -

Let me strengthen after pain

As a tree strengthens after the rain,

Shining and lovely again.

As the blown grass lifts, let me rise,

From sorrow with quiet eyes

Knowing Thy Way is wise.

God make be braver -

Life brings such blinding things!

Help me to keep THEE in sight,

Knowing all thro’ my night that out of dark

Comes light.

Submitted by Margaret McMaster

oOo

Once again the past three months have been quite hectic for the young people. Taking part in our meetings in April were Ian Greenwood - once a publican, now serving the Lord, and Pastor Kennedy who spoke at our last meeting on April 23rd. These meetings were very well attended. At the last meeting the new committee was elected. The committee for the incoming year will be Stephen Irons, William Knowles, Agnes Carson, Alison Calderwood, Aaron Herbison, Linda Cameron and Derek Manson.

On 14th May the Pastor invited the young people along to his house so that Ian Greenwood could tell us all about the Christian Radio Station he is setting up at Newtownards. A good crowd of the young people crammed into the manse and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Pastor and Mrs Kennedy for their hospitality [‘Big Wullie’ and Aaron are not the easiest to cater for!].

In the past month we had a few singing engagements. We sang at Slaght on the 7th May and at Laymore Mission Hall on the 21st May. At the time of writing this report we are busy practising for Youth Sunday when the young people will be responsible for the evening service. The choir will also be singing at Church in August; so as you can see we’re kept really busy.

Over the summer we have arranged quite a few activities. These include the day trip to Ayr on the 24th June, a Church barbecue, treasure hunt, trips to the leisure centre and maybe even horseriding for the more adventurous. We do hope that these activities will be well attended not only by our own young people but by anyone else who would like to come.

The Young People’s Fellowship meetings will commence again in September. Our meetings last year were very well attended and we pray that in the next year even more young people will join us every other Sunday night after Church. If you are eleven years and over, why not come along - you are very welcome.

We would like you to remember two or our young people - Annaleen and Wullie - in your prayers as they prepare for their ‘big day’ on September 29th.

Alison

oOo

1 Lord, while for all mankind we pray,

Of every clime and coast,

O hear us for our native land,

The land we love the most.

2 Our father’s sepulchres are here,

And here our kindred dwell,

Our children too; how should

We love another land so well?

3 O guard our shores from every foe,

With peace our borders bless;

With prosperous times our cities crown,

Our fields with plenteousness.

4 Unite us in the sacred love

Of knowledge, truth and Thee,

And let our hills and valleys shout

The songs of liberty.

5 Lord of the nations, thus to Thee,

Our country we commend,

Be Thou her refuge and her trust,

Her everlasting Friend.

John Reynell Wreford 1800-81

Taken from the Psalter Church Hymnary

oOo

1 The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you.

2 God knows our load limit and graciously limits our load.

3 Confess your own sins - not your neighbour’s.

4 Grace is everything for nothing for those who don’t deserve anything.

5 If you are too busy to pray - you are too busy.

6 The smallest deed done is better than the greatest intention not done.

Submitted by M Robinson

oOo

Sunday 25th June was Youth Sunday or Young People’s Day. The Sunday School children took part in the morning and the Youth Choir in the evening and the guest speaker was Pastor Kennedy. The Sunday School choir sang some difficult pieces extremely well [with a few extra actions] as well as a duet and a trio. The Scripture readings by James Hannah and Gareth Fleming were Matthew 22 v 1-14 and Luke 15 v 1-10 respectively. As the morning was for the children we had a welcome change of singing choruses from the overhead projector and it was good to see some of the ‘older’ children taking part in the actions.

The message to the adults concerned the thermometer and thermostat Christians. We were employed as Christians that our duty was to act as a thermostat by regulating the temperature of our surroundings and that we were not to be thermometers which only told the temperature of the surroundings and fluctuated with conditions.

The main message was to the children and was based on the masterpiece pencil made by the Pastor. The points to remember were that it had:

the mark of the maker - [which he found after some help]. We too have the mark of God our Maker in our lives in that we have an everlasting soul and a need for God in our hearts.

