Inspire Spring 2026

Spring 2026

GOD...EVER PRESENT ON SANDY ROW THE ART OF CONTEMPLATION

Bible Study on 2 Corinthians 3:18

MEET JO FROST

2026 Conference Keynote Speaker

JANUARY READING CHALLENGE REFLECTIONS

PLUS QUICK QUESTIONS GROUP FOCUS GRATEFUL HEART GLOBAL MISSION

I N S P I R AT I O N S

Resource for women’s ministry

Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you forever; from generation to generation we will proclaim your praise.

Inspirations 2026/27 Women’s Ministry Resource This edition of Inspirations is full of ideas to help you plan for your women’s ministry group within your congregation

Psalm 79:13

Copies of Inspirations cost £8/€9 each plus p&p.

For more information, email pw@presbyterianireland.org or call +44 (0)28 9041 7248

WELCOME

SPRING 2026

FROM THE EDITOR Rebecca McConnell

Thank you to everyone who took part in our January Reading Challenge. We hope you were blessed by reading through the various Psalms and perhaps indulged in a creative way of calling them to mind. In this edition, we carry a reflection on the challenge and include comments from individuals and PW Groups who took part.

Setting and taking part in challenges like this one is good practice for everyone, not just our women’s groups, and we are delighted to hear about Second Comber’s Scripture Writing Challenge, introduced to us in the Group Focus by Sarah-Jayne Conway. This challenge has reached far and wide within the congregation, and beyond, and shows the value of collectively growing and learning God’s Word together which encourages us all in our walk with the Lord.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, one worship song had the power to showcase the importance of collective praise - The Blessing. Believe it or not, it was written just before the 2020 lockdowns by Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes, Steven Furtick and Chris Brown. The writers felt the lyrics were divinely inspired, channelling ancient truths into a brand-new anthem.

The lyrics are featured in our reflection spread on pages 18 and 19. The first half of the song is taken directly from Numbers 6:24-26, often fondly referred to as the Aaronic Blessing.

This key Old Testament passage gives God's instruction to Moses to tell Aaron, the high priest, to bless the Israelites as they journeyed in the wilderness toward the promised land.

The rest of The Blessing lyrics help us sing of God’s presence: emphasising God being "before you, and behind you, and beside you, all around you and within you". This verse reminds me of a famous part of the St Patrick’s Breastplate poem that we sometimes read around St Patrick’s Day in March.

As we finish our theme reflecting on God… ever present, we include a devotion from the Inspirations book to encourage us to contemplate God and his character. It concludes with asking us to come boldly into his presence so we can be changed more to his likeness. Now that is what I call a challenge!

Contact: Presbyterian Women, Congregational Life & Witness Department, Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Assembly Buildings, 2-10 Fisherwick Place, Belfast, BT1 6DW. Email: pw@presbyterianireland.org Web: www.presbyterianireland.org/pw Tel: +44 (0)28 9041 7248 Like us on Facebook: Presbyterian Women Digital download: issuu.com/presbyterianireland Designed by: Break - madebybreak.com Cover Photography: Josh Preece, 320 Media INSPIRE is the magazine of PW. Published quarterly: March, June, September and December. Annual subscription: £10/€12 or £2.50/€3 per issue. Each year, an order form will be sent to INSPIRE agents. This should be returned, together with payment, to the above address. If required, invoices will be issued upon receipt of the order form. Cheques should be made payable to ‘The Presbyterian Church in Ireland’ marked INSPIRE on the reverse.

The Editor reserves the right to accept, reject or edit contributions. Opinions expressed in INSPIRE are not necessarily those of PCI, Presbyterian Women or the Editor.

Our PW theme for 2026/27 will be released at the Annual Conference in May and we have a feature interview with the guest speaker, Jo Frost, so readers can get to know her before she brings us God’s Word in season.

Before then, we will celebrate Easter in April and the welcome return of lighter, longer evenings in which we are able to appreciate God’s creation around us. Who knows, you may even take your copy of Inspire out to the garden to read. Enjoy!

CONTENTS 04 06 10 12 14 16 18 20 24 26 28 30 34

Meet Jo Frost January Reading Challenge Reflections Group Focus - October Scripture Reading Challenge Inspire Careers - Professor Elizabeth Magowan Deaconess - God ever present on Sandy Row Bible Study - The Art of Contemplation Reflections - The Blessing Quick Questions with Tori McClelland Continuing to pray for peace in Ukraine She Inspires - Mary Slessor Book Review - Come and rest Grateful Heart Overseas prayer and news – 03

ANNUAL CONFERENCE

MEET JO FROST Ahead of the Presbyterian Women’s Conference on 16 May 2026, Inspire sat down for a chat with our keynote speaker, Jo Frost. Jo has been involved in local church and national ministry for over 20 years, serving on leadership teams as well as planting churches in London and France. With an MA in public relations and public communications, she teaches, writes and preaches regularly on communications, culture, whole-life discipleship, mission and leadership. Jo led the Being Human project with Peter Lynas, co-authoring the book Being Human: A new lens for our cultural conversations.

Jo is married to Andy and they have two daughters, Eloise and Talitha.

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T

ell us a little about you, your background and can you share with us a little about your journey

of faith?

I became a Christian at the age of 19, weirdly in a car park in Skegness, when I was away on a Christian youth mission. I had grown up connected to the church and being a part of Christian youth clubs and different things, but I had somehow missed the idea that it was possible to have a personal relationship with God and that to be a Christian was to be personally known and loved by God and to personally know him and love him in return. So when I finally realised that I could have a personal relationship with God, that he was real and wanted me to know him, that changed everything for me.

It was very much a ‘Road to Damascus’ moment; my life was radically changed the instant I gave my life to Jesus. I went back to university and my world had been turned upside down by the love of God. Since then, I have dedicated my life to following him, pursuing his will for my life, and to share with others and to help others share the transforming power, the radical joy and the certain hope that comes from knowing Jesus.

You’ve recently moved jobs. Share what your work at Evangelical Alliance involved and tell us about your new job?

I worked at the Evangelical Alliance for eight years serving as the director of communications and engagement and co-led the Being Human team. I oversaw all of the Evangelical Alliance’s gospel work and the communications and the membership departments.

Since February 2026, I have taken on the role as Executive Director at OCCA, the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics, helping people understand and share the beautiful hope that they have in Jesus and to do so with gentleness and respect. OCCA was established in 2004 to raise up the next generation of evangelist-apologists. I am very new to the role so it's hard to say really what my day-to-day life is like at the moment. I'm just trying to work out where the kettle is but I am so excited that, in this time and in this cultural moment, I get to play my part in helping the curious, the interested, and the searching find their hope in Jesus.

The new theme being launched at the Have you been to Northern Ireland before? conference is - Generation to generation What are your hopes for the Presbyterian and the theme verse is Psalm 79:13: “Then Women’s Conference in Belfast in May? we your people, the sheep of your pasture, I have been to Northern Ireland a few times will praise you forever; from generation to now. Every time, I’m met with beautiful generation we will proclaim your praise.” hospitality, terrible weather and a sense of Through this humour similar theme, we want to my own. It’s "In him, we can have confidence to encourage like a home from and certain hope, hope that can women to know home. I hope the God of the the Presbyterian be shared with others." generations, Women’s what his big conference will story is, to know his message for the exceed my expectations in all these things! generations and how we can all take our part in passing that on to those around us How can we pray for you in the lead up to in our everyday lives. What do you hope to the conference? tease out at the conference?

A new job means a big shift in every area of We seem to be living through particularly my life, new rhythms, different relationships tumultuous times. Ours seems to be an era and shifts in responsibilities. In all of it, please punctuated by crisis and conflict. So when pray that Jesus is my rock and my anchor, and we, as followers of Christ, take a moment to that wherever he leads me, I stay obedient remember that ours is the God of ages, that to his will for my life and take all and every the government of the entire world rests on opportunity to share his gospel with all who his shoulders and that nothing we are facing will hear in every season. has come as a shock to him who sees all things and knows all things and is capable of Please note the new timings for this working all things to the good of those who year’s Conference - it will be a half-day love him, we cannot help but praise. event with tea/coffee and scones. It is a ticketed event - see back page for further My prayer is that our time together in details and the website booking link.

