Bailiesmills 200th Anniversary

Preached last night at Bailiesmills  RPC 200th anniversary.  It was a real privilege to be back in Bailiesmills.  I had been there as a student on summer placement back in 1992.  In fact I was there when the old church building was taken down.  Prof McCollum, the present interim moderator conducted the opening part of the service and gave a brief biographical sketch.  It was a real encouragement to the people to have their little meeting-house packed to over flowing. 

Preached on Ephesians 2 on the text “but God.”  Sought to remind the people how those two wonderful words change everything and were in a nutshell the essence of the gospel.

Lessons learnt:

1. God is faithful – for 200 years and more there has been a witness for the gospel in that area under the covenanting cause. 

2. The work of gospel in rural areas must not be neglected.  In our desire to reach the cities we should remember that not everyone lives in the city. 

3. God delights to do His work as His people labour together in His name.  It was so encouraging to see the members and friends of the congregation all working together so that His name would be exalted in the community.

4. God works in and through families – on the back of the order of the service the names of elders who have served there over 200 years were recorded.  Some of the family names as still around in the congregation.  That is God’s covenant love in action.

Remember to pray for the congregation of Bailiesmills.  Pray that they will have a minister of their own again in days to come.  Pray that they will have new families to strengthen the work.  Pray that their manse fund will be well supported.

Visiting Mrs Donnelly Saturday 24th October

As the rain poured down and with the help of my sat nav I found my way to Mrs. Donnelly’s home in Coleraine.  I was looking forward very much to this visit.  I knew that we would have a great deal to chat about as Mrs Donnelly and her late husband, Rev. Tom Donnelly, had spent seven years in my first congregation of Faughan. 

Many of the family names that were in Faughan in my time there were well known to Mrs Donnelly and to this day she still keeps in contact with some of the folk.

It was only when I was driving away that it dawned on me of another aspect of the privilege that I had had in speaking with Mrs Donnelly.  Mrs Donnelly had shared with me that her earliest childhood days were spent in  the Mulvin congregation. I expect that some of you younger blogg readers don’t even know where that is.  It was a congregation that we had in Co. Tyrone in by gone days.  Sadly it is no longer an RP Church.

As with all my visits so far I came away challenged to love the church of  Christ’s crown and covenant as those of a past generation have done and still do.

We chatted of God’s goodness to the denomination over these past years – the encouragements of growing congregations, new works and ministers for the gospel.  As we spoke I was deeply aware that what we are enjoying today has been built of the hard work of those who have laboured before like Mrs Donnelly and her late husband Rev. Tom Donnelly.

Today Mrs Donnelly is an active member of the Ballyclabber congregation.

Visiting Miss Margaret McMullan Saturday 24th October

On a very wet and stormy Saturday I called to see Miss Margaret McMullan.  As I drew up to her appartment I remembered that I had been there before for Sabbath lunch when I preached during Glenmanus’ last vacancy.

Margaret grew up in the Cullybackey congregation and remembers the ministries of Rev. Lynas and Rev. Gilmour.  Today she is an active and valued member of the Glenmanus congregation.

When the denomination was seeking workers for foreign mission Margaret was the first to say, Here am I send me.

It was such a blessing to have some time chatting to Margaret about the work of Christ’s kingdom.  Some key principles struck me during our conversation.

1. What God is doing now in our lives is to prepare us for future Kingdom work.  From early in life Margaret had an interest in the nation of France and the people there.  So be tuned in to what God is doing in your life now.  Nothing is wasted with Him

2. God often gives us the desires of our hearts.  The Lord gave Margaret a burden for the people of Nantes so to go was the most reasonable thing to do.  I experienced the same thing when I was called to Dromore over 6 years ago.  For a long time I wrestled with the thought – “God couldn’t want me to do that because it is exactly what I wanted to do.”  How foolish we are at times, forgetting that we have a loving Father who puts desires for the Kingdom in our hearts and delights then to guide us in that way.

3. The work of the Kingdom is so slow from our perspective.  We chatted about the people that God brings in to the pathway of our lives and how so often it may take years before we see fruit for our labour.  Was really challenged by Margaret’s persistence in the work.  Though home from France her work is still going on in prayer and personal contact follow up.

4. The words of a minister can have a great impact on a young life.  Margaret shared how one of her ministers in her childhood took a genuine interest in her young life and how this touched her heart.  Any ministers who read – do we know our young people and take time to speak to them individually?

Often in our lives we can find great encouragement reading the biographies of some great missionaries.  Let’s not forget that we have our own home grown ones too and thank God for the example of lives driven by love for King Jesus.

