Our mission
In this edition of the Herald you will find a comprehensive account of the General Assembly, held in Belfast last month. As always, one of the standout sessions was ‘Listening to the global church’, when we had the opportunity to hear from those in partner Churches from around the world. This session never fails to be a popular and exciting part of the week, maybe because it encourages us to think outside of ourselves and provides a fresh perspective on what God is doing in and through his people across the globe.
One resource, highlighted at Assembly and featured in this edition, is called ‘Go Deep. Go Wide’. It is aimed at helping congregations to engage more fully with God’s worldwide mission, either by going ‘deep’ to support one particular person or project, or by going ‘wide’ to stretch their horizons to new mission opportunities.
One congregation that has been going ‘deep’ for years is Hazelbank in Coleraine. Wavell Moore explains how, in response to God’s rich provision to the congregation, they sought to pass this blessing on to others. A link was established with an area of Malawi called Zomba and since 2005 the church has raised a staggering £75,000, funding a number of projects relating to healthcare, education and farming.
Maud Kells, a missionary from Cookstown, has been supported faithfully by her home congregation for over 50 years. Her biography, written by Jean Gibson, tells her story of mission in Congo since 1964 and extracts are included here. Throughout the book, Maud testifies to the support and encouragement she received from Molesworth Presbyterian, whether in prayer or through very practical ways. In one situation, an architect from her congregation designed a much-needed maternity unit for the local community and in another, funds were raised for a Land Rover, which became invaluable for travelling across the arduous terrain.
At the end of her book, Maud says, “It is an adventure. Following Jesus – walking with him – when we do not know where he will lead us, is the most exciting life.” We may not go out to Congo, or Malawi, or even to the other side of this island of Ireland. But we are all called to participate in the adventure that is mission, doing whatever we can through our prayers and generous giving, to support those who are actively involved. As Jesus himself told us, “I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth” (Acts 13:47).
The Presbyterian Herald is the official magazine of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. It provides a forum for debate and discussion on a wide range of topics and aims to challenge and encourage Presbyterians, as well as inform them about what the wider Church is involved in. It has a readership in excess of 25,000 and is distributed throughout Ireland.
To find out more go to www.presbyterianireland.org/herald