A Memorable Evening!
Missions Night 2009 was, indeed, a memorable evening! After a rousing medley of old time gospel hymns led by the Slemish music group, Tom Moore (Association President) welcomed everyone to the meeting. In his opening remarks, he commended the work of Baptist Missions and thanked all involved for their hard work - Gordon Darragh; all the BM workers; the Committee members; to Slemish for leading the praise: and to those involved in bringing the programme together.
The programme revolved around four key themes - Team Talk; Sowing Seeds; Hope in an Uncertain World; and being Passionate about Mission.
Team Talk
Aaron Williamson (Gortmerron Church and former Misión Rescate Team member) shared how much he enjoyed his time in Peru and how much he had learned ‘how big God is..and how small I am’. Aaron encouraged support for the current Misión Rescate Team, particularly by praying, and also urged anyone interested, and available, to apply for the new Year Team currently being recruited, finishing with the challenge ‘Why not go?’
Next was an excellent bilingual video report from this year’s team, including Simon Curry and Roberta Sherlock. Gordon Darragh (Mission Director) brought up to date news on Dave & Alicia Murphy, currently home on deputation, advising that although their initial two years on the field included important achievements, there had also been unexpected difficulties. As a result, it had been decided that they should spend an extended time at home in order to give them an opportunity to explore God’s will for their future. Gordon asked for prayer, and some space, for Dave & Alicia at this time. After a short Skype video message from Andrew Reid about an Algeciras summer team for two weeks at the end of August, one of the team members, Joanne Morrell (Portstewart Church) gave an enthusiastic summary of what the team would be doing. She said the team would be giving 110% and asked for prayer for this exciting venture.
Sowing Seeds
Gordon Darragh talked about small things (small seeds) being used to advance God’s Kingdom. From Nenagh, Galway and Kinsale – three very different situations but all bringing ’hope’ to Ireland – through video, we heard encouraging but challenging reports. Matt Tuttlebee & Dean Langley talking about ‘broken lives in Nenagh – but God delights to turn these into something beautiful’; Tim & Joan Cummings sharing about ‘good things happening in Cork but also bad. Not a lot of hope...except in God and small numbers coming to faith’; and Craig and Heather Maiden giving thanks for the family settling in so well but asking for prayer for ‘the summer outreach…that God will open doors’
A change of direction and pace came next with Mervyn Scott sharing 5 ‘P’s’ – Partnership; Prayer; Proclamation; Progress – and Plenty more to do! There was much to give thanks for the first Sunday service in Youghal being held the previous Sunday. He then interviewed Seth Lewis from the Crossworld team about ways in which they assist the Church planting. The Barnabas Players (from Prairie Bible School) then performed two humorous, but challenging, contemporary dramas which they use to reach out to young people in schools and also in the street.
Through a short interview, Clive Johnston then brought an update on the North West Project in Strabane. – through the Bridge Drop-in Centre and the Mission Possible charity shop. He commended the workers involved, and the four local churches supporting the Project, and was encouraged by what was now happening in Strabane - lives were being touched, even though there was often a sense of hopelessness, and Jesus was set forth faithfully as a ‘bridge to a hurting community’.
Hope in a Changing World
Andrew Roycroft then reported in, via video, from Peru. He said that he, Carolyn and baby Grace were settling into life in Arequipa and into language training and referred to some encouraging advice given to him recently by an SIM worker about taking time to do things well ‘cut the keys well and doors will open’. Gordon urged everyone to regularly read Andrew’s blog (www.theroycrofts.co.uk) Gordon also advised of a new beginning which was taking place in the little village of Ite with work on the new church building commencing recently – this was illustrated with photos of the building work taken that day by Trevor Morrow. Kim Kelly and John Cunningham finished the session with encouraging stories from two very different places - the Shankill Road and South Armagh – but places where God is working and lives are being touched.
God is good…all the time!
After reminding us through a Ghanaian greeting that ‘God is good – all the time’, Pastor Steven Curry outlined the purpose for which the evening’s offering would be used. Every day in Tacna, Peru, thousands heard the good news of Jesus Christ through the ministry of El Sembrador (The Sower) Radio. However, funding is needed urgently to keep the radio station on the air and he urged people to give generously to this vital work, not just on the night but regularly via Gift Aid. The offering amounted to an amazing £4234!
Passionate about Mission
The evening concluded with a very challenging message from Graham Cheeseman (Finaghy Church and Belfast Bible College) from Romans 15 v14-22. He talked about Paul’s passion for mission and the importance of actually getting involved in mission. All missionaries, and indeed all Christians, are Priests, Tools, and Builders.
The evening finished, as it had started, with a focus on the gospel, as everyone sang ‘Hear the Call of the Kingdom’. Fellowship continued afterwards with tea and coffee in the Lisburn church halls, which along with the entire building and facilities, were made freely available.
Eddie Currie Mission support worker