Dundonald 9-11th October 2015
The leaders of Dundonald Methodist Church invited a Lay Witness team to conduct a weekend mission in October 2015.
Carole Lambe and Laura Griffith led the team.
Carole Lambe and Laura Griffith led the team.
Weekend Reports and Photos
The day had finally come! The start of the Lay Witness Weekend. A Lay Witness weekend is quite simply a weekend where ordinary people tell their story of faith. Our preparation had started a year previous when that phone call came asking “Would be willing to serve on a Lay Witness team”. After prayerful consideration I said yes, and now here we were in the heart of the Ballybeen Estate in Dundonald Methodist. Immediately we were made to feel incredibly welcome and it was obvious that the Church had been prayerfully preparing for this weekend for a long time. On Friday evening, we had a lovely meal together with the members of DMC, followed by worship and then Cheryl, Les and Melanie shared their stories.
We then went to our hosts for the evening, where we were well entertained (late night!) - Up early the next morning for the Men’s breakfast - a full on Ulster fry - I told my story at the breakfast and it was great to engage with the men and enjoy worship together. On Saturday morning we then went to a number of different coffee mornings in the area where a member from the team led a meditation and then invited people to respond. This was a powerful time and it was obvious that God was at work in different ways in the hearts of His people. On Saturday evening we were back in the Church for another meal, where Ken, Joanne and Alan told their stories about how God had been with them in the toughest times of their lives. On Sunday morning the team lead Sunday morning worship with Phil and Ruth, Carole and Laura telling their stories of God’s faithfulness in the darkest of times. This service was simply just one of those wonderful times with God, that you don't want to end. The service ended with an invitation for prayer or anointing with oil and there was a very encouraging response to this, with a good number coming forward. This was a special weekend and it was such a privilege to be a member of the team and I would like to say a big thank you to 1 The people of Dundonald for the warmest of welcomes for the boy from Dublin. 2 To Laura and Carole for leading the team so expertly and being so open to the leading of the Holy Spirit 3 To the local coordinating team in DMC for all the preparation and prayer that goes in to the weekend. 4 To God for allowing us to be part of this most wonderful weekend The theme of the weekend was "More of God" - I hope and pray that this desire would evident in us all. BRUCE MULLEN (TEAM MEMBER) |
The weekend was all about MORE - wanting and knowing more of Jesus, growing more in Him and serving Him more.
What a wonderful few days we had in October with an 11 strong Lay Witness Team. Six women and five men (which included a young married couple) from various churches and walks of life, who came sharing what a difference it made knowing and depending on their Lord and Saviour in the ups and downs of their lives, at times not understanding but trusting. Friday evening after a welcome to all by our Minister the Reverend Stephen Sheerin, we enjoyed a meal together, followed by an introduction from each member of the team, a time of praise and three very poignant testimonies. This was the start of a God given weekend, finishing around 9.45 p.m. with a feeling of excitement in the air as to what was in store. Saturday morning the Men's Breakfast was very well attended and an Ulster Fry enjoyed, followed, most importantly, by food for the soul. Five coffee mornings also took place in various homes with members of the team at each. A helpful meditation was read and discussed, leaving room for thought. Saturday evening we all met again for a meal with a growing number and lots of fun and laughter. Another wonderful time of praise took place and testimonies to the greatness of the Lord and how He reveals himself in our individual lives. Jeremiah 29 Verse 11 tells us He has plans for our lives, plans for our good and not disaster but to give us a future and a hope, however, these plans can only be revealed when we give him our all and really seek to know Him as our Heavenly Father. Sunday morning was memorable with heart rendering testimonies when many tears were shed, the Lord receiving the Glory. At the end of the service a time was given for those who wanted to come forward for prayer, for anointing with oil or for reassurance. After a sacred time we had lunch together and then said farewell to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Our thanks are due to the two leaders, Carole Lambe and Laura Griffith and to each and every member of the team. You came to do the Lord's work and this you did in His strength, making a difference in DMC. May He bless each one of you abundantly as you journey on with Him, and thank you for giving us a weekend to remember. On Sunday evening our Evaluation Service said it all with the number in attendance, our delight in those who had the courage to speak, again many tears falling, and for being reminded that God loves each and every one of us unconditionally - hard perhaps to take in but absolutely true, Praise His Name. The Holy Spirit has brought us to a new place in DMC with a desire for MORE, a desire to get to know each other at a deeper level and a desire to follow where He leads. SHALOM VERA BROWN (DUNDONALD METHODIST CHURCH) |