94th Irish National Christian Endeavour Convention
The World C.E. Union Board of Trustees and Finance Committee met from Sept 17th – 21st in N.Ireland in conjunction with the 94th Irish National Christian Endeavour Convention.
World C. E. President, Faataape Lavata’i, American Samoa headed a large delegation of international officials as well as British and Irish delegates to the Irish Convention held in Carnmoney Presbyterian Church. It was hosted by the East Antrim C.E Union and organised by a Committee under the Chairmanship of Philip McCall, Larne.
So much was packed into two days with two Rallies; Seminars, Seniors’/Comrades’ Rally with author, Dr. Noel Davidson; a Fun Day attended by more than 120 excited children enjoying games organised by Paul Nesbitt; the Annual Business Meeting and the Young People, with the help of Gospel Group, “Reality” going to Junction One Shopping Centre at Antrim to help relaunch CE’s logo and its website www.ceireland.org
At the Convention’s Annual Business Meeting greetings were conveyed from the Revd. Aian Ferguson, President of the Methodist Church in Ireland and Joyce Spicer, Vice President of the Australian Union.
The Revd, Faataape Lavata’i brought greetings from his National Union in Samoa and Mr. George Ferguson on behalf of the European Region and European Endeavourers.
At the Presidential Rally, the Revd. John Dickenson, Carnmoney’s Minister, welcomed everyone, spoke of his foundations in C.E. and led the Prayers of Approach.
Irish Union Extension Convenor, Mr. Ken McGall led the Prayers of Intercession and spoke about Irish C.E.’s relaunch.
Rosemary McDaniel, All Ireland President, installed Carole Dillon as her successor.
Carole’s Address, based on the Olympics, aptly led into the theme for her Presidential year - “Heaven’s Champion – Jesus Christ”.
Sandra Stokes presented a cheque, of more than £7688, for last year’s Missionary Project to Michelle Gault of the Irish Branch of Blythswood, based at Ballyclare.
Dawn Hope introduced this year’s Project, “The Link”, based in Newtownards and working with socially deprived people of all ages including socially excluded teenagers and adults struggling with addiction.
East Antrim Union’s President, Anne Acheson, Ballyhenry and her predecessor, Jayne Wright from Kilbride were both lectors.
The Rev. Dr. Paul Blackham, formerly of All Souls, Langham Place, London speaking on the Convention’s theme, “Work in Progress” and basing his addresses on Romans 12, said, “Jesus is the true pattern and blueprint for a satisfied life and that daily we must trust Him. The people of God must be holy because He is Holy, this is a work in progress and we must be patient”.
There was so much else that was good about this Convention too – the food, thanks to Neil McMullan and his helpers; the weather; the accommodation at Carnmoney Presbyterian Church and halls, the warm, friendly atmosphere and the fellowship.
One of the new President’s first engagements was an informal reception for the World delegation when she presented the World President with a plaque from the City of Belfast.
