"For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; the flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come ...." Song of Solomon 2 v 11&12

We welcome you to more quarterly comments, ideas and news from Ballee Baptist Church. The above quotation from the Song of Solomon can only be partly applied to our Ulster weather - the winter is past, but we probably have not seen the back of the rain clouds yet! However it is good to see the blossoming of God’s creation, as the hymnwriter put it:

Heaven above is softer blue, earth around is sweeter green

Something lives in every hue, Christless eyes have never seen,

Birds with gladder songs o’erflow, flowers with deeper beauties shine,

Since I know as now I know, I am His and He is mine.

Not only do I enjoy watching the beauty of nature, but to be honest, I am a frustrated gardener. Sore back and blistered hands are all part of the ‘fun’ of gardening. Let me, at the start of this magazine give you a Spiritual gardening tip - free of charge!

[a] PATIENCE

This fruit of the Spirit is difficult to grow and is quite rare, but it is well worth the effort in cultivation, and will enable you to encourage and help other fruit to grow.

[b] PERSEVERANCE

This requires good constant growing conditions in order for the roots to sink deep into the heart. However it will enable you to keep healthy, green and growing amidst the storms and strong winds that come your way.

[c] PROMISE TO WIN OTHERS

So many claim to have this shrub in their spiritual garden, but have never been able to show a cutting of it in their lives. While the weeds and thorns of sin choke [and will eventually destroy] many of our family and friends, this plant is an essential for every serious spiritual gardener.

[d] PRAYER

No spiritual garden can be properly in bloom or properly cared for without this evergreen. Its fragrance reaches the very throne of God, and we might never fully appreciate its power and effect in the spiritual garden. This ‘pea’ will help all the others grow straight and tall.

[a] LET US LOVE

This ‘lettuce’ is essential for the healthy spiritual garden. Just as God loved us so much that He gave His only begotten Son [Jesus Christ] to die on the Cross of Calvary, to cleanse us from the disease of sin, taking the debt/judgement for our sin - so let us love one another [John 13 v 34&35], and let us love those outside of Christ [Matthew 5 v 44, Leviticus 19 v 18] that they might see something of Christ in us.

[b] LET US CARE

One tends to see more of this characteristic in a fragile new cutting than in some of the hardened annuals! The new plant appears to have more zeal and energy to reach those seeds which, while having all the potential of new life, are still dead to the new birth found alone in Jesus Christ.

[c] LET US SACRIFICE

In our spiritual garden God has made us stewards of all we enjoy. He has given us new life by His Spirit, and "Richly all things to enjoy" [I Timothy 6 v 17]. However it is only in sacrifice to His Will and purpose that we shall grow to our full potential. Failure with this ‘lettuce’ will bring pests and disease into the spiritual garden affecting the colour of blossom, rate of growth, health, ability to plant seed and spiritual fragrance.

[a] TURN UP FOR CHURCH

It is there that the ideal conditions are found [or should be found!] for growth and development. The Word of God is faithfully read and explained which is essential for growth. Prayer, praise, worship and fellowship all provide necessary good and nutrients in order that we might flourish.

[b] TURN UP REGULARLY

The key work in our spiritual garden is faithfulness. Some plants appear to be very erratic, sprouting quickly, bloom suddenly, but quickly fade and wither. This species of ‘turnip’ will help protect againstthese short-lived blossoms.

[c] TURN UP TO HELP

If all the plants solely came to Church to soak up spiritual food, soon all would be dry and barren, but like all plants we compliment each other, support each other, shade each other from the harmful rays of doubt and fear, so growing together in Christ.

[d] TURN UP WITH DETERMINATION

That your spiritual life will grow and blossom for the Master, getting those withered areas of our lives pruned and cut back - that the fruit, fragrance and beauty or our lives might shine in this world to the Glory of God.

HAPPY GARDENING!!

oOo

LOVED

I know not why He loved me, I had no claim on Him,

With nothing to commend me, but guilt and shame and sin.

No beauty was about me, no virtue and no good,

He only chose to love me and that because He would.

