Thank you for taking the time to lift and read this edition of our Church Magazine. Whether you are a regular attender at Ballee Baptist, or maybe have never been, we trust and pray that the contents of this magazine will be a blessing to you.

In this opening article I thought I would take you back to Sunday School days [not so long ago for some of us!] to remind you of a favourite Bible character called Zacchaeus.

Zacchaeus was a publican, which meant that he collected taxes for the Romans in a certain area of his country. His co-operation with the Roman Army and his profiteering at the expense of his fellow countrymen made him, like all other publicans, hated by the people of his community.

One day he found out Jesus of Nazareth was going to pass through Jericho on His way to Jerusalem. Since He was the most Famous Person in all the country, everyone wanted to see Him as He passed through. Zacchaeus heard that Jesus was coming and, like the others he wanted to see this Famous Teacher and Miracle Worker Who was considered by some to be the Son of God.

The crowds surrounding Jesus as He passed through Jericho were so great that Zacchaeus was at a great disadvantage for he was a very short man. He needed to think of a way to see Jesus.

Suddenly it occurred to Zacchaeus that if he were to climb up into a sycamore tree along the way that Jesus was to travel he would be able to see Jesus without being harmed by the press of the crowd. Little did he realise what was in store for him!

The Lord Jesus was the Friend of sinners. His eyes were constantly open to see the needs of those about Him. His ears were open to hear the heart cry of those feeling the weight of their sin. His ministry was intended to be a blessing not so much to the upright, righteous people, but rather to those who realised their guilt before a Holy God, those who were outcast and needy. As the Lord approached the sycamore tree He looked up and saw the rich publican perched on a limb, looking down. Let us try to imagine some of the thoughts that passed through the mind of Zacchaeus.

1 Zacchaeus thought "He sees me"

 

Never did Zacchaeus feel so conspicuous as he did when Jesus lifted His loving eyes with penetrating insight and looked upon him sitting on that limb. Zacchaeus was shocked, embarrassed, and wished that he could disappear.

 

Did it ever occur to you that this same Jesus also sees you? He sees you right now. He saw you yesterday. He sees the secret unspoken thoughts of your mind. He sees your sin, your rebellion against His love and mercy.

 

2 Zacchaeus thought "HE knows me"

 

As Jesus looked up and saw Zacchaeus He called him by name and said "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down: for today I must abide at thy house" Luke 19 v 5. What a revelation to this sinful publican. This man not only sees me but He knows me! He knows my name!

 

Did it ever occur to you that Jesus knows you? Not only your name, but your nickname, birthday, ambitions, desires - He knows everything about you.

 

3 Zacchaeus thought "He loves me"

 

Most people in Jericho hated Zacchaeus. They would not walk down the street with him, or invite him to their homes. They treated him as a traitor to his country. He could see the hate in their eyes and on their faces.

 

There was something different about the face of this Jesus, something in His tone of voice that warmed the heart of Zacchaeus. He felt confident of God’s love for him.

 

Are you aware that the Lord Jesus loves you in spite of the fact that in many ways you are unloved and unlovable? He loves you to the extent that He was willing to die on the cross for your sins. He loves you so much that He wants you to turn your back on sin and let Him into your heart, so he can make His home within you, so He can bestow upon you all the blessings of God. He will always love you, not because of your loveliness but because God is Love.

 

4 Zacchaeus thought "He wants me"

 

Zacchaeus rushed to get down from the limb of the sycamore tree and with great haste and joy He let Jesus to his home. During their conversation Zacchaeus was overwhelmed with the thought that despite the fact that He sees me and knows all about me, He still loves me and wants me. I’m sure he found this difficult to believe.

 

Are you aware that Jesus not only sees you and knows you but that He also loves you and wants you?

 

5 Zacchaeus decided "He can have me"

 

Zacchaeus made this wisest decision of his life when he decided to turn his heart, home, life and business over to the will of God. He made Jesus his Lord and Saviour, and Jesus said to him "This day is salvation come to this house" Luke 19 v 9.

 

This was the last opportunity Zacchaeus had to meet the Saviour - as Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem and there to die. For all I know you who are reading this little article may be receiving your last opportunity to trust the Saviour.

