Free Presbyterian
VisionThe Official Organ of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster
Interview: Rev. David Park
Consider Christ: Update
From the Principal’s Desk IslamInvestigating the Issues: July - August 2014 . Issue 10 . £1
News: New Website Launched Field Report: Youth: God, Truth and Me 11 22 Robert McConnell
Youth Focus : The Interview: Rev Park 04 12 How Can I Help my Minister? Distinctives: Investigating the Issues: Islam 06 16 Preaching the Word 08 News 19 College Notes 10 Children’s Corner 20 Mainland Matters
Subscriptions Editorial FP Vision is available from your local Free Presbyterian Church, ‘ rotestant’ – how disappointing salvation by grace alone, through faith or by contacting Colin McKee: Tel: 028 91821304 to hear of those within the alone, in Christ alone. What is more Mob: 07764224363 Pevangelical community who uplifting than this! And what needs to be [email protected] despise this grand old term! Some sounded forth in the power of the Holy months ago a minister who arranges Spirit more than this! Presbytery Publications Committee deputations for a well-regarded national Dr R Johnstone (Convenor) Dr S Barnes But if our religion is truly Bible-based, it Rev D Creane excused themselves because they could will also be against all that God is against. Rev L Curran (Associate Editor) notsociety accommodate confirmed thatan certainorganization churches so We do not set out to offend, but may have Mr C McKee (Business Manager) Rev T Nelson (Editor) blatantly ‘Protestant’. In the N Ireland to adopt positions and enunciate views Dr S Pollock (Associate Editor) context, Protestantism is associated with that incur the wrath of society: thus we Rev M Lecky a particular political viewpoint. To employ are ‘unreasonable’, ‘intransigent’, ‘bigots’. the title, it is argued, will be off-putting for Such is the lot of those called to “contend those who have a different perspective – earnestly for the faith once delivered to www.freepresbyterian.org all the more so at this time of the year, with the saints” (Jude 3). If we really believe the events both lawful and unlawful. I do not Bible is inspired and authoritative, then its dismiss these concerns. But do we simply content is not ours to abandon or amend. forgo the term? Or is there another way? Instead we seek to maintain and defend it, with courage, with wisdom, and with It is the responsibility of sincere grace. Such resolution is the very essence Protestants to be educators – in a positive, of vibrant, relevant Protestantism. compelling and winsome manner. Our religion, founded upon God’s Word, is Designed by Pepper Collective ⁞⁞ Timothy Nelson Printed by JC Print. for all that He is for. Thus, we proclaim [email protected] The Wind of the Spirit
“The wind bloweth where it listeth... so is every one that is born of the Spirit” John 3:8
he influences and work of the lusts and idols that hide in the secret It is He that gives power to the faint and Holy Spirit are often set forth chambers of the heart. Having felt the increases strength to them that have no Tunder the metaphor of wind. moving of this wind we turn our backs might (Isaiah 40:29). We cannot read, As wind has a cleansing, refreshing and on that east wind of sin and vanity. Like hear, pray, praise, or communicate to controlling nature, so the Spirit in His the south wind, He is also gentle and refreshing, putting gladness in wind of God blows upon us. Only the soul to grow as the lily and cast any advantagethen are and we profit as the unless chariots the forthoperation its roots purifies like the Lebanon heart, makingand be with joy in the blackest of Ammi-nadib (Song of the heart and filling the soul The work fruitful like the garden of God. and cloudiest day of the Spirit is Solomon 6:12), a willing (Habakkuk 3:17-18). sometimes piercing people in the day of His By the acting of His almighty breath, and penetrating, making power. No longer will our physical life was produced (Genesis Just as we cannot discovery of lusts and we do our duty in a 2:7) and the same almighty breath work grace in our idols that hide in the half-hearted, matter quickened our souls when dead in hearts, neither can secret chambers of of fact way. Dullness, the heart. trespasses and sins, forming spiritual we exercise it without indifference and apathy life within us. When the church of Christ is in a languishing condition, the of the Holy Spirit. They are sothe necessary renewing when influences we recall Christ’s blessed. Wewill will flee. be Our fruitful souls in will every be Spirit are necessary for her reviving express declaration: “Without me ye good wordlike and a field work. that the Lord hath again.breathings Why andelse influenceswould we prayof the for Holy the can do nothing” (John15:5). Apart from breathings of this wind? Our prayer the help of His Spirit we cannot do one When this wind blows on the soul is, “Wilt thou not revive us again: that thing. “We are not sufficient of ourselves we must go in the way of it, yielding thy people may rejoice in thee?”(Psalm to think anything as of ourselves: but ourselves to the conduct of the Spirit 85:6). “Awake, O north wind and come our sufficiency is of God” (2 Corinthians speaking in His word. May the reviving, thou south; blow upon my garden, that 3:5). We are not able to move one refreshing wind of the Spirit come in the spices thereof may flow out” (Song step in the way of the Lord unless the power upon our hearts! of Solomon 4:16). heavenly wind comes with liberty and enlargement. By the help of the Spirit ⁞⁞ Rev Leslie Curran, Associate Editor, is the Like the north wind the work of the we can say with David, “I will run the Director of Let the Bible Speak radio ministry Spirit is sometimes piercing and way of thy commandments when thou in N Ireland and a regular preacher on its worldwide network of broadcasts. penetrating, making discovery of shalt enlarge my heart” (Psalm119:32).
03 The Interview: TN: How did you end up overseeing The Interview: the work of the Missionary Council? Rev David Park DP: Presbytery elected me Chairman of the Missionary Council on 2nd November 2012. I am Rev David very conscious of the fact that I have entered into the labours of others. I took over from George McConnell who was chairman for 42 years. If I serve as long, I’ll be 92 Park when I retire! Mrs. Pearl Ross, another veteran member of the Council, was treasurer for several decades.
The Missionary TN: Tell us a little about the Missionary Council? Council has been DP: The Missionary Council was established by Presbytery a vital part of the life in 1962 to inspire missionary awareness and stimulate and witness of the Free Presbyterian Church for decades. The Editor caught up with ‘new’ Chairman;prayerful supportElizabeth in McIlreavey the churches, (later and the towife raise of Rev. finance Jim Council Chairman Rev David Park Hartin)for missionary was elected work. treasurer, Cecil Harvey with Elizabeth was elected McAuley first to hear about its history and (later the wife of Rev. Cecil Menary) as her assistant, and current role. Valerie Shaw as secretary. Every congregation may send two representatives – appointed by the local Session – to the monthly Council meetings. The Missionary Council works under the auspices of the Mission Board, which is TN: Timothy Nelson DP: David Park ultimately responsible to Presbytery.
