DECEMBER 2018/ JANUARY 2019
CARING IN GOD’S WORLD
Amelie Gray wins the Moderator’s art competition
GO MAKE DISCIPLES…
FAILURES OR EXAMPLES?
Equipping young people for ministry Challenging our attitudes to poverty
NEW BOOKS BY LOCAL AUTHOR
Colin Tinsley NO ORDINARY JOURNEY you read of the power of one life, the importance of one decision and the value of one soul. Colin Tinsley is a man who experienced the love of Christ for him. This in turn allowed him to discover the love of Christ for children all around the world.
This is Colin’s story – of how God has used a simple country boy to reach thousands of children each year – all to the glory of God!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Youth Residential Starting from £36pp Day Trips Starting from £12pp Colin Tinsley has been teaching the Bible to children for almost 20 years. Together with his wife Joanna, they run a very busy children’s ministry called “Hope for Youth Ministries.”
In this book, as the reader makes their way through the 50 short biographies, they will quickly realise that the majority of these famous Christians faced many unfavourable circumstances in life. They were just normal people who had a passion in their hearts for winning souls and were willing to surrender their personal ambitions for the cause of Christ. The line-up includes sportsstars, sailors and shoemakers; doctors, farmers and mill-girls! Crucially, God hasn’t changed: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. He still seeks Christians who love Him and want to shake the world on His behalf. This book will inspire children to put God first in their lives and will assure them that God can use them to build His kingdom. Colin testifies: “As a child, I dreamed of serving God but never thought I was qualified. However, after serving Him full-time for over 20 years, I can humbly proclaim that God delights in picking up and using the simple things of this world!”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Colin Tinsley has authored and published 35 books for children. He established ‘Hope for Youth Ministries’ which is based in Northern Ireland.
www.hopeforyouthministries.org
Colin Tinsley
£9.99
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‘HERALDCAC’ About the author
info@carrowmena.co.uk
The ministry has taken teams on over 75 international mission trips, with 50 of these to Poland where his wife, Joanna comes from. Colin has conducted almost 1,000 Bible Clubs and Missions, which have taken him into over 500 public schools. Colin’s greatest passion in life is teaching the Bible to children and encouraging BIBLE ALIVE them to commit their lives to God at a young age. SERIES Price £4.99 Colin Tinsley colin tinsley book games COVER.indd 1
Colin Tinsley
Price £4.99
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colin@hopeforyouthministries.org
Joanna & Colin Tinsley
Colin Tinsley has authored and published 35 books for children. He established ‘Hope for Youth Ministries’ which is based in Northern Ireland.
Colin Tinsley
www.carrowmena.co.uk
He can be contacted on 028 9753 3716 or 07880 542885 or email
About the author
Colin Tinsley has authored and published 35 books for children. He established ‘Hope for Youth Ministries’ which is based in Northern Ireland.
02877763431
09/05/2018 19:42
Children love to play games and have fun! In this book, Colin introduces children to Bible stories that contain elements of fun and excitement. Children will read about a short man who climbed a tree to see Jesus, a prophet who played Hide-and-Seek with an evil king and was the fastest runner in history! In his own unique style, Colin tells these stories in a fun and engaging way that challenges children on important truths in the Bible. Each lesson is beautifully illustrated and has questions to prompt discussion and application. At the end of each story, there is a prayer that will encourage children to talk to God about what they have learned and how it can change their life.
Angels are fascinating beings and nearly every book of the Bible refers to them. Many children are only familiar with angels because of their involvement in the Christmas story. In this book, Colin retells eleven other occasions where angels interrupted people’s daily lives to deliver important messages from God. Each lesson is beautifully illustrated and has questions to prompt discussion and application. At the end of each story, there is a prayer that will encourage children to talk to God about what they have learned and how it can change their life.
The ministry has taken teams on over 75 international mission trips, with 50 of these to Poland where his wife, Joanna comes from. Colin has conducted almost 1,000 Bible Clubs and Missions, which have taken him into over 500 public schools. Colin’s greatest passion in life is teaching the Bible to children and encouraging them to commit their lives to God at a young age.