Ministers’ Conference 2009

The 29th ministers’ conference took place in Ballykelly from Monday evening to Wednesday lunch time.  The main speaker this year was the internationally known Rev. Dick Lucas.  Mr Lucas shared with us something of his recent  studies in the pastoral epistles. The indepth teaching and warm fellowship was most stimulating. 

As the conference drew to a close my bit was looming – to give the closing sermon. For a few weeks I had been focusing in on Colossians 1v28&29 as the text I would preach on. All was going on nicely in preparation last week until I remembered  that the guest speaker at our conference was a noted commentator on the book of Colossians.  Having made sure he wasn’t going to be preaching on Colossians I forged ahead and finished my prep on Monday morning. 

Though feeling rather nervous about preaching on a text with a leading Bible commentator before me I began to relax somewhat until he shared in his third address that Colossians 1v28&29 was a favourite text for him.  That set the heart racing somewhat - not only was he a leading scholar on Colossians – but I had chosen his favourite text.

Many a man would have burnt the midnight oil on a new passage – but this moderator is made of lesser stuff and I was sharing a room with a Scottish man who needs his sleep.

RP ministers are always so supportive and encouraging  and this morning was no exception – thank you men for your patience.   Mr. Lucas even asked if the headings were copywrite.   I had three main points in the sermon: The Proclamation of the ministry; the purpose of the ministry; the paradox of ministry.

Many highlights and challenges from the conference:

Challenge – Mr Lucas reminded us how quickly the NT church wavered into error and the call always to be on the alert.

Encouragement – Knox’s opening address on I Kings 10v8 Happy are your men.  Happy are your servants, who continually stand before you and hear wisdom.

All the men would say a very big thank you to our congregations for sending us off to the conference and covering all the expenses.

Ordination & Installation of Derek Petrie Thursday 24th September 09

Derek's ordination and installation

It was very encouraging to see the large spacious meeting house at Larne  filled to capacity for this memorable evening.  After nearly 17 years of being without a minister Larne were receiving from King Jesus another man to bring the Word of God to them.  The whole evening rang out in thankfulness to God for His wonderful provision.

Prof Robert McCollum preached from II Thessalonians  3v1-3 on the theme “Gospel Progress in the World.”  The focus of the sermon was on the importance of prayer – prayer for gospel ministers, prayer for gospel progress and prayer for gospel perception.  This was a very powerful address and used of God in the lives of many to stir us up to this important work.

Rev. Knox Hyndman gave a very clear and concise defence stating some of the characteristics we have as a denomination: We rejoice in Christian Unity, We rejoice in Church History, We acknowledge Christ’s authority and We are aware of our Biblical responsibility.

Rev. Andrew Kerr was the acting moderator of Presbytery and put the prescribed questions to the minister elect.  After the signing of the formula Rev. David Silversides on behalf of the Eastern presbytery lead in the ordination and installation prayer.

Rev. David Sutherland (the outgoing interim moderator) gave the charge to the new minister and congregation.  He used two texts to challenge minister and people to a life of godliness. 

Before we moved to an adjacent hall for supper the speeches took place.  At this stage I had the privilege of bring to Derek and the Larne congregation  the denomonation’s best wishes and the assurance of our prayerful support.  To encourage Derek and his congregation I shared with them the words of Paul in II Corinthians 12v9 when the Lord says to Paul ”My power is made perfect in weakness.”  I encouraged them not to be discouraged with having so few members at present – but to be encouraged that this was the sort of circumstance that King Jesus delighted to work in for He got all the glory.  I shared with them of what I knew of another congregation that once had less than a dozen members but now today has between 60-70 worshipping every Lord’s Day morning.

All who read this blog, can I encourage you to place Derek and Sharon and the children on your prayer diary.  Ask the Lord that He would richly bless the ministry of God’s Word in Larne to the saving of sinners and the building up of the saints.

