The Amazing Journey

Throughout the past week our church hosted ‘The Amazing Journey’ into six primary schools in the Ballymena area. This exhibition of Bible stories from creation, through the Old Testament and on through the life of Christ is coordinated by Peter Lawther and truly is an ‘Amazing Journey’.

Peter presented the Bible stories in a meaningful, relevant way, captivating the minds of the children throughout each session. He was also responsible for directing the efforts of the volunteers as we acted out the parts of many of the biblical characters from Noah to Mary.

After each group of children completed their session they were able to dress up in costumes and taste food from Bible lands. Each child was given a Gospel of John and has the opportunity to request a New Testament.

New Book - 'By This Name'

Tomorrow John & Janice Cross leave us, they have been staying with us for the last couple of weeks. They were in Glasgow for a 'GoodSeed' conference and came to N Ireland to spend time with Judith & Allan who plan to go to Canada next year to work with the 'GoodSeed' ministry.

John has just published a new book, 'By This Name'. Like the previous books he has written (The Stranger, All the Prophets, etc), this one also follows the 'Creation to Christ' or 'Chronological' teaching approach. It is:

• Written for those in a culture influenced by Pantheism, Polytheism and Animism.
  
• Ideal for our post-modern, post-Christian, secular society.

If you'd like a copy of this book or other 'GoodSeed' materials feel free to contact us or visit the 'GoodSeed' website - (see under 'useful web addresses')

A Day at the Races

It's been busy since we got back from orientation and continues to be so but on Saturday Ruth & I managed to take a couple of hours out to go to the North West 200. Everyone in N Ireland knows what that is! About 9 miles of public road is closed for most of the day and motor cycle racers from all around the world compete in a series of races at speeds of up to, and sometimes over, 200 miles per hour. Riding just inches from each other and with knees scraping the road these men (and women!) risk life and limb in hope of a podium finish. If you like motorbikes it is a spectacular day, just viewing the bikes of the tens of thousand of spectators is an event in itself.

This is a display of total determination and commitment, putting lives on the line to win the prize.

Now what does that remind us of? Phil 3. I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. A much greater prize to be gained but probably nothing like the same commitment on our part!

Pre-Field Orientation Weekend

Last weekend we were at the Mission HQ in England with our short-term missionaries who are going out with NTM over the next couple of months. They had come for Pre-Field Orientation which lasted from Friday evening until Monday. Some are going on 'Summit' teams lasting approximately three weeks, others will go as 'Associates' and will take responsibility for some specific jobs for one or two years. We also had a special orientation for MKs (missionary kids) who will be moving to different countries with their parents.

The 'Summit' teams are going to the Philippines and Mozambique and include Germans, English and Irish from both north and south.

The 'Associates' come from England, Germany, Belgium and Italy and will serve in England, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines as teachers, nurses, nursery workers, administrators and in general maintenance.

We were so thankful for the good weather as many of the games and actvities for the MKs were outside. Like their parents these young people will face cultural adjustments too, they need to be prepared for the changes ahead of them and encouraged to keep their focus on God. What a blessing to hear they are not only happy to go but some are considering how they can be actively involved in helping with their parents ministry.