Yes this is all the reason that I can know or find

Why He to me so worthless, should be so very kind

Oh, is it any wonder what now my theme should be

The Son of God Who loved me and gave Himself for me

~~~

Cure for insomnia ...... Don’t count sheep ...... Talk to the Shepherd!

~~~

MY CHURCH

I want my Church to be a place

Where men can meet God face to face,

And meditate upon His Grace

That I can think each time we meet

A presence comes and takes its seat.

I want here doors to stand so wide

No hungry soul who waits outside,

Will think that he had been denied.

I want my Church to be much more

Than stone and timber, pews and door,

Or carpet laid upon the floor.

But, oh, I know that it can be

Not more than what is found in me.

~~~

When men speak ill of you, so live that nobody will believe them. ‘Plato’

~~~

How to handle the Bible -

[a] Get everything out of it.

[b] Don’t read anything into it.

[c] Let nothing remain unread in it.

~~~

If you don’t go to God’s House why should He go to yours?

~~~

NOT IN VAIN

To talk with God no breath is lost - Talk on.

To walk with God no strength is lost - Walk on.

To wait on God no time is lost - Wait on.

~~~

WHY PEOPLE GO TO CHURCH

Some go to Church to take a walk,

Some go to Church to laugh and talk,

Some go there to meet a friend,

Some go there their time to spend,

Some go there to meet a lover,

Some go there a fault of cover,

Some go there for speculation,

Some go there for observation,

Some go there to doze and nod,

The wise go there to worship God.

~~~

SOMBRE THOUGHTS

"Life is a one-way street and we are not coming back."