04 One of our main responsibilities is the promotion heater. Ballynahinch church has provided funds for of missionary interest and endeavour in the local urgently needed computers. Our Newtownards congregations. Council members report back to Sunday School sponsored tables and chairs for a their churches and it is our desire that these reports school in a remote part of Kenya. Lisburn sends will stir up the hearts of our people. for 2,000 children. Recently, I had a call from one finances continually to cover Sunday School prizes TN: What about the Council’s fundraising activity? brother promising money to buy maize for poor DP: The money raised by the Missionary Council is children. Another friend in Christ pledged sizeable central to the entire missionary endeavour of our contributions for various projects. The ‘Books denomination. Finances are raised by offerings in for Africa’ appeal has taken off. Really, it has been each church, and a statement is published annually. overwhelming! To illustrate the importance of contributions through the Missionary Council, it is worth noting that the TN: What about Nepal? main monthly grant from the Council (£8000) is to DP: Projects there include the relocation of Precious the Mission Board. Mostly, this is used to provide Orphanage to a new site with more suitable 30% of our missionaries’ salaries – they raise the facilities. A site became available beside the other 70% through deputation meetings, gifts and Kathmandu Church and Bible College, costing covenant support. Thus, here alone, £96,000 is approximately £84,000. Though we doubted needed annually. The total yearly grants from the ourselves in this venture, we never doubted the Council amount to almost £135,000. £70,000 has been raised already. We say, ‘To God Lord’s ability to finance His own will. Around TN: Who benefits from this support? be the glory, great things He hath done!’ A lady DP: Over twenty missionaries are supported throughout from our Larne congregation sent a sizeable gift to the world: three ‘Home Missionaries’, one in the build churches in Nepal; our Magherafelt church did Republic of Ireland, six in Spain, six in Kenya, one the same (These Nepalese buildings are relatively in Liberia, one in Nepal, and three in Australia. inexpensive, costing approximately £4,000 each). With the expansion of our missionary interests, The Missionary Council also covers the costs of the Annual Conference. considerably, and we are seeking to secure extra fundsoffice to and help administration with these costs. expenses Recently, havethe Council risen TN: How have you found your first eighteen months has overseen the launch of new projects arising out in the role? of visits to Kenya and Nepal. Moderator Rev. Greer DP: I have been impressed by how the Council works represented Presbytery, Rev. Ian Harris represented as a team. We have superb church representatives Mission Board, George McConnell travelled as our who take an active part in this ministry and show a keen interest in what we seek to do, under God, and I went on behalf of the Missionary Council. We to assist our missionary enterprise. Our secretary, returnedPresbytery feeling Missionary a burden Officer, for both Rev lands.Curran for LTBS, John Dumigan, and our treasurer, John Gamble, both do sterling work. A subcommittee, which meets TN: How did you determine which projects to regularly, provides important advice and direction, initiate? and we really appreciate the contribution made by DP: It is impossible to fund every practical need, so we each member. consulted with our missionaries, and drew up a list of projects which our Board and Council were willing TN: How can churches help you at this time? to endorse and support, as the Lord enables. These DP: I would appeal to all our churches to continue to projects were launched at a special missionary rally support the Council, both practically, in gifts and in Ballymena in February and the list is on our new offerings, and prayerfully, as we strive together missionary website. before God to help and encourage our missionaries.
TN: How has this gone? DP: There has been a tremendous response to the shallWe ‘lift supply up our all eyes’our need to ‘look according on the tofields; His riches for they in Kenyan projects. The money needed for a new gloryare white by Christ already Jesus.’ to harvest,’ confident that, ‘God oven at the Christian Academy has been raised by the Portavogie Ladies’ Fellowship. The Kilskeery TN: David, thanks for your time – and may God bless you and all who stand with you in this great missionary family raised the money for a solar water enterprise! Christian School has financed a new Photocopier. A
05 IslamInvestigating the Issues: ate spring in N Ireland was to the Koran or Qur’an. This is one of Islam’. These are the repetition of the enlivened not just by the of just four of the original 104 holy Islamic mantra (‘There is no God but Lhullaballoo of an election books still in existence – the others Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet’); campaign but by controversy being the Law, Psalms and Gospels – occasioned by a single sermon. The and is, to Muslims the most facing Mecca; fasting from message was delivered by one of the important. The Bible, in their five stateddawn times to of dusk prayer during each day,the province’s best-known Evangelical view, has been amended to Christianity holy month of Ramadan; pastors, and its theme was Islam. By support Christianity, and it crosses prescribed giving, including all accounts, the preacher presented is therefore unreliable. All boundaries payments on property and a forthright denunciation of the of this is far removed from and has income; and the Hajj, the world’s fastest growing religion. In the Christian understanding made steady requirement to make a the aftermath, he found himself of the inspiration, inerrancy progress in pilgrimage to Mecca at least condemned as an ‘extremist’ and a many non- once in one’s lifetime. Some ‘racist’, and of making ‘comments Scripture (cf. Isaiah 8:20, 2 western add a sixth obligation – Jihad unbecoming a Christian minister’. Timothyand sufficiency 3:16-17, of2 Peter Holy countries. or ‘holy war’, a term that will We may not agree with every 1:21). be only too familiar to those statement made from that pulpit, or in who have suffered at the subsequent interviews – but that does hands of Islamic ‘soldiers’ in various not mean we think it inappropriate 124 000 prophets, 28 are referred to in to issue a warning in respect of those theIslam Koran. has a Thedeficient six great view prophets of Christ. are Of atrocities. Those who lose their lives in conflicts, and as a result of various ‘faiths’ that are patently unscriptural. Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Christ pursuit of Jihad are guaranteed a place Indeed we err if we fail to sound such and Muhammad – the last being the in paradise. alarms, especially in an age when many greatest of all. Key aspects of the person perceive one religion to be as valid as and work of Christ are denied: Muslims There is no doubt that many Muslims the next. It is right, then, that we ask reject His pre-existence, His deity, His are serious and sincere in the practice the question, what is Islam all about?. of their faith. And, yes, we might take a this is ‘another Jesus’! lesson from them as we review our own Creed crucifixion and His atoning death. Truly, commitment to such things as witness, Muslim beliefs may be traced Muslims reject And salvation, for the Muslim, prayer, stewardship, and standing up back to the seventh-century His (christ) depends ultimately on for what we believe. Sadly, despite their founder and ‘prophet’ of the pre-existence, whether the good outweighs zeal, they are ignorant of the one and religion, Muhammad, and to His deity, His the bad. The individual is only way to salvation (cf. John 14:6, those who formulated his crucifixion accompanied through life by Acts 4:12) – they have no Saviour, and teachings after the death and His atoning two recording angels who without Him, no hope. of their leader. Islam is death. Truly, keep a tally! It is salvation monotheistic – believing in this is ‘another by works (cf. Ephesians 2:8- Conflict one true God – but this is not Jesus’. 9, Titus 3:5) – there is no The pastor mentioned at the outset was the God of the Bible. Allah, certainty, no assurance. prompted to speak as he did because who is neither spiritual nor of the latest report of an individual physical, is supreme; but he is so far Conduct from the Christian tradition facing above and beyond his creatures that he Followers of Muhammad believe that execution in a state regulated by Islamic cannot be known in any personal way religion must impact everyday life. Sharia law. This is not unusual. Many (cf. Hosea 4:6, 6:6, John 17:3). Muslims They are right. Believers are to be Muslim controlled states have made deny the Bible doctrine of the tri-une light in a world of darkness and salt conversion – ‘reversion’ is their term God, one God existing in three ‘persons’. in a society blighted by corruption – a capital offence, and ‘human rights’ Christ is not God, and the Holy Spirit is (Matthew 5:14-16). But for the Muslim organizations regularly include these equated with the angel Gabriel! this entails observance of a series of countries on lists of the most oppressive Many Islamic tenets may be traced regimes in the world.
