Annual Spring Rally 2010

The Seniors and Comrades Spring Rally was held in Ravenhill Presbyterian Church on Saturday, 27th March, 2010 at 3.00p.m.

An attendance of over fifty was very encouraging to our Convener, Mrs. Barbara Lowry, who had put such a lot of work into the success of the afternoon.  Barbara chaired the meeting and those taking part were Mr. Leslie Scott, who opened in prayer, Mrs. Janie Ferguson, who read from the Scriptures, Mrs. Olive Gardiner who recited a very moving poem entitled "The Three Trees", and the group "Called of God" sang some beautiful pieces.

The guest speaker was Mrs. Barbara Porter representing "Open Doors".  Barbara first of all gave a short word of testimony and then told us about her work with "Open Doors" and how there are four pillars of the ministry - 1.Leadership Training, 2.Bible Delivery, 3.Community Development, 4. Presence Ministry. 

She explained how history records great persecutions but persecution is still happening today.  We then had a video presentation showing the suffering of the Christians in North Korea.  Many Christians belong to hidden fellowships but often they are caught and thrown into prison where they are tortured and starved and many are never seen again.  In spite of all this the wonderful news is that the hidden church is growing. This was a very disturbing video and we all felt very concerned for the Christians of North Korea and very guilty at our own easy Christian life and the feeble excuses we make for not attending church, prayer meetings, etc.

 However, Barbara told us what we could do to help these people.  1.  We should pray for the conversion of the Korean Leader.  2. Pray for two minutes every day for the work of "Open Doors".

 3. Give. 4. Write a letter or card to someone in Korea (through "Open Doors") and 5. "Go "if at all possible with Bibles or support someone who could go.

Jesus said in Matthew 16 v.18"I will build my church and the gates of hell will not overcome it."

This wonderful afternoon ended with a lovely afternoon tea provided by the ladies and a substantial donation was given to the work of "Open Doors".

Janie Ferguson