Colin Tinsley
Bible Games
Bible Games
Joanna & Colin Tinsley
BIBLE ALIVE SERIES
09/05/2018 19:42
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The ministry has taken teams on over 75 international mission trips, with 50 of these to Poland where his wife, Joanna comes from. Colin has conducted almost 1,000 Bible Clubs and Missions, which have taken him into over 500 public schools. Colin’s greatest passion in life is teaching the Bible to children and encouraging them to commit their lives to God at a young age.
Colin Tinsley
Price £4.99
Colin Tinsley
Colin Tinsley has authored and published 35 books for children. He established ‘Hope for Youth Ministries’ which is based in Northern Ireland.
Colin Tinsley
Binevenagh Mountain & much more
Local Church Information Available
The ministry has taken teams on over 75 international mission trips, with 50 of these to Poland where his wife, Joanna comes from. Colin has conducted almost 1,000 Bible Clubs and Missions, which have taken him into over 500 public schools. Colin’s greatest passion in life is teaching the Bible to children and encouraging them to commit their lives to God at a young age.
He can also show a short DVD of his work which is very inspiring.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Colin Tinsley has authored and published 35 books for children. He established ‘Hope for Youth Ministries’ which is based in Northern Ireland.
- BBQ Area
17/04/2018 10:39
06/10/2017 16:13
Each lesson is beautifully illustrated and has questions to prompt discussion and application. At the end of each story, there is a prayer that will encourage children to talk to God about what they have learned and how it can change their life.
About the author
- Close to Benone Beach, Giants Causeway,
Price £6.99
Families are a vital part of society, but sadly many of them have complicated problems that affect every member. It is therefore of utmost importance that children understand the blessings of the family unit, yet still be assured that God will care for them even if their own family situation is far from ideal. Using beautiful illustrations, Colin shows children the benefits of loving family relationships, but also how many Bible characters overcame the challenges of their dysfunctional homes to fulfil God’s calling for their lives.
Joanna & Colin Tinsley
In this book, Colin tells the story of twelve animals that are mentioned in the Bible. Children will be absorbed as they read about a talking donkey, a group of bears chasing children and ravens delivering food. All these stories are in the Bible and Colin draws important lessons from them that children can apply to their lives every day. Each lesson is beautifully illustrated and has questions to prompt discussion and application. At the end of each story, there is a prayer that will encourage children to talk to God about what they have learned and how it can change their life.
- Catering & Self Catering Available
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Colin Tinsley
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- 21 Wet & Dry Activities
The ministry has taken teams on over 75 international mission trips, with 50 of these to Poland where his wife, Joanna comes from. Colin has conducted almost 1,000 Bible Clubs and Missions, which have taken him into over 500 public schools. Colin’s greatest passion in life is teaching the Bible to children and encouraging them to commit their lives to God at a young age.
Joanna & Colin Tinsley
In addition to presiding over 800 Missions and Bible clubs throughout Northern Ireland, they have taken over 50 teams on International mission trips. Colin has authored and published 30 books for children and young people.
When children hear of the exploits that famous Christians from years gone by accomplished for God they are fascinated! However, all too often, we instinctively assume that such men and women had privileged upbringings or were extremely gifted. As a consequence, the challenge to follow in their footsteps wanes.
Colin tells his story
Prepare to laugh, but be ready to cry as you share in moments of highest ecstasy before plunging to depths of despair. One thing is, however, undeniable: the very hand of God is traceable on every page.
Colin is available to tell his story, full of fun, romance and how God has used him and his artist wife Joanna to reach thousands of children with the gospel.
50 FAMOUS CHRISTIANS Colin Tinsley
In this gripping book, Colin tells how he met his wife Joanna in Poland and how he gave up a career in the retail industry with Marks & Spencer to enter full-time Christian work, traveling thousands of miles around Northern Ireland and overseas each year, sharing the Gospel message under the banner of “Hope for Youth Ministries.”
