Winter 2002
FROM THE PASTOR
2002 has a very futuristic
ring about it. But here we are, by the Grace of God. Many of our fellowship look
back on the year 2001 with a sense of sadness and loss. They remember a year in
which there was sickness, turmoil, disappointment and bereavement. But of
course, others look back on the past twelve months, as the year they received
Christ as Saviour, the year they got baptised, came into membership, or some
other special milestone on their spiritual walk.
For this first magazine of
this year, I want us for a moment to look forward rather than looking back and
consider the words of David in 1 Samuel 17 : 29 “Is
there not a cause?”
Shortly after David took his
position as court musician, Israel was in danger at the hand of the Philistines.
The army of Israel was on one side of the valley of Elah, while the Philistines
and their champion giant was on the other side of the valley. The giant was
quite a formidable foe. He had a bronze helmet and a coat of armour that weighed
some 125 pounds. The giant also had a bronze javelin and a spear that had a 15
pound iron tip. David had gone to carry provisions to his brothers, who were in
the army of Israel. Everyone was afraid to deal with the vicious Philistines and
the giant Goliath. To make a lengthy account brief, young David said, after
hearing the intimidating statements of the Jews, “Is there not a cause?” A
“cause” speaks of “a reason or motive for human action.”
We look around our world,
still reeling after the terrorist tragedies in Washington, Pennsylvania and New
York, the after affects still being enacted in the Middle East. For the Saint of
God...Is there not a cause? We watch
with sadness the effect of war in Afghanistan and famine in many parts of the
Middle East and Africa. For those of us saved by the Grace of God...Is
there not a cause?
We listen as the British
government pass laws that go against the teaching of God’s Word, and promote
the errors of Pluralism saying we cannot be dogmatic and that every belief
system is valid...Saint of God,...Is
there not a cause?
We see our own province of
Ulster, with all the privileges of the Gospel, failing to give a Godly example
and the increasing secularism as more and more people turn away from the Gospel
of their parents and grandparents...Christian...Is
there not a cause?
As we embark upon a new year
of ministry in the fellowship of Ballee Baptist, let me, as your Pastor lovingly
remind you:-
1. There
is a Cause for Contemplation.
We need once again to be on
our knees for the world in which we live. Our Royal family; the Government; our
Politicians; our Preachers; our Parents. As the very fabric of our society
crumbles, it is not the time for political bigotry or bickering, but the time
for a searching of our hearts to ensure that we may live in a way that honours
and exalts our Lord and Saviour.
2. There
is a Cause for Closeness.
“And if a house be divided
against itself, that house cannot stand” (Mark 3:25). Just as the American
people had to pull together after the tragic events of the 11th September last,
learning
to put secondary divisions behind them for the common cause. So the evangelical,
Bible-believing Christians must learn to love one another as we are commanded.
Learn to Pray for one another as we are commanded, and develop a closeness that
will be a testimony to the unsaved as they look on.
3.
There is a Cause for Courage.
Joshua
1:7 “Only be thou strong and very courageous… that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest” God has called us, not to
retreat; not to tread water and be content standing still; but to confront the
enemy and move forward. William Cowper wrote the words:-
“God
moves in a mysterious way
His
wonders to perform
And
plants His footsteps in the sea
And
rides upon the storm.
Ye
fearful saints, fresh courage take,
The
clouds ye so much dread
Are
big with mercy and shall break
With
blessings on your head.”
Someone has said, it takes
more courage to face grins than to face guns.
4. There
is a Cause for Consultation.
We
must go to our Heavenly Father and seek His
help as we face another year of service and ministry. We have such a wonderful
team of workers in the fellowship, each fulfilling there ministry for of the
Master, we must support them and uphold them before the Throne of Grace.
“THERE
IS A CAUSE” so let us
redouble our efforts in this New Year, to shine and witness as salt and light in
the town of Ballymena. I leave you with the words of
Isaiah 41 : 10
“Fear
thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will
strengthen thee: yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right
hand of my righteousness.”
Prayer
hath brought the souls of some when departed back into their bodies again
(1Kings 17. 17-24,2 Kings 4. 32-37).
It engages the Almighty on
the side of the suppliant and establishes an alliance with God. It has stopped
the bottles of heaven for three years and six months, and opened them again at
the expiration of that term. (James 5. 17-18) Yea it hath brought a miraculous
plenty into the house of a poor widow while destruction and famine were reigning
all around in universal triumph (1Kings 17. 8-16) “All things are possible to
him that believeth.” And, “All things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer
believing ye shall receive.” Prayer hath brought health to the sick, hearing
to the deaf, speech to the dumb, eyes to the blind, life to the dead, salvation
to the lost and hath even driven the devil himself from the hearts of many and
brought the God of heaven to dwell in his room.
