SENIORS/COMRADES’ EVENT HAD MISSIONARY THEME
Rain did not deter over forty CE Comrades from attending their meeting at the 96th Irish CE Convention, in Fivemiletown Methodist Church and hosted by the Enniskillen Union.
The meeting was led by the Comrades’ Convenor, Barbara Lowry and the music was chosen to suit the missionary theme of the meeting. The opening hymn was, “We have heard a joyful sound, Jesus saves”. Secretary, The opening prayer was led by Robert Tinney, Irish Union General Secretary.
Hilary Colbert, from Clonaneese Senior Society, read from 2 Cor 8:1-7. A time of lively chorus singing followed, led by Gerry McIlveen who was accompanied by pianist, Mrs. Dorothy Morrison. Both are members of Hill Street Seniors in Lurgan.
Following the hymn, “Rescue the perishing”, the Revd. Ian Fleck, minister of Clonaneese Presbyterian, presented a first class report and DVD detailing a visit he, and thirteen young people from the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, had made to Burkina Faso in West Africa.
Having arrived safely, with all their luggage intact, they worked tirelessly, in the heat, laying the foundations and building a church, which at a later stage, would provide hostel accommodation above the church, for students. Another school building was cleaned and painted for children to return to after their school break. Helpers were also able to arrange meetings and games for the children in the mornings and afternoons.
Ian had the opportunity, on several occasions, to speak at Church Services, with the help of an interpreter. His Church at Clonaneese had provided money which enabled the group to present much needed Study Bibles etc to a group of pastors.
As their “working holiday” came to an end, although exhausted, they were so happy in the knowledge that they were able to provide so much needed help to the people of Burkina Faso.
In appreciation of the work which they had done, each one was presented with a tee shirt inscribed with the following words from 1 Corinthians15:58 “Be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord’s work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless”.
So much ongoing work is necessary and the CE Comrades were delighted to donate over £150 to this work.
The meeting concluded with the singing of the hymn, “There’s a work for Jesus ready at your hand” and Mrs. Olive Gardiner saying the closing prayer.
