Church plans drive to urge young people to embrace mission work

Church plans drive to urge young people to embrace mission work

22 February 2012

A LOCAL church is hosting a special event this weekend with the aim of encouraging young people to get involved in Christian mission work.

For the last number of years, small numbers of mainly young people from Raffrey Presbyterian Church have given up some of their summer holidays to serve on a range of mission teams. The locations have been as varied as Larne, Donegal, North Belfast, Brazil, Uganda and Poland.

This year, the church is trying to get many more people from the Raffrey congregation and other churches in County Down involved in Christian service. To this end an ambitious event, entitled Mission: Outreach, has been planned for this Sunday.

Over a dozen mission agencies have agreed to come along and participate in this new venture for the Raffrey congregation. There will be sessions in the church hall from 3-6pm and 8-10pm.

Rev. Brian Small, minister of Raffrey Presbyterian Church, commented: “We trust that many of our people will be better informed about the opportunities for Christian service, both at home and overseas.

“Every year, we see how those who involve themselves in mission teams come back stronger and more secure in their faith and with their Christian vision enlarged. We look forward to many taking up the gospel challenge.”

Helen Lamb, a member of the Raffrey congregation, spent a fortnight in Portstewart last July with the Children’s Special Service Mission (CSSM). “Different sections, aged four and up, met at different church halls around Portstewart,” she explained.

“We had some great times together, learning about God, singing super songs and playing loads of games. All ages came together in the morning, down along the promenade, at the bandstand, for CSSM Live.

“This was a great opportunity for us to share the Bible with all the children, parents and anyone who was walking past. Over the two weeks, I can without a doubt say I grew in my faith. I was challenged with having to teach a story for the first time, share my testimony with others , but what really stuck with me was the verse from Philippians Ch4 verse 13, ‘I can do all things through Christ, because he gives me strength’.”

Gillian Fairbairn spent some time with a team in the Woodvale area of Belfast. “Hearts were broken for the people and situations in Woodvale and the team grew a passion to see the area transformed,” she said.

“All ages of the community were reached through activities surrounding a carnival theme; a children’s club, girls’ activities, teens’ -in, community work and late night park ministry.

“There was a new excitement in the church about the team and the youth group served alongside us, encountering God and breaking down stereotypes to transmit the love of Jesus to all people in the community. God responded to our cries and answered our prayers, blessing us with a peaceful week in which God’s love shone through.”

Emma Morrow has been involved in summer work for the past three years. Last year she spent a week in the Craigy Hill area of Larne.

“Our team of 12 held a holiday Bible Club for primary school age and worked with young people from the community throughout the week, by providing a place for them to come and hear the word of God as well as giving the young people someone to talk to.”

For anyone thinking of taking part in a summer team this year, take the leap and take part. It may seem terrifying to begin with early mornings, late nights and a whole lot of work in between, but by the end of the week you won’t want to leave,” she said.

Jonathan Christie spent a week at a Child Evangelism Fellowship summer camp in Kilkeel run by David and Heather Cowan. “The week is truly an amazing experience,” he says. “The fellowship with the kids and other counsellors leaves you on a high that you never want to end.”

Rachel Lennon, another member of Raffrey Church, has been involved in evangelical work in Down and Donegal, while Joanna Lamb went to Poland last July with a team of 20 young people and two full-time youth workers from The Edge -in centre in Ballynahinch.

She spent a week at a camp running a daily children’s club and carrying out various practical tasks in the community. “The Polish people affected by the work were so grateful for all that we were able to do,” she said.

“This trip helped me to grow as a Christian, develop my faith and be a witness to others. It left me with memories that will last forever.”

Jonathan Murdock went even further afield. He got the chance to go to Brazil last August where he helped build a house for missionaries and saw how a remote tribe lives.

“This opportunity helped me realise the need there is for missionaries to take the gospel to other parts of the world,” he said. “Spending time with Bible College students from different countries throughout the World who wanted to become missionaries themselves was a wonderful experience.”