A
Word Of Testimony
I had grown up hearing the
Gospel, being sent to Sunday School and children’s meetings through the week.
It was something I felt I had to do to keep others happy. During those meetings
though, I knew that I needed to be saved in order to get to Heaven. I remember
the preacher would speak of the lake of fire. I would have sat their listening,
those words ringing in my ears. It was a frightening thought and a place I knew
I would never want to end up in, for all eternity.
As the years passed, I
drifted away from church. Interested only in what the world had to offer me,
getting in with the wrong crowd, smoking, running away from home when I was
sixteen. The pain and worry I must have put my parents through, but you don’t
think like that when you’re a teenager. There was still that fear though, that
if I kept on living my life without Jesus and I did not get saved, that I would
be bound for a lost eternity.
On the 22nd November 1998 my
brother-in-law got saved, my sister got restored the next day. I could see the
difference God was making in their lives. I began to think more and more about
the things of God. I knew there was something missing in my life. I felt so
alone and miserable. I knew then that I wanted and needed to be saved. It was
when I found out that I needed to have a hysterectomy, (which seemed such a
frightening prospect at the time) that I asked Jesus into my heart. I remember
telling all my friends when I eventually got back to work again that I was
saved. Some of them laughed, but you have to expect that from some people.
Things went well for a while,
then I met a boy, he was an unbeliever, although his parents were saved, he was
not interested in anything to do with God. We started going out together and I
got involved in the world again. I’m ashamed to say I stopped going to church
for a while, but there was still that deep conviction in my heart. I knew I was
doing wrong. I knew I wasn’t living the way God wanted me to live. The devil
had me right where he wanted me and I wasn’t going to let him win this time.
We eventually broke up, it was obvious it was never going to work, we had
nothing in common and I wanted to get right with God again, that was the most
important thing.
Since I became restored, I
have never been happier, my faith is so much stronger now. There are so many
things I want to do for God in my life. Reaching out to others and showing them
what God can do in your life is so important, I grab every opportunity
witnessing to other people. Even people you never thought would be saved, God
can save them and change their ways. I would never say that anyone’s heart is
so hard that they could not be saved. Everyone has the opportunity if they would
only receive it. That’s why if I will always pray for people who are without
Christ in their lives. I feel so sorry for them. What have they
got to look forward to in this life, which will pass by so quickly? God
is just waiting to give them a home for eternity and a happier life on earth
now.
It
will not always be easy living the Christian life, friends may desert you, they
might think you’re boring, laugh at your new lifestyle. People are so ready to
point the finger at a
Christian, always on the look out
for any mistakes they make in life. Of course your bound to trip up along the
road somewhere, but I know God will always be there to pick me up again, and
love me, no matter what.
1 Peter 4 v 4 Wherein they
think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking
evil of you.
Romans 8 v 31 What shall we
then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
If I feel down or if someone
says something to upset me, I try not to get mad, but rather say to myself, what
would Jesus have done in this situation? It helps me get through those hard
times in my life.
Carol
Coleman.
How welcome it is to hear the
words of a leading retailer of toys, Gary Grant of the Entertainer toy stores,
as reported on the Daily Telegraph on September 24th. I have to be happy with
what I stock. I have to uphold my Christian values in my private and public
life. Jesus for me is not just for Sundays.
The bible teaching is quite clear. Avoid that which even appears evil. It
doesn’t say avoid only that which is evil. Mr Grant was speaking in particular
about the material associated with the Harry Potter film which he had been
expected to stock but has refused on these grounds. This stand could cost his
company £500,000 in the period leading up to Christmas. Mr Grant who has been
in the toy business for 20 years stopped joining in the Halloween and any other
occult themed products when he became a Christian ten years ago. He does not
trade on Sundays.
“Them that honour me I will
honour.”
Submitted by Mrs Alexander.
The
wondrous creations of nature,
Made
by our Father above,
Bring
blessings of joy to all
And
remind us of His great love.
His
greatest blessing He gave us
Was
Jesus, His own dear Son,
Who
died on the cross to save us
And
welcome us all, everyone.
He
rose from the tomb, triumphant,
He
died for you and for me.
Oh,
come to Him now, at His feet humbly bow,
And be joyful and thankful and free.
Verses
above were composed by an 82 years old believer. Submitted by T Eccles.
Who
Wants To Be A Millionaire?
Would
you like to win a million?