"He who provides for this life, but takes no care for Eternity, is wise for a moment, but a fool forever."

~~~

WHY IS IT NECESSARY TO JOIN A LOCAL CHURCH?

[a] Command to be involved in a local Group of Christians ...... Hebrews 10 v 25

[b] From the foundation of the Church - we do not read in the New Testament of one Christian who was not a member of a local Church.

[c] All Christians are to submit themselves to the rulers in the local Church ...... Hebrews 13 v 7,17. The fact that the congregation is to be submitting to the Elders and Leaders assumes that you will be in a local Congregation.

[d] We must be involved in a local Church to stimulate one another to love and good deeds ...... Hebrews 10 v 24

oOo

How many ladies reading this are not at their happiest unless they are out shopping? Whether it be for something to wear or to eat or even for someone else we seem to derive a lot of pleasure in "going to the shops". Indeed sometimes this activity can be just as enjoyable when it is just "window shopping" [a job more preferable to husbands than wives I’m sure!] - a certain amount of pleasure can be achieved without necessarily having to buy. It is the idea of window shopping that I want to draw your attention to today. Have you ever considered the possibility that our ladies’ meeting is just like a shop window?

We try every month to vary the "window" by altering the "dressing", i.e. a varied array of speakers month by month. Oh yes - we have those who shop regularly with us and are always faithful. Sometimes when the "window" looks particularly attractive we attract a lot of new "customers" but unfortunately we never manage to keep them coming on a regular basis as sometimes the next month’s "dressing" does not seem as appealing even though there is always something new to learn. Finally there are those who look at the "window" and keep promising to make the effort but somehow never get round to actually coming. May I encourage YOU to join us next autumn for a full and interesting programme.

This past year we have been really blessed and challenged by what we have seen and heard through different missions. It is always good to widen our vision of what God is doing in other parts of this Vineyard.

Unfortunately the prayer meeting is a window that seems to attract very few people and yet it reminds me of a shop full of hidden treasures and many valuable belongings and the only cost required is that of your time. How wonderful to go somewhere and have a quiet, refreshing hour away from everyone and everything and leave all burdens with the Lord. "I can do that at home", I hear you say - true, but the fellowship of a dozen or so ladies is very sweet and is indeed a very special place to be. Please come and come in - we would love to see you.

On Saturday 8th June we had our outing and after the lovely few weeks we have had we looked forward to a beautiful day out - it rained constantly. However, after Wellworths in Cookstown had made a fortune in selling us umbrellas we were not too disheartened and enjoyed our day out. Close fellowship was enjoyed by those at the front of the bus due to overcrowding but our thanks to Raymond for driving the bus and a big thankyou to all ladies who were there.

Who knows, maybe next year you’ll be there!

Lesley Kennedy

oOo

I asked for strength - God gave me difficulties to make me strong.

I asked for wisdom - God gave me problems to learn to solve.

I asked for prosperity - God gave me brain and brawn to work.

I asked for courage - God gave me dangers to overcome.

I asked for love - God gave me troubled people to help.

I asked for favours - God gave me opportunities.

I received nothing I wanted - I received everything I needed.

My prayer has been answered.

oOo

The Church and the World walked far apart

On the changing shores of time;

The World was singing a giddy song

And the Church a hymn sublime.

"Come, give me your hand", said the merry World,

"And then walk with me this way."

But the good Church hid her snowy hand

And solemnly answered "Nay.

I will not give my hand at all

And I will not walk with you;

Your way is the way of eternal death

And your words are all untrue."

"Nay, walk with me a little space",

Said the World, with a kindly air,

"The road I walk is a pleasant road,

And the sun shines always there.

Your way is narrow and thorny and rough,

While mine is flowery and smooth;

Your lot is sad with reproach and toil,

But in rounds of joy I move.

My way you can see is a broad fair one

And my gate is high and wide;

There is room enough for you and me

And we’ll travel side by side."

Half shyly, the Church approached the World,

And gave him her hand of snow;

And the false World grasped it, and walked along

And whispered in accents low,

"Your dress is too simple to please my taste;

I have gold and pearls to wear;

Rich velvets and silks for your graceful form,

And diamonds to deck your hair".

The Church looked down at the plain, white robes,

And then at the dazzling World,

And blushed as she saw his handsome lip,

With a smile contemptuous curled;

"I will change my dress for a costlier one"

Said the Church, with a smile of grace;

Then her pure white garments were put away

And the World gave in their place.

Beautiful satins, and fashionable silks,

And roses and gems and pearls;

And over her forehead her bright hair fell

And waved in a thousand curls.

"Your house is to plain," said the proud World,

"Let us build you one like mine

With kitchen for feasting and parlour for play

And furniture never so fine."

So he built her a costly and beautiful house -

Splendid it was to behold;

Her sons and her daughters met frequently there,