May will be a time of stepping back, an opportunity to readjust our perspective and remind ourselves again that God loves us, God knows us, God calls us by name. In him, we can have confidence and certain hope, hope that can be shared with others.

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JANUARY READING CHALLENGE

Thank you to everyone who participated in the January Reading challenge exploring some of the Book of Psalms. We hope you enjoyed spending time reading and absorbing the Psalms and were reminded and assured of God’s presence with us at all times and in the many seasons we go through in our lives. Here is a summary of the Facebook posts we shared during the month.

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Pauline Kennedy, PCI Women’s Ministry and Presbyterian Women Development Officer, helps us to think of dwelling in God’s presence:

H

ave you ever longed for a safe place when life feels overwhelming? A place where the noise fades, the burdens lift, and your soul can breathe again?

For me it is sitting at the bottom of the garden in my saggy but comfy sun lounger, enjoying the sunshine, listening to the birds and reminding myself of God’s presence with me no matter what is going on around me.

The psalmist in Psalm 61 captures this longing beautifully. His heart yearned not for a temporary escape but for God’s presence as a permanent refuge - a sanctuary that could never be shaken.

God’s presence is not seasonal, conditional or distant; it is constant. In the Old Testament, his tent or tabernacle symbolised his dwelling among his people. Today, through Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, his presence is with us wherever we go. We don’t need to wait for a special place or moment - he is always near, inviting us into fellowship.

"God’s presence is not seasonal, conditional or distant; it is constant."

We’ve all heard the story of the child caught in a sudden thunderstorm. Frightened by the lightning and thunder, she ran straight into her father’s arms. Though the storm continued outside, her fear melted away because she was safe in his embrace. That picture reflects the psalmist’s cry, life’s storms may rage, but God’s presence is the safe place where fear loses its grip.

When we dwell in God’s presence we find; • Safety: When storms rage and life feels uncertain, God’s presence becomes our shelter. He is the anchor that steadies us.

•

Intimacy: Dwelling in His tent means ongoing communion. It’s not about occasional visits but about cultivating a daily relationship with him.

•

Permanence: The word “forever” reminds us of eternal security in Christ. Our refuge in him is not temporary - it is everlasting.

•

A Place of Protection: Under his wings, we find tender care and strength. His love shields us from fear and gives us courage to face tomorrow.

Begin each day by acknowledging his presence - perhaps with a simple prayer of gratitude, or recite your favourite Psalm over. In moments of stress or fear, turn to him instead of relying on your own strength. Cultivate habits of prayer, worship, and Scripture reading that keep your heart close to him. These practices don’t earn his presence, they simply help us become more aware of the God who is already with us everyday.

Continues...

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JANUARY READING CHALLENGE

Presbyterian Women’s President, Linda Beattie, shares how the Psalms help us to rest and praise God.

Presbyterian Women’s Home Vice President, Libby Russell, reflects on when life feels like a snowstorm:

A

s we journey through the Psalms, we are reminded again and again of God’s presence in our lives. Psalm 62 speaks of God’s strength and protection: “He is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” This truth is so powerful that it’s repeated, echoing a determination in our hearts: we will never be shaken.

Then, in Psalm 63, we see our response to this truth: we must intentionally seek him - thirst for him, long for him. It’s a triple reminder that our souls need God’s presence. How earnestly do we pursue him so we can feel his closeness? When we pray, as Psalm 65 reminds us, he hears and answers. Answered prayer is a blessing, a comfort that God listens and responds. Sometimes his answer is “not yet,” and that’s when we lean into him for strength, deepening our faith and trusting his timing.

Psalm 66, my favourite this week, calls us to praise: “Shout for joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name.” Having read of God’s forgiveness and faithfulness, how can we not rejoice? Psalm 68 continues this theme: be glad, rejoice before him, sing to God in praise. These words make my heart happy.

As I read these Psalms, I am uplifted by the truth that God is with me, ever present in my life and he delights in hearing our voices lifted in praise to him. So, why don’t you get that playlist of worship songs blasting in your car, on your Google or Alexa and sing your heart out in praise to our amazing God! Finally, Psalms 73 and 84 remind us that no matter what, God holds us by the hand. He guides and counsels us. What reassurance - to know we never walk alone. We have the best friend anyone could ask for. Psalm 73:28 says: “As for me, it is good to be near God.” Psalm 84:12 closes with this promise: “Blessed is the one who trusts in you.”

How special does that make you feel? To know that you are blessed because you trust him. I’ve loved delving into these Psalms. They give us so much to reflect on - strength, trust, joy and praise.

"I am uplifted by the truth that God is with me, ever present in my life and he delights in hearing our voices lifted in praise to him."

T

he splendour of majestic trees covered in fresh snow is breathtaking - especially when viewed from the warmth of a cosy house. But driving through that same snow can quickly turn into a terrifying, white-knuckle ride, with the driver whispering constant prayers for safety. What a contrast! And in many ways, that contrast reflects the experiences shared by the writers of this week’s Psalms.

In Psalm 85, the psalmist cries out for salvation in verse 7.

Then, in Psalm 86, we hear words of assurance: “I call to you, because you answer me” (v7), and “For you are great and do marvellous deeds”. (v10).

From there, we move to Psalm 89, a song of praise for God’s great love and faithfulness, followed by Psalm 90, which reminds us of God’s creation and his design for our lives.

In Psalm 91, we find vivid imagery of God as both a fortress and a loving parent, declaring his rescue and protection over us.

Psalm 92 bursts with joy and thanksgiving, and Psalm 93 closes with a powerful declaration of God’s eternal sovereignty. These Psalms take us on a fast-paced journey, from desperate prayers to confident praise, from fear to joy.

"... we find vivid imagery of God as both a fortress and a loving parent, declaring his rescue and protection over us."

The Psalmists experienced God in defining moments of life. Their responses can both comfort and challenge us. How do we react when life throws us a curveball - an unexpected snowstorm? For some, it means crying out in prayer. Others remind themselves of truths passed down through generations. Still others turn to music as a way to enter his presence. Each of us needs to find the way that best helps us express our hearts to God. So, how can we be as real and honest as the Psalmists? Could we journal the verses that stand out and keep them close? Write them on a card and place it beside the kettle as a daily reminder? Or even message a friend with your favourite verse to encourage them too?

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Thank you to everyone who shared the Presbyterian Women’s Facebook posts! Here are some comments you left:

Finally, Presbyterian Women’s Overseas Vice President, Fiona Simpson, shares her thoughts on Psalm 139.

"I love the book of Psalms, they are a living, breathing guide for the Christian journey, revealing God’s character, Christ’s work and the pathway to genuine communion with the living God. Indispensable instruction as we grow deeper in our faith and practice of Christian living."

May Davies

I

f my landing window could speak, it would tell you of the countless mornings I’ve stood in the quiet, gazing out at the beauty of creation and pondering the same questions the Psalmist asks in Psalm 139.

Sometimes it’s the snowdrop peeking through the frost, whispering that spring is near. Other times, it’s the vibrant colours of summer, the rustle of autumn leaves across the path, or the sharp chill of winter winds. Each season carries gentle reminders of our Creator God. Do you ever pause to marvel at these things? For me, it’s not just the grandeur of creation but the intricate details - the fingerprints of God everywhere. These visible signs remind me that God is ever-present, even as the seasons change.

And so it is with us. The Psalmist declares that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Our identity is rooted in him. Do you ever stop to acknowledge that? Not only did God create us with exquisite detail, but he chooses to be present in every moment of our lives. Sometimes that truth feels overwhelming - especially when we try to live life on our own terms!

"Not only did God create us with exquisite detail, but he chooses to be present in every moment of our lives."

The Psalmist asks, “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” If we’re honest, many of us have felt that way - wrestling with circumstances, questioning our faith, or longing to escape when anxiety or distress weighs heavy. Yet David reminds us that God knows us completely. In verse 1, he says, “You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.”

God understands our thoughts. He knows our ways (v.3). Before a word forms on our tongue, he knows it completely (v.4). He knows our weaknesses, our imperfections, and our deepest needs - often before we do. And he is already there, ahead of us, in every situation. Isn’t that a comforting thought? When we trust him, we can rest in the assurance that his presence goes before us.