06 rituals, commonly styled ‘the five pillars Why are these Muslims so aggressively opposed to the Christian faith? Some of this opposition may stem from historical events – the Crusades of the Middle Ages, for example, or the imperialism of more recent times – or
Iraq and Afghanistan, and support for the state of Israel.from annoyance Some arises over from present the view day that conflicts Christians in who have departed from the ‘true’ faith. are ‘infidels’, and the Koran is intolerant of those
Christianity is just a Western religion. It is not, of course;But perhaps it did mostnot originate significant in isthe theWest, belief it crosses that boundaries and has made steady progress in many non- western countries, it is for all – but long held perceptions are not easily left aside. And, of course, coming from this perspective, what do Muslims see in the West? Widespread immorality, abuse of alcohol and drugs, immodest standards, despising of all things ‘religious’ – hardly attractive, and certainly not the most ringing endorsement of the reality of the Christian faith and its ability to impact everyday life!
Challenge The rise of Islam is a challenge for us in the twenty-first century, a We must challenge that requires a robust maintain an and considered response. We must evangelistic focus not be afraid to speak the truth. – Muslims need More and more, those from a salvation too! And conservative Christian constituency this means making are being sidelined. Our voice needs much of Christ. to be heard, even if our message is unpopular. But we must deliver that message wisely and graciously (cf. Matthew 10:16). We must maintain an evangelistic focus – Muslims need salvation too! And this means making much of Christ; He, after all, is the answer, and there is hope for no man without a saving interest in Him. First and foremost, then, we must preach Christ; everything else is secondary. We must live as befits true followers of Christ, demonstrating that the laxity of modern western society is but a perversion of the liberty that Christ gives. We must shine for Him. Those in darkness need light: where are they to obtain it if not from those who possess it? (Matthew 5:16).
⁞⁞ Rev Timothy Nelson, Editor, is minister of Sixmilecross Free Presbyterian Church. He lectures in Biblical Exegesis in the denomination’s Theological Hall.
07 News
Smart Work in Ardaragh Sunday School!
rdaragh Sunday School children have collected £240 for the Christian School in Kenya, helping to purchase 90kg bags Aperiod. Miss Noreen McAfee visited during March to receive the gift. of beans, a staple in the diet of pupils there. The children filled Smartie tubes with coins and notes over a four month
Christian Workers’ Mainland Week Training Academy of Prayer
Applications to: The Secretary, Christian Workers’ Training TAcademyhe venue for course the next is the Whitefield Omagh Banbridge Road, Gilford, Craigavon, Church. Two terms of 8 weeks will BT63Whitefield 6DL College(028 4066 of the 2232). Bible, 117Or commence on Monday 20th October contact Director of Studies, contact 2014 and Monday 19th January 2015. Rev McCammon, on 028 3832 4132.
Meanwhile the graduation service time in 2013-2014 in Lisburn Church. for the current session was held in The course is that offered for the first The 32 lectures cover the attributes of Lisburn on Thursday 3rd April. Rev God, the Holy Spirit, the Tabernacle of Gregory McCammon conducted the Moses, studying Scripture, Jerusalem meeting with contributions from and the Temple in the time of Christ, Revs Martin, McDermott, Curran, Biblical counselling, depression, T Murray and S Murray. Fifty-four witnessing to Roman Catholics, Christ students graduated. Moderator Rev he Mainland Minister’s Week of as preacher and Irish Church history. J Greer preached on “The One Thing Prayer this year was held in Bristol It is open to all, and costs £48 per Needful”, Luke 10:38-42, emphasizing TFree Presbyterian Church. We term. All written material is provided, the necessity of being found at the trust that the time spent will bear fruit in with refreshments between lectures. Lord’s feet. Afterwards supper was the coming days. Sincere thanks are due A diploma is presented to those who provided by the ladies of the Lisburn to Mr & Mrs McCaughey and family for complete the course. congregation. their hospitality throughout the week
08 News
New Website Launched
Westminster Confession of Faith, access to online audio relevant today: “Go ye into all the world, and preach sermons, and an events page detailing the efforts of our Cthehrist’s gospel exhortation to every creature” to His first (Mark disciples 16:15). is There just asis churches to present Christ. no farther-reaching communication medium available to us today than the internet. By the end of this year, it is estimated Each congregation has its own web pages. These pages that some 3 billion people will be using this resource! contain the local church’s history, a biography of the minister, a schedule of weekly services, and any upcoming special The new website of the Free Presbyterian Church, launched events. There are location directions, together with a link to at our Easter convention in April, proclaims to the world the an appropriate map. message of eternal salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Do seek to point the unconverted to Crucially, in an age when the internet is available in our hands the site where they will be faced with thought provoking as much as on our desks, the website has been designed to questions about life, faith and eternity. work equally well on small portable devices.
The website may also be used to introduce people to Our thanks are due to those members of the Publications our denomination – to its history and distinctive beliefs. and Media Committee who have worked so hard on this There are links to our various ministries thus displaying project and to all at Pepper Collective who have produced the depth and breadth of our witness for Christ. Other such a pleasing result. Please give your support – publicize features of the website include: a daily devotional, the this vital tool, and pray that the Lord would use it for the King James Bible, the Shorter and Larger Catechisms, the extension of Christ’s kingdom.
Free Are you heading for University or College in September? Do you know someone who is? Presbyterian Various activities are organized for our students. Contact details for our chaplains are: University UU Coleraine UU Jordanstown QUB / Stranmillis Chaplains Rev R Higginson Rev J Woods Rev B McClung T: 028 7032 0266 T: 028 9071 1626 T: 028 9083 5942 M: 078 4003 3937 M: 075 9522 0981 M: 077 1433 0390
09 Boys and girls, “lacrimation” is the them. Then there was Peter – he fancy name for crying. We have all also cried. This big, strong, burly done it. We cry when we are upset, fisherman broke down and “wept or get hurt, or even sometimes bitterly”. Why? Well, he had just when we laugh too much. denied knowing the Lord, for the third time. Then the cock crowed Many of the creatures in the animal just like the Saviour had said it kingdom can produce tears, but they would. And Peter wept, and went don’t cry. Many, especially puppies, out into the darkness of the night, howl and whimper if they are lonely, full of shame and guilt. but they don’t cry. However, one of the very few animals with the same Then we read of Mary – she wept at tear glands as ourselves, and that is the feet of the Saviour. She did so ⁞⁞ Compiled by Robert McConnell capable of shedding tears of sorrow, because she remembered that she is the elephant. It’s interesting was once an awful sinner. She was to know that elephants have been overwhelmed by the Saviour’s love known to cry when one of the herd and mercy towards her. She cried dies, or if it should return after a because of His willingness to forgive long period of absence. her from all of her sin.