I
wonder what you’d do
New
house, new car, a holiday
No
more worries now for you.
No
more need to get up early
Forget
alarms just say in bed
Why
work or have ambition
There’s
now no need to get ahead.
Those
exams you studied hard for
Results
you now can bin
No
need to feel that glow of pride
For
good grades when they come in
All
those things that make life happy
You
can but no need to worry
Years
and years to spend and spend
Now
there really is no hurry.
Some
things of course are not for sale
However
much they’re sought
Good
health, good friends, eternal life
These
precious gifts cannot be bought.
The
day that is our last will come
When
our account we all must pay
A
million pounds - just not enough
To
wash one single sin away.
Would
you like to win a million?
It’s
a dream men have today
Yet
the greatest gift they’ll ever own
Is
one for which man need not pay.
Would
you like to have eternal life?
What
answer will you give
Just
take the gift and thank the giver,
Who
gave His life that you might live.
Submitted
By Mary Linton.
Have
you thought about the shepherds
As
they watched their flock that night?
That
a wolf might come a - prowling
Seemed
the only need for fright.
They
had gone to work as usual
Like
so many nights before
Knowing
not what did await them
What
this night would hold in store.
Then
the heavens seemed to open
And
a light shone from on high
They
quaked in fear and wonder
At
the scene before their eyes.
But
the angel had a message
One
sent straight from heaven’s throne
“Unto
you is born a Saviour.”
Glad
tidings he made known.
As
the host of heaven praised Him
Simple
shepherds watched in awe
As
the sound and brilliance faded
And
they talked of what they saw.
“Let
us now go,” they agreed on
And
they left, their charge to keep
To
find this new born Baby
And
God watched o’er their sheep.
Simple
men heard a great message
Simple
men with ears to hear
Simple
hearts believed the tidings
Simple
faith o’er came their fear.
And
today, just as the shepherds
If
we seek that Precious One
It’s
by simple faith we trust Him
And
we, too, can find God’s Son.
And, lo, the angel of the
Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they
were sore afraid. Luke 2 : 9.
Patrick’s
wee spot!
On the 30th August 2001 at
11pm. I arrived at Belfast International Airport with anticipation of what the
future holds for me.
It has been four months since
I started at the Belfast Bible College.
I am currently doing the two
years diploma course on Church Bible and Missions. I have enjoyed the lectures
and studies in the first semester however; I do have some difficulties in
reading and writing English. I hope to improve in the coming semester. There is
a lot to learn from the Bible and the lectures helped me to explore the open
world of biblical truths and knowledge.
Beside the academic studies,
I have had the privilege to come to Ballymena fortnightly to get involved with
the youth club at the church. I have enjoyed the fellowship of the youngsters
and the youth leaders. This gave me more opportunities to get to know them more
personally.
This year was my 3rd
Christmas away from home. I was quite shocked to see how Christmas is celebrated
here in Northern Ireland. There is a contrasting difference between Northern
Ireland and my country (Papua New Guinea).
I want to say thank you to :
The
church oversight for giving me the opportunity to study at the Belfast Bible
College.
Friends,
individuals and families for their prayers and financial support.
All of this has tremendously
blessed me and made me feel at home away from home.
In January and February 2002,
I will be doing my placement with 1st Ballymena Presbyterian Church. At the
moment, I don’t know what I will be doing but there are many ministry
opportunities to be involved in. I will need prayers for
Smooth
adjustment to church life and people
Openness
and willingness to any challenges
My
personal walk with God to be strong and close.
I wish you all God’s
blessings in the New Year and press on for God.
Patrick
Kangi
I
Dreamed I Stood At Calvary
I
dreamed I stood at Calvary and saw three crosses there.
On
left and right were nailed two thieves the cross between was bare,
A
soldier took his sword in hand then pointing it at me
He
said “ you there! Prepare to die that cross is meant for thee”
I
quickly fell upon my knees for mercy I did cry
As
strong hands grabbed my hands and feet I shouted “why, oh why?”
And
then a voice both soft and sweet was heard above the din
“Let
this one go, take me instead I’ll pay his debt of sin.”
With
his body torn and bleeding and thorn marks round his head
With
face bruised where they beat him He stepped into my stead.
Then
Jesus laid upon the cross His life to freely give.
That
all my sins be washed away and through His death I’d live,
He
stretched His arm out open wide no struggle did He make.
As
they prepared to nail Him there His life to gladly take.
They
drove the spikes in hands and feet and slammed the cross in place.
His
bones were shaken out of joint and blood flowed down His face,
“Forgive
them Father” was His cry “They know not what they’ve done
They
do not realize that you have sent your only Son”.