Singer-songwriter Demi Sandenbergh recently wrote a beautiful song inspired by Psalm 139 called You’re Already There. Look it up and let its truth sink deep. May we see God for who he is - in all his power and glory. May we trust his love and compassion, worship him for his presence, and rest in his peace. And may we surrender our anxieties, allowing him to lead us in the way everlasting.

"I have loved taking part in this every year! It is such an encouragement, and to know women, sisters in Christ, all over Ireland and maybe even further afield are reading together, learning and growing in Christ is truly inspiring. As a visual learner, the illustrations are truly a gift. Grateful to God for this blessing through his children. Thank you!"

Lisa Taylor

"Thank you for the challenge, this is my first time taking part and it is a new journey for me."

Margretta McCullough

"I absolutely love the way Presbyterian Women have produced the daily focus on the Psalms. Several of us are using it in our church and loving it so thank you so very, very much. We have shared it with other groups!"

Lorraine Moore

"Amen, this is so beautifully written and just what I needed to read today, thank you for the reminder to dwell in God's presence."

Elizabeth Wasson

"I’m following this in Liverpool. Finding it very encouraging, thank you."

Julia Hyde

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GROUP FOCUS

OCTOBER SCRIPTURE READING CHALLENGE Sarah-Jayne Conway shares about the PW Group in Second Comber Presbyterian Church and highlights one of their own initiatives - the October Scripture Writing Challenge which has become part and parcel of their annual programme.

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few years ago, the Leader of our PW Group, Liz Hamilton, issued a challenge to the women of our church which was the ‘October Scripture Writing Challenge’. Throughout the month of October, selected Scripture verses associated with the PW theme for the year were chosen and the objective of the challenge is that we read the verse, reflect and pray on it and then re-write it. A brand-new notebook or pen isn’t a necessity for the occasion, however many of our ladies find it really helps!

The idea is that, by taking the time to sit down and write out the verse, it helps us to focus, in what may be a very busy day, and to really reflect on the meaning of God’s Word, and also to think about how the verse might be speaking to us personally.

Participants in the challenge are encouraged to let their creativity flow when they are re-writing the verse, whether through the use of calligraphy or by drawing and creating some accompanying pictures. Some people opted to highlight certain parts of the verse that particularly resonated with them.

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Sometimes, the process of deep reflection brought another verse to mind which provided an opportunity for our women to share and create discussion around.

In the past couple of years, our PW have found the challenge a very beneficial way of forming bonds with our Youth Fellowship in particular. We offered the challenge to them and our group leader, Liz, attended their meetings to explain why the Scripture writing is worthwhile. Some of our members also very kindly provided new notebooks for the young people which, I daresay, assisted with the enthusiasm for the challenge! The engagement by our young people encouraged us to open it up to the congregation as a whole and what was initially introduced as a women’s ministry activity, has now expanded to the whole church which provides a wonderful opportunity to share together. Liz also offered the challenge to our Presbytery LINK and to other congregations in Comber.

This year, our verses were based on the theme of God… ever present taken from Psalm 46:1, but with other encouraging verses such as

1 Chronicles 16:11 “Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always” and 1 John 4:16 “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.”

This year’s theme is a poignant reminder that God is with us at all times, and through all things, especially when life is most difficult or challenging. Writing out verses around this subject served as a daily reminder of his compassion and love for us.

Families were able to participate together in their own homes and encourage each other and also other members of the group. As an example, we had the pleasure of seeing Dawn and Daniel, mother and son, doing the challenge together and sharing pictures they had created on our women's ministry WhatsApp group, which had come to mind when they were writing their daily verse.

As a women’s ministry group, we found that we didn’t want to exist separately to the rest of the organisations, but we wanted to try and form bonds with our young people and

Operation Christmas Child to tell us about their work, in particular the emergency response team. It was a truly fascinating night which helped us to understand that the Shoebox appeal is a very small part of their overall work.

In December, we traditionally have our Christmas celebration which encompasses a lovely dinner in one of the restaurants in Comber. This is always a good night of fellowship where, instead of bringing gifts

beyond that into the wider church.

The writing challenge is now part of our annual programme. Our first PW Group activity is our ‘Connected Walks’. These were initially intended as a brisk walk and an opportunity to chat and catch-up, followed by a healthy snack and a short devotion.

However, this has somehow descended into a slower walk, with the same amount of chat, followed by some fairly unhealthy buns! This year, we began our PW season with a short ‘retreat’ morning with a chance to pause and recharge our spiritual batteries before all our activities started in church.

We appreciate that there are some women in our congregation who find it difficult, for reasons of childcare or other responsibilities, to attend our meetings on a Wednesday evening, so we try to run some special events on a Saturday night to accommodate more people. This year, we welcomed Bethany Boyd who told us her story about how she built her business alongside her Christian faith. She answered some questions and we ice-creams and sorbets. We had a visit from

"This year’s theme is a poignant reminder that God is with us at all times, and through all things, especially when life is most difficult or challenging."

few different fun workshops named “Made to make, made to belong” to encourage our creative sides. We generally finish our PW season with another dinner where we can take the time to reflect on the year past and make plans for the next year!

for each other, we try to bring gifts for ladies who are known to CAP (Christians Against Poverty) and who may not otherwise receive Christmas gifts. We find that the idea of bringing joy to those who most need it to be particularly special.

We began 2026 with a Bible study in January - the perfect way to focus ourselves on the Word of the Lord. It was led by our very capable assistant minister, Karen Jardine. In February, we had a fun evening entitled “What’s in your handbag?” with Olive Turkington.

We are slightly breaking with tradition in March this year as we are planning to hold a

May I conclude by saying that as a congregation, we highly recommend engaging in a Scripture writing challenge.

The knowledge that we were engaging in something as a group, even though we were not together, was very special. Much like when a whole congregation says the Lord’s prayer together, there is something special about people focusing on the same verses each day. We find that the Scripture writing challenge is an excellent way to make connections and we would encourage other PW Groups to give it a try.

If you would like any more information about the October Scripture Writing Challenge, please don’t hesitate to contact me or our PW Group Leader, Liz Hamilton.

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INPSPIRE CAREERS

STEWARDSHIP, FOOD SECURITY & SCIENCE Professor Elizabeth Magowan is the Director of Sustainable Agri-Food Sciences at the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI). Her work involves coordination of AFBI’s science in the area of sustainable agri-food production - a hot topic that affects everyone as we all need food.

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rowing up on a farm outside Newry, I was a wannabe vet. I especially loved animals so, career wise, it was always going to be something related to animals and farming.

I did well in my A-levels but I didn't get the grades for veterinary science. My second choice was a dual degree path at Queen’s University in Belfast, Agricultural Sciences, which got me a biochemistry degree and also an agriculture degree. I took that pathway and got the bug for research. This bug led me to complete a PhD about the diet of the dairy cow and how it can affect the milk fat and the spreadability of butter.

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It's wonderful how your career takes twists and turns - you want to go down a path and then something else happens. AFBI Hillsborough was a real focus for me. I went for a few interviews towards the end of my PhD and after a few tries I was offered a ‘post doctoral research’ position in pig research so I took it to ‘get my foot in the door’ of Hillsborough. Even in that competition I was placed second but the person who was first decided not to take it and so it was offered to me. That started my career in AFBI Hillsborough in 2003. I have no problem sharing that because it's important for young people to know that sometimes it doesn't work out the first or even the second time.

In 2004 I got married to Paul. Katie and John then arrived within a few years and in the early stages of my career. These years were quite stressful, because I was holding down a full-time job and so was Paul. I remember most Sunday nights stressing about childcare for the week ahead.

Never, ever, did I think I would become a professor. My dad always used to jest that I would. Whilst it is very nice to be acknowledged, I honestly don't think I've deserved it. My dad died in 2012 so sadly he never got to find out, but he believed in me.

The dynamic of consumers, prices and cost of production, continues to be very challenging. There are technologies and science out there that will help us, which will mean investment on many farms but I have a lot of optimism that that's possible.

I feel a lot of pressure on myself personally to make sure our teams at AFBI are doing the research which does support food security, supports farmers' profitability, but equally helps them be resilient for the future.

I believe there will be a mosaic of farmers in the future. There will be intensive meat and milk producers and farmers who have a role in keeping the wider rural landscapes alive and thriving. The challenge for government policies is how do you create policies that support all of that? Because one size doesn't fit all.