The Bible too speaks a lot about Sin always brings sorrow... but tears and people who cried. The salvation brings joy. I wonder if I wonder if you are shortest verse in our Bible is John you are living in the sorrow of your living in the sorrow 11:35: “Jesus wept”. The Lord sin or if you have the joy of God of your sin or if you Jesus was called the “Man of in your life? Those who are saved have the joy of God Sorrows”. Once, looking down over have a bright and wonderful future the great city of Jerusalem from the because one day, for them, “God in your life? hillside, Jesus wept for the people shall wipe away all tears” forever, that lived there. They were lost in when they enter heaven’s glory sin and without a shepherd to guide (Revelation 21:4).
Quiz: Which one of these is not found in the Bible Prizes! LAUGHTER ANGER FRUSTRATION JOY BOLDNESS 12 or under? To enter, send your answer, name, address, church attended to: Rev. Stephen Pollock Email: [email protected] 15 Fernagreevagh Road, Loughgall, Armagh, BT61 8PN
Winners last time all receive £5!
»» Noah Beattie »» Emily Cuthbertson Here are some references to look up if you are unsure of what the answer (Aghalee) (Clogher Valley) might be: 1 Samuel 18:6, Proverbs 15:1, Acts 4:13, James 4:9. »» Rebekah Burke »» Catherine Fleming (Markethill) (Kesh) »» Jemma Halliday »» Luke McKinney Answer: (Hebron) (Tandragree) »» Luke Murphy »» James Jones Images from “Focus Multimedia” CD (Portglenone) (Antrim) 10 Youth Focus
⁞⁞ Compiled by Dr Stephen Pollock
God, truth and me!
o have young people for you without being true for me’. We believeth on him that sent me, hath attending and active in our acknowledge that human knowledge is everlasting life, and shall not come t churches is a blessing from subject to limitation and change. Finite into condemnation; but is passed from God. Many of you have the desire man doesn’t know everything! But God, death unto life” (John 5:24). This life, that marked previous generations: who is eternal and all-knowing, holds He made clear, can only come through you want to be strong and do exploits all the information required to speak His death for He said: “Verily, verily, I for the Lord. This will only happen absolute truth at all times. He is the say unto you, Except a corn of wheat as you know God (Daniel 11:32). To God who cannot lie (Titus 1:2). He is “a fall into the ground and die, it abideth know God is a relationship to be God of truth” (Deuteronomy 32:4, also alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth enjoyed, one that is based on who God Exodus 34:6). much fruit” (John 12:24). is. Previously, we have considered aspects of the character of God – His Thus the Lord Jesus, God manifest What assurance we have in knowing sovereignty, His justice, His goodness. that the salvation of our souls is These snap-shots of truth are aimed at truth” (John 14:6); informing Pilate a matter of absolute truth! What stirring our interest in the doctrines of thatin flesh, He camedescribes “to bear Himself witness as “the to the God in order that we would be strong truth” (John 18:37). So, repeatedly we Word, to know we are reading truth! and accomplish much. Andconfidence, the child when of God turning will hunger to the truly’) before the pronouncements to know the truth (John 8:32); will One crucial aspect of God’s character is offind the the Lord. words “Verily, ‘verily, verily, verily’ I say (‘truly, unto rejoice in the truth (1 Corinthians that He is true. He is the one and only thee, Except a man be born again, 13:6) and will have a burden to speak true and living God (Jeremiah10:10; 1 he cannot see the kingdom of God” “the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). Thessalonians 1:9). This age is plagued (John 3:3). “Verily, verily, I say unto Young person, know God… by relativism – ‘something may be true you, He that heareth my word, and be strong…do exploits!
From the Old to the Young “Pilate saith, ‘What is truth?’ This famous question, in my judgment, can only admit of one interpretation. It is the cold, sneering, skeptical interjection of a mere man of the world, who has persuaded himself that there is no such thing as truth, that all religions are equally false… It is precisely the state of mind in which thousands of great and rich men in every age live and die.” - J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on John’s Gospel, Vol.3 (Notes on John 18v38)
11 What Can I Do to Help my Minister?
Do you have a question about Christian belief or behaviour? Send your questions to: questions@ fpvision.org
This month, Rev David Stewart (Portglenone FPC) was asked ‘What can I do to help my minister?’
12 n Paul’s epistles he refers to his readers a real help and encouragement to the preacher as using the following terms: ‘fellowlabours’ he ministers. Sadly, we live in an age when people I(Philippians 4:3), ‘fellowsoldier’ (Philippians run here, there and everywhere, not being fully 2:25), ‘fellowservant’ (Colossians 1:7), ‘partner’ supportive of God’s work in their local congregation. (Philemon 17), ‘labourers together’ (1 Corinthians Yet God would have us imitate the New Testament 3:9). Such terminology expressed the truth that he, as believers, of whom it was said that, “they continued What Can a minister of the New Testament, did not want them steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, to view the work of God as a ‘one man show.’ For Paul, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers”, Acts 2:42. believers were fellow-labourers working together with him for the cause of Christ. Again, you can also assist your minister by active participation in God’s work. There are many In 2 Corinthians 8:23, he entitles Titus his avenues of service open for young people to serve ‘fellowhelper’, recognising him as a man who was a God in their local congregation. These include I Do to Help help rather than a hindrance to the work of God. The participation in media teams, outreach works, desire of every believer, young and old, ought to be, children’s meetings and youth fellowships. Often ‘How can I be a help, rather than a hindrance, these ministries are understaffed and left in the work of Christ? How can I be a help to the ‘faithful few’ to carry forward the to the minister that God has placed in Let no work. Never expect God to call you to the congregation to which I belong?’ man despise thy youth; but be not serving the Lord faithfully in my Minister? Firstly, you can help your minister thou an example of someyour wider local church!field of serviceWhen God if you leads are in your prayers for him. Paul was the believers, in word, you to a work, give yourself wholly aware of the value of the prayers of in conversation, in to it. It is a hindrance rather than a charity, in spirit, in help when workers are irregular in others when he urged, in Romans faith, in purity. 15:30, “Now I beseech you, brethren, attendance and unreliable in support. for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for Samuel gave good counsel to Israel the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together in 1 Samuel 12:24, “Only fear the LORD, with me in your prayers to God for me”. Many of and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you”. their race on earth and entered into their eternal reward.the old ‘prayer The question warriors’ arises: in God’s ‘Who work has takenhave finishedtheir place in the prayer meeting?’ Every minister covets to your minister, and the testimony of Christ in the prayerful support of his people. yourThe final district, thing is that the puritywill be ofa tremendousyour life. When help Paul wrote to youthful Timothy, he exhorted him, You might ask, ‘what do I pray for when I pray for my “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, him with the Holy Spirit. Pray that his ministry will in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity”, 1 Timothy beminister?’ effectively First used and by foremost, God to rescue pray that the Godlost, willrecover fill 4:12. Many today fail to live up to this exhortation the backslidden and revive God’s people. Remember and consequently bring themselves hurt and to pray for his wife and family. Pray also for unity disgrace. In a world plagued by immorality, when to prevail in the work of Christ and that he will many live unrestrained by God’s boundaries of have a good testimony in the community where he wholesomeness and purity, God would have you labours. The desire of every minister is summarized to be different! Nothing hinders the work of God in the words of Paul, “pray for us, that the word of more than the broken testimony of a professing Christian. We must then heed the instructions of Thessalonians 3:1. Paul in 1 Timothy 5:22, “keep thyself pure”, and of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified”, 2 Young people can also help their pastor by their which war against the soul”. By doing so, you Peter in 1 Peter 2:11, “abstain from fleshly lusts, faithful presence in the weekly church meetings. It honour the Lord and help maintain the testimony can be disheartening for a minister on a Lord’s Day of Christ in your neighbourhood – a paramount morning, Lord’s Day evening or midweek prayer concern in the heart of the minister. meeting, to look down and see people missing. Simply sitting in the congregation, listening with May God enable you to be like Titus – a reverence to the Word of God being preached, is ‘fellowhelper’ to your minister!