Deep
darkness filled the noon-day sky and trembling shook the ground.
As
God the Father turned away, While God the Son gazed round
“It’s
finished now” the Saviour said" The door stands open wide,
into
thy hands my spirit comes” And then they pierced His side.
The
graves were bursting open the dead
men walked around
The
Temple veil was rent in twain and I fell to the ground.
When
I awoke the night had passed and sunshine flooded in.
I
cried, “Dear Lord, forgive me please! And cleanse me from my sin.
For
you sent down your only son a ransom for the lost,
And
I see you included me when counting out the cost.
Take
o’er the reins that guide my life remove my wilful pride.
Sweep
clean my heart and enter in forever there abide”.
Yes
I dreamt I stood at Calvary and Saw those crosses three.
Yet
no longer do I look in fear ,
Where
Jesus died for me.
Submitted by Norman McKeown.
Tribute
to Mr. Robert Craig. 1924 - 2001.
Our
brother Robert was suddenly called from this earthly scene to be with his Lord
and Saviour on 26th November 2001.The news
of
his passing cast a shadow of loss over our Fellowship. It is
now
fitting that tribute should be paid to one who had the work
of
the Fellowship so much at heart.
Robert
was a native of the Ahoghill area,
one of a family of six.
He
was twelve years old when first sent to Sunday School and attended for two
years, he knew he was a sinner and if he died unsaved would go to a lost
eternity.
At
the age of 18 (1942) he joined the Royal Air Force and served his Country in the
2nd war. He left the services in 1947. In 1949 he and Jeannie were married and
later blessed with 2 boys, Ivan and
Roy. Robert was a mechanic by trade.
In
the years to follow he became more concerned about his soul and less attracted
to the pleasure of this old world.
On
the last Sunday in July 1978 he attended the last night of a Tent Mission
outside Londonderry with his son Ivan. God spoke loudly in that meeting and he
waited behind to speak to the Evangelist- Rev Ian Paisley. Robert stated that
the light of the Gospel shone through that evening, his eyes were opened and he
reached out in simple faith and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal
Saviour.
Robert
was baptised with others at Ballee Baptist Church on 29 April 1979, and joined
the
Fellowship on 6th January 1980. From that date he was a sincere and faithful
member. During the building of the new Church in 1981/82 he worked very hard,
did more than his share and was capable of any task. He was always ready and
willing to step forward and take a lead. Bobby was always a very practical
Christian. He held the Office of Deacon and Caretaker at various periods. Over
the past twenty years in Ballee he was patient and consistent in the work of his
Lord and Master.
The
affection, respect and regard in which he was held was shown in the large crowd
that attended his funeral in Ballee on Thursday 29th Nov 2001. Pastor Kennedy
spoke well of Robert and highlighted his faithfulness in three places. 1. The
Family Home - a faithful Husband and Father. 2. The Fellowship Home - a faithful
Brother in the Lord. 3. The Father’s Home - now a faithful Son.
All
present were left in no doubt of their absolute need of Robert’s Saviour. He
could not be in the Father’s Home today in his own strength, his goodness or
effort, but only through the finished work of Calvary. The crowds left the
Church saddened by the loss from our midst of one so much loved, but gladdened
to know he was already in the very presence of his Lord and Saviour whom he
loved so dearly and served so faithfully. He was a friend to all and could make
friends with all. We miss his jovial presence, we feel his loss but our hearts
are glad that he passed our way.
We
commend the whole family circle to the God of all comfort and grace.
To
Jeannie his dear wife. Son - Ivan, Jewel and Ian, Mark, and Paul. Son Roy,
Sharon and Katrina and Ryan. Brothers Bill
and Joe in Canada. To Adam. Ambrose and May.
“What
is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am”
2nd
Samuel 9 v8.
Mephibosheth
was of a royal line. He was the Son of Jonathan, who was the Son of King Saul. Now when David comes to the Throne after Saul’s
death, he is anxious to show mercy for the sake of his good and faithful friend,
Jonathan. However, Mephibosheth,
lame from a fall, is absolutely aware of his unworthiness of what David is
offering – a seat at his table. He does not recall his once lofty social
position in life, nor even the relationship which existed between his father and
David, who is now King. He makes no claims to merit. He sees himself as but a
“dead dog”.
So
it is with us, whatever our background may be, our academic achievements, or
social standing. Not one of us deserved what Almighty God offered and bestowed.