Ordination and Installation of John Coates 18th September

John on his big night

The historic meeting house at Kellwater was packed to capacity for the ordination and installation of the new minister. I had the privilege of leading in the opening devotions.  (On standing for the photo call before the service I realised that I was in the presbytery of the “Big Men”  Thankfully DF and Rev. Hanna brought a balance of some decency for us shorter chaps.)  We sang from Psalm 98B and the Scripture reading was John 13. Rev. Philip Moffett preached from John 13 on the theme “Love one Another” reminding us of three things:  It is a commandment of Christ, It is modelled on Christ and It is a witness for Christ.  “Philmo” as the young ones call him preached a challenging and stimulating address.  It was a great reminder and challenge for the daily life of God’s people. Rev. David Fallows gave a simple and direct defence of Reformed Presbyterianism explaining that we were: A Bible believing church, A Church under Authority and sadly also a Sinning Church – reminding us that we fail our Lord in so many areas.  Rev. Wallace McCollum who was the Interim Moderator for nearly 10 years gave the Historical Narrative recounting the blessing  of God on His people in the Kellswater area.  Then Rev. Warren Peel put the solemn and searching questions to the minister elect.  This is the part of an installation that stirs me more than any otheras I am reminded of my failings.  Rev. Tim McEwen then led in the ordination prayer.  As John knelt the presbytery laid hands on him and in prayer he was ordained to the gospel ministry.  It is this moment in an ordination service that brings tears to my eyes as I watch again the goodness of Jesus Christ as He gives another minister of the gospel to His church.  I also find the moment of ordination so encouraging – those who Christ sets aside He always equips.  Rev. John Hawthorne gave the charge to minister and congregation and Rev. Robert Hanna brought the proceedings to a close in prayer.

Then it was time for the speeches.  The Coates family were warmly welcomed to the congregation by various representatives.  Then it was my turn.  I am always under instruction (wife and children) at these moments to avoid the jokes.  I am told that I don’t do them well.  So stuck to what I am familar with – sharing the Bible.  Brought a word of encouragement from Zechariah 4v6 reminding John and the congregation that the work of the kingdom is not in human strength or wisdom but in the Spirit of God.  Assured John and his family that we would pray that they would experience much of the working of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

John is the 11th minister of the Kellswater congregation.  They have had some very notable and distinguished men to bring to them God’s Word.  No more so than the third minister of the congregation – William Stavely.  Historians say that he was one of those “golden mouthed” preachers.  Hearts melted under his proclamation of the gospel.  He was used of God in the planting of about a dozen conregations.  May God be pleased to bless John with something of the equipping that Mr Stavely experienced.

The night at the “back of the water” (loacl speak for Kellswater) was a memorable evening.  Looking forward to Derek’s ordination and installation next week.

Visit to Rev. Norman McCune Aug 20th 09

Again this was no new home for me.  I have often have enjoyed fellowship at Mr McCune’s house.  Mr. McCune grew up in the old Trinity St congregation in Belfast.  He trained in Philosophy at Trinity College (Magee campus).  On finishing his course there he went to train at the Reformed Theological Hall before taking a year in the RPCNA training college.  Having been licensed for ministry in the US Mr. McCune was called to the joint charge of Stranorlar and Convoy where  he served until moving to Faughan where he ministered for nearly 40 years.  During his time in Faughan Mr. McCune also served as interim moderator for the rest of the congregations in the Western presbytery and at times for more than one congregation at the same time.

Mr. McCune is still actively involved in the work of the Presbytery and Synod where his wise and gracious advice is always appreciated.  With his time spent training in America and several family links there Mr McCune’s knowledge of the Reformed Presbyterian church spans the continents.

Over and over while visiting the older ministers I am struck by their love for Jesus Christ expressed in love for His church.  Just recently Mr. McCune celebrated a milestone that few will see – 60 years of gospel ministry, 60 years of faithful whole hearted service for Jesus Christ.  While Mr. McCune would be the first to turn away the focus from himself we are so thankful to God for him as an example of steadfastness in gospel ministry, of keeping going in tough days relying on the Lord’s strength.

We enjoyed a lovely afternoon of fellowship and as always I came away challenged and stirred up to keep on serving Christ our King.

Pray for Mr. McCune as he serves the Lord in retirement in Londonderry.  Pray that God will raise up a generation that loves the church as these men do.

Mr. McCune

Visit to Rev. Sam & Mrs Phemie Cromie 20th August 09

I have had the privilege of knowing Sam & Phemie  for many years.   Mr. Cromie had his first experience of mission work amongst the Dublin tennaments where he assisted the late Mr. Beck in some very interesting mercy ministies.  After theological training the Cromies went to serve in Ethiopia where they laboured right up until the outbreak of civil war.  In Ethiopia their work involved Christian education, medical support, Bible teaching, training men in life and farming skills and running a bookshop. On returning home from the mission field they went to serve in Stranorlar and Convoy.  Their time in serving Christ in Donegal touched and shaped the lives of many people.  It was during their time in Donegal that they began the New Life Books ministry.  Week by week they negotiated the narrow roads of Donegal with a monster of a bus.  Thousands of people were reached with the gospel through this on the road ministry.  After retirement from the pastoral ministry much of their time was devoted to developing NL Books which served many parts of the Lord’s church in the NW.  Sam & Phemie’s ministry still continues – as vibrant and encouraging as ever.  Every day from their home the work of the kingdom across the world  is brought before the throne of grace.  Every day they glorify Christ as they humbly submit to their heavenly Father’s providence in their lives.