I suppose the biggest challenge I have at the minute is social media. How you manage the negativity that comes through in it as well as misinformation and disinformation. It concerns me that this "In AFBI, around 46% of staff can stir up negativity and worries for farmers unduly. are females throughout the

whole organisation - that's huge for a STEM organisation.

It's something we're proud of internally."

AFBI as an organisation has around 700 staff - there's 200 in my division. At the Hillsborough Farm, there are dairy cows, suckler cows and beef cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry, an anaerobic digestion plant, willows and different biomass crops. In AFBI, around 46% of staff are females throughout the whole organisation - that's huge for a STEM organisation. It's something we're proud of internally.

I actually think science helps explain creation. I know we talk about evolution, but things do evolve and the world is constantly changing for a number of reasons, although human activity is currently an overriding reason. Just because the Bible says day one, day two etc, it's not necessarily a 24-hour day as we know it.

I think that science does help explain some of the transitions that have happened over the years and through biblical times.

God has given us the brains to do really good things. Those brains can be put to bad use as well - it's the same with science, technology and AI. Equally we have the brains to use what God has blessed us with in a very positive way.

The world is a very interesting place when it comes to the food supply chain. Food security is core and it's so complex. The amount of choice that we have is quite incredible. We've got used to getting bananas all year round. We're 60% self-sufficient in meat and milk in the UK. That's quite a vulnerable place to be.

We are quite dependent on so many countries around the world.

The dilemma that Northern Ireland has is that we've been fantastic at producing meat and milk, but, unwittingly, the impact that has been having on our waterways is significant. Our local issues are around phosphorus leaching into water and ammonia emissions.

So a big focus of the research I oversee is to support our local industry, keep producing the high quality food we're producing but with increased environmental stewardship.

I would strongly recommend and encourage people into the industry. We need a lot of good talent and there are lots of opportunities from looking after the animals to undertaking very detailed experiments and even leading on very important initiatives. The whole agri-food industry is crying out for highly skilled and dedicated people who have a real passion for food production and environmental stewardship.

My father and mother have been my main role models whenever it comes to resilience, hard work, working through problems, being accepting of situations and making the best of them and pushing on.

Your connections and networks are so important. The amount of connections my mother has is incredible! If she doesn't know something, she'll lift the phone and within a couple of hours she'll find somebody who does know something, somewhere!

I like to think that my Christian values are at the core of how I conduct myself. I'd like to think that that shines through. Good governance, transparency, honesty and respect for all opinions are at the core of what I do in my job and it is what I expect of other organisations. I serve as treasurer in my church, Warrenpoint Presbyterian, and I’m involved in children’s ministry as well. It is a very challenging time for both our local church and the church as a whole but having a deep faith that God is in control is foundational to working through these challenges.

I don't make a secret that I'm a churchgoer. I’ve been pleasantly surprised how many people around me in the workplace have a faith. Whenever you start chatting, you find many people are strong churchgoers, and whenever you strike up that conversation with them, it does change the whole relationship.

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DEACONESS FOCUS

GOD...

EVER PRESENT ON SANDY ROW Lousie Davidson is a Deaconess serving in South Belfast Friendship House.

She tells Inspire readers about the community outreach aspect of her work and where she has seen and felt God’s presence with her.

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F

riendship House on Blythe Street, Sandy Row, is a place full of life, warmth and connection. Every day there is something happening; homework club, play club, youth drop-in, friendship groups, Bible studies, parent and toddler mornings, men’s breakfast. I am privileged as the deaconess to be involved in many of these programmes. My main responsibilities are the Friendship Group, the Women’s Bible Study, Little Seedlings Parent and Toddlers group, and Community Outreach.

It is the Community Outreach that I want to reflect on, especially through the lens of this year’s Presbyterian Women’s theme: God… ever present. It is a theme I have found myself returning to repeatedly, pondering what it really looks like, not just within the walls of Friendship House, but out on the streets of Sandy Row, on doorsteps, in conversations, and sometimes in moments I never could have planned.

thank you before heading back inside. Every response was different, but each one mattered.

Each doorstep became holy ground, because God was already there ahead of me.

One particular moment stands out clearly in my mind. I noticed a small group of people, a few men and a lady, standing together, watching as I went from door to door. I could tell they were curious. If I am honest, I felt nervous as I approached them. In my heart I prayed a very simple prayer: “God, please give me the words.” I introduced myself, explained who I was and what I was doing, and offered them a Bible. They accepted it.

Then one of the men spoke. He said, “You’ve come at just the right time. This fella here, his dad has died, and we’re waiting on his remains coming home.” In that moment, everything else faded away. This was not about an outreach activity or a well-laid plan. This was about God’s perfect timing.

"We know God is with us, but there The verse that has stayed with me throughout this are times when he gently and year comes from Exodus, unmistakably proves it to us again." when God speaks to Moses and assures him that he will be with him wherever he goes. Exodus I was able to gently offer my sympathy, to 33:14: “My Presence will go with you, and I acknowledge their grief, and to remind them, will give you rest." Moses knew God. He had carefully and respectfully, of God's presence encountered him in powerful ways yet still and his love for them in this deeply painful needed that reassurance. I think we are often time. I walked away from that encounter the same. We know God is with us, but there overwhelmed, not by what I had done, but by are times when he gently and unmistakably what God had done. He had gone before me. proves it to us again.

He had opened the door. He had placed me in the right place at the right time. God truly Community outreach has been one of those was present with me. places where God has done exactly that for me. In the autumn time, a colleague This is just one example, but it captures the messaged me to say she had quite a number heart of why community outreach matters of New Testament Bibles that had been so deeply. It is about taking God with us produced for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee into the everyday places of life. It is about in 2012. She wondered if they would be of showing up, listening, offering kindness, any use. Sandy Row is a proud community and trusting that God will work in ways where flags are flown all year round. I felt, we cannot see. Community outreach does very clearly, that this was an opportunity not always look dramatic. Sometimes it is a to step beyond the building, to introduce quiet conversation. Sometimes it is a smile, a myself as the Deaconess in Friendship listening ear, or a Bible placed into someone’s House, and of Sandy Row, as my service hands. Sometimes we never see the fruit, but does not only happen within the walls of we trust that God is at work.

Friendship House. What an opportunity to place the best gift anyone can receive into Another important way we engage with the their hands - God’s Word. community is online. We live in the digital age, and outreach no longer only happens So, with prayer, a bag of Bibles, and a deep face to face. Through the Friendship House reliance on God’s presence, I began going Facebook page, I share a Thursday Thought door to door. I was welcomed on each for the Day. These short reflections are a way doorstep. Some people stopped to chat, others of extending God’s presence beyond physical shared stories of their lives, their families, boundaries and into people’s homes, phones their faith or their questions. Some were and daily routines. For some, a Facebook post polite, quietly accepting the Bible with a may be the only contact they have with

Scripture that week. For others, it may come at just the right moment a word of encouragement, hope or reminder that God sees them. Just as God meets people on doorsteps, he also meets them on newsfeeds.

His presence is not limited by walls, geography or technology.

What has become clear to me this year is that community outreach is not about us having all the answers. It is about obedience, availability and trust. Trusting that the same God who promised Moses, “I will be with you,” is the same God who walks the streets of Sandy Row with us today.

I have seen God’s presence not just in big moments, but in small, quiet ones too. In conversations that felt ordinary but carried deep meaning. In unexpected opportunities.

In the courage he gives when nerves rise.

In the peace that follows when you know, without a doubt, that God was there. All glory belongs to him. Any impact, any connection, any moment of hope is his doing. I am simply grateful to serve in a community where God continues to show himself faithful, present and near. As we continue the work of Friendship House in Sandy Row, my prayer is that we will always go knowing this truth: we never go alone. God is ever present with us, on doorsteps, online, in conversations, in grief, in joy, and in every step of community outreach - and that makes all the difference!

Prayer Points - Give thanks for all the programmes that are run in Friendship House, the relationships formed, and asking they would grow, deepen, and continue to flourish.

- We pray that many in Sandy Row will come to know Jesus as Lord and Saviour, encountering his love, grace, forgiveness, and transforming hope for their lives.

- Pray for Robert, Abbi and Louise, that they would know God’s strength, wisdom and guidance, renewed daily in their work.