 

blackness right through the middle - [or had it]. In the pencil this blackness is the lead but we, both young and old, have sin in our hearts and sin separates us from God.

 

a price paid for it - to obtain a pencil we must buy it. We too are bought with a price - "For ye are not your own for ye are bought with a price". However we must be willing to be bought over by God because in our natural state we are the devil’s children but God has paid the price and all we have to do is come.

 

a need for a point - to allow someone to write it. We too need a point in our lives. For many people this is to become important or to heap up earthly treasures but when we die we must leave them behind. What then is the point in our lives?

 

to be in someone’s hand - maybe the pencil has the mark of the maker, the lead and the point but unless it is in someone’s hand it cannot be useful. We need to be held in the hand of Jesus Christ and then we will use our point to effect others.

 

a decreasing effect - when a pencil is used it becomes smaller and if we as Christians want to be used of God we must become smaller. John the Baptist said that "He must increase and we must decrease".

 

The evening service had the Young People’s choir helping proclaim the Gospel. The choir sang four pieces - ‘Hallelujah’, ‘We will Glorify’, ‘When I survey the Wondrous Cross’ and ‘Bless the Lord Of My Soul’, which reminded us that who better have we to glorify than Jesus Christ the King of Kings, but He also demands not part of our life but our all. Yvonne sang a solo and the Scriptures were read by Noeleen and Annaleen. Leslie testified to the saving power of the Lord and to the fact that spiritual growth is required in the Christian life which is not easy in a world full of temptation and sin.

The Pastor spoke on fear which can be both constructive and destructive, and even with all our advancement and technology it is still prevalent in our society today. Proverbs 29 v 25 showed the fear of man "the fear of man bringeth a snare". Many know that they are sinners and have sinned against Heaven and God but are not saved because they are afraid to admit that they are not right with God. Some are afraid that God’s Word is not true but we have to "taste and see that the Lord is good". Others may be afraid that they could not keep their salvation but "the Lord is our keeper". We must be careful that we do not let the fear of man damn our souls. Proverbs 9 v 10 tells us that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom". Do we fear God? If we do we will flee to Him for salvation. We must be careful to fear God and not men because if we don’t the Lord will say "Depart from Me".

Agnes

oOo

On Saturday 24th June at 6.30am, 62 very sleepy eyed people met in the car park at the Church to start their trip to Ayr. The boat left Larne about 8.10am and we were away. Pastor Kennedy brought his guitar and before long we started to sing a few choruses. It wasn’t long until quite a number of people had gathered and were enjoying the singing. Before long we had arrived in Cairnryan. Our party was divided into two groups, 49 in one coach and 13 in another. The remainder of our journey to Ayr took us about 1 hr and 10 mins. The weather was dry and fine, and before going our separate ways we were told to be back at the bus station for our return journey at 5.15pm.

We all enjoyed a mixture of activities. Some went shopping, some went to go swimming but by the time they found the swimming pool they were too exhausted to swim. Some went to the park and even to see Robbie Burn’s Cottage.

Everyone was very quiet on the bus from Ayr to Cairnryan, I think they were saving whatever energy they had left for the singsong on the boat journey home.

We arrived home safely to Ballymena at about 11.00pm and I can truly say that everyone enjoyed themselves, even if they were exhausted. One lady even suggested that we should have this every Saturday!

Linda

oOo

W.P.MacKay left home to attend college and medical school at the age of seventeen. His mother was a very godly Christian, and upon his departure she gave him a Bible, writing her name and his, and a verse of Scripture upon the fly leaf. But salvation does not run in the family, and the son had no use for his mother’s God, or the Bible she had given him. He did not consult its pages; and soon after, while drunk, he pawned it in order to purchase whiskey. His studies at school engrossed him, and the Bible was forgotten.

Eventually he graduated with high honours, and became the head of a large hospital. He also took the lead in an infidel club where they practised everything that was licentious and vile. He was boldly pronounced in his ridicule of God and the Bible.