You would be wise to follow the example of Zacchaeus and let Jesus Christ have first place in your heart and life as Lord and Saviour. You can be certain that Zacchaeus never regretted his decision, and you can also be certain that you will not regret [either in this life or in the life to come] your decision to trust Christ Whom to know is Life Eternal.

oOo

No other name can save me, no other name beside.

But Jesus Christ the risen Lord, the One they crucified.

~~~

If we could merit our own salvation, Christ would not have died to provide it.

~~~

A bigger place than this to fill - for that I do not pray,

But to be big enough to fill, the place I have today.

~~~

God is looking for ordinary people for His extraordinary work.

~~~

The world is filled with so much good

That brings us joy and pleasure,

But true fulfilment only comes

When Christ we love and treasure.

~~~

Putting Christ first brings satisfaction that lasts.

~~~

We are not saved by reciting a creed,

But be receiving the Lord Jesus Christ.

~~~

Frequent prayers lessen daily cares.

~~~

Make Sunday your strong day, and the other six will not be weak days.

~~~

When we find Jesus, we discover that we were the ones who were lost.

oOo

Two boys went on holiday hoping to have a good time. During their holiday they met up with a family from Northern Ireland, one of which was a servant of God. A good fisherman, bridges were built and the contact was maintained. One of these boys went along to meetings more than the other. On one particular night he was under deep conviction but did nothing about the matter. Next day he spoke to a friend and was advised to put matters right. That night, through the Child of God, who worked even while on holiday, he was marvellously saved. Praise God! Please pray for this good fishermen and remember the one who got away [so far].

Anon

oOo

Another three months has come and gone since our last magazine. Again the Lord has been good to us and we have enjoyed rich times of blessing in our times of fellowship together.

On Sunday 1st April we had a student from Belfast Bible College and we really enjoyed his different approach to showing slides, and all present will remember "Lord don’t send me to Africa".

Not going to Africa but soon to leave us for South America [Panama] are Geoffrey and Gillian McGrath and on 15th April we were brought up to date with their work and New Tribes Mission. May we as the Youth Fellowship take this opportunity to wish Geoffrey and Gillian God’s richest blessing as they leave our shores and go to Panama in His service and pray that they will see fruit from their labour as they serve Him in that part of the vineyard.

On 29th April we accompanied the Pastor to Laymore Mission Hall.

Sunday 20th May was a busy day for us. A few of us took part in the YPF meeting at 1st Ahoghill Presbyterian Church while the rest plus others from the Church enjoyed a rich time of blessing with Mr & Mrs McCrea [ex Jehovah Witnesses].

On 27th May we enjoyed a visit from Rev Kirk [Portglenone Presbyterian].

Our last meeting of the season was taken by our own Pastor after which the annual election of YPF committee took place. The following were elected for the next year - Alison Calderwood, Agnes Carson, Annaleen Knowles, William Knowles, Derek Manson, Trevor Robinson and Stephen Irons.

Saturday 16th June saw 57 ‘bleary eyed’ people leave the Church car park en route to Ayr, Scotland. The return journey was a memorable one with approximately 200 people singing hymns and choruses for almost 2 hours on the boat. A blessed time was had by all who attended - you missed out if you were not there - don’t miss next year.

Youth Sunday, 17th June, most of the young people’s fellowship having attended the trip to Ayr were ‘sung-done’ before our Youth Sunday began but after the Sunday afternoon practice with Alison once again in charge, we were ready for the evening meeting. Having taken part in the evening service we then went on to Lisnafillan Mission Hall with the Pastor. Again a blessed time was enjoyed together.

A busy schedule is planned for the summer - please, please plan to attend as many outings as possible as a lot of effort goes into planning them. Dates and times will be announced later.

Make a date with us and enjoy a good time of fellowship.

Stephen

oOo

The great white throne is set. The Judge is seated. Angels and archangels are in attendance. All Heaven assembles. Unnumbered millions, in breathless wonder, survey the fearful scene. With awe on every face, they wait. Time’s final drama is to be enacted. Nothing else matters now. Everything of a secondary nature has been forgotten. ‘Tis God Almighty’s Judgement Day.

Presently amid the awful silence, the Dead appear; sinners great and small, from every clime and race, sinners of the deepest dye; murderers, sorcerers, liars, thieves, idolaters, adulterers, drunkards, revilers, extortioners, blasphemers, Sabbath breakers, infidels, atheists, agnostics and criminals of the blackest type, along with those who have neglected and forgotten God.

From the world’s great battlefields where their dust has lain for hundreds of years, they come; from ocean depths where ships were sunk long centuries ago; from graveyard’s innumerable, long since forgotten, they come. Oh, what a company! And how they keep coming, millions upon millions of them, once the men and women of earth - summoned to appear before the God Whom they have ignored and despised, to render an account. They glance this way and that, looking for means of escape. They call for the mountains to fall on them, and hide them from Him Who sitteth upon the Throne. But there is no escape, no help. It is the day of their doom.