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BIBLE STUDY

THE ART CONTEMP This is an adapted devotional from the Inspirations resource for 2025/2026 based on the theme God… ever present. If your PW Group hasn’t used this material in your session, consider it for use in your own quiet time with God.

READ ans

nthi 2 Cori 8 3:1

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T OF PLATION "The Bible reminds us over and over again of the importance of gazing upon God, of fixing our eyes on him so we can fully appreciate his goodness to us."

M

ost of us do not like looking at ourselves in the mirror, yet we can spend an awful lot of time doing it. There is a tendency to over-scrutinise ourselves, to turn our gaze towards our own faces and bemoan the flaws and the bits we would like to change. We usually approach the mirror with caution to ensure we are presentable enough to leave the house or have put on enough make-up to cover up all our imperfections. We check our physical appearance and make sure that what we look like externally is acceptable to other people, but we don’t stare at a reflection of ourselves, consider who we are internally, and ask how God sees us. Yet James 1:23-24 tells us that anyone who listens to God’s Word and doesn’t do what it says is like someone who looks at their face in a mirror and then goes away and immediately forgets what they look like.

Often, we can be so absorbed in contemplating ourselves, not just our appearance but also our image and status, that we can neglect to contemplate God, forget what he looks like. We can get so caught up in so-called navel-gazing, self-indulgent or excessive contemplation of who we are, that we can fail to contemplate who God is.

The Bible reminds us over and over again of the importance of gazing upon God, of fixing our eyes on him so we can fully appreciate his goodness to us. When we enter into a contemplative relationship with God, we actively reflect on what he has done for us throughout the course of our lives and meditate on what he is saying to us through the words of Scripture. Contemplation is sometimes described as spiritually diving into the Word of God. To contemplate God is to think deeply about him, his nature, his character, his ability, his awesomeness, his power. Whereas meditation means engaging the mind to listen to God, contemplation allows us to simply enjoy the presence of God. We are to behold him and let his love flow over us.

‘And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.’ 2 Corinthians 3:18

This verse explains that, as we contemplate God’s glory, we are being transformed into his likeness. To have an ‘unveiled face’ means that nothing is hidden to us, our mind is uncovered, and our eyes are opened to fully know God. We can now see him for who and what he is. This act of seeing and understanding is the process through which God transforms us into the image of Christ.

The more we contemplate God’s glory and the more we boldly come into his presence, the more changed we become. When we look in a mirror and take our faces out into the world, it is not our own glory we are to reflect. It is the Lord’s.

P RAYER Lord, there is so much to know about you, but we cannot know you well unless we spend time with you, beholding what you have done for us. We cannot become more like Christ and be transformed into his image without letting your love flow over us. Help us to do this so that we can reflect your glory as we go about our daily lives.

You have given us your Word, the books of the Old and the New Testament, to help us reflect on what you have done for us in the past. As we go about our day to day lives, encourage us to remember that you are still with us in the present, actively working within us to fulfil your purpose.

Amen.

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REFLECTION

THE BLESSI – 18 | INSPIRE Spring 2026

ING

The Lord bless you And keep you Make his face shine upon you And be gracious to you The Lord turn his Face toward you And give you peace Amen, amen, amen May his favour be upon you And a thousand generations And your family and your children And their children, and their children May his presence go before you And behind you, and beside you All around you, and within you He is with you, he is with you In the morning, in the evening In your coming, and your going In your weeping, and rejoicing He is for you, he is for you Amen, amen, amen.

Words: Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes, Steven Furtick & Chris Brown Photograph: Brian Kelly

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QUICK QUESTIONS

QUICK QUESTIONS WITH –

TORI MCCLELLAND

– 20 | INSPIRE Spring 2026

As we continue our series to encourage people working in different roles within PCI churches, we have a chat with Tori McClelland, the Youth and Community Outreach Worker at Movilla Presbyterian Church in Newtownards, Co Down.

When did you start working in Movilla Presbyterian and what does your role involve?

I started my role in January 2023 at Movilla Presbyterian Church, serving the Newtownards area - this is my home, where I live, work, worship, and have the privilege of serving. From the very beginning, this role hasn’t felt like a job, but a calling rooted in prayer, obedience, and a desire to serve God by loving his people. I am continually reminded that ministry is not about what I can achieve on my own, but about partnering with God in the work he is already doing in people’s lives. I genuinely love what I do and the people I journey alongside, trusting that God has placed me here for such a time as this.

My role as a Youth and Community Outreach Worker is broad, relational, and deeply spiritual. It centres on engaging with children, young people, parents, grandparents, carers, community groups, businesses, and schools - building meaningful relationships and creating spaces where people feel known, valued, and loved as God intended. This includes house visits, pastoral conversations, Sunday morning kids talks, Sunday School (The Gospel Project), and Tots’ Church for pre-school children, all opportunities to share God’s love in age-appropriate ways.

A key part of my role is working alongside our minister, Rev Robert Hamilton, and the kirk session, ensuring that all ministry and community initiatives are guided by prayer, shared vision, and God’s guidance. I am also blessed to work with an incredible team of volunteers, helping to support and equip them, creating opportunities for growth and leadership so they can serve faithfully and confidently.

On Monday mornings, our Sunbeams group transforms the church hall into a vibrant space of toys, puppets, Bible stories, songs, laughter, and conversation over tea. Through these small interactions, seeds of faith are planted in young hearts and in the hearts of their parents and carers. Thursday nights are busy with Kids’ Club and Youth Club, where I plan activities, games, crafts, Bible stories, and visits from local services such as the PSNI and the NI Fire & Rescue Service. These moments

Continues...

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QUICK QUESTIONS are opportunities to teach young people about responsibility, service, and most importantly, faith in Jesus Christ. Beyond church, youth weekends and trips, including outings to the SSE Arena in Belfast, give young people opportunities to grow in confidence, build friendships, and see that the church is not just a place they attend, but a spiritual home where they belong.

On Friday nights, Boys’ Brigade provides another chance to invest in the younger generations, modelling consistency, care, and Christ’s love. We also host outreach events like Easter and Summer Schemes, drawing over 120 children, and community-focused events such as our Pumpkin Patch and Messy Church. These initiatives allow families to experience God’s love in fun, accessible, and tangible ways.

A particularly meaningful aspect of my role is working closely with the amazing Bowtown Community Group. Together, we engage in projects that support children and families, encourage creativity, and foster a sense of belonging. A highlight has been facilitating the mural project on the SPAR wall, transforming a space previously marked by graffiti into a positive, colourful, and lasting feature designed with P7 pupils from both

“God is present in the ordinary and sometimes messy moments - in glue covered crafts, basketball games, puppets, school halls, and community spaces.”

Abbey Primary and Castle Gardens Primary School - a tangible sign of hope and community flourishing under God’s guidance.

Another highlight has been our weekend away at Ganaway Activity Centre, where families step back from daily life to spend intentional time together in fellowship, building relationships, having fun, and encountering God through shared worship, activities, and conversation. Community engagement also extends beyond the church walls, including partnerships with local businesses and community groups like Bowtown interagency, TK Maxx, Ark Housing, EA and Spar. Tesco Newtownards, through their community champion Campbell Keatings, supports us weekly by providing healthy suppers for our children at Kids’ Club and they have given us opportunities for fundraising through their blue token scheme and bag packs.

I am involved in Scripture Union lessons at Movilla High School, assemblies at Abbey Primary School and Castle Gardens Primary School, the latter of which I also serve on the Board of Governors. These roles provide further opportunities to support young people, encourage staff, and represent the church, helping to extend God’s kingdom through education and mentoring.

In May 2025, we ran a four-day prayer event at Movilla Presbyterian Church for P4–P7 pupils from Abbey Primary. In partnership with Glenn Johnston from Scrabo Hall, the children moved around different prayer stations, each focusing on different themes, and over the four days, around 350 pupils and teachers joined in praying together. Based on how well it went, we ran another similar prayer event in February 2026 for Castle Gardens Primary.

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I also take part in the Scripture Union ‘It’s Your Move’ programme yearly with Glenn, which helps P7 pupils prepare for the next step into post-primary school. It’s delivered over three sessions in each school, Abbey Primary, Castle Gardens, and Loughries, combining practical advice with biblical teaching to help the pupils feel confident and supported.