13 North Down Bangor (outside Danske Bank) 28th June, 11.30am Delegates Meeting Preacher: Rev Graham Middleton Mon 15th September, Rasharkin FPC, 8.00pm South & Mid Down Black Saturday Parade Rathfriland, 2.00pm 30th August Preacher: Rev David Smith
N &S Antrim & North West Portrush, 19th July Meet at Ramore Head Car Park, Youth 6.15pm, for March of Witness. Open Air in Amphitheatre at 7:00pm. Summ e r Op n Air s Preacher: Mr Tom Laverty
Greater Belfast Shankill Road th Council 28 June, 1.30pm Preacher: Rev John Woods
South West & Mid Ulster Black Saturday Parade, Armagh (outside the Gaol) th Events 30 August, 11.00am Preacher: tbc
Festival of Flight Air Show Combined Newcastle: 9th August 2014
Youth Council/ NI International Air Show Consider Christ Portrush: 6th September 2014 Outreach Events
Youth Council Summer Outreach Teams
his summer will see, Lord Commonwealth Games. Athletes, will be local and worldwide at the same willing, Youth Council organizers, officials and visitors from venue! The team will be a great asset toutreach teams once again Africa, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean to our work, and it will also give the seeking to bring the gospel of Christ and the Pacific are expected to young people an opportunity to serve to the lost. Teams are due to work in gather in Glasgow. This presents our the Lord and be bold in witnessing for Larne and the South Down region. congregation in Rutherglen with a Christ and His glorious gospel. Please pray for these teams, together special opportunity for evangelism. with those involved in the summer Helping us in our efforts to reach the We also pray that the distribution of camp. This year also sees a team masses will be a team of young people, literature with our church details will going to work in Glasgow during the sent from our Youth Council. make our congregation more widely Commonwealth Games. Rev. Wesley The young people will be involved known, resulting in new people coming Irwin (Rutherglen) writes: in tract distribution at a number of to our services and hearing the gospel. venues, some of which are local to the Over eleven days from the 23rd July, church. As such we will be seeking to We value the prayers of God’s people 6,500 athletes from 71 countries will reach residents as well as those from for the gospel outreach in Glasgow this complete to be champions at the 20th afar. In effect, our witness for Christ summer.
14 A Word to Women
“Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” (Jeremiah 33:3)
etween 1949 and 1952 revival swept through rejoicing, with the promise that God would answer her the Hebridean Islands off the west coast of prayer (v17&18). What faith! She believed that one day BScotland. The evangelist, Duncan Campbell, she would have a son, a son who would deliver Israel. I largely attributed the tremendous outpouring of the wonder, when God speaks to us through His Word, are Lord’s power to the faithful prayer life of two sisters, we as ready to believe Him as Hannah was? Do we hold Peggy and Christine Smith. Peggy (84) was blind, and on to those “exceeding great and precious promises” her sister Christine (82) was almost bent double with (2 Peter 1:4)? Do we trust God, even though nothing arthritis. Unable to attend church, their humble cottage seems to be immediately changing for the better? became a sanctuary where they met in prayer with God. They seldom prayed publically, or played Of course, Hannah did conceive a child. any leading role in church life, but they Soon she held in her arms the tiny infant spent hours praying earnestly that the Hannah Samuel whom she had dedicated to Lord would visit in saving power. And left her burden, the Lord. Hannah kept her promise He did! What an impact, through God, and she went away a – she gave Samuel back to Him. But these ladies had in their district! changed person. Her instead of being full of sorrow and self circumstances had not changed... There was decay, defeat and rejoicing and thankfulness to the Lord. Yet she left pity, Hannah’s heart was filled with discouragement in Israel. “Every man rejoicing. Her great prayer of praise (1 Samuel did that which was right in his own eyes” 2:1-10), expresses an exalted view of the (Judges 21:25). There was no spiritual Lord: “My heart rejoiceth in the Lord....there authority or leadership in the land. Then is none holy as the Lord, for there is none beside the Holy Spirit introduced another praying woman. thee”. Her delight was not so much in Samuel, though Hannah bore terrible burdens. Not only did she have she loved him dearly; or in her own satisfaction, to share her husband, Elkanah, but she was constantly knowing that she was obeying God’s will; but from a taunted by his other wife, Penninah, because she contemplation of the majesty and holiness of her Lord. had no children. Devastated and broken, Hannah accompanied her husband to Shiloh for the yearly Soon God’s Word was again heard throughout the land, and the people turned from idols to serve Him. Samuel spirit clouded her life, to the point where “she wept and didsacrifice not eat” to the (1 SamuelLord. Bitterness 1:7). of heart and anguish of this was accomplished through the believing prayer ofbecame one woman! a towering Can figurethe Lord in the do historythe same of today?Israel. AllOf What did Hannah do? She went up to the temple course He can! He is “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday and “prayed unto the Lord” (v10). She poured out and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). her distresses and disappointments before Him. I am reminded of the hymn, ‘take your burden to the Lord D. L. Moody said ‘Every great movement of God can be and leave it there’. So many of us take our burdens to the Lord but we fail to leave them there; so often we take them away with us again. 1 Peter 5:7 says, “casting ropes’traced into prayer a kneeling for our figure’. missionaries Will you all be over that the ‘kneeling world? (or throwing) all your care upon Him, for He careth for figure’ in your home or local area? Will you ‘hold the you”. His work! May the Lord enable us all to be ‘kneeling figures’ in Hannah left her burden, and she went away a changed person. Her circumstances had not changed; she was ⁞⁞ Alison Armstrong lives in Portavogie, N Ireland. She is the wife of the Free Presbyterian minister there, active in the life of not leaving with a baby in her arms. She was still the congregation, and works as a primary school teacher. barren and Penninah was still around, but Hannah left
15 Distinctives Features of Free Presbyterianism
Preaching The Word
The year was 1960. It was a Sunday morning and I was, as usual, in Mount Merrion church. I was not in my accustomed place, but was seated right at the front, with no one between the pulpit and me. The preacher was Rev. Bert Cooke and I had heard him many times before. But this time was to be different.