And the books are opened, the books filled with the record of their earthly lives. Every sin is recorded, every transgression entered, every failure and neglected opportunity written down. Deeds long since forgotten, vile things carefully hidden from the eye of man, all, yea, all are now revealed, and the universe listens to the awful revelation. Aghast they stand, terror-stricken they wait; dumb they hear. Finally, the Book of Life is brought. "And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire" Revelation 20 v 15. It is not now a question of the depth of their sin; for all alike are guilty. Only one enquiry, only one thought:

"Is my name written there

On the page white and fair,

In the Book of Thy Kingdom

Is my name written there?"

In vain they search, in vain they scan its pages! Their last chance is gone, their final hope extinguished.

oOo

LUKE 12 V 29

Looking round the bargains on Satan’s stall

His tools so enticing I wanted them all.

Deceit, lust, perversion, lies, grief and death

But the price of doubt made me gasp for breath.

I called Satan over and he came with a smile,

He said "Can I help you" - [but he knew my style],

"We’ve got just your size in frank, tactless speech,

But the much wanted doubt is out of your reach."

"Why so much money for this merchandise?"

He said, "my dear boy just open your eyes,

Haven’t you seen what this beauty can do?

Doubt can wreck lives in a moment or two."

I then heard a shout from the man next in line,

He cried, "Is there a God? I wonder sometimes"

"See" Satan screamed, "I know fine well

That my faithful friend doubt is taking people to hell."

After leaving I went to the very next stand

Where a man called Jesus just held out His hand;

His stall was full of love, joy and peace,

He paid for it Himself to buy my release.

I asked Him what all these tools were about,

"To overcome Satan and his demon friend doubt".

Aaron Herbison

oOo

Psalm 22 Psalm 23 Psalm 24

Saviour Shepherd Sovereign

Suffering Supplying Splendour

The Cross The Crook The Crown

Grace Guidance Glory

Good Shepherd Great Shepherd Chief Shepherd

Pardon Peace Power

Cry Comfort Conquest

Misery Mercy Majesty

Rejection Refreshment Reigning

He dies He lives His is coming

Yesterday To-day Forever

oOo

"But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him"

I Corinthians 2 v 9

On the 11th April we had a visit form Mr & Mrs David Hoy, Bible College. Quite a number of women attended that night and we were greatly blessed and challenged as Mrs Hoy gave her testimony, especially of the goodness of God reaching her in the situation of being brought up in a Roman Catholic home. David was telling us of the time spent in Africa, and God’s goodness to him from day to day, also about needy people coming to their home for help concerning the problem of drink and drugs.

The month of April finished the missionary meetings for the season, but the women’s prayer meetings continue on the last Wednesday of every month. There we can pray together for families and friends, loved ones and our neighbours, and missionaries at home and abroad, for our Pastor and wife and family, our assembly, for those who are unable to attend the meetings because of sickness and other infirmities, for our beloved province and security forces.

Before our time of prayer we always have a message from God’s Word brought to us by some of the women folk. The messages are always so challenging, helping us to remember Whose we are and Whom we serve. We would invite you to come and join us, and we know the Lord will richly bless you.

Our day’s outing took place on Saturday 26th May. We all enjoyed the time together very much. We thank the Lord for His goodness to us, for journeying mercies, favourable weather and for our brother Desmond Shaw for driving the bus, to Mrs Kennedy and helpers who contributed to making it such an enjoyable day.

Now we just pray for God’s continued help and guidance as we seek to bring praise, honour, and glory to His wonderful name.

"I love the Lord because He hath heard my voice and my supplications." Psalm 116 v 1-2

Maureen Robinson

oOo

As I walked along life’s highway in the blissful days of yore,

I dreamt I saw a sign that read "to Heaven’s Grocery Store",

I saw as I approached it that the door was opened wide

A welcome to the stranger; so I stopped and went inside.

I saw a host of angels, one on every vacant space,

The Holy Spirit’s influence pervaded all the place.

All that a Christian needed was in that grocery store

And if you couldn’t carry all, you could come back for more.

First I got some patience and a bag or two of faith,

And understanding basic need, as Holy Scripture saith.

I got a box of wisdom, strength and courage for life’s race,

My basket then was getting full but I still need love and grace.

Salvation was on offer that day, and all was free,

So I tried to get enough of that to do both you and me.

I started for the check-out to check my grocery bill,

I thought I had got everything to do my Master’s Will.

But then I noticed prayer and I had to put that in,

I knew that once I stepped outside I’d run right into sin.

Peace and joy was plentiful displayed on the last shelf,

Song and praise were hanging near so I just helped myself.

To the angel at the check-out I asked how much do I owe

He smiled and said, "Your bill was paid by JESUS LONG AGO".

Fiona Fullerton

oOo

What the hand is to the lute,

What the breath is to the flute,

What the fragrance is to the smell,

What the spring is to the well,

What the flower is to the bee -

That is Jesus Christ for me.

What’s the mother to the child,

What’s the guide to pathless wild,

What is oil to troubled wave,

What is ransom to the slave,

What is water to the sea -

That is Jesus Christ to me.