It’s been so encouraging to see the pupils grow in confidence and faith through these programmes, and I’m looking forward to continuing them next year.

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

What is the most challenging part of your role?

One of the greatest challenges is the breadth of the role. Balancing time, energy, and emotional investment can be demanding, as walking alongside children, young people, and families often means sharing in both their joys and their struggles. Another challenge is meeting people where they are - many families are busy, hesitant about church, or carrying difficult past experiences.

Yet even in these moments, God continually reminds me that faithfulness matters. It is not my strength but his Spirit that sustains the work, and seeds planted today may bear fruit in his perfect timing.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)

Where do you find God at work?

How can we pray for you in your role?

I see God at work in both the visible and unseen moments: in conversations over tea, in the laughter of children during games, in the confidence of a child retelling a Bible story, and in the honesty of a young person asking deep questions. God is present in the ordinary and sometimes messy moments - in glue covered crafts, basketball games, puppets, school halls, and community spaces. God is present when a young person feels known, a parent feels supported, or a child takes their first step in understanding the gospel.

Please pray for wisdom, discernment, and energy as I navigate the many aspects of this role. Pray for meaningful spiritual connections with children, young people, and families, that hearts would be open to the gospel. Pray for protection, balance, and sustained joy in ministry. Above all, pray that everything I do would reflect the love of Christ, point others to him, and glorify God’s name in the Movilla area.

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20)

What has been your biggest encouragement to date since you started?

My greatest encouragement has been seeing relationships grow over time, as children move from Tots’ Church to Youth Club and faith conversations deepen. It is a privilege to witness lives being shaped and hearts being opened to God. I am also deeply encouraged by the support of our incredible volunteers, church leadership, schools, the Bowtown Community Group, and other partners, knowing that this ministry is a shared effort, rooted in prayer and guided by God’s Spirit. Supporting volunteers and creating opportunities for them to serve faithfully is a particular joy, as it strengthens our church family and allows God’s work to continue through many hands.

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” (Philippians 1:6)

“God is present when a young person feels known, a parent feels supported, or a child takes their first step in understanding the gospel.”

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OVERSEAS PROJECT

CONTINUING TO PRAY FOR PEACE IN UKRAINE PCI’s Council for Mission Overseas Secretary, Rev Uel Marrs, gives us an update on the progress of the Presbyterian Women’s 2025-2026 Overseas Project supporting Ukrainians in a Crisis Centre that is providing shelter and safety in a country still at war.

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W

ith their fathers, uncles, husbands and brothers off to the frontline, it is the women of Ukraine who are left to carry a heavy burden of care for children, the sick and elderly. Since the outbreak of war, the Ukrainian economy has been shattered and around a quarter of the population impoverished.

Inflation continues to rise, energy costs have soared, and food is in short supply due to insufficient labour to work the land. The Russian invasion of Ukraine four years ago resulted in the greatest displacement of people since the Second World War, leading to more than six million refugees across Europe and more than three million people internally displaced.

Early on in the conflict, governments, international relief agencies, churches and communities around Europe rose to the challenge to provide emergency aid for the staggering number of refugees and Jolika has oversight of the Crisis Centre, one of three homes under displaced people whose lives had been turned upside down by the her care. She is the only trained health-care professional available conflict. More recently, with the war featuring less in news bulletins, and sees it as her calling to keep the centre functioning from day the focus has moved on to other crises to day, despite the shortage of gas, the in different parts of the world, and rising cost of electricity, heating, and "We are grateful that there are what is known as donor fatigue has food. people who care for our ministry, that set in, leading to a drastic reduction in financial support, with more cuts The bathroom and shower facilities we pursue upon the calling of our anticipated in the year ahead. have been subjected to heavy use to the Heavenly Father.” point that just about everything needs One of the churches in Ukraine refurbished but there are no reserves witnessing to Christ amidst this ongoing crisis is the Reformed of funding and so no renovations. The 2025-2026 Overseas Project Church in Transcarpathia (RCT), a Hungarian speaking is to refurbish the home’s three bathrooms, where at present only denomination comprised of 108 congregations in the west of the one of the three showers is operational. More recently, it has country. While at some distance from the worst of the conflict, become clear that with the water pressure decreasing steadily it is very much on a war footing. Early on, the vast majority of in recent years, there is also a need to improve the water supply, its leaders, including its 74 ministers, committed to staying in which means drilling a new well, installing a new water pump, and the country to engage in vital pastoral work, sustaining a whole replacing the pipes system. Unfortunately, while funds are now range of specialised institutions, and meeting the spiritual and available for the refurbishment, the renovations have been delayed material needs of the most vulnerable. Additionally, the RCT has because the construction manager who would normally take this been providing humanitarian shipments to some of the worst, work forward has been conscripted into military service! Do pray war-affected regions and is currently supporting 35,000 displaced that the work will be able to commence very soon. people in 40 locations, with a special concern for children, some of whom are orphaned, many of whom are traumatised, and all The project is an opportunity for PW members to reach out in a in need of food, accommodation and education. There is also practical and loving way to improve the lives of these displaced the challenge of caring for the wounded soldiers at five different families. Residency at the Crisis Centre not only provides shelter, hospitals in the region, and the many who grieve great loss. food, and community, it comes with the opportunity of part-time work on the adjacent farm, restoring folk with a sense of purpose.

Much of this work could not be carried out by the RCT without the All in all, the Centre provides folk who are weary and worn-out, at collaboration of 18 partner churches from eight European countries times traumatised, feeling alone and forgotten, with a loving, safe who have been supporting their relief endeavours. The Presbyterian and healing environment.

Church in Ireland (PCI) has been one of RCT’s partners for over 30 years and through a Moderator’s Appeal launched shortly after the Recently, Mr Bela Nagy, Director of the DCO and Deputy war commenced, PCI raised over £1.5 million (€1.73 million), more Lay-President of the Reformed Church in Transcarpathia, wrote than double the amount raised for any previous such appeal. Today, to PCI, “It is comforting to know that there are people who think PCI continues to support and one such expression of this is through of us, not only because we can count on their support, but also Presbyterian Women’s 2025-2026 Overseas Project. This was featured because we feel that we are not alone. We are grateful that there are in an article in the autumn 2025 edition of Inspire and focuses on people who care for our ministry, that we pursue upon the calling the Crisis Centre in Berehove, a project of the RCT’s Diaconal of our Heavenly Father.”

Co-ordination Office (DCO).

The letter reassures us, when fearing any gift may be but a drop The original idea of the Crisis Centre, which has been running in the ocean, that it really does make a difference, not simply as a for ten years, was to provide a home, temporary shelter, for single financial lifeline, but as a reminder to those displaced by war that mothers and their children up to 3 years old. Today, however, they have not been forgotten but prayed for, and precious to a loving those seeking shelter are families fleeing the war. Designed to and faithful God. Let us continue, therefore, to be generous in our accommodate 22 adults, it is always full, although during one support of this year’s worthy project, undergirding it with fervent four-month period of the war, it held over 60 residents! prayer for peace to be restored in Ukraine and for our brothers and sisters in Christ in the RCT as they pursue their calling.

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SHE INSPIRES

"My life is one long daily, hourly record of answered prayer.”

MARY SLESSOR Evie Craig shares the incredible life story of Mary Slessor who, amongst other incredible achievements, is most famous for her role in helping to stop the common practice of infanticide of twins in Okoyong, an area of Cross River State, Nigeria.

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oshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

This Bible verse has been a focal point in my own mission story and also reminds me of someone who was a true heroine of the Christian faith, Mary Slessor.

Mary Mitchell Slessor was born in Aberdeen, Scotland on 2 December 1848 into humble beginnings. Her father had been a shoemaker but had been unable to hold down his job due to alcoholism. Her mother, also named Mary, was a God-fearing woman which was quite the contrast in her formative years having since moved from Dundee. As a young girl, Mary worked in the mill along with her mother and older brother. Times were extremely difficult as she helped support the family. Living in poverty and a daily struggle to survive was where Mary developed and experienced her drive and resilience to cope. This would certainly prove helpful in later years as a missionary in Africa.

Even though Mary worked in the jute mill, she also attended the mill school part-time and she was a keen reader much like another hero of the faith, David Livingstone. His mission work was an inspiration to Mary and reading about him challenged her towards serving God overseas in sharing the good news of Jesus with those who had never heard of him.