On leaving the Cromie home so many memories come to mind.  I will share with you just one.  About 12 years ago when the Western Presbytery were seeking to start a work in Letterkenny Sam and I were delivering leaflets in some of the housing estates up near the hospital.  I was rather unthinkingly stuffing the leaflets through the doors and racing on to the next.  Sam had a different perspective.  As we walked along he said, “David this is solemn work.  These dear people behind these doors are more accountable to God now than ever before.”  I imagine that with every leaflet he pushed through he was praying for the work of God in that home.  Any Go teamers reading this – take note – solemn work distributing leaflets – pray as you go.

Remember Sam and Phemie in your prayers.  Pray that in our day a generation will be raised up with the spirit of mission that they have had all their lives.

Mrs. Leahy 6th August

Mrs Leahy beside some treasured books

Called last night with Mrs Leahy.  Mrs Leahy is the widow of the late Rev. Prof. F.S. Leahy.  I have had the privilege of knowing Mrs Leahy for many years.  She lives in Lisburn and is an active member of the the Lisburn congregation.  Having returned recently from a trip to Geneva she was keen to share with me something of that experience.  Her knowledge of the life and work of Calvin was astounding yet not a great surprise as her late husband was a leading Calvin scholar.  As usual the visit to Mrs Leahy was full of instruction for a minister still learning how to be a minister.  So what did I learn this time?  So much.  As Mrs Leahy recounted the ways and leading of God in the life of  her and her late husband there was that constant acknowledgement that the Lord Himself was steering every detail of life.  The Hand of God seen in every event, even the trials.  It was enriching to be reminded that God works all things together of the good for those who love God.  Was also encouraged by the wonderful peace and contentment that God gives to His children in all the stages of life.  One thing really stood out in my mind as Mrs Leahy recounted an encouraging incident from the life of her late husband’s ministry.  She shared how on one occasion Prof Leahy had perserved with an individual, being patient and gentle and how God transformed that person’s life to become a life of great fruitfulness in the work of the kingdom.

Mrs Leahy and her husband served the Lord faithful for a number of years in the EPC before joining the RPCI.  Together they served the people of God in Cregagh Rd and Kilraughts congregations and then in so called retirement taking on the church planting work in Dromore.  (Bit of a challenge for any approaching retirement -  it is not a time for improving the golf handicap or soaking up the sun in countless holidays – but building the church)

It just might be possible that some who read this blog have not yet read Prof Leah’s books.  Shame on you.  Phone Tom at the book shop now and order: The Cross He Bore, Is it Nothing to You, Victory of the Lamb, The Hand of God and Satan Cast Out.  When you receive them – don’t stop until you have them all read.  Your mind will be fed, your heart warmed and your life changed.  You will find them clear and concise (the profs favourite terms).

And when you have finished your reading, drop Mrs Leahy a note and tell her how much you appreciated them – she will be so encouraged.  Better still call and see her.  You will get her address in the minutes of Synod.  If you are a budding linguist you will find yourself in good company as Mrs Leahy is a French and German specialist.

Oh and by the way – those of you who never heard the Prof preach – you can remedy that by visiting dromorerpc.org and downloading some of his sermons.

Looking forward already to seeing Mrs Leahy again soon when she comes to our monthly Thursday lunch in Dromore.

Boys’ Adventure Camp 29th July

Late callwith BAC in Larne, arriving just before supper.  They said that they would be back from bowling at 10 and right at 10 they arrived – that is good organisation.  Rather different amount of noise from 55 teenage boys than from the GDC.  The cooks get a mention first.  This is the non glamour side of camp – hour after hour of peeling spuds and working in a rather cramped kitchen – but half way through the week Heather and her team were still smiling. 

Was able to stay for evening devotions – a super short and to the point address on the heart from Psalm 51.  No boy could fail to miss the gospel faithfully presented and the desire of a young man who longed that all of the boys would be followers of Jesus Christ.  In all of the officers our boys have examples of what in means to be robust men of faith.

Had a few moments to speak to the boys before they headed for bed.  The memories came flooding back of all those years of JBC.  How faithful God has been.  Hundreds of boys have been through camp since then and many came to faith during the week of camp.  Many have served as leaders and become key men in the church – God is good.

John Donnelly and his team like all the teams are doing a super job.  We thank them for all their hard work thaht goes on throughout the year and pray that they will continue to receive much blessing in serving Jesus Christ.

Rather sad that that is it with regard to visiting the camps.  Not sure of exact numbers but at a rough estimate 400 individuals will have been through RP Camps this summer. Much to give thanks to our God for as lives are transformed by the Word of God.