50 FAMOUS CHRISTIANS
Joanna & Colin Tinsley
NO ORDINARY JOURNEY
In the pages of the book
09/05/2018 19:43
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BIBLE ALIVE SERIES
Colin Tinsley 09/05/2018 19:42
24/09/2018 18:45
Your Legacy Of Hope And Care
- a gift in your Will to Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke
A gift in your Will to NICHS could not only help your loved ones, but leave a legacy of hope for generations to come. In Northern Ireland almost half of all adult deaths are caused by chest, heart and stroke illnesses. NICHS are working to change this through funding research and caring for those who are affected by devastating health conditions every day. A gift to us in your Will could be invested in critical local
research that will change the future for families at risk from our biggest killers. The smallest investment can lead to the biggest breakthrough.
For a leaflet or further information on leaving a legacy to NICHS, please call us on: 028 9032 0184, or write to NICHS Gifts in Wills, 21 Dublin Road, Belfast, BT2 7HB
Please visit our website to see how our Medical Research Programme has already supported groundbreaking projects and is committed to many more over the coming years. www.nichs.org.uk
Charity Reg No. NIC103593 NICHS_legacy AD_Pres Herald.indd 1
20/04/2016 21:49
CONTENTS | DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019
FEATURES 14 The gift of Christmas
Ballywalter Presbyterian reaches out into the community
16 Shaking up Christmas Moderator’s seasonal message
18 The welfare challenge
The consequences of welfare reform
20 Blue Christmas
A difficult time of the year for some
22 Seeking safety
2018 World Development Appeal
36 Learning to share
New PCI resource for congregations
38 Christmas myths
Common misconceptions about the nativity story
40 Faith that moves mountains
Seeking safety p22
Interview with Mphatso Nguluwe from Malawi
42 Easing the stress
The work of the Presbyterian Children’s Society
44 Quiet times that bear fruit The challenge of spending time alone with God
REGULARS
4 6 8 9 13 26 27 35 46 48 52 53 54
The gift of Christmas p14
Letters News In this month… My story Life lessons As I see it Mission Connect Talking points Reviews Life in PCI Crossword Betsy Cameron Arthur Clarke
Blue Christmas p20
CONTRIBUTORS Ruth Sanderson lives in Co Down with her husband Harry. She is a freelance radio/television presenter and producer.
Alan Meban attends Kilmakee Presbyterian Church and writes about culture and politics as Alan in Belfast on his own blog and Slugger O’Toole.
Lindsay Conway is Secretary of PCI’s Council for Social Witness. He is also clerk of session at West Church, Bangor.
James McCormick is PCI’s Head of Creative Production. He is a member of Cregagh Presbyterian, is married to Cathy and has two daughters, Katie (10) and Emily (5).
Cover illustration: Jennifer Davison Dec. 2018/Jan. 2019 No 817 £2.00 (€2.40) Published by: The Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Assembly Buildings, Belfast BT1 6DW. T: +44 (0)28 9032 2284 E: herald@presbyterianireland.org W: www.presbyterianireland.org
Editor: Sarah Harding Subscriptions and Advertising: Lisa Skinner; Suzanne Hamilton; Phil Alcorn Design and Layout: Edward Connolly Printing: Nicholson and Bass Ltd.
The views expressed in the features, news reports, letters and book reviews of this magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor. Editorial comment and signed articles do not necessarily contain the official views of the Church, which can be laid down only by the General Assembly. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply endorsement of the goods or services. The Editor reserves the right to decline any advertisement or letter without assigning any reason. Letters may be edited for publication. No correspondence can be entered into regarding non-publication of advertisements or letters.
The Presbyterian Church in Ireland is a Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC104483); Registered Charity in Republic of Ireland (20015695).
Herald December 2018/January 2019
3
NEWS | PCI
News Home manager’s farewell party
Moderator, Dr Charles McMullen, and Caroline Crawford surrounded by Harold McCauley staff.