The only thing that seemed to give him any thrill at all, was when an ambulance would unload a dying victim of an accident; or a patient came under his care whose condition was so critical that the chances of survival were slim. This nerved him to pit his skill against what his colleagues would term the impossible. If the patient pulled through, it only gave Dr MacKay opportunity to indulge in vain and in glorious boasting. But God was about to deal with him, bringing the Doctor to his senses in a remarkable way.

One day an accident victim was brought to the hospital, the lower part of whose body was crushed and horribly mangled. In spite of this condition, on his face was a serene look of peaceful calm, so unusual that it amazed Dr MacKay, who was accustomed to seeing people suffer.

"What’s the diagnosis?" asked the patient with a smile.

"Oh, I guess we’ll pull you through," replied Dr MacKay.

"No, Doctor, I don’t want any guess," the man said, "I want to know if it is life or death. Just lay me down easy anywhere, Doctor, I am ready. I am not afraid to die because my trust is in the precious, shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, Who paid the penalty for my sins at Calvary."

His face radiant with Christian love, he continued; "I know I am going to be with the Lord Jesus Christ if I have to die. but I would like to know the truth; just what is my condition?"

"You have at the most three hours to live." Hardened as he was, Dr MacKay could not but feel sympathy for the dying man. "Is there anything special you would like us to do for you?" he asked.

"Thank you," said the man. "In one of my pockets is a two week’s pay cheque. I wish you would send it at once to my landlady, and ask her to send me the book."

"What book is that?" asked the Doctor.

"Oh, just the book," the man answered. "She will know."

Dr MacKay arranged for the man’s request to be carried out, and then started on his rounds through the hospital. But those words kept ringing in his ears - "I am ready, Doctor. Just lay me down easy, anywhere, I am ready." Dr MacKay had never been known to inquire about a patient for any personal motive, but for the first time in his life, he wanted to know how this one was getting along. He returned to the ward where the injured man had been placed, and seeing the nurse whom he had assigned to the case, he asked her how the man was.

"He died a few minutes ago," the nurse informed him.

"Did he get the book?" asked the Doctor.

"Yes, it arrived shortly before he died."

"What was it, his bank book?"

"No, it wasn’t his bank book," said the nurse. "It’s still there, though if you want to look at it, he died with it under his pillow."

Dr MacKay went to the bedside, reached under the pillow and pulled out the man’s book. It was a Bible. As he picked it up, the Bible opened and the pages turned over to the fly leaf. There in his mother’s handwriting was his own name, his mother’s name and a verse of Scripture. It was the Bible given him by his mother when he had left home to attend college - the one he remembered pawning, while drunk to buy whiskey. He slipped the Bible under his coat, blushing with shame to think that he had despised it so and rushed upstairs to his private office. There he fell upon his knees and asked God to have mercy upon his soul.

All his life he had known through the teaching at his mother’s knee, that Christ alone could save and keep. In repentance now, he accepted Christ as his own personal Saviour and came into the realisation that God was his Father, the Lord Jesus his Saviour and Heaven his Home.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish , but have everlasting Life." John 3 v 16

Have you heeded Love’s warning?

oOo

As I entered the shoe-shine parlour, I noticed a dark, threatening cloud forming on the horizon. When the little shoe-shine boy came to wait on me, I remarked: "That’s a bad looking cloud in the west, isn’t it?" The boy rolled his big eyes and said: "Lady, I hadn’t notice it, ‘cause I’ve been so busy shinin’."

Shining for Jesus in a world of sin;

Shining for Jesus bringing lost ones in;

Shining for Jesus, glorifying Him;

Shining all the time for Jesus.

Shining all the time, shining all the time,

Shining for Jesus, beams of love divine;

Glorifying Him every day and hour,

Shining all the time for Jesus

Submitted by Jean Craig

oOo

They say time passes quickly when you are enjoying yourself and this was certainly true on the morning of 27th May 1989 when we set off in glorious sunshine for our annual outing. We spent a lovely morning in Glenariff Glen where we had a picnic lunch before heading for Ballycastle where we passed a half hour or so before reaching Coleraine where we spent the remainder of the time shopping. To end our day we had a lovely meal in "The Salmon Leap" restaurant before making our way home - tired, sunburnt, some broke but everyone having thoroughly enjoyed our day. As a relative newcomer, this was my first outing and I must say I really enjoyed myself. It was lovely to have fellowship with each other throughout the day. If you weren’t there then you missed a treat! I know I’ll have my name down for next year DV.