Shining in purple and gold.

And fair and festival - frolics untold,

Were held in the place of prayer;

And maidens bewitching as sirens of old -

With world-winning graces rare.

Bedecked with fair jewels and hair all curled -

Untrammelled by Gospel or laws,

To beguile and amuse and win from the World

Some help for the righteous cause.

The angel of mercy rebuked the Church

And whispered "I know thy sin".

Then the Church looked sad, and anxiously longed

To gather the children in.

But some were away at the midnight ball

And others were at the play;

And some were drinking in gay saloons

And the angel went away.

And then said the World in soothing tones -

"Your much loved ones mean no harm -

Merely indulging in innocent sports",

So she leaned still on his proffered arm.

And smiled and chatted, and gathered flowers,

And walked along with the World;

While countless millions of precious souls

Were hungering for truth untold;

"Your preachers are all too old and plain"

Said the gay World with a sneer;

"They frighten my children with dreadful tales

Which I do not like to hear.

They talk of judgements and fire and pain

And the doom of darkest night;

They warn of a place that should not be

Thus spoken to ears polite!

I will send you some - a better stamp

More brilliant and gay and fast

Who will show how men may live as they list

And go to Heaven at last.

The Father is merciful, great and good

Loving and tender and kind;

Do you think He’d take one child to Heaven

And leave another behind?"

So she called for pleasing and gay divines

Deemed gifted, and great and learned;

And the plain old men that had preached the Cross

Were out of her pulpits turned.

Their Mammon came in and supported the Church,

And rented a prominent pew;

And preaching and singing and floral display

Soon proclaimed a Gospel new.

"You give too much to the poor" said the World,

"Far more than you ought to do,

Though the poor need shelter, food and clothes

Why thus need it trouble you?

Go take your money and buy rich robes

And automobiles fine;

And pearls and jewels and dainty food,

The rarest and costliest wine.

My children, they dote on all such things

And if you their love would win

You must do as they do, and walk in the way

The flowery way they’re in".

Then the Church, her purse strings tightly held

And gracefully lowered her head

And simpered "I’ve given too much away,

I will do sir, as you have said".

So the poor were turned from the door in scorn

She heard not the orphans’ cry;

And she drew her beautiful robes aside

As the widows went weeping by,

And they of the Church, and they of the World

Journeyed closely hand and heart

And none but the Master, Who knoweth all,

Could discern the two apart.

Then the Church sat down at her ease and said

"I’m rich and in goods increased.

I have need of nothing and naught to do

But to laugh and dance and feast".

The sly World heard her and laughed within

And mockingly said aside

"The Church has fallen - the beautiful Church

Her shame is her boast and pride".

Thus her witnessing power, alas, was lost

And perilous times came in;

The times of the end, so often foretold

Of form and pleasure and sin.

oOo

It’s time once again for an update on the recent work of the Young People’s Fellowship. Since our last report we have had our annual weekend, this year we changed our venue to Portrush. Our guest speaker for the weekend was Eric Magee [Templemore Hall] who spoke on Amos.

On April 7th we watched a video entitled "But I’ll be eaten by the Lions". Our meeting on April 21st was taken by a group from Ballyclare Baptist Church. Taking part in our meetings in April were Alan Hoey and Adrian Adger, and brothers Andrew and Samuel Scott from Kilkeel who told us about their respective times on the operation mobilisation ships Lagos and Doulos.

Our last meeting of the season was taken by our own Pastor. At this meeting the new committee was elected. The committee for the incoming year will be:

Agnes Carson, Stephen Irons, Annaleen Knowles, William Knowles, John McCartney, Trevor Robinson, Cyril Mitchell.

At time of writing this report we are busy practising for Youth Sunday when the young people will be responsible for the evening service.

A number of activities have been planned during the summer break, including our annual trip to Ayr on June 15th. Dates and times will be announced later.

Also congratulations to two of our members - Paul and Susanne - who were engaged on 9th June.

Cyril

oOo

Jim Elliot answered God’s call on his life, a call which took him and four companions to the rain forests of Eastern Equador. This was the domain of a savage tribe known as the Alkas. After a few days one of the men went airbourne in a small plane and returned with the joyous news that a group of Alkas were spotted heading towards the camp. After initial contact with the Alkas the men radioed their wives with the exciting news and arranged to contact them again at 4.30pm. But at 4.30 only static filled the airwaves. After five days of waiting a search party was sent into the camp and their worst fears were realised. All five men had been attacked and brutally murdered. Many newspapers and magazines carried this tragic news to the world. Before Jim Elliot died he penned these words:

"He is no fool, who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he can never lose".

[Adapted by Continental singers 1990]

"What are you prepared to give?"

Aaron Herbison

oOo

SOME DAY WE’LL UNDERSTAND

There’s a path His love is planning,

Which must mean the best for you;

There are blessings, countless blessings

Which are hidden now from view.