Staff, residents, residents’ families, local support committee members and CSW senior management bid a very fond farewell to Caroline Crawford, home manager for 26 years at Harold McCauley House nursing home in Omagh, at a special celebration in October. Caroline was there from the very beginning and everyone wanted to thank her for her dedicated service to the home over the years. A special thanksgiving service was held at which both Omagh County Primary and Omagh Academy choirs sang (the Moderator’s former schools). Moderator, Dr Charles McMullen, and his wife Barbara were special guests on the day and Dr McMullen gave the address.
World Development Appeal The 2018 World Development Appeal was launched on 23 October. The emphasis of this year’s appeal, entitled ‘Seeking Safety’, is on the long-term challenges and action needed for good and sustainable support in dangerous places, with a particular focus on the importance of gender justice. The partner communities being highlighted in the 2018 Appeal are in Ariquemes, Brazil. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, congregations are invited to encourage their members to give generously to this year’s World Development Appeal. Information on the appeal has been distributed to congregations and is also available online at www.presbyterianireland.org Further details on p22.
Digital course The supporting active engagement team from Advice NI recently joined with PCI key staff to give a presentation on the ‘Rights 4 Seniors’ digital course. This digital inclusion project offers a 10-week training programme to people aged 55 and above on using the internet. It teaches basic digital skills as well as email, social media and making complaints online, and allows participants to access their rights and entitlements. The project also provides free and confidential benefit checks and volunteering opportunities. For further information about the digital course contact Lumturi Podrimaj (project manager) at Lumturi@adviceni.net; and Alasdair Sim (digital support and information officer) at Alasdair@adviceni.net Following the presentation, Council for Social Witness senior management availed of the services of Advice NI to ensure that all relevant benefits for Willow Brook residents are being received.
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Herald December 2018/January 2019
Moderator’s appeal for Indonesia Back in October the Presbyterian Moderator, Dr Charles McMullen, launched a special appeal for Indonesia, where tens of thousands of people are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance following the recent devastating earthquake and tsunami. The earthquake struck off the coast of Central Sulawesi on 28 September measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale, triggering a tsunami with waves 18 feet high. It has been reported that more than 1.5 million people have been affected by this double disaster, which has killed at least 2,000 people and left nearly 70,000 displaced. Tens of thousands of homes have been destroyed and entire communities have been decimated. Infrastructure has been damaged in the form of hospitals, roads and bridges, limiting access to clean water, food, shelter and medical help. In anticipation of a generous response from congregations, the Church has already released £60,000/€67,800 to be distributed to its relief and development partners, Christian Aid and Tearfund. Both organisations are already working through their partners on the ground to get food, shelter and medical help to those in need. A third will also go to PCI’s partner organisation, the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (CCI), which is also working on the ground. Thanks are due to those who have already given generously. To date, £50,000 has been raised and donations will continue to be collected across PCI churches over the Advent and Christmas period. Donations can also be made via the website: www.presbyterianireland.org/appeals In launching the appeal, Dr McMullen said, “I am calling on Presbyterian members and congregations to respond in a generous and timely way…I also encourage members to pray earnestly for those who are experiencing such unimaginable suffering.”
Visits to Malawian pastors Representatives of the Council for Global Mission’s leadership development committee recently travelled to Aberdeen to meet with three Malawian pastors who were attending a summer school linked to their PhD distance studies at the University of Aberdeen. They are supported by grants from PCI’s Lindsay Memorial Fund and are very appreciative of this support. They request prayer as they balance their studies with ongoing ministries and life with their families. Pictured are (l-r) Rev Brian Theu, Rev David Kawanga, Rev John Faris, Mrs Isobel McAuley and Rev Thomas Nyang’ama.
Find out more on www.presbyterianireland.org
Events
DIARY DATES
The organ in contemporary praise
December
For many congregations, the organ remains the primary and preferred accompaniment for praise in Sunday worship. If so, we can be locked into thinking that this restricts the choice of praise to traditional psalms, hymns and songs. But could it be that the organ is a more versatile instrument than we have imagined or explored? How can we creatively harness organ music in the service of more contemporary praise? What are the challenges and opportunities? ‘The organ in contemporary praise’ event in Killead Presbyterian Church on Saturday 26 January, from 10.30am-12.30pm, will explore all of these questions and will also offer some hands-on examples and practical ideas for extending your congregation’s repertoire of praise. The price is £5 per person and places can be booked at www.presbyterianireland.org/Events/ The-organ-in-contemporary-praise.aspx. The deadline is Wednesday 23 January.