Mary’s zeal and passion to follow such a call on her life led to her applying to the Foreign Mission Board of the United Presbyterian Church. They recognised her deep desire to serve and the call God had given her. The board sent her to Calabar, which is modern-day Nigeria.

At the age of 28, Mary boarded the SS Ethiopia at Liverpool on 5 August 1876 which sailed to Duke Town in Calabar. It took about five weeks to arrive at the destination. Like any new missionary, she had many different ideas of what the people and the country would be like. Soon after arriving she started to teach the children and work in the dispensary as well as undertaking some language study in the local language, Efik. This would aid her in talking with the local people.

Adapting to the climate and the cultural environment, Mary made adjustments to her appearance, cutting her hair and wearing more suitable clothing for the hot climate. She also ate the local food. Life in Calabar had its challenges and differences to the Scottish society Mary had left behind. The terrain, climate and wild animals in the jungle areas as well as local superstitions and customs to name a few.

She found it a struggle working on the main mission stations and felt she was of better use in the more remote areas where things were more simple with fewer missionaries up the Creek River. The challenge was fewer roads, and travel up the Calabar, Cross and Creek Rivers was either by canoe or on foot through swamp land and dense tropical forest.

Mary had gained the trust of local tribal leaders and villagers within this region. She chose to live in primitive conditions, her resilience garnered from her formative years in Scotland. She ploughed through periods of illness, yet modelling a Christ-like character among the local people whom she loved and served. Mary identified the need for learning and knowing the heart language of the people, seeing their individual physical needs as well as their

spiritual needs – having a holistic approach to serving the people to whom God had called her to serve.

In 1888, when Mary was forty years old, she had become burdened to reach out to a warring tribe, the Okoyong. They were greatly feared for their violence and witchcraft, and had no respect for authority or property. Friends pleaded with Mary not to take this challenge to reach out to this people group, yet Mary did and God equipped her for the task.

There is a story that when she travelled by canoe between Okoyong and Umon with some men and some of the twin children, the group encountered a hippopotamus moving rapidly towards them. The men tried to fight it off with paddles while Mary used tin basin covers to try and protect the children and herself. The hippopotamus became more infuriated, snapping its jaws at them.

While the men continued to fight it, Mary and the children prayed for help and soon the hippopotamus moved away from them. God protected them as he did many times.

Mary continued to be respected and loved by the people whom she served. She was known as ‘Ma’, also as ‘Queen of Okoyong’ who was never crowned. Her life and legacy were that of one filled with gentle and kind-hearted deeds to include adopting abandoned children. She was bold and courageous when she confronted and opposed evil practices. Known too for her peace-making when two tribes had come to battle, instead laying down their arms either side of where Mary was ensuring no battle occurred. She continued to walk in faith serving God while battling disappointments, whether it be through physical, emotional or spiritual hardships.

Prayer was vital for Mary and this quotation of hers reflects this; “My life is one long daily, hourly record of answered prayer. For physical health, for mental overstrain, for guidance given marvelously, for errors and dangers averted, for enmity to the Gospel subdued, for food provided at the exact hour needed, for everything that goes to make up life and my poor service. I can testify, with a full and often wonder-stricken awe, that I believe God answers prayer.”

Mary went home to be with the Lord on 13 January 1915 and was given recognition like a state funeral in Nigeria. To some Nigerians, she is fondly remembered as a “Mother of All the Peoples.”

It has been told that the late Queen Elizabeth II visited her grave, recognising the pioneering work Mary had done in Calabar, now Nigeria. May each of us continue to be inspired by women like Mary Slessor, trusting in a prayer-answering God. Evie Craig is Administrative Assistant in PCI’s Mission Office and served overseas in Mekong, North Thailand with OMF.

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BOOK REVIEW

COME & REST

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A biblical counsellor and retreat leader, Pauline Wilson offers spiritual enrichment through retreats and walking groups through a variety of spiritual practices, all of which are rooted in Scripture. She launched her first book, Come & Rest, in January 2026.

We’re delighted that Pauline shares the background to why she wrote the book.

e wear many hats as women. We are daughters, sisters, aunties, mothers, grandmothers, great aunties, career women, leaders at work, in our families, in our communities and in our churches. We are so many things. On top of all this, many of us are natural carers. We nurture people in our circles of family, friends, church and work.

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"God is not heaping guilt on our already stooped shoulders. God is graciously inviting us into something that is so life-giving that it feels like a long, cold drink on a hot day.”

But sometimes we forget to care for ourselves. Sure, we drink water when we remember, we exercise when we can fit it in around everything else, we read a few verses of our Bibles on the run when we can manage it. And we feel guilty that we don’t have more time for God in our busy lives.

You could use this book yourself for a personal retreat: take it with you to the beach (weather-permitting) or to a favourite spot in a forest or to a cosy fireside in a hotel lobby. The ideal would be to have half a day at your disposal, to relax and spend uninterrupted time with God, responding to his invitation to come and inviting him to speak into your life.

God is not heaping guilt on our already stooped shoulders. God is graciously inviting us into something that is so life-giving that it feels like a long, cold drink on a hot day. The invitation of Jesus is ‘Come to me… and rest’. That’s all. No strings attached. Just come… and rest.

Going on retreat is simply a response to that invitation. Slow down.

Pause. Breathe. And enjoy the presence of the One who loves you most. I think the first retreat I attended was one led by Tony Horsfall, an author and retreat leader (who has kindly written the Foreword to my new book). After that, I was hooked. Participating in retreats became a habit for me - a spiritual practice which I would aim to do nowadays once every 2 or 3 months. It simply gives me the opportunity to enjoy that extended, uninterrupted time with God which my soul craves.

Since learning the value of retreats for myself, I have become passionate about sharing them with others. I regularly lead in-person retreats which give people the space to come… and rest.

We enjoy a bit of worship, we explore some Scripture together, we have personal reflection time so we can listen to what Jesus is saying to each of us personally, we sometimes share that through group discussion, and we enjoy good food together.

I wanted to be able to offer a similar experience to those who, for various reasons, cannot make it to an in-person retreat. I am very aware that, at different ages and stages of our lives, the option of going on a retreat may not be on the table. So I decided to put all of these retreat ingredients - apart from the food - into a book!

Come and Rest is the title of the book and it takes you through the three sessions we would take together on an in-person retreat:

But you could also invite one or two friends to do it with you: you could go away for a day and take the retreat together, still allowing space for each of you to have time with God on your own, but then coming together at the end of each session to discuss together what God is saying to you.

You could also use it in a small group setting or in your PW Group.

I know the Presbyterian Women theme for this year has been God... ever present. How appropriate it would be therefore, to invite God to be present with you as you spend time with him together on retreat.

Time spent with God is never wasted. Jesus modelled it, often going to the mountains or the desert, sometimes alone, sometimes with his three best friends (Peter, James and John) and sometimes with all 12 disciples. Jesus was busy too. He accomplished more in his three years of public ministry than most of us can dream of, yet he intentionally made time to get away from it all to spend time with his Father. He needed it. So do we.

Jesus invites you to come… and rest. This book aims to help you to respond to that gracious invitation - to slow down, to take the time to reflect on your life and to listen for the still, small voice of God. The book is available online and in selected Christian bookshops.

It is the first in a series of six books, the rest of which will be published throughout 2026. Each one deals with a different theme, ending with an Advent retreat in December.

To have up-to-date information on each book, as well as details of her in-person retreats, you can follow Pauline on her Facebook page at Pauline Wilson, Author.

Session 1: The invitation to rest Session 2: What does rest look like?

Session 3: Let’s rest!

Get your copy by scanning the QR code.

For each session in the book, you will find a worship playlist so that you can enjoy worship related to the theme of the retreat; you will find biblical teaching; you will find personal reflection prompts; and you will find questions for group discussion.

– 29

THANKSGIVING

GRATEFUL HEART SPRING '26

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him – Colossians 3:17

SCARVA STREET, BANBRIDGE

In November 2025, Scarva Street PW Group, and their guests, enjoyed a wonderful meal at Sinton’s at the Bridge, to celebrate their 80th Anniversary.

A great night of fellowship and fun was had by all and included a brief history of PW, some fun facts from 1945 and an entertaining pass the parcel game. Each woman received a small gift as a memento of the occasion.