hat morning has never left that they were handling the inspired points and apt illustrations from other me. Indeed it would not be too Word of God. Thus their preaching preachers and recycle them for their Tmuch to say that it made an was Christ-centred. Free Presbyterian own congregations. Over the years I impression on me that in some ways ministers did not waste their time with have received countless invitations to fashioned my own preaching ministry. the quirky little follies that so many tap into such “resources,” all tailored I was overwhelmed with a sense of others indulged in. They were men on for the busy pastor. Pastors who are too awe as never before. As I sat listening a mission. They believed that the Lord busy to give themselves to the prolonged to the message I was struck with the had raised them up for a study of God’s Word and solemnity of delivering God’s Word to the solemn pursuit of a and was gripped with a sense of the time in Northern Ireland these were message from God for their majesty of true Bible preaching. It andspecific they ministry did not at lose a crucial sight men who knew people are simply too busy would not be putting it too strongly to of their calling. God, who had – and they are failing in sought God say that I felt a holy fear of preaching their primary calling. That for a message, that has never left me. was not a charge that could The preaching of these and who be levelled against our men was marked by a preached with As one who came into the Free Church deep solemnity. It did not a burning zeal ministers. in its very early days, I can say that for the glory one of the things that set it apart from God. They conducted their The result was that when trifle with the things of of God and the other churches was the quality of its ministry in the light of the welfare of they entered the pulpit they pulpit ministry. It was not simply that judgment day. Eternity was souls! came before their people our ministers were men who could stamped on their messages. as men who had come out expound the Word of God – or that They were all convinced from the presence of God they were evangelistic in their gospel Calvinists in their theology, but theirs – or rather who brought to the pulpit presentation. These things were with them a deep and real sense of obviously true, but what marked our with the assurance that the gospel is God’s presence. In many ways, that early preachers and preaching was “thewas Calvinismpower of on God fire unto for God salvation and filled to is what I most remember about the the sense that here were men who everyone that believeth.” preaching that I grew up listening were not merely doing a job, or even to. Mount Merrion was a fairly small delivering a sermon. No, these were Such preaching was the result of much congregation seeking to serve the Lord men who knew God, who had sought study and fervent prayer. Those were God for a message, and who preached the days before computers and the the outskirts of post-war Belfast. Our with a burning zeal for the glory of God all too easy access to the “preaching buildingin a particularly and amenities difficult were situation modest. on and the welfare of souls! material” now so readily available Well, actually, that is being too kind: on the Internet. Our ministers read they were pretty mean! But one thing Free Presbyterian preaching was and studied the great pulpit giants of we did not lack was the thrilling, yet preeminently biblical preaching. Our former days, but they did not do what awesome, sense of the nearness of the ministers expounded the Bible with so many “busy” preachers of today Lord. That was particularly true of the reverence and the total conviction do – namely, hunt up a few alliterated Sunday evening evangelistic services.
16 Those were times none of us who were privileged to be there will ever forget. As Mr. Cooke preached the gospel and applied it to the hearts and consciences of men and women, the sense of conviction was, at times, overpowering.
I have naturally written mostly about Mt. Merrion, for that is where I was most affected by the preaching of the Free Church’s ministers. Mr. Cooke was not alone in preaching with such solemn zeal and power. Rev. John Douglas, Dr. Paisley, Rev. Cecil Menary – all came to minister. These men had different preaching styles, but they shared the same fundamental characteristics. Each of them preached as a dying man to dying men and women. Each of them looked on preaching as more than the mere communication of information. That is something that has ruined many a man’s ministry, the notion that a preacher’s job is simply to be a “communicator,” a mere conveyor of information. What a travesty! I learned from Mr. Cooke that a preacher is not just a mouth to communicate. He is a whole man and he must preach the gospel with everything that is in him. He communicates truth not as a lecturer, but as an ambassador of the most high God, a man who speaks with divine authority and spiritual power.
One thing must be noted. Free Presbyterian preaching was Our preaching unashamedly militant. Because we believed the Bible we was biblical, opposed and preached against the heresies that were prevalent Christ- in other churches and that were largely tolerated – or at least centred, not opposed – by most evangelicals. Our preachers were authoritative, crusaders against modernism, rationalism, Romanism and solemnly ecumenism. A sleep of death was hanging over large parts of fervent, the Ulster church scene and we saw it as part of our calling to evangelistic, disturb it. The Lord blessed that stand. Our own people knew militant why they were Free Presbyterians. They were well instructed and Spirit- in the truths of the gospel and in the issues that challenged anointed. the crown rights of King Jesus. And many others learned from us of the inroads of apostasy into their churches and were challenged to take their stand for Christ and His truth.
Here, then, are the features of the preaching on which our churches were built. Our preaching was biblical, Christ- centred, authoritative, solemnly fervent, evangelistic, militant and Spirit-anointed. We were not the most learned, or the most brilliant preachers in the land, but we were sold out to God to preach Christ in all His fulness, expecting Him to pour out His Spirit’s power and blessing, as He had promised. To God’s eternal glory, we can honestly say that we did not expect in vain, as it pleased God through the foolishness of our preaching to bring many to a saving knowledge of His Son. May God enable us ever to see the value of such ministry – and grant us generations of preachers ready and willing to respond to the challenges of this and every succeeding age!
⁞⁞ Dr Alan Cairns is the Minister Emeritus of Faith Free Presbyterian Church, Greenville, USA. He lives in retirement in Ballymoney, N. Ireland, but continues his preaching ministry home and abroad.