Personnel news David and Pamela McCullagh completed their assignment with Scripture Union in Malawi at the end of September and the family returned to Ireland. David was installed into ministry in Annalong Presbyterian Church on 16 November. Diane Cusick has been on home assignment since September and is engaged in deputation. She is due to return to Zambia in early 2019. Earlier this year Chris and Rachel Humphries were accepted by the Council for Global Mission for service in Portugal. They hope to depart for Porto in late February to work with the church plant team in Senhora da Hora, Porto. They have two young children, Ezra and Abigail. Csaba and Ilona Veres plan to be in Ireland on home assignment in early 2019 and will be undertaking deputation (Csaba from mid-January to early February and Ilona from mid-February to early March). Derek French is due to be in Ireland in February for a couple of weeks to undertake deputation engagements.
Taking Care refresher training First Lurgan – Monday 3 Templepatrick – Wednesday 5
Family Holiday Booking for the annual PCI holiday is now open. It offers a great opportunity for families of all shapes and sizes to enjoy a mix of relaxation, fun activities and time together with God. The 2019 event is taking place at Castlewellan Castle between 23-26 April. Please book early to avoid disappointment Further information can be found at www.presbyterianireland. org/familyholiday
Recognition awards Assembly Buildings – Friday 14
January Emerge
Registration deadline – Friday 18
The organ in contemporary praise Killead Presbyterian – Saturday 26
Transform 2019 Andy Carroll is guest speaker at Transform, which will take place at Assembly Buildings, Belfast on 12-13 April.
February Youth Assembly
Assembly Buildings, Belfast – Saturday 9
Youth Assembly
EMERGE 2019
Leadership Development Programme
PCI’s Youth Assembly will take place on Saturday, 9 February 2019 from 2pm-9pm in Assembly Buildings, Belfast.
Emerge session one
Lowe Memorial, Belfast – Friday 22 Union Road, Magherafelt – Saturday 23
Resources
March Daily Advent prayer guide ‘Hope of all the Earth’ is an uplifting daily prayer resource from SAT7 to help you pray for the Middle East and north Africa this Advent. This is the region where hope itself was born when Jesus came to earth over 2000 years ago, and it is a region that desperately needs the hope that Jesus offers. The prayer guide journeys through Iran, Egypt and Turkey, and features inspiring daily reflections for each day of Advent. It also includes country profiles and personal stories of hope from the region. For more information and to order the prayer guide, go to www.sat7uk.org/pci
Emerge session two
Lowe Memorial, Belfast – Saturday 30 Union Road, Magherafelt – Saturday 30
April
Tides Sign up to Tides – a resource which provides a daily rhythm of Bible reading and prayer through a regular email arriving at the start of each weekday morning. Tides provides a section of God’s Word to read, a short reflection sharing what this could look like in our lives, and a simple way to respond. To sign up, visit www.presbyterianireland.org/tides
Transform
Assembly Buildings, Belfast – Friday 12 to Saturday 13
Family Holiday
Castlewellan Castle – Tuesday 23 to Friday 26
Herald December 2018/January 2019
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CONGREGATIONAL STORY
The gift of Christmas Rev Gareth Simpson describes how his congregation of Ballywalter has been reaching out to the local community at Christmas.