Cutting the cake are Sharon Quinn, current leader, and our longest serving member, Elizabeth Crothers.

– 30 | INSPIRE Spring 2026

TELL YOUR STORIES

Have you a good-news story to tell us about your PW Group or women’s ministry project? Is there something you are grateful for that you would like to express to our readers? Please email up to 150 words and attach to the email any relevant photographs to pw@presbyterianireland.org

CARRYDUFF In January, Carryduff PW held a special farewell meeting in recognition of Lesley Smyth who is retiring after nearly 30 years of leadership and dedication to Carryduff Presbyterian Women. A delicious dinner was enjoyed by all and this was followed by a local singer performing a selection of sacred music and song. We had a lovely time of fellowship together. On behalf of Carryduff PW, Rae Burnett presented Lesley with an engraved crystal bowl. The evening concluded with Lesley recalling her time and in her closing prayer, she gave thanks and praise to God for his faithfulness. We wish her and Rev Smyth a blessed retirement as they leave Carryduff.

CASTLEROCK

In January, Castlerock PW Group celebrated their 70th anniversary of women's ministry in the church. Heather McSparran, a member and Clerk of Session, gave an informative talk about the history and they held a fun quiz. Their most senior member, Ivy Doherty, cut the anniversary cake.

– 31

THANKSGIVING

KILLAIG Killaig PW Group recently celebrated their 80th anniversary by having afternoon tea at Woodbank House.

EBRINGTON The committee of Ebrington PW Group decided to try something different for our Christmas meeting. One of our members makes pebble pictures so the plan was that everyone would make a nativity pebble picture.

What followed was a lot of fun, and, with a little help, everyone ended up having a lovely picture showing the true meaning of Christmas. Of course, no PW Christmas meeting would be complete without food, carols and an epilogue reflecting ‘Jesus, Light of the World’.

– 32 | INSPIRE Spring 2026

LOWE MEMORIAL

In December 2025, Lowe Memorial PW celebrated 90 years. Our minister Rev Dr John McCracken opened the meeting with prayer followed by a Christmas programme of readings and carols including a quartet of our own members. The guest speaker was Linda Beattie.

PW President, who brought greetings and told us about her time in Ukraine. This was followed by afternoon tea and anniversary cake.

KATESBRIDGE In December, members and friends of the PW Group in Katesbridge, Co Down, had an enjoyable time making Christmas wreaths and having lunch together.

– 33

GLOBAL MISSION OVERSEAS NEWS Personnel News Gary and Mary Reid are on final home assignment and are due to finish with the Council for Global Mission in the Spring. Pray for them as they adjust back to life in Northern Ireland after several years in Kenya. Pray also for Gary’s ongoing recovery and post-operative care.

Overseas Visits Fiona Simpson, Libby Russell and Heather Clements visited Malawi, on behalf of Presbyterian Women, from 26 February to 8 March. They spent most of their time with the Bible Society of Malawi for the PW overseas project, as well as visiting other contacts in Blantyre, including the Glissmans.

Derek French continues to recover following a period of serious illness in December. Pray for him, and for Jane, Gabriela and Luka as Derek balances recovery with returning to work.

Rev Stephen McCracken travelled to Pakistan from 4 to 10 March for the Presbyterian Church in Pakistan’s celebrations of the 170th anniversary of Punjabi Christianity.

Annes and Olga Nel finished with the Council at the end of January and, following final home assignment, are now enjoying retirement.

Several Global Mission Workers returned to Ireland for PCI’s Church Planting Conference on 7 February in Drogheda Presbyterian Church.

Derek and Jane French and Neil Stewart (Spain), and Csaba and Ilona Veres (Hungary) are all involved in church planting globally and enjoyed the opportunity to meet with others involved in or considering church planting.

Information included in Global Mission News is supplied by the PCI Mission Department. While it is correct at the time of writing, which is normally some weeks before publication, readers should be aware that some details may subsequently change.

Up-to-date news and information are available online at: www.presbyterianireland.org/mission.

– 34 | INSPIRE Spring 2026

Mission Department, Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Assembly Buildings, 2-10 Fisherwick Place, Belfast, BT1 6DW Tel: +44 (0)28 9041 7263 Email: mission@presbyterianireland.org Website: www.presbyterianireland.org/mission

GLOBAL PRAYER DIARY STEPHEN & ANGELINA COWAN

DEREK & JANE FRENCH

Kenya Mission: Church based community development and outreach

Spain Mission: Student Ministry

Give thanks for the commitment of the Parkroad Fellowship team and their hard work during the recent camps in Tuum. As the camps concluded, led by local Samburu evangelists, many children surrendered their lives to Christ.

Pray for encouragement and enthusiasm in the everyday tasks of the workshop and land reclamation teams.

Give thanks for the good standard achieved in the Form 4 exams at PCEA Tuum Girls Secondary school. There are presently over 250 girls enrolled in the school.

Pray for wisdom as new proposals are submitted and direction is sought for the coming year and beyond.

Pray for the work of Grupos Bíblicos Unídos (GBU) and for the leadership team in Bilbao.

Give thanks for new families and students at Bilbao International Church (BIC) and pray that they will feel warmly welcomed. There is an intake of international students in February, so it is a great opportunity to get new students involved in the life of BIC. Pray for new students to settle in, feel part of the church community and be able to get involved quickly, as many of them come for just a semester.

Remember Derek and Jane’s health in prayer and in particular Jane who is recovering from surgery in February.

Pray for PCI Global Mission Workers Neil and Jenny Stewart and their family as they build relationships and get involved in their community.

Give thanks for the friendships they have made and the opportunities they have had so far to share with others why they are here.

GLOBAL MISSION WORKERS Naomi Keefe Brazil Da Caixa Postal 73 Codigo da agencia 32300018 AC Central Recife Avenida Guararapes 250 CEP 50010970 Brazil

Csaba & Ilona Veres Hungary Vörösmárty Mihály u. 18 Hajdúböszörmény 4220 Hungary

Derek & Jane French Spain Calle Lekueder 9, 4A 48940 Leioa Spain

Naomi & Thomas Leremore Kenya PO Box 23450-00100 Nairobi (GPO) Kenya

Gary & Mary Reid c/o Mission Department

Neil & Jenny Stewart Spain Calle Estartetxe 8, 4D 48940 Leioa Spain

Diane Cusick c/o Mission Department

Stephen & Angelina Cowan Kenya

Edwin & Anne Kibathi Partner Church Mission Workers - England 167 Wickhay Basildon Essex SS15 5AQ

Volker & JinHyeog Glissmann Malawi PO Box 30048 Chichiri Blantyre 3 Malawi

PCEA Tuum PO Box 13 Baragoi via Maralal 20601 Kenya

– 35

Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you forever; from generation to generation we will proclaim your praise Psalm 79:13

Presbyterian Women's Annual Confernece Saturday 16th May 2026 in Assembly Buildings, Belfast SESSION ONE | 10:30am - 11:45am Opening and Biblical Inspiration COFFEE BREAK | 11:45am - 12:25pm Refreshments and fellowship SESSION TWO | 12:30pm - 1:45pm Celebration – Word and Worship Praise led by Emma Smyth, Erin McBride and band.

This event is open to all women — an opportunity to join with women from across Ireland as we worship and celebrate all that God is doing in our lives and through his church. We come expectant to encounter him afresh and take his blessing back to our local churches and communities.

Guest Speaker - Jo Frost Jo is the newly appointed Executive Director at OCCA (the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics), having previously worked for eight years as the Director of communications and engagement at the Evangelical Alliance. She has been involved in local church and national Christian ministry for over 20 years, serving on leadership teams as well as planting churches in London and France. With an MA in public relations and public communications, she teaches, writes and preaches regularly on culture, mission, whole-life discipleship and leadership. Jo co-authored Being Human: A new lens for our cultural conversations and co-hosted the Being Human podcast, both with Peter Lynas.

She enjoys fresh coffee a bit too much, is a political news junkie and loves hosting parties in her community.

For more information go to www.presbyterianireland.org/pw or find us on Facebook - search @presbyterianwomen

Please note: This year’s Conference will be a half-day with tea/coffee and scones. It is a ticketed event. Book by scanning the QR Code or visit: www.presbyterianireland.org/pw/events