17 Update: CONSIDER CHRIST
CAMPAIGN ‘FLIES’ AGAIN TAKING GROUND IN with a real sense of the Lord’s presence IN ULSTER THE REPUBLIC while eighteen local people, a mixture While Consider Christ has focused We continue to enjoy the blessing of the of saved and unsaved, sat in rapt largely on the Republic of Ireland in Lord in the South. Since our last report recent years, we do not intend to forget the team has been to Naas, Co. Kildare, and Mr Colin Maxwell brought a N. Ireland, where the outreach began. and back to Athlone, Co. Westmeath. Gospelattention message. as Rev Larry After Power the testifiedmeeting Two Air Shows, one in Newcastle on We returned to Athlone in an effort to one concerned young lady talked to 9th August, the other in Portrush consolidate the on-going work there, Colin at length about the condition of on 6th September, present a great her soul. Pray the Lord will save her. opportunity to reach many with the increase in interest and attendance at We found in Tralee, as we have in other Gospel. Consider Christ is pleased to theand meetings,we are pleased which to has report been a runningdefinite places, a real appetite for the straight be teaming-up with the Youth Council now for 18 months. preaching of the Word, in people for outreaches at these events, not who are spiritually starved. Before least because the Council has faithfully In May we ventured to Co. Kerry, we had opportunity to announce a supported our outreach in the South. necessitating an overnight stay. further meeting several individuals Seventy enthusiastic members approached us, eager that we return. Preparatory meetings have been travelled, and after a restful, though Our next Outreach Day is on 16th arranged for practical instruction and short night in Limerick, we made our August, to Galway, we are happy to prayer on Saturday 2nd August in way to Tralee, an hour and half further bring as many as will go. Annalong at 7.30pm, and in Ballymoney south. Though there was rain, often on Friday 29th August at 7.30pm. Newly torrential, on our journey down, we We are grateful to God’s people for appointed Youth Evangelist Mr Jonny enjoyed a virtually dry day in Tralee. their continued prayer and practical Smith will be the speaker. What a joy it is to be conscious that we support, and to the churches who have are “labourers together with God,” and put their minibuses at our disposal. We Perhaps you have been unable to join to see His hand even upon the weather! the Consider Christ Team in the South vain in the Lord.” are confident that our “labour is not in - here is an opportunity to join us and There were good opportunities on the the Youth Council for these events. The doors and we managed to cover the ⁞⁞ Dr Lindsay Wilson outreach is open to all with a desire to whole town. The follow-up meeting on (Consider Christ Coordinator) serve the Master and spread the Gospel. the Monday exceeded our expectations,
18 College Notes
From the Principal’s Desk
Meanwhile they will have had an title sounding rather more complicated report and it is gratifying to be exceptionally busy time, with little than we trust the course will prove! Tablehis isto mystate first that ‘Endwe have of Year’ had respite from the rigours of revision an excellent year and that the students until the last exam has been taken. Sadly we will be saying farewell to have worked hard and conducted Then there is the anxious wait for two of our lecturers at the end of the themselves in a most acceptable results – something not peculiar to present term. Dr David McIlveen has manner in the college. We ended the those at Bible College! taught Christian Ethics and Leadership term with a visit from Miss Noreen since the commencement of the McAfee, Principal of Bible Christian Many of our congregations have had Faith Christian Academy in Kenya. Miss the opportunity to meet and hear ago and also served for many years as McAfee, accompanied by her mother, the students in deputation meetings CollegeWhitefield Registrar. College We thirty-fivewill also lose years Rev was interviewed about her life and and when they have been engaged to David Park who has taught Christian work and answered questions posed preach throughout the province and Doctrine and Evangelism for eleven by the students; she also showed a beyond. They have taken services years. Both are stepping down because short DVD of her work. We believe her both here and in the Republic; and of the pressure of other commitments visit was most helpful and instructive. also in England, Scotland, Wales, and and we will be very sorry to see them Both she and her mother commented the Isle of Man. We hope to increase go. We acknowledge all their efforts on the friendliness and courtesy of the the number of churches visited on and wish them well for the future. students. deputation in the future. One student spent last summer in Lock in Australia, Finally, may I take this opportunity to Six of our students will leave us at the and another visited Calgary in Canada. thank all of you who have supported us end of this college year (subject to by your prayers and by your generous exam success!) and we will miss them We are looking forward to welcoming giving. The work of the college is from the college. Four are ministerial new students in September and we vital to the future well being of our students, one took the two year course, anticipate a similar overall number to denomination and we appreciate the and the other was an extern student the present total. In the new college help you continue to give us in the who will be returning to South Korea year we will be welcoming two new service of the Lord Jesus Christ. in September. We will be praying for lecturers. Rev Samuel Murray will be them as they seek to know where the teaching Pastoral Theology, while Dr Lord would have them serve Him in Lindsay Wilson will handle Christian ⁞⁞ Rev Gordon Ferguson the future. Doctrine, Ethics, and Evangelism – the
19 MAINLAND MATTERs News from the Presbytery Mainland Commission
The West Country
wo and half years ago, we moved to Bristol, a city or four people two to three hours to deliver, and then the with a rich Gospel heritage. To the North stands a reality dawns that we are not even scratching the surface Tmonument to Tyndale, known as ‘the most dangerous in attempting to reach Bristol. Pray that God would dispel man’ in Tudor England, just because he was armed with a the darkness – there is a second, and possibly third, pen and a desire to translate the Scriptures into English. generation, growing up ignorant of God’s Word, perishing on a diet of natural religion and secularism. to thousands in the open air. John Wesley’s chapel sits in the centreThen there of town, is Hanham, and the wherehomes Georgewhich George Whitefield Muller preached Once a month, until recently, we had a service in constructed testify to what God can do through a Residential Home. This has closed due to prayer. History comes alive in Bristol, but this Pray that great city is now deemed the third most God would dispel another facility close to the church. Pray financial cuts, but a door has opened in ungodly in the United Kingdom! the darkness – there for favour with staff and residents, and is a second, and possibly that they would hear the effectual call of Bristol and its environs contain nearly third, generation, growing God. one million people and our work here up ignorant of God’s Word, is small, although we have seen a slight perishing on a diet of Jeremiah Lamphier realized that to reach increase for which we give God the glory. natural religion and the people of New York he required a secularism. thousand lives, but he only had one. The with a recent peak of thirty-one. Please pray solution was prayer. He prayed and saw a thatTwenty-five God would attend bless the those morning who service,attend, and revival, and so may we be encouraged to pray. “If that He would add others through conversion. Prayer my people, which are called by my name, shall humble meeting attendances slowly increase. As yet there is no themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their Sunday school, and the children in the area are rarely seen. wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive Pray for an opportunity to reach children with the Gospel. their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14) Your support, in this way, is much appreciated. Each month members of the church deliver “The Messenger”, There have been good contacts and conversations, but we ⁞⁞ Maurice McCaughey long to see peoplea little come gospel in. leaflet, “The Messenger” to some 1000 takes homes. three
20 Missionary Vision Remembering Margaret Armstrong
Part Two
ast time we considered the life of Margaret Armstrong up Lto the point of her separation from the Africa Inland Mission (AIM) because of its connection with the ecumenical National Council of Churches of Kenya. While her separation from the Church of Ireland took place in 1966, she tendered her resignation from AIM in the late 1970’s when she came to Southampton, England, to assist in looking after her ailing father.