~~~

It takes sixty-four facial muscles to make a frown,

But only thirteen to make a smile. Why work overtime?

oOo

In Matthew’s Gospel, chapter seven

We read of two different ways

Mentioned by the Lord Himself;

Take heed to what He says,

Two ways ‘till two destinies,

The narrow and the broad,

Now few that find the narrow way

Is what my Lord has said.

In verse thirteen He tells us,

The gate is wide, the way is broad

That leadeth ‘till destruction,

A dark and dangerous road.

There are millions and millions on it,

Yes, and countless millions more,

At the end will be as countless

As the sands on yonder shore.

Because straight is the gate

And narrow is the way

That leads to life eternal,

What verse fourteen does say,

Sinner turn and take this way,

The way my Saviour made;

Few there be that find it

Are six words He said.

Your future here consider,

Could you find the time

To keep reading those two Scriptures?

Get them well fixed in your mind.

They will give you lots to think about,

Will show you where you’re wrong,

Which might prove to you a blessing

Now and in years to come.

Dear reader, don’t be careless,

Always bear in mind

His Word you must acknowledge

Make haste to be in time.

You are one of God’s creation

He has given you a will,

To choose for good or evil

To choose for well or ill.

Great changes soon are coming,

The time cannot be long

‘Till, some morning when you wake up,

The Church from earth has gone;

Then the day of grace is over,

What the old Book says,

Then too late will see the folly

Of thy self-willed ways.

One way to Heaven only,

The way that’s straight and plain,

Travelling home the narrow way,

By being born again.

‘Twas Christ Himself that made the way,

God helped me to see

How He died and was buried

And rose again for me.

O how I love my Saviour,

Who did so much for me,

I a sinner so unworthy;

Yet salvation is so free.

On the cross He was made sin for me,

My sin and guilt He put away,

Forever I will praise Him

Through a long eternal day.

Sinner, a Saviour died to save you,

Precious blood He shed,

That you might be forgiven

He was numbered with the dead.

He is worthy of your choice today,

A choice you now can make,

Do not slight Him longer

Lest you find you are too late.

My Lord went home to Heaven,

Through His own blood He entered there,

Thy Church will soon be going,

He will meet them in the air,

They will be free from tribulation,

In His presence will remain;

Until a future period

He with them will come again.

The Son of man is coming

Coming back to earth again,

To fix and form His kingdom,

He as King Supreme will reign.

Time passing onward to the final

Judgement at the great white throne,

Cast into the lakes of fire

Will be the Christ rejecters’ doom.

D Rodgers [sen]

Glarryford, Co Antrim

oOo

"Go ye ....."