~~~

Don’t be afraid to trust an unknown future to an all-knowing God.

~~~

Lord, help us bring to mind each day

The price for sin that Christ did pay,

And may these blessings from above

Help us in His Great Love.

~~~

You’ll add to your joy when you count your blessings.

~~~

How can you go another day?

From God’s great plan no more delay;

Just trust in Christ - His Word believe;

Eternal life you will receive.

~~~

There are none so good that they can save themselves -

None so bad that God cannot save them.

oOo

MISSIONARY FOCUS

Dear Friends

Just recently I have received a letter from our brother Walter Burrell down in Cork, and as I read through it and saw what a tremendous work he is doing I thought I could share the letter with you:

I have just come off a big German cruise liner, with swimming pools inside and out, carrying over 400 passengers. Wonderful to chat away to a young German lady personnel officer, as she gave me a guide round the very beautiful vessel. Wonderful to witness to her, as well as crew and some passengers. Wending my way down the gangway with many passers-by stopping to look, I climbed into my car to drive on round the other ships in ports. Fertiliser dust and animal feeding flew through the air as the grabs from the cranes load awaiting lorries. Ones black uniform quickly takes on another shade as dust settles on my car and body. From a small boat flying a Cyprus flag a call comes from the deck - rushing forward to meet me is a Polish seaman I met some time ago - his plea could I get him a children’s Bible picture book. I’ve given out hundreds of these over the years as well as thousands of Polish Bibles. Can you picture hundreds of homes in that land with God’s Word - and many, many, many Polish boys and girls and Russians too reading these that came from my hand in Cork. The cost of these is great, and Mission to Communist World supplied me over many years free, except the children’s’ Bibles - but now they too are feeling the strain financially, so we have to bear the cost from our own port. But I praise the Mighty God for His Hand supplying, thrilling to put hundreds of Bibles unto Russian ships, as well as Rumanian and Bulgarian; even on Russian spy ships that come in at regular intervals with crew of 200, including scientists, as they are in touch with the Statalites. Each one that comes in men literally crowd round receiving Bibles that they have never ever had. On one vessel 160 Bibles and many SGM portions, thank God for SGM .Support them if you can.

 

A battered Rumanian fishery factory ship just in for stores and water - 110 Bibles taken, coming off after many hours as I sat opening the Word - they just have never had Bibles - so I must spend time showing them God’s plan for man - Calvary. A Bulgarian Officer grabbing a Bible held it tight, declaring this was the very first time he had had or handled one - these are going back to homes, villages, towns, cities. Please pray. I’ve just had a letter from Alex, a Russian I met in December. I had given him a Bible - he says his wife Helen reads the Bible in the evening, she says this book has all the answers to the question. They want to come to Ireland on a holiday with their son - pray for wisdom for this as I have to send an official invitation to their country.

 

With Mary not being too well, I have to seek God’s guidance, not to put too much strain on her. She is not able to do any housework, so I am fitting in the hoovering, washing, ironing, shopping, cooking etc - this I thank God I am able to do, but each minute of the day is eaten up. Today she has to go to the hospital for a check-up with the Surgeon who put in the two mechanical valves in January. These cause clotting so she is on Warfarin to slow down clotting time. Sadly they were not able to do the by-pass when having open heart surgery because her left hand artery is completely gone, as well as a third of the other smaller left hand artery, so her heart is still inclined to race. I had to dash through the night at 3.00am with her heart beating at 146 - which should go into heartfailure. She is very, very brave which makes it easier for me. I am still able to take seamen home. Mary’s presence brings a special touch into their lives. One officer in recently has not been home for two years to his young wife and children. Round the kitchen table one evening Mary and I led three seamen to Christ.

 

A large vessel stayed in port for three weeks loading 7000 tons of EEC butter. I had the great thrill of reaching all the crew in my daily visits. Many came to meetings with me, and I had the great, great privilege of seeing the Holy Spirit of God open hearts. I led Tun the Buddhist Radio Officer from Burma to the Lord - he had never ever been to a Christian Church or read the Bible - three others came by faith - the chief cook Rondolofo, 2nd cook Randy, messboy Benzon. They came to many meetings with me, and daily we had Bible studies. On board their ship Satan was there too, as young girls sleep on board with the seamen. Pray as I seek to point them the way of Calvary. Two of them came down the gangway on Sunday with seamen as I took them to Church. Pray for Antonette and Patricia and many others as I meet them from ship to ship year by year. Broken lives, many have gone in the river. Pray.

 

Thanks again for all the gifts both in cash and Christmas gifts, woolly hats etc.

 

Love and deep thanks to all. Yours in the Saviour’s Name.

Walter.

 

Please do pray for Walter and Mary in these day that God will continue to help them both physically and spiritually,

Remember our brother Ronnie McCracken as he organises another load of food and other items for Russia, also the project of rebuilding the church.

Pray too for our own missionaries, Geoffrey and Gillian and family in Panama. Sam and Anna at Sandes and James McKeown and his wife at the College.

Desmond Shaw

oOo

His camp was pitched where Cherith’s stream was flowing -

The man of God! ‘Twas God’s appointed spot!

When it might fail, he knew not; only knowing

That God cared for his lot.

