Winter 1987

From the Pastor

Dear Friends

The  'Christmas Season has come and, gone and we step into the unknown of another year (1987).We know not what a day (or a year) may bring forth’. Even though we do not know what tomorrow holds, praise God we know who holds tomorrow in the hollow of His hand. Like the psalmist we are content to leave our times in the Master's hand. So as we begin the new year it is not in fear that we step into 1987 but with our faith firmly fixed in God. Some of us may intend to make changes or do things differently in the coming year, we may make resolutions and have good intentions. We may regret that there have been things we intended to do in the past year which have been left undone and determine to see them fulfilled in the coming twelve months. But as we think of how we as humans change at times even in the course of a year, isn't  it wonderful to know that our wonderful Lord never changes. No matter what year it is, and no matter what kind of a year it is, "He is the same, yesterday, today and forever". He'll still be the same towards you and I in December as He was in January. As we consider His unchanging person let me tell you about some of the things our Lord will never do, not only in this coming year but also in any other, year.

l) HE WILL NEVER CEASE TO LOVE YOU.

No matter what happens in this coming year whether it's a good year or a bad year the Lord will never stop loving     you. Our love may grow cold, it may become dim but He will love us just the same. "For I am persuaded, that

neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord". Romans 8 - 38, 39.

2) HE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU.

Hebrews 13: 5 "For He hath saith, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee". This is one of the great promises of God, it's an unconditional promise, it's a personal and precious promise for every believer.

3) HE WILL NEVER LOSE YOU.

John 10: 27,28 "I give unto them (my sheep) eternal life: and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand". If you are one of His sheep you have eternal life, that's what you call "Blessed Assurance"

4) HE WILL NEVER LIE TO YOU.

Titus 1: 2 "God; that cannot lie" God cannot lie, this is something that God cannot and will not do. Because of that blessed truth we can rest upon his promises.

5) HE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU

Isaiah 49:15,16. “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.  Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me”  It’s wonderful to know that we are ever before His face.  He will never forget to pray for us, He will never forget our weakness, He will never forget our need.

6) HE WILL NEVER FAIL US

Isaiah 42:4. “He shall not fail”

He will never fail as our SAVIOR, as our SHEPHERD, as our FRIEND.

He is not a disappointment! Jesus is far more to me

Than in all my glowing day-dreams I had fancied He could be

And the more I get to know Him, so the more I find Him true

And the more I long that others should be led to know Him too.

Whatever the new year holds, remember that the Lord will be always there. He faileth not because He changeth not

God bless you in 1987.

Geoffrey Ward (Pastor)

MISSIONARY FOCUS

Dear Friends,

Once again 'It's time to give you some news about God's servants at home and abroad as they labour for the Lord in different parts of the world. I would ask you to remember all the missionaries very specially over the Christmas and New Year period, it can be a very lonely time when you are separated from home and loved ones, so do pray that God will bless them all and every one wherever they are across the world at this time.

Remember the Barfoot family in their work with C.E.P. in Switzerland, John has been working on tapes for Romania, so he has asked us:-all to pray that these tapes will be used in a mighty way to spread the word of God throughout this communist country. Irene is still praising the Lord for the blessing she received the night she was with us in the Church.  Pray for the C.E.F. as they work amongst the children in the different countries of the world.

As most-of us know we had a visit from John Doherty in October and we were all challenged afresh as we watched the slides and listened to what he had to say to us. This is a very needy part of England, John needs much

prayer for his work. Pray also for his wife, "who is not too well" and for his little girl.

We had Alan Armstrong with us a few Sundays ago for both services. Alan represents the E.C.M. and he also brought us a challenge by what he told us regarding the work behind the Iron Curtain. This is a mission doing a great work in communist countries in Eastern Europe, a mission that needs much prayer for all the different aspects of the work, a mission that needs help financially even for their own workers, the need is great and the pressure on the missionaries is tremendous-- Do pray that God will meet the need and help them in this great work as they seek to reach these needy people with the Gospel. Seven hundred million people have never seen a Bible, never heard the message of salvation.

News from the different O.M.S. missionaries is that God is blessing in a very real way and they would say to God be the Glory, great things He hath done. 

New Tribes mission has some 'very interesting reading in their monthly magazine, Brown Gold, if you could get a copy, read it, and it will give you a greater interest in the mission and help you to pray more for all the work they do. When we mention New Tribes we think right away about Geoffery and Gillian McGrath in the College. I had a nice prayer letter from them a few weeks ago and they would like to express their thanks to you folks for your continual prayer and financial support. They are looking forward to getting home for Christmas and we are looking forward to seeing them. Continue to pray for them when they are at home, as they will be taking part in meetings and giving reports of their past term in College.