Recently I received a NTM Magazine and on the back cover was pictured faces from almost every part of the globe - China, Africa, India, Brazil etc. Above the picture were just three words - INCLUDED ... BUT UNINFORMED; this really struck me. How often we listen to the radio or watch the TV especially at news times, oh yes these people are all included, but do we ever stop to think of this implication. They were included in God’s great plan of salvation for a dying world, but sadly many of them remained ‘uninformed’. Is the task of reaching them with the Gospel too great? Is our God willing that any of these should perish? I believe that right from the battlements of Heaven comes a resounding NO - let us ask ourselves, in what I believe to be the last of the ‘last days’ - what am I doing so that these peoples from every tribe and nation may be informed? And remember they have as much right as you or I to hear the glorious message of salvation. I believe we are living in momentous days; when we think of what is happening in the Soviet Union and the release of all these Jewish people and then the news last week of that devastating earthquake when thousands were wiped out. Surely we are on the brink of the greatest event in world history - The Second Coming of Christ - and so many unreached - many within our own family circles having heard the Gospel so often and yet still unsaved - may God awaken us to the lateness of the hour and so much to be done.

As usual ‘prayer letters’ come in almost every day from all parts of the world, and we thank God for the ones and twos who are being reached, while in other places God’s hand has been opened in blessing with many souls seeking salvation and Churches being formed. As usual Satan is working overtime with much opposition, whether it be in the form of Satan worship, or many of these young believers facing much persecution in the home, some wanting to be baptised but because of family ties this can become difficult, sometimes impossible [how privileged we are]. I think often when I read of these folk of Revelation 7 v 13&14, what a gathering that will be.

Let us not forget our ‘ain’ missionaries - remembering especially Geoffrey and Gillian and family as they leave us shortly DV for Panama that God will meet every need both material and spiritual. It will not be easy saying ‘Goodbye’ after being around for so long but we know God’s Will is always ‘perfect and acceptable’. Thinking too of Sam and Anna at this anxious time of waiting. I think waiting for that letter or phone call telling you ‘there’s a bed available’ is perhaps the most trying part. Let us lovingly take them upon our hearts at this time - let us not fail them. I know they are looking to a God Who never fails but we are only humans at the best and we all do our share of worrying! Remember again James and Audrey as they labour for the Lord, and many others who are dear to our hearts. We all have those whom we pray for regularly, let us continue in prayer.

Again ‘Thank you’ for your continued faithful giving - may God bless you.

Desmond Shaw

oOo

The Pharisees had a host of regulations and among them were many which laid down whether a thing was ceremonially clean or unclean. These were not part of the "COMMANDS OF GOD" [v8], but were only "TRADITION" [vs 3,5,9,13] or "RULES MADE BY MEN" [v7]. Unfortunately the Pharisees paid more attention to these outward things than to anything else, and even went so far as to leave aside God’s Word in order to do so [v8]. Religion to them meant the careful following of hundreds of petty rules and regulations, regardless of whether a person really loved God or his fellow-men. How different to the way in which Jesus summed up God’s law in Matthew 22 v 37-40!

Verses 14-23 give a clear insight into the realities of life, and tell us where sin has its root. Sin is a heart disease, not a skin complaint! Behind every action is an attitude. Behind every word is a thought. A person’s conduct is decided by his character. What you do is decided by what you are! Look at the terrible catalogue of sins in vs 21-22 and notice that they include sins of thought word and deed. All of these, Jesus says "COME FROM INSIDE" [V23]. In other words the way a man thinks, speaks and acts does more than make him "UNCLEAN". It is a clear indication of the kind of person he really is. No wonder the Bible says "ABOVE ALL ELSE, GUARD YOU HEART, FOR IT IS THE WELLSPRING OF LIFE" [Proverbs 4 v 23]. Never judge the quality of your Christian life by outward religious activities, instead examine your heart and ensure that you are seeking to live to the Glory of God.

In the Church today "TRADITION" seems to be at the forefront and in opposition to progression. Change and progression does not mean we forget about the fundamentals and doctrines that we hold dearly. I hope and pray that as our assembly moves into the 90’s that we will put God’s Word first and not "TRADITION".

Leslie Kirk

oOo

Ask

All that we ask

All that we ask or think

Above all that we ask or think

Abundantly above all that we ask or think

Exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think

Able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.

II Corinthians 4 v 17; Ephesians 3 v 20

oOo

Dear Friends,

In just a few short weeks, Gillian, Sarah, Matthew and myself will be leaving Northern Ireland for the Republic of Panama. Our date for flying from Aldergrove to John F Kennedy in New York is 9th August.

