22nd January 2000
"A cult who visits your home"
Speaker: Cecil Andrews

We began our year in January with a visit from Cecil Andrews (Take Heed Ministries), who gave us an update on the New Age Movement. Reinforced by a very informative video, Cecil was able to answer many queries on current practices and therapies in the light of Scripture.

February brought Pastor McGilton from Foundation Ministries as our speaker. His experiences of working in counselling from a Christian perspective helped give us some insights into the many psychological, domestic and social difficulties faced by both believers and unbelievers who need this caring and Scriptural support.

Our usual Family Fellowship service at Easter took place when Pastor Wilson brought a gospel message from the Word, and our praise centred around the themes of ‘Thankfulness to God’ and ‘The Cross’.

Our final time together before the summer took the form of a day trip to Dublin, which proved to be an occasion when there was a strong sense of fellowship among the FF regulars and the other church folk and young people who joined with us. Shopping was of course at the top of the agenda, although the cup final came a close second among a certain element! We all returned having a very enjoyable kid-free day!

Following the summer break, the new session opened with a message from Pastor Wilson, when we were encouraged to look at our own homes, asking ourselves if the Saviour would be welcome there, if the Lord was worshipped there and if His presence was a reality. Many of us would like to feel our homes were places of welcome, but it was a challenge to examine our motives in offering hospitality to others.

In November Chris Killen, a former drug addict now working with those with drug related problems, brought us an excellent presentation on the common drugs of abuse now in circulation among so many young people. As he gave us the Biblical reasons to shun the sin, but yet to love the sinner, we were again encouraged to be forewarned and forearmed in relation to our own families in the future. We look forward to Chris’s return in May when he will testify at our Youth Service.

Our nerve was tested to the full, when we were asked to organise the service being taped for the church video! However, as usual, everyone played their own part, with very little dissent, except for the shrinking violets who didn’t want to be in the front row! Hilton Ball brought a very clear word of testimony, leaving those in the congregation in no doubt as to who his Saviour was, and how, despite challenging times in the work place and elsewhere, the Lord was able to strengthen and keep him over the years. Pastor Wilson preached the simple message ‘Ye must be saved’, again leaving those present and also those who would watch the video in no doubt as to the way of salvation.

Our thanks again go to Elaine, who has very faithfully looked after the children at each meeting, assisted by our teenagers. Without the knowledge that our families are happily being entertained, it would be difficult to enjoy the teaching available and to enjoy fellowship together in the Lord.