Ladies, if you would like to enjoy fellowship with each other then why not attend our monthly meeting. On the 2nd Wednesday of each month we usually catch up on various news areas through guest speakers and this is always followed by a cup of tea! This meeting is always interesting, but ladies, there is always room for more!

Our ladies prayer meeting is held on the last Wednesday of the month and is surely a blessed time for those who attend. Can I urge you that if God has given you a burden to pray then you join with us at the end of the month. It is wonderful to be able to share amongst ourselves and yet bring everything to the Lord and know the blessing of being where God wants us to be and doing His Will.

Our prayer meetings continue throughout the summer but as September approaches and the recommencement of our meetings then please make it a date in your diary to be at the Ladies’ Meeting - especially the prayer meeting.

Remember, we pray not just for ourselves but for loved ones, our Church and our province and we would really love to see you there.

Lesley Kennedy

oOo

Outside an ancient city wall

A rugged hill stands nigh

On which my Lord in love to me

An atoning death did die.

We see the throng from Pilate’s hall

To Calvary wend their way;

And in their midst the Lamb of God

To slaughter led that day.

The place is reached, the ponderous cross,

Is laid upon the ground;

Unto the wood His hands and feet

By cruel spikes are bound.

Uplifted now upon the cross

Behold His lovely form;

His visage marred, His blessed brow

Enclosed in crown of thorn.

All Hell’s let loose against the Lord,

And man his heart has shown,

That he by nature is depraved,

And far from God has gone.

And in this throng that now surrounds

My dying Saviour’s cross,

Myself I see, by nature vile,

All sinful, helpless, lost.

And now when men have done their worst

God hides Him from their view,

And to His Blessed Son deals out

What should have been my due.

The flaming sword which long has slept,

God bids it now awake

To smite the Man that was as He,

Thereby my peace to make.

And there my sin’s enormous load,

On Him by God was laid;

The debt which I could never meet

By precious blood was paid.

From such a sight the sun withdraws,

Golgotha’s rocks are rent;

The wrath of God that was my due

On Christ His Son is spent.

Now every jot and tittle done,

"Tis finished", Jesus cries,

His spirit up to God He yields,

He bows His head, He dies.

By loving hands He’s taken down,

And wrapped in linen white;

In Joseph’s tomb, which then was new,

My Lord’s laid out of sight.

The morning comes, so long foretold,

When He should rise again,

And conquer death, that awful foe,

And spoil his dark domain.

And angel down from Heaven sent

Now rolls away the stone,

The Lord comes forth in majesty,

His atoning work is done.

Ascended now to God’s right hand,

The doors lift up their head,

The Lord of Glory enters in,

Who liveth and was dead.

Before God’s face my name He bears,

I’m seen in all His worth;

He’s left me here - why should I fear

To tell His glories forth?

And now I look for His return,

He says "I quickly come",

What will it be His face to see,

And dwell with Him at Home?

J.Foster

oOo

Jesus, how lovely You are;

You are so gentle, so pure and kind;

You shine, like the morning star -

Jesus - how lovely You are!

Submitted by M Robinson

[Selected]

oOo

The Good News Club finished for the season at the end of April. We would like to take this opportunity to give thanks and praise to our Lord for supplying the Club’s every need throughout the year - both for His hand upon the children as they journeyed to and from the meetings, and for the children’s enthusiasm whilst they were there. We just pray that the Lord will bless the Word that went forth week by week.

We also give thanks to God for all those who helped in the meetings and who were very willing to take their turn to do the various jobs - some of them at very short notice indeed. We were greatly encouraged by answered prayer for help on the bus as well, as the Lord led two of our young people to serve Him in this particular way.