We have enjoyed being at home for this year with our family and friends, but also we are looking forward in anticipation to what the Lord is going to do in our lives when we finally reach Panama. We will have much settling in to do, because, as you can well imagine, Panama is very different to Ulster. I think that the Panamanians will have to get used to us too!

As I’ve already said, our feelings are mixed about leaving, but when we remember that we didn’t come home to stay home, that it was only for a break, and for preparation for that BIG move to Panama, it helps put things into perspective. When we begin to allow our hearts to be influenced by outside circumstances, then we are in for trouble, because the Devil will exploit every opportunity that we allow him. Sometimes we have struggled with this: with the thoughts of settling down in a nice ‘wee’ home, and a comfortable job, with the thoughts of staying close to family; with the desire to stick with those things that are familiar. This can pose tremendous problems for any of us, can cause us to go astray, just like a dumb sheep. As humans it is also easy to get complacent, to caring for our own needs worrying about our own safety, security, and comfort. But, when we allow our hearts to be thrilled by His presence and His love, then we can begin to see this world through God’s eyes. We in the strength of the flesh can see the world with all its trappings and attractions, but God sees this world in a different light. He sees it as a planet filled with aching hearts, with people who do not know the Lord. He longs to reach out to these precious ones but He, as Sovereign God, has chosen to limit Himself to working through us, His people. How disappointed our Lord must get when He sees us aimlessly walking through life ... making our own decisions without consulting Him; walking past folk who need to hear of Christ’s love, while we pursue our quest to reach the armchair of self-satisfaction. Oh, how we need to find our satisfaction in Christ alone.

Friends, these are the things which drive us on. When we see the need of this world, how can we stay at home. Our desire is to reach those lost in the darkness of their sin, those who have never even had the opportunity to hear of Christ even once. This is the motivation that drives us to Panama. It is this pressing need, the fact that people are going to Hell, that spurs us on. It is the truth of these facts that causes us to press on, even past those that we love here at home, past our home Church and past our thought for own comfort and security. Dear friend, may I ask you this question? What is your goal for your life? Is it to have a nice home, a nice car, a good job? Or is your heart so filled with the Christ of Calvary that putting all else aside, you strive on towards the mark, that your life may count for eternity. I am continually reminded that all those things which charm me, which attract my attention, unless they are grounded in Christ, will be left behind when Christ returns.

A story is told about a believer who was a farmer. He gave every moment of his day to caring for the needs of his cattle. One day he was at Church and one of our missionaries was speaking about denying self. After the service, as the missionary shook hands at the door, the farmer and he got talking about the sermon. When the missionary asked the farmer why didn’t he go to the ends of the earth to reach the lost, the farmer replied; "Oh, I couldn’t go, I have my farm to look after. I have to care for and look after my cattle ... I just couldn’t go!" To this the missionary replied; "Brother, I’m sure that when you stand before the Lord, those cows will be really grateful and thankful that you gave your life to look after them!" What are you living for? Is it for your job and home or is it for the Son of God?

In closing I would like to outline our plans for these next few weeks for your prayers.

2-6th July Helping in holiday Bible Club at Ballee Baptist

5th Meeting in Brookside Presbyterian Church

7th Witnessing Class at Ballee Baptist

8th Services in Ballee Baptist am & pm

13th approx. Our crates will be shipped to Panama. Pray for us as we pack them that we’ll know what to take and how to pack it. We have two Gallaher’s boxes to fill!

15th Services in Ballee Baptist am & pm

22nd Services in 1st Ahoghill Presbyterian Church

24th Prayer Meeting at Ballee Baptist to show slides of Panama

29th Services in 2nd Randalstown Presbyterian Church

30th CEF Camp in Kilkeel for the week

4th August Return from CEF Camp

5th Sing at Ballee Baptist

7th Valedictory Service in Ballee Baptist

9th Fly to John F Kennedy Airport, New York. Stay in Pennsylvania for 2 weeks with friends from Emmanuel Bible Fellowship Church

23rd Fly from Newark Airport, New York via Houston, Texas to Panama City

Once we get to Panama, we are unsure what our plans will be, but we will keep you informed.