We too were, spiritually, dead dogs, but great and wondrous was the grace that
made Salvation ours. Like as Paul wrote to the Saints at Corinth, “by the
grace of God, we are what we are”
Oh
the love that drew salvation’s plan;
Oh
the grace that brought it down to man;
Oh
the mighty gulf that God did span;
At Calvary.
“For thought”
No
deception.
What God knows about us is more
important than
what people think about us.
Future.
Judgement for the unrepentant is certain. The grave
provides no Refuge for the sinner.
Seeing
things the right way.
Problems are opportunities for
progress.
Incomparable.
The books that men make are nothing
compared to the
Book that makes men.
Parents
duty.
It is less painful to discipline a child than to weep over
a spoiled life.
The
perfect work.
There is no need to pray for a second blessing. We
have already been blessed with ALL Eph
1v3.
His
desire.
If we are faithful, God will look after our success.
Our
duty.
All Christians have the same employer, they just have
different tasks.
Walk
over Talk.
Men may doubt what you say, but they will believe
what you do
David Mitchell.
Ladies
Fellowship
We began our meetings in
September with a visit from Billy and Agnes Jones (Acre). It was wonderful to
renew fellowship with Billy and Agnes as they are home on furlough. Billy spoke
on Joshua and then showed slides of Brazil where they have been working. It was
also a sad occasion when we said our farewells to Iris Houston as she left for
Canada in October. A presentation was made to Iris on behalf of the Ladies
Fellowship.
In October Dorothy Trehern (CMI)
came and showed slides of work in China. This was very provoking as she relayed
the differences and similarities between the East and the West. There are so
many different races and cultures in China - not just Chinese and this can make
the work very difficult and yet very interesting. Dorothy is currently working
with the Chinese in universities here at present. Please pray for her and the
difficult work in which she is involved.
November saw a visit from the
ladies from Richill Elim. While there were only a few ladies travelled the
distance an enjoyable evening was had by all who came and enjoyed the singing,
testimonies and listening to God’s word. We had no meeting in December and we
look forward to travelling to Monkstown Baptist where we are responsible for
that meeting on January 9th. If you would like to join us please come along and
enjoy fellowship with us. It will also be a great encouragement to those taking
part.
Our prayer meetings continue
on the last Wednesday of each month (except Dec) and it has been great to see
new faces coming to the prayer meeting. If you are free please make the effort
to come and pray as this is vital to everything we try to do in the Ladies
Fellowship. It has been wonderful to see God answering prayer over the past year
and as we enter 2002 may I take this opportunity to wish each of you a happy New
Year and may God richly bless all our ladies and the work of the Ladies
Fellowship in the year ahead.
Leslie
Kennedy.
WHAT
IF?
What
if God had not created
This
lovely earth on which we dwell
No
trees, no grass, no flowers to cheer us,
No
wooded glade or primrose dell?
What
if He had never made us,
Never
gave us friends to love,
Never
let us know the blessing
Of
a Saviours dying love?
What
is Christ had stayed in glory
Never
came to earth to die,
Never
purchased our salvation,
Just
left us on this earth to lie?
Oh
the thought brings desolation,
Oh
how dark the earth would be
Without
the hope of one day seeing
The
blessed one who died for me.
So
thank you God for your creation,
Thank
you too for all your love
Thank
you for thy great salvation
Thank
you for our home above.
Composed
by Mrs Rita Watson -
Submitted
by Mrs Robinson.
Special
Dates
Mon
7th - Fri 11th January -
Week of Prayer
Sun 13th January
am & pm
Mr Ken Brown
Sun
27th January
pm
Mr Billy Jones
Tues 19th February
8.00pm
Mr Billy Jones
Fri 22nd - Sun 24th
February “Missionary
Weekend”
“Each One - Reach One”
Fri
8.00pm
Trevor & Christine Morrow (Peru - Baptist Missions)
Sat
8.00pm
Samuel Adams (Every Home Crusade)
Sun
11.30am
John Brown (Stauros)
6.30pm
William Smylie (Slavic Gospel Assoc)
*14th
February General Business Meeting 7:30 pm*
ALL
MEMBERS SHOULD ATTEND
Tues
5th March
8.00pm Stanley Mawhinney (I.M.F)
Sun 24th March
am
Mr Billy Jones
pm
Ambassador Choir.
The
following believers were brought into fellowship
Brian
& Yolanda Moore (21.10 01)
Colin
& Stephanie Hutchinson (16.12.01)
John & Grace Boyd
(16.12.01)
Congratulations
Trevor
& Sandra Robinson on the birth of their son
Mark
Trevor on 15.11.01
Thomas
& Gail Cameron on the birth of their daughter
Cathryn
Jane on 3.12.01