Full many days on Cherith’s bank he camped him,

And, from its cool refreshing, drew his share;

And foolish fears of failing streams ne’er damped him;

Was he not God’s own care?

Yet, lo, at length the prospect strangely altered;

The drought e’en Cherith’s fountain had assailed;

Slowly but sure, the flowing waters faltered

Until, at last, they - failed!

Perchance thou, too, hast camped by such sweet waters,

And quenched with joy thy weary, parched soul’s thirst;

To find, as time goes on, thy streamlet alters

From what it was at first.

Hearts that have cheered, or soothed, or blest, or strengthened;

Loves that have lavished so unstintedly;

Joys, treasured joys - have passed, as time hath lengthened,

Into obscurity.

If thus, ah soul, the brook thy heart hath cherished

Doth fail thee now - no more thy thirst assuage -

If its once glad refreshing streams have perished,

Let HIM thy heart engage.

He will not fail, nor mock, nor disappoint thee;

His consolations change not with the years;

With oil of joy He surely will anoint thee,

And wipe away thy tears.

J Danson Smith

Submitted by JohnLivingstone

oOo

Perhaps today you’re feeling sad,

Exhausted, weary too,

There are so many, many tasks

That you had meant to do.

Perhaps today you’ve said goodbye

To one so loved and dear,

Your world now seems an empty place,

No one to care is near.

Perhaps today your steps are slow,

You are bound down with care,

You feel just now unable to

Take any more to bear.

And yet the Saviour waiteth long

To comfort and to bless,

He longs to lead so gently all

His dear ones in distress.

At Lazarus’ grace He bowed in grief

And sorrow with His friends,

He’ll gladly share His children’s woe

Until the journey ends.

No matter what your daily care

Along life’s dusty way,

The loving, living Christ will share

And bless - yes now - today

PRAISE GOD

oOo

Prayer is a power which soars on high,

Through Jesus to the throne,

And moves the hand that moves the world -

To bring salvation down.

~~~

If we take God seriously, we’ll be serious about prayer.

~~~

Lord help me to be kind and forgiving -

So oft your forgiveness I’ve known,

For sins I have daily committed;

Lord grant me a love like your own.

oOo

The Good News Club finished for the season on 29th April. After completing our lessons on the latter part of the Love of Christ, we were able to finish the season with three individual story lessons. These proved to be exceptionally well received by the children.

Thankfully those responsible for looking after the bus managed to keep it sufficiently roadworthy to make sure that the children were brought in safely each night. A total of 59 youngsters were present on the final evening, when everyone received a small prize for attendance throughout the year.

A good time was had by all at the meetings this year again, both children and helpers alike. A real blessing came just a few weeks before the end of the season, when one of our twelve year olds announced that she had just got saved a week previously. Please pray that she might grow in the things of God in the days ahead.

We would thank you all for your support [both prayerful and financial] throughout the year, and would ask you to continue to support the work here amongst the boys and girls. As you read this report, the Holiday Bible Club for this year will just have finished. Please pray that the seed that has been sown throughout the week will bear much fruit in the future.

"And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" II Timothy 3 v 15

Ivan Bankhead

oOo

Little ones can praise the Name,

Of the Son of God Who came

Down from Heaven to earth below,

Just because He loved them so.

~~~

Thank God Who sends the gentle rain

That thirsty flowers may drink again -

For puddles on the garden path

Where little birds may take a bath.

~~~

Get thee behind me Satan, get thee away,

I don’t want anything to do with you today,

Get thee behind me Satan, get thee away,

I want to be a Christian Soldier

And to learn the way to pray.

~~~

Jesus Friend of little children,

Be a Friend to me;

Take my hand and ever keep me -

Close to Thee.

Teach me how to grow in goodness -

Daily as I grow;

Thou hast been a child,

And surely thou dost know.

Never leave me nor forsake me,

Ever be my Friend;

For I need Thee from life’s dawning -

To its end.