Brethren and sisters, we depend upon YOUR prayers. Please be faithful and pray for us daily. We would just like to thank all of you who have shown us so much kindness, both to us and to Sarah and Matthew. We love you in the Lord and our desire is to see us all working together to reach this world for our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

"Yea so have I strived to preach the Gospel, not where Christ was named lest I should build on another man’s foundation; but as it is written, to whom He was not spoken of, they shall see; and they that have not heard shall understand." Romans 15 v 20-21

"Ye also helping together by prayer for us ..." II Corinthians 1 v 11

Geoffrey McGrath

oOo

"This is the victory that overcometh the world even our faith" I John 5 v 4

It is easy to love Him when the blue is in the sky,

When summer winds are blowing and we smell the roses nigh;

There is little effort needed to obey His precious will

When it leads through flower-decked valley, or over sin-kissed hill.

It is when the rain is falling, or the mist hangs in the air,

When the road is dark and rugged, and the wind no longer fair,

When the rosy dawn has settled in a shadowland of grey,

That we find it hard to trust Him, and are slower to obey.

It is easy to trust Him when the singing birds have come,

And their canticles are echoed in our heart and in our home;

But ‘tis when we miss the music and the days are dull and drear,

That we need a faith triumphant over every doubt and fear.

And our blessed Lord will give it; what we lack He will supply;

Let us ask in faith believing - on His promises rely;

He will ever be our Leader, whether smooth or rough the way,

And will prove Himself sufficient for the need of every day.

Agnes Kelso

oOo

The TV set is my shepherd

My spiritual growth shall want;

It maketh me to sit down and do nothing

For HIS name sake, because it requireth all my spare time.

It keepeth me from doing my duty as a Christian

Because it presenteth so many shows I must see.

It restoreth my knowledge of the things of the world

And keepeth me from the study of God’s Word.

It leadeth me in the paths of failing to attend evening service

And doing nothing for the Kingdom of God.

Yea tho’ I live to be an hundred

I shall keep on viewing my TV as long as it will work,

For it is my closest companion.

Its picture and sound they comfort me,

It presenteth entertainment before me,

And keepeth me from doing important things with my family,

It fills my head with ideas which differ from those set forth

In the Word of God.

Surely no good thing will come to my life

Because my TV offereth no time to do the Will of God.

Thus will I dwell in the place of the devil and his angels forever.

oOo

"For He careth for you" I Peter 5 v 7

How good it is when prayer becomes the key

With which we open up the door of day -

Asking God’s blessing and His company

On every step we take along the way.

How good it is when prayer becomes the lock

With which we shut out all the cares of night,

Asking that God will shield us with His love

Until again we greet the morning light.

~~~

Isaiah 26 v 3

I know that I must be prepared

For what each day may bring to me ...

That I must face life as it is -

Not just as I would have it be;

But I would ask Thy help, Dear Lord

In all the conflicts time may bring -

May I be tranquil through them all -

And keep Thy peace through everything.

~~~

"Thou art my Rock and my Fortress" Psalm 31 v 3

Keep us, Dear Lord, within Thy sheltering arms -

Be with us through earth’s problems and alarms -

Over our littleness Thy greatness spread -

So may we be relieved and comforted;

Leaning on Thee when clouds obscure our sight -

Trusting completely in Thy love and might.

Thoughts from Each Passing Day by Elsie Campbell

oOo

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it" Ephesians 5 v 25

Tom loves his wife, and most of the time he enjoys her company. But sometimes he longs for a quiet place where he can be by himself. Every once in a while he needs a chance to rethink those deep and wide wedding day promises. He thinks back to the day when he and his wife came to live under the same roof. He has learned a lot about life since then. He has found out firsthand that "for better or for worse" is more than romantic poetry.

Fortunately, Tom wants to do the Lord’s will. So when he retreats from the woman God gave him, he finds himself confronted with God. He remembers that husbands are to love their wives "just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it".

This truth can be a great source of understanding and strength for us as husbands when we remember that God has dealt with us patiently, mercifully, gently. He does not retreat angrily and resentfully from those to whom He committed himself, even when we give Him every reason to do so. Who among us hasn’t "nagged" God with selfish prayers, complained about the way He cares for us, or failed to submit to His decisions?

I wonder, do we show the same loving consideration for our wives that God shows to us?

How to love your wife -

1 Have her best interests at heart

2 Tell her each day that you love her

3 Pay sincere compliments often

Your marriage would be happier if you tried as hard to KEEP your wife as you did to WIN her.

oOo

It matters to God about you!

He meaneth to see you through!