Pray also that God would give them wisdom regarding the future and that He might show them very clearly what He would have them to do for Him. They would both wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a blessed NewYear.

"Use it for Him" They will be home from 18th December to mid January.

Sam and Anna continue to labour faithfully-for the Lord up at Sandes. They have made some good contacts lately and some of the young men are showing a real interest in the things of God. Pray for the children's meetings and the Sundav School that God would give them fruit for their labour up there at Sandes.

Not forgetting James McKeown and his -wife, James is, working for the Lord in the Belfast Bible College and it is a very responsible work he is doing. Pray, that God will bless them both at this time up there in Belfast and help them as they go from place to place preaching the word of God.

Many others we haven't mentioned. Pray for them, J.E.B.,A.C.R.E., S.I.M. etc. .

Remember our own Missionary Weekend in February, 22nd, 23rd and, 24th. Some of the speakers taking part are Rev. Ronnie McCracken, Victor Maxwell, Hazel Miskimmin and others.

May I take this opportunity to wish you all a blessed Yew Year.

To some Christ calls  : "Leave boat and bay,

And white-haired Zebedee;"

To some the call is harder; "Stay

SEI\IIOR and JUNIOR YOUTH CHALLENGE

Come, ye children, hearken unto me;

I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

Psalm 34 v 11.

October began a new series of Young People's meetings. The format of the meetings gas changed in an effort to increase participation by those attending.  Material from Child Evangelism Fellowship was obtained and forms the basis of the, meetings.

The young people now meet every fortnight on a Sunday night after the Gospel Service at approximately 8.00 p.m. The meetings include chorus singing, a missionary focus on Europe, Original Quiz ideas and a main message following the theme of the "Christian Soldier". After each meeting the young people remain behind for a short time of fellowship over a cup of tea or coffee.

Meetings have been well attended with an average of 40 young people attending each night. The term young people has taken on a very wide meaning and includes anyone from 11 years and upwards. Every six weeks a guest speaker will be invited when the young people have a challenge to bring a friend to the meeting. During the month of November Kenneth Martin from C.E.F. was the speaker and he gave a slide show on his work and spoke on the heading "Why C.E.F." A real sense of the Lord's presence was felt and many attending were challenged by the message.

During December the guest speaker was Pastor Eddie Rea from Clough Baptist Church. At this meeting the back room was bursting at the seams with approximately 70 young people attending. Derek Kyle a 16 year old from Cullybackey gave a word of testimony and spoke of how the Lord helped him during a long illness when he had contracted Lukemia. He spoke of the miracle of how the Lord took him through and the grace and comfort he was given from the word of God while at his lowest ebb. Everyone present was touched by his word of testimony.  Pastor Rea closed the meeting preaching from James 1 v 14 on sin and the temptations of sin.

Times of blessing have been had over the past three months and we look forward to 1987 with much anticipation of what the Lord has in store for us. Arrangements are in hand for a Christmas Dinner and a weekend in Seaview House, Kilkeel.

Mary more young people could attend and our prayer is that the back room will become too small to hold the meeting. We value the prayers and support of' the Church to encourage our youth to put on the Christian Armour in 1987 and stand for Christ in and around the Ballee district.

Look on the Sunny Side

'There are always two sides, the 'good and the bad,

The dark and the light, the sad and the glad

But in looking back over the good and the bad

I'm aware of' the number of good things I've had,-

And in counting my blessings I find when I’m through,

I’ve no reason at all to complain or be blue

So thank God for all good things He has already done,

And be grateful to Him for the battles I've won,

And know that the same God who helped me before,

Is ready and willing to help me once more

Then with faith in my heart I reach out for God's hand

And accept what He sends, though I can't understand

For our father in heaven always knows what is best,

And if I trust in His wisdom my life will be blest,

For I always remember that whatever betide me

I am never alone for God is always beside me.

The Lord is my Shepherd

I shall not want

Two Ways Mentioned

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 that 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 can not 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.

0 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 Savioiur 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 to-day,

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
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 rejecter's doom.

D. Rodgers (sen)

Glarryford, Co. Antrim.

The Ladies Fellowship

"We love Him, because He first loved us"       I John 4 v 19.

The Ladies' Fellowship meetings re-commenced on September 10th with a visit from Pastor Boggs. Although he        has now retired from full time ministry this man is clearly still very much involved in the Lord's work. He chose for his message the most important topic of "LOVE".