On arrival in Southampton, Margaret aligned herself with Spring Road Evangelical Church, then pastored by when my father came to know the out and work in BCFC, even after she the late Rev David Fountain, a noted late Miss Margaret Armstrong. She took ill. She came out late in 1981 and conservative evangelical. She threw started visiting my father and Andrew’s was still hopeful. We were all saddened herself into the work of the church missionary work in Kara Pokot in early when we heard of her passing.’ and warm tributes have been paid to 1974 when AIC did not support him. her godliness and zeal. Jill May writes: She would support his work at times Margaret Armstrong’s funeral took ‘She lived in a lovely rambling house whenever she was able. She heard of place in Spring Road church and was overlooking the Hamble river which my work at Kapenguria in 1977 and conducted by Rev Fountain and Dr could always be used by the clubs Paisley, who later spoke at a memorial belonging to the church. I remember strong to support the workers. I don’t service in Armagh Free Presbyterian a series on the ‘I ams’ of Jesus, with knowthe difficulties how she when got the the church information. was not Church. Margaret was greatly loved a treasure hunt round the garden, After a while in the same year she by those who knew her. She was including the sheds where hundreds bought me a motor cycle for the work. a close friend of then Chairman of of apples were stored. Many of the Margaret wrote to me later and told me the Missionary Council, Mr George children were from poorer backgrounds that she had left AIM because of AIC McConnell, who supplied much of the and running round the garden eating membership in the National Council of information for these articles. Mrs the apples was just what they enjoyed, Churches of Kenya. Marie Wilson, a founding member but the Gospel was her great delight – all very happy memories of a very kind She then wrote about the Free knew Margaret Armstrong many years lady who loved her Saviour.’ Presbyterian Church and suggested agoof Armagh when I congregation,held a prayer says: meeting ‘I first in that we should come to Ulster, after our home for AIM. Margaret attended During her time in Southampton which my Father and Andrew came it with her mother and sister, and we Margaret became close friends with over and met Margaret who introduced had lovely fellowship. She loved to hear Larry and Barbara Darmanin. They them to the church. Margaret was Dr Paisley preach and I can see her yet were to prove a tremendous source of able to buy a Land Rover from an sitting with her elbow on her knee and comfort to her when she was diagnosed AIM missionary to assist Andrew in drinking in every word. Margaret was with the illness which was to lead to her his work at Kara Pokot. In 1979 she a very humble person and had a great death on 22 August 1981 at the early age bought me a Subaru which I used until burden and love for Africa. It is lovely of 47. Margaret paved the way for Free the coming of Miss Margaret Russell. that one of the book rooms is named Presbyterian missionary work in Kenya Margaret did not actually work in Bible after her. It was so sad when she passed through her links with the Kendagor Christian Faith Church (BCFC) but she away at only 47 years of age.’ family. Pastor Nathaniel Kendagor takes supported our views and encouraged up the story: ‘ I don’t know exactly us in the work. Her plan was to come ⁞⁞ Rev Gordon Ferguson
21 Field Report
From Cars to Kids: Robert McConnell
was born in 1969, the second “Convention” meetings. It was at one of blessed me abundantly. Very often I child of David and Annie these meetings that God challenged me felt like Joseph, who was continually IMcConnell. Mine was a privileged promoted and honoured by the upbringing because my parents were to serve Him. The Lord enabled me Lord. Then, at the peak of my career, saved, and from an early age I was onfor thethat first night time to about say “yes”my willingness to the Lord called in the taught God’s Word. There was never whatever He would have me Then, at the vow of willingness that I a time in my childhood that I didn’t to do. During counselling peak of my had made all those years know of my sinfulness and my need of afterwards, I was told to get career, the before. Things however the Saviour. However, being rebellious involved in the prayer meetings Lord called had changed. I was now and feeling hemmed in by the demands and the work in my own local in the vow of married and settled down of Scripture it was not until near the church, and this I did. willingness with a little family, no longer end of primary school that I sought the that I had carefree and young. I had Lord for forgiveness and cleansing. It However, God’s call to ‘full made all responsibilities, and bills was a simple confession of sin, made by time’ service did not come for those years to pay. We had just put our another twenty years. I started before. house on the market and to pray at the end of family devotions. work in the motor industry. As were making plans to move the fireside, one Sunday night, as I knelt a Christian, I always nailed my to a much bigger property… Childhood passed into adolescence, colours to the mast, especially when but God had other plans: He was and I soon enjoyed the freedom moving from the smaller family run calling me into full time service among of getting out and going here and the boys and girls, a work I had always there to various “Youth Rallies” and dealerships in Belfast. And the Lord enjoyed in my local church. garages to the larger, more affluent
22 Day services and door to door pleased to do in the lives of those of a College, I was accepted by I cannot evangelism – all in connection bygone age – how their needs were met, theAfter Mission study in Board the Whitefield of our really with the existing works in our their prayers were answered, and they denomination to work as a explain congregations. were used to win souls. full time child evangelist – the great and the rest, as they say, is joy found I cannot really explain the To then have the privilege of living out history. in serving great joy found in those same experiences is more the Lord in serving the Lord in than tongue can tell! What Today, in the main, the work this role. Years a wonderful Saviour we involves speaking at 140 this role. ago, I used to What have, transforming us, assemblies, SU and RE classes enjoy sitting a wonderful so that we might be during the school term. In the summer down to a good read Saviour we have, and early autumn I conduct up to eight with some Christian transforming us, so service! “To God be weeks of Holiday Bible Clubs, children’s biography. Very often that we might be fit fitthe glory.” for reasonableAmen. missions and youth camps. In addition a tear would roll for reasonable there are many children’s meetings, down my cheek as I service! parents’ nights, youth meetings, drank in the miraculous ⁞⁞ Robert McConnell magazine articles, seminars, Children’s things that the Lord was
MISSION Office: Chairman: Secretary: Mr George McConnell, Rev Ian Harris, Rev David Park, BOARD 3 Carrigenagh Road, 23a Moneydaragh Road, 55 Market Street, DETAILS Kilkeel, BT34 4NE, NI Annalong, BT34 4TY Ballymoney, BT53 6ED T. 44 (0) 28 4176 5574 T. 028 4376 8040 T. 028 2766 2039 E. [email protected] E. [email protected] E. [email protected]
Website www.fpcmission.org
23 Dates for the Diary
July August 21st-25th Ballygowan, 24th-26th Coleraine, Sports Week Revival Conference Details: 028 9752 8757 Time: Sunday at 11.30 am & 6.30 pm Monday & Tuesday at 8.00 pm Speakers: Rev R Higginson August Rev J Greer Rev J Morrow 2nd-10th Enniskillen, Rev J Douglas Lough Erne Convention Speakers: Rev J Greer 31st-14th Keady, Gospel Mission Dr J Douglas Rev I Harris Time: Nightly at 8.00pm (Armagh Road, Armagh, Markethill Time: Sunday at 3.30pm, & Tu llyvalleMondayn churches – Friday,) 8.00pm th th 4 -8 Ballygowan, Speakers: Rev D McMillan Holiday Bible Club Rev J Porter Details: 028 9752 8757 Rev R McLernon
4th-8th Crossgar, Holiday Bible Club September Monday – Friday: 6.30 – 9.00pm 6th Portrush Air Show th Church Service: Sunday 10 , 7.00pm Youth Council / Consider Christ Outreach th 9 Newcastle Air Show Details: 0788 6265600 Youth Council / Consider Christ 14th-26th Parkgate, Gospel Mission Outreach
Details: 0788 6265600 Time: Sundays at 3.30pm, (Antrim & BallyclareMonday – Friday, churches 8.00pm) th th 11 -15 Ballynahinch, Speaker: Rev R Higginson Holiday Bible Club Monday – Friday: 6.30 – 9.00pm 19th+21st Ballygowan Church Service: Sunday 17th, 7.00pm Missionary Weekend Time: Friday at 8.00pm, th 16 Galway, Sunday at 11.30am & 7.00pm Consider Christ Outreach Details: 0788 6265600 20th Tandragee Men’s Conference th 19 Coleraine, Time: Saturday at 10.00am Special Meeting Speakers: Revs S Pollock Time: Tuesday at 8.00 pm Rev I Brown Theme: The Life & Ministry of R M M’Cheyne Rev A Cairns