Sunday, 11th January was a very special day for Magherafelt Baptist Church. The church was packed with
members and friends of Alistair Creelman for his farewell service, prior to his departure for Peru the very next day.

Alistair was born and grew up in Peru where his parents Dessie and Mavis worked with Baptist Missions. He will
serve there as a Baptist Missions Associate Worker for a period of 14 months (DV) and will use this time to explore possible avenues of ministry for the future. Pastor John McDermott spoke of Alistair's burden and passion for the work in Peru and also said that it was a tremendous privilege for the Magherafelt Church to be sending a worker out to the mission field.

Gordon Darragh, Director of Baptist Missions, in bringing greetings from the Baptist Missions family, stressed
the need for the Church to take an ongoing active interest in what Alistair is doing in Peru, and to pray
for him faithfully.

In response, Alistair expressed gratitude to his immediate family, Pastor McDermott, the elders and members of the Magherafelt Church, the Mountpottinger Church, friends and work colleagues, and the young
adults' group, for the guidance and support they had given him. He spoke of the dynamics of partnership and
said he was very conscious that he was going out to serve in Peru with the full support of the Church.

Pastor McDermott then brought a very appropriate message from Acts 1, speaking about the purpose of mission and the importance of being united in purpose to reach the lost. He also pointed out that every missionary is continuing the work of the Lord Jesus Christ and reminded
the church of its ongoing responsibility for Alistair.

The act of commissioning was then carried out jointly by the Elders of the Church. The young adults' group,
which Alistair led prior to his departure, presented him with a journal containing messages of support and photographs. A really enjoyable time of fellowship followed over light refreshments.

Postscript: Alistair has arrived safely in Peru and will be working in Ilo and Ite until the end of February. During March he will attend language school in Arequipa to brush up on his Spanish. Further updates can be obtained on his personal blog at http://alistaircreelman.blogspot.com/ and also through Missionline.

 Reported by Mervyn Gregg (Magherafelt Baptist Church)