By the time you receive this copy of the Church magazine our fourth annual Holiday Bible Club will be due to commence on the following day [Monday 3rd - Friday 7th July, 10.30am - 12.30pm daily]. Thanks to the new building, it will be much easier to accommodate the children this year.

What a tremendous opportunity this is for the Church to play its part in reaching the children of this district with the Gospel message. We would ask you to pray that the Lord’s Spirit will prepare the hearts of the children to receive God’s Word during the week, and for favourable weather that the children may be able to enjoy their outdoor games. Pray too for all those who will be taking part in the meetings, that they may know much of God’s guidance throughout the week.

"Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in Heaven, that one of these little ones should perish." Matthew 18 v 14

Ivan Bankhead

oOo

If I can endure for this minute

Whatever is happening to me

No matter how heavy my heart is

Or how dark the moment may be -

If I can remain calm and quiet

With all my world crashing about me,

Secure in the knowledge God loves me,

When everyone else seems to doubt me -

If I can but keep on believing

What I know in my heart to be true,

That darkness will fade with the morning

And that this will pass away, too -

Then nothing in life can defeat me

For as long as this knowledge remains

I can suffer whatever is happening

For I know God will break all the chains

That are binding me tight in the darkness

And trying to fill me with fear -

For there is no night without dawning

And I know that my morning is near.

Submitted by F Smyth

oOo

There are many who pray eloquently for the poor and destitute who never think of lifting a finger to help those for whom they are praying. Such people should proceed at once to answer their own prayers.

An incident is related of a company of people who gathered to pray for a family who were in great financial straits. While one of the deacons was offering a fervent prayer for blessing upon the family, there was a loud knock at the door. The door opened and there stood a sturdy farmer’s boy.

"What do you want, boy?" asked one of the elders.

"Pa couldn’t come, so I brought his prayer in the wagon," replied the boy.

"What do you mean?" asked the astonished elder.

"Yes, I’ve brought his prayers; just come out and help me, please, and we’ll bring them in."

On reaching the wagon, the fact was disclosed that "Pa’s prayers" consisted of potatoes, flour, beef, oatmeal, turnips, apples, jellies and clothing.

It is said that the prayer meeting adjourned on short notice.

"The Evangelist"

Submitted by Jean Craig

oOo

Our first openair meeting of the season this year was at Tullygarley where around 20 friends gathered and Morris McMullan spoke. We went to Upper Tullygarley for our next meeting. The speaker on this occasion was Robert Cameron.

It’s on occasions like this that there may be more of us standing in the openair than in the area, but the Lord has commanded us to "Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel".

At the next meeting in Carolhill our numbers had increased to around 40 and Trevor Boyd spoke. At the first two meetings we had trouble with the P.A. system, but praise God the problems seem to have disappeared and we pray that God will continue to help us in this way.

There’s a job for everyone at the openair, during our times together, some folk testify, others sing, lead or read a Bible verse. We see many listening to our meetings but never know if any come to know Christ as their Saviour, but we believe His Word - some sow, some reap and God gives the increase.

Why not come and take a stand for Christ in our times in the openair.

At the time of writing this the next meeting planned is on the green at the Toome Road. The speaker is Pastor Kennedy.

"The Lord hath done great things for us whereof we are glad."

Joe Stevenson

oOo

I wonder what would happen if I forgot to pray,

Will that withhold the blessing from someone far away.

I do not understand it how my prayers would avail,

But if they should bring blessing, I’ll pray - I will not fail.

I wonder do we really realise just how much the Missionary is dependent upon our prayers? I wonder how often we fail them by just forgetting? These are questions we would do well to ponder in our own hearts before God.