On 24th.September we had a visit from Francisco Paderoso, accompanied by Dr. Tom Geddis from the Acre. It was good to hear how the Lord had saved Francisco and how He is now using him to teach his own people in Brazil. 

Francisco has been blessed with a great singing voice, and we also enjoyed his ministry in song very much.

On 8th October the meeting was taken by Mrs Cairns from Word World Wide. We heard how Bible Study groups are forming all over the country. This woman radiated a tremendous sense of joy in serving the Lord. Mrs Cairns sang to us too, and again we were blessed by her ministry.

On 12th November we were visited by Karen Cuthbert from O.F.M. We heard how the Lord has equipped this young girl to work with the Chinese in Taiwan. Once again we saw how much missionaries value our prayers. Karen outlined some of the communication difficulties they encounter and asked especially for prayer to help in mastering the native languages, without a good knowledge of which a missionary could not begin to evangelise.

The monthly prayer meetings have continued, the Word being brought by some of our ladies. Our numbers have. been small and I would appeal, to the ladies of the fellowship to unite in love and to come out and pray, for our families, for the work in the Church and for the missionaries (many of whom labour for the Lord in difficult conditions). It never fails to amaze me how the Lord answers our humble prayers. Let us give thanks and come out and encourage each other.

I exhort therefore that, first of  all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men".               I Timothy 2 v 1.

SPEAKING PERSONALLY ..

Lily Graham

He took my sins and my sorrows

He made them His very own

He bore the burden to Calvary

And suffered and died alone.

As a child I was sent to Sunday School and to Church.   As I grew up I went along to mission halls and to tent missions where I heard God's Word faithfully preached.  I never became involved in the pleasures of the  world but the Word of God makes it very plain that all have sinned and  come short of the Glory of God and that included me.

In February 1974 I became mentally and physically ill through the very sudden death of a dear Uncle in my home.  I lost interest in almost everything and I cried most of the time.  The doctor had to keep increasing my treatment but I did not improve.  It seemed as if I was standing at the cross-road's in my life not knowing which     way to turn.  The Rev. Sam Workman came very much to mind.' My brother arranged for him to come to my home on 25th March 1974.  Mr Workman pointed me to the Saviour, that night the burden of my heart rolled away.          I became a new person in Christ  Jesus. Old things had passed away, behold all things became new. Then Mr Workman  prayed that God would heal me,  at that moment I felt God's Divine healing hand upon me. I was restored to complete health,  that night I was  singing and praising the Lord, since then I have proved God in many wonderful ways in my life and in my home.

To God be the glory great things He has done.

He touched me,  Jesus touched me

And Oh the joy that thrilled my soul,

Some-thing happened and now I know

Jesus touched me and made me whole.

THE HOLY BIBLE

In Genesis the world was made by God's creative hand,

In Exodus the Hebrews marched to gain the promised land.

Leviticus contains the Law - holy and just and good,

Numbers records the tribes enrolled - all sons of Abraham's blood.

Moses in Deuteronomy recounts God's mighty deeds.

Brave Joshua to Canaan’s Land the host of Israel leads.

In Judges their rebellion oft provokes the Lord to smite,

But Ruth records the faith of one well-pleasing in His sight.

In 1st and 2nd Samuel of Jesse’s son we read.

Ten tribes in 1st and 2nd Kings revolted from His seed.

In 1st and 2nd Chronicles see Judah captive made,

But Ezra leads a remnant back by princely Lyrus' aid.

The broken walls of Salem Nehemiah builds again,

While Esther saves her people from the plots of wicked men.

In Job we read how faith will live beneath affliction's rod,

And David's Psalms are precious songs to every child of God,

The Proverbs like a goodly string of choicest pearls appear,

Eccelesiastes teaches man how vain are all things here,

The mystic Song of Solomon exalts sweet Sharon's rose,

Whilst Christ the Saviour and the King the rapt Isaiah shows,

The warning Jeremiah gives apostate Israel scorns,

His plaintive Lamentations sore their awful downfall mourns.

Ezekiel in wondrous words speaks dazzling mysteries,

While Kings and empires yet to come Daniel in visions sees.

Of judgement and of mercy great Hosea loves to tell;

Joel describes the blessed day when God with man shall dwell,

While gathering fruit of sycamore Amos received His call,

Next Obadiah prophesies of Edom's final fall.

Jonah entombed within a fish and buried ‘neath the sea,

Is type of Jesus Christ our Lord, greater than Jonah He!