~~~

Love not only gives, it also forgives.

~~~

God hath not promised skies always blue,

Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through;

God hath not promised sun without rain,

Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.

God hath not promised we shall not know

Toil and temptation, trouble and woe;

He hath not told us we shall not bear

Many a burden, many a care,

But God hath promised strength for the day,

Rest for the labour, light for the way,

Grace for the trials, help from above,

Unfailing sympathy, undying love.

oOo

The word ‘onus’ comes from the Latin, meaning ‘burden’, particularly as of responsibility. The point which I am trying to make is simply this, as Christians the burden of responsibility is on us to live our daily lives as ambassadors for Christ.

I should like to mention in passing two women, Mrs A and Mrs B. Mrs A was involved in a motoring accident. Shortly after the accident her concern was not for the injuries which she received but for the young lad who caused the accident - he might loose his licence or worse still his job. Mrs B arrived at her Church one evening for a Praise Service only to find a visitor daring to overpark in her space. The tirade which followed would have made any fishwife proud!

Mrs A makes no profession of faith, unfortunately for her there is no salvation in magnanimity, only in the acceptance of Christ. Mrs B professes to be a Christian, an ambassador for Christ, yet sadly she would more fittingly suit the role of devil’s advocate.

I trust in writing this article what I would not be guilty of highlighting the mote in someone else’s eye while failing to recognise the beam which may be in my own. I should like to ask each of you to join me in a careful, prayerful examination of our own lives as ambassadors for Christ. Remember the onus is on us.

You are writing each day a letter to men,

Make sure that the writing is true,

For the only Gospel some men will read

Is the Gospel according to you!

"Now, then, we are ambassadors for Christ ..." II Corinthians 5 20

Richard E Magowan

oOo

I opened the old, old Bible

And looked at a page of Psalms;

Till the wintry sea of my trouble

Was soothed as by summer calms,

For the words that have helped so many

And the ages have made more dear

Seemed new in their power to comfort

And they brought me their word of cheer.

~~~

Forget not thou hast often sinned,

And sinful yet must be;

Deal gently with thy brother, then,

As God has dealt with thee.

~~~

The Saviour can solve every problem

The tangles of life can undo,

There is nothing too hard for Jesus,

There is nothing that He cannot do.

~~~

Great, great was the gift God gave unto man,

When the Saviour came down according to plan.

Great was His love when He died on the tree;

Greatest wonder of all - that love was for me.

Great was the life that He lived here below;

To all those who sought Him, He never said no.

Healing and teaching, the blind made to see,

So great in compassion, compassion for me.

Come friend to the Cross, His work is complete,

Acknowledge your need and fall down at His feet,

He’ll gather His own with triumphant song -

Praise His thrice Holy Name, and take me along.

oOo

JULY

7th Miss Sadie Morrison

14th Sharon and Donna

21st Mrs Jean Lucas

28th Mr Maurice McKendry

AUGUST

4th Mr William Warwick

11th Mrs Sally Fleming

18th Mr Robert Mitchell

25th Mr & Mrs Robert McMaster

SEPTEMBER

1st Mr David Millar

8th Mrs Martha McCLintock

15th Carrick Quartet

22nd Mr Ken Maxwell

29th Woodvale Quartet - speaking and singing

Mon 1st July - Fri 5th July Holiday Bible Club 10.30am - 12.30pm

Saturday 6th July Sunday School Excursion

Sunday 4th August am/pm John Long

Sunday 11th August am/pm William Kernohan

Sunday 18th August am/pm Auldwyn Calderwood

Sunday 25th August am/pm Robert McMaster

Tuesday 3rd September 8.00pm James & Dorrie Gunning [ACRE]

Sunday 8th September am/pm Student Sunday - Pastor Kennedy speaking and Bible College Students

10th, 13th, 17th, 20th September Training Programme - John Moxen, Project Evangelism

Sunday 15th September am/pm Ken Johnston, Director New Tribes Mission

Tuesday 24th September 8.00pm Stanley Mawhinney IMF

Friday 27th September 8.00pm Walter Burrell, Seaman’s Christian Friend Society, Cork

Sunday 29th September 6.30pm Guest Service

CONGRATULATIONS

Baby Girl "Naomi Ruth" , 4th May 1991 to Joan and Mervyn McMullan

To Paul Dickson and Suzanne Magill on their engagement 8th June 1991.

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.