Just a few Sunday evenings ago I had the privilege of hearing again Jim and Attracta Hanna from the D.C.M. [we had them in the Church here in Nov. ‘88]. They are hoping DV to go to Dublin at the end of June. In fact they have to go as the house they are living in at present has to be vacated by that time. What a challenge these couple brought afresh, saved from the darkness of Rome, and Jim an alcoholic and yet what a burden they have for the lost, especially the dear Roman Catholics in Dublin, many of whom are not only alcoholics but drug addicts as well. These are the folk Jim and Attracta are going to try to reach with the Good News of the Gospel of Saving Power that can change men and women no matter how far down in sin they have sunk. What came home to me most was the fact that they gave up the home of their ‘dreams’ and are going down to Dublin to live in a flat above the bookshop. This means taking six children, five of whom are still quite young, to a home where there is no backyard to play in. The only place where they can go is to a park a little way from where they live. This can sometimes prove dangerous enough as maybe the fact that they come from the North might make them unacceptable to other kids, not to mention the dangers of so many kids being abducted. So often we talk about what we sacrifice - I wonder do we all really know the meaning of the word.

I received quite a lot of prayer letters from the different Missionary Societies throughout the world - time and space would not permit to tell about them all. Many of you receive the ACRE Mission prayer letter. It’s always encouraging to read how the Lord is using His servants there; continue to pray especially for James and Dorrie getting on in years now and still as keen as ever in their service for the Lord. Remember too the Barfoot family in this new work they are involved in; pray that with this young lady who has come to help that the Word of God even in visual aid may reach the hearts of many boys and girls. I received a number of prayer letters from OMS recently, among them one from a married couple living in Spain. In the letter there was a drawing showing high-rise flats, what seemed to be dozens of them. Right in the centre this married couple lived, sharing many facilities with other residents, many times in foul conditions with temperatures well into the hundreds - many of us had trouble surviving during the recent hot spell and yet all of us have a garden or lawn of some sort where we can go out for a breath of fresh air, but what about our brethren in Christ who are labouring out of a heart of love to win others for Him? How much we take for granted, all of us living in luxury compared with many of God’s servants abroad, some of them with only a percentage of their monthly income because the missionary Society had not the money to give. I wonder how often we seem to get our priorities all mixed up; may God help us.

We will soon be having the McGrath family back home again with us, pray that God will give safety in travel and He will indeed bless their time at home here, as they prepare to leave these shores to go to the place of His choice for them.

We rejoice with Anna and Sam in the great things God is doing in their midst; pray the God will indeed guide these young lives in the coming days and as a result of their knowing Christ many of the Mums and Dads will come to know Him too. Continue to pray for Anna and Sam’s safety as they go in and out of camp in these troublesome days.

Remembering too James and Audrey as they seek to labour for the Lord in the place of His appointment.

Sorry for maybe having gone on a little longer than usual but these were things that have been on my heart over these past few days and weeks. Thanks again to those of you who give so faithfully month after month. As your representative I assure you I seek to handle God’s money and yours wisely giving to those where the need is greatest as God would show.

Yours in Christ,

Desmond Shaw

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Hi, from America once again! But this shall be our last letter from the States. The next time we write to you, we’ll be back home in Northern Ireland! Time sure has flown since Gillian and Geoffrey boarded the plane for New York. We now have the joy and responsibility of a baby daughter; we are 2 years older [!], and we could go on and on. But the most important change has come as the Lord has dealt with our hearts. He has taught us that He is the only One Who can strengthen us for the task ahead; that He is the only One Who can take care of our needs and that we need to look to Him alone. But we thank and praise Him that He has chosen to use many of you in our lives to strengthen us by your letters and words of encouragement, and to provide for our needs. We would just like to thank Him and you from the bottom of our hearts for all that you have done for us over the past 2 years.

We are now into our final 2 weeks of our time here at Language School. We have just finished what is called "DOBU". On Dobu "Island" the staff act the parts of tribal folk and then by questioning them, we learn all about their way of life. This is good practice for us for when we go to the field and it will be a great help in befriending those which whom we will work.

At present, we are in Spanish study. These next few weeks will give us a taste of Spanish, so that when we go to Panama, we will have a basic understanding of Spanish and Lord willing be able to learn it quicker!

Just recently we had the opportunity to visit some friends down in Oklahoma. It was a 7 hour’s drive, but it was well worth the trip. We stayed for the weekend, during which we visited the "Cowboy Hall of Fame" and a Safari Park. Sarah really enjoyed feeding some of the animals. Sarah has been having lots of fun back here in Camp too! She had her 1st birthday which we celebrated by having a little party. Sarah is starting to put phrases together like "I want juice" and "all done" and she just loves being outside.