The might of His hand no power can withstand -

He always is thinking of you!

oOo

The Good News Club finished for the season, as usual, on the last Monday evening of April. This year for the first time we invited all parents and relatives to our regular attenders, and we were most encouraged when almost two dozen adults came along on that final evening. We just had a "typical" Good News Club meeting, with a memory verse, a sword drill and a quiz, all interspersed with a number of choruses. Pastor Kennedy brought the message [on the theme of "What God wants me to ‘BEE’"], and after a cup of tea and some sandwiches, small prizes were given out to everyone who had come along to the Club throughout the year.

A few weeks earlier Mr Noel McMeekin had brought the message and we thank him warmly for his support and interest year by year. He is always well received and attended to by the children.

The highlight of the season, however, was undoubtedly when one of the older youngsters stayed behind after one to the meetings and asked the Lord Jesus to be her Saviour. We praise and thank God for this, and trust that He will lead her on in the days ahead. Please pray for her, and pray too that God will continue to speak to the hearts of all those children who attend the Club, but who have not as yet surrendered themselves to Him.

We thank God once more for all those who have helped with the meetings in any way - for those who have given of their time and energy so faithfully every Monday night, for those who have contributed financially towards the cost of the Club, and for those who have upheld the work before God in prayer so regularly. We know that God will bless you in return for all your efforts.

This copy of the Church magazine is due to come out on Sunday 1st July - just one day before the start of our annual Holiday Bible Club [Monday 2nd to Friday 6th July inclusive, 10.30am - 12.30pm daily]. Extra helpers are always required for this [last year we had an average of over 160 children at the Club each morning] , so if you have any free time at all throughout the week you are warmly encouraged to come along and lend a hand - and don’t worry, you won’t be asked to give a lesson, or anything like that! We don’t know what the week will have in store for us; we just look to God once more to be with everyone who comes along to the meetings, and to undertake in every detail.

"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

Fill in names of our Three Elders ;

____________________ ____________________ ____________________

of our seven Deacons:

____________________ ____________________ ____________________

____________________ ____________________ ____________________

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of our nine Sunday School teachers;

____________________ ____________________ ____________________

____________________ ____________________ ____________________

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of our Young People’s Committee [7];

____________________ ____________________ ____________________

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of the two Bible Class teachers

____________________ ____________________

NOW PRAY FOR ALL OF THEM.

oOo

Dear Reader, "Where will you be one moment after you die?"

On the Golden Streets of Heaven all men hope to walk some day,

Yet so many are not willing to accept the Living Way,

So while others plan on good works or opinions if they may,

Hallelujah, I’m depending on the Blood.

oOo

God made all the food we eat;

Thank You, Loving Father.

God made all the flowers so sweet,

Thank You, Loving Father.

God made all the birds that sing;

Thank You, Loving Father.

God made us and everything;

Thank You, Loving Father.

~~~

TWO LITTLE EYES

Two little eyes to look to God,

Two little ears to hear His Word,

Two little feet to walk His ways,

Hands to serve Him all my days.

One little tongue to speak His truth,

One little heart for Him in youth,

Take them, Lord Jesus, let them be,

Always willing, true to Thee.

~~~

JESUS LOVES CHILDREN

Jesus loves children, Jesus loves me,

Jesus loves you with love tenderly,

Jesus loves all, no matter how small,

That’s why I love Jesus better than all.

Tell all your playmates Jesus loves them,

Tell them the story, tell it again.

Bring them to Jesus, where they will hear

That Jesus loves children precious and dear.

~~~

LITTLE CHILDREN PRAY TO JESUS

Little children pray to Jesus, pray for friends you love;

He will hear, and He will answer - from above

Selected

oOo

"A commonplace life", we say and we sigh;

Yet why should we sigh as we say?

A commonplace sun in the commonplace sky

Makes lovely the commonplace day.

The moon and the stars they are commonplace things,

The flower that blooms and the robin that sings;

Yet sad were the world and unhappy our lot,

If flowers all failed and the sunshine came not!

And God, Who considers each separate soul

From commonplace lives makes a beautiful whole.

oOo

CRITICISM

There is something wrong with a man, as with a car when he knocks continually!

When criticism is untrue - Disregard it

When criticism is unfair - Keep from irritation

When criticism is ignorant - Smile

When criticism is justified - Learn from it.

~~~

The only people with whom you should try to get even, are those who have helped you, and those to whom you are indebted.

~~~