Micah pronounces Judah lost; lost, but again restored;

Nahum declares on Nineveh just judgement shall be poured.

A view of Lhaldea’s coming doom Habakkuk’s visions give;

Next Zechariah warns the Jews to turn, repent and live.

Haggai wrote to those who saw the temple built again,

And Zechariah prophesied of Christ's triumphant reign.

Malachi was the last who touched the high prophetic cord;

Its final notes sublimely show the coming of the Lord.

In Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, the Holy Gospels tell

How Jesus lived and died and rose, to save our souls from Hell.

Acts proves how God the Apostles owned with signs in every place;

And Paul in Roman's teaches us how man is saved by grace.

Two letters sent to Corinth's church instruct, reprove, exhort:

“The just shall live by faith alone” is in Galations taught,

Ephesians and Philippians tell what Christians ought to be;

Colossians bids us live to God and for eternity.

In Thessalonians we are taught the Lord will come from Heaven;

In Timothy and Titus too, a bishop's rule is given.

Philemon back receives again Onesimus the slave;

Hebrews explains the ancient types which God by Moses gave.

James tells how, without holiness, faith is but vain and dead;

And Peter's letters point the way in which the saints are led.

John in his letters, three in all, on Love delights to dwell

While Jude gives warnings, clear and strong, of judgement, wrath and Hell.

The Revelation prophesies of that tremendous day

When Christ and Christ alone, shall be the trembling sinner’s stay.

Diane Alexander

The 66 books of the Bible form the Holy Scriptures. They make up one Book,  for God is the author of it. The above rhymed couplets were fist published about 100 years ago and are well worth memorising.

TRUE TREASURE

Furnishing of the Lord's Table

Silver bowls from which generations

Have partaken of the communion wine

The sacred supper ended, the cups returned

to the bank's dark vault. Because, long now

in the Lord's service, their silver has become

antique and precious. Earthly treasure to be laid up.

''Where thieves shall not break through and steal''

But what of Christ's heavenly treasure?

Laid up in 'the safe deposit of the heart whose

doors are open wide - a cup for others to partake.

Wine from the grapes of love and compassion.

To charm away another's gloom. To dispel fear

and turn darkness into light.

How precious beyond price is this heavenly

treasure. Immune to the rust of time.

No thief can steal it from us.

A NEW SACRED SONG

NO BEREAVEMENTS IN HEAVEN

There'll be no bereavements in Heaven,

No pain, not a grief nor a sigh.

The hand that was nailed upon Calvary

Will dry every and weeping eye;

He'll heal the poor hearts that are broken

And point to the wound in his side,

And whispers - for you I have suffered,

For you I have lived and have died.

CHORUS

I long for the home over yonder,

The weak and the weary will rest.

The hearts that are sighing and lonely

Will lean on His dear loving breast

No pinches nor poverty yonder,

No sorrow shall enter that place,

We'll bask in the sunshine of Jesus our Lord

And look on His dear loving face.

We’ll never grow old over yonder,

We'll never be sad or cast down.

He’ll own us  to be His dear children

And place on our forehead a crown.

We’ve dear ones that's now over yonder –

We lost them a long while ago;

They're wrapped in the robe of King Jesus,

And now they are whiter than snow.

We’ll no more be tempt by the tempter

He won't be allowed to be there,

For Jesus will be in the centre

And all the blood washed will be there.

We'll bless Him for how He hath lead us -

For us He has lived and has died

And soon we'll be with Him in glory –

Someone is following you

Don’t forget that day by day

Someone is following you;

Be careful what you say,

Be careful what you do.

Don’t forget as you go along

Someone is following you;

Watch to avoid the wrong

Watch the path you pursue.

God help you this truth to see;

Someone is following you;

Be strong! His witness be,

Be strong! Live always true.

Dates for your Diary

Singers Expected

Sunday             January

4^th                    Hazel and Artie

11^th                  Miss Beverley Murray

18^th                  Woodvale Quintette

25^th                  Mrs Ria McMullan

                        February

1^st                    Helen, Sandra and Linda

8^th                    Ballymena Gospel Choir

15^th                  Mr James McCosh

22^nd                  The Gospel Airs

                        March

1^st                    Alan and Connie Forster

8^th                    Mrs Power

15^th                  Joel and Rae McConnell

22^nd                  Mr Robert Mitchell

29^th                  New Life Quartette

Creche Rota

Dec 14^th            Rae and Agnes Carson

21^st                  Margaret and Helena

28^th                  Mary and Pauline

Jan 4^th              Pearl and Rebecca

11^th                  Helen and Annaleen