We will be leaving Language School on 9th/10th June to travel to Pennsylvania. We plan to visit with folks at our Church there, before flying out from Toronto, Canada on the 6th July direct to Belfast.

Praise 1 We have a car for the summer!

2 Geoff has got a job

3 Quite a few meetings to take after September

Pray 1 Safety in travel

2 Somewhere to live whilst home

3 Faithfulness to share our burden for the lost as we take meetings

4 Preparations for Panama

5 Safety for our missionaries in Panama

See y’all soon!

Geoff, Gillian & Sarah

Home address: 15 Forthill Park, Ballee, Ballymena

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As another year of the work in the teenagers’ Bible Class draws to a close, I’m sure we could all thank God for the times of blessing we had in that back room, studying God’s Word and listening to it being explained by Wilson McKeown. This year we have been looking at different aspects of the Christian life, which took us some time, and also Heaven - what it will be like and who will be there.

We pray that during the summer months we will remember the words we have learned, and that we will go out to witness and win others for God. Why not plan to join us in September, in the back room, from 10.15am to 11.00am every Sunday morning, and enjoy the blessings from God’s Word.

I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Wilson McKeown on behalf of the young people of the Bible Class for his faithfulness to us during the past six years and we would like to wish him every blessing for the years to come.

Annaleen

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Many thanks for your help and support regarding the Crèche. The aim of the Crèche is to enable mothers with young children to get into Church and to teach these young children about the Bible and to win them for Christ. In order to do this we have some guidelines listed below, but if you have any ideas then please let us know!

1 First named person is storyteller

2 Remaining two people are helpers.

3 Those helping with babies must be in Crèche from beginning of Church to look after babies or young children.

Play with toys.

Get out playmat, crayons etc., for older children.

4 Depending on number of babies/toddlers will determine if other helper is required during this time.

* Please put toys away before older children arrive*

5 Storyteller Sing choruses

Tell story

Colour pictures or do activity

6 If any children remain during Breaking of Bread one person MUST remain to supervise.

7 If you are unable to take your turn please arrange for a substitute or change with someone else.

Thank you

Lesley Kennedy

June 11th Lesley Kennedy Annaleen Carson Barbara Bankhead

18th Linda Cameron Suzanne Magill Lorraine Calderwood

25th Heather Hoey Joan McMullan Isobel Magill

July 2nd Agnes Carson Aaron Herbison Lesley Kennedy

9th Margaret Carlisle Linda Cameron Yvonne Kirk

16th Joan McMullan Heather Hoey Linda Irons

23rd Lorraine Calderwood Lesley Kennedy June Hewitt

20th Caroline Gartland Linda Cameron Annaleen Carson

August 6th Agnes Carson Suzanne Magill Barbara Bankhead

13th Heather Hoey Isobel Magill Yvonne Kirk

20th Margaret Carlisle Lorraine Calderwood Linda Irons

27th June Hewitt Caroline Gartland Ina Livingstone

Sept. 3rd Linda Cameron Lesley Kennedy Suzanne Magill

10th Agnes Carson Aaron Herbison Annaleen Carson

17th Lesley Kennedy Heather Hoey Lorraine Calderwood

24th Caroline Gartland Ina Livingstone Linda Irons

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Sunday July

2nd Mrs Anna Irons

9th Noeleen and Yvonne

16th Miss Sadie Morrison

23rd Leann Fullerton

30th Katherine McMahon and Friends

August

6th Hazel and Artie

13th Mr Sandy McAleese

20th Youth Fellowship Choir

27th Mr William Warwick

September

3rd Mrs Donna Simpson

10th Mr George Young

17th Mrs Wilma Power

24th Mrs Elizabeth Alexander

6th Morris McMullan

13th Auldwyn Calderwood

20th Morris McKendry

27th William Kernohan

If you have any news for the magazine, any comments you would like to make, we would be only too glad to receive them. Think about it - and let us know as it would make our task much easier in compiling the magazine. We have three months before the next issue is due.