O
n Friday 8 and Saturday 9 December 2017 a very rare thing happened in the life of the village of Ballywalter; it snowed all weekend. Thick snow lay on the ground, making everything white and rendering driving conditions less than pleasant. We aren’t used to that sort of weather here on the sandy shores of the Ards Peninsula. On that very same dark, frosty but undeniably ‘Christmassy’ weekend, Ballywalter Presbyterian Church opened its doors wide to share the bright hope and soul-warming joy found in the truth of Jesus’ birth. For many years, our congregation has stated its aim as being ‘an active presence for Jesus’ in Ballywalter and the surrounding area and indeed to the ends of the earth. We wanted to raise the profile of our church within the village. We knew, from talking to our friends and family members, that many of them held some vague intention of one day coming to church and in some cases coming back to church, but it never made it to the top of the priority list. Some of them said they would like to come to church but felt uncertain and even intimidated about the prospect of crossing our threshold into an environment now so unknown and unfamiliar to them. A new family to our church had even told us that the first week they plucked up the courage to come, having been invited by a friend, they sat in the car park watching as we all filtered in, then they left and went home, too daunted to come in.
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Herald December 2018/January 2019
And so the idea for ‘The Gift: A Bethlehem Experience’ was born in 2016. We know that sharing our faith is best done, not through big events but through our day-to-day relationships with our friends, our work colleagues and our family, but we wanted to do something fun, welcoming and non-threatening to invite our friends and family to. We wanted to reclaim Christmas for the gospel and use it to draw others closer to God. Our preparations were intense but satisfying, exciting and in many ways edifying. Rather than being weakened and fatigued through our efforts, as a church family we grew in strength, in relationship and in faith through working alongside one another. The ladies met together with their sewing machines to make costumes from the unwanted fabric and curtains donated by members of the church. The set team bonded over hours of sweat, long days, late nights and love poured into the construction of our scenes. The grotto team gathered decorations and planned a magical trail to see Santa, spurring us all on with their enthusiasm and attention to detail. Games and crafts were planned and an animal shed was built to house our stable
We wanted to reclaim Christmas for the gospel and use it to draw others closer to God.
of animals. Our vision was big but we knew that our God is bigger. It was all hands on deck. Our congregation is a varied mix: people from a farming or fishing background, people who have grown up in the village, ‘blow-ins’ new to the village, people who have retired to the seaside and people who commute to Belfast for work. ‘The Gift’ gave everyone the opportunity to get involved. People who came to church on a Sunday but remained on the periphery of church life got involved. As the shepherds and the wise men were drawn to Bethlehem by our Saviour over 2000 years ago, we found that he continued to draw us. We were drawn further in to relationship with each other, into church life and ultimately to Jesus. People said they had been lifelong members of the congregation but had now for the first time formed relationships with people they had often seen but never before spoken to. And so, because of the relationships formed through the preparations for ‘The Gift’ it wasn’t just that initial invitation to church that became easier to accept. Even within the body of our church invitations have often become easier to accept; the encouragement to join the prayer meeting or to come along to the discipleship course, the opportunity to get involved in an organisation or even just the offer to come round for a chat over a cuppa – all have become less intimidating, more attractive prospects.
Most of all…people talked to us about the warmth of our welcome. It would be an understatement to say we were taken by surprise by the interest in this event in 2016. We promoted it for a few weeks in the church and through social media and then on an advertised date we launched our free tickets through Facebook. We anticipated weeks of promoting and plugging this everywhere we went. But in fact, our 400 places were snapped up within three hours of becoming available. So instead of promoting and plugging, we spent weeks manoeuvring to add availability. As we sat back to reflect in the aftermath of 2016 we realised how God had used ‘The Gift’ in the body of our congregation and we knew that our profile had certainly been raised in the community, but we wondered if our target audience had somehow been missed. Many of the people who came along were our brothers and sisters in Christ, coming from other churches spread far and wide to support and encourage us. We were delighted to have them but we were worried that the people we really wanted to cross our threshold had been missed. So, in 2017 we decided to give it another go. We would open our doors once again for this Bethlehem experience. This time with some differences. We advertised more widely throughout our village and we put notices in the primary school bulletin. Before the free tickets went on general release through the internet, we launched them at out GB enrolment service when lots of families
were at church. We also promoted them through our BB and our mums and tots group. We gave our members an extended time to access tickets for their families and friends and some of our school mums held an afternoon at the school gates to distribute tickets to their fellow mums. We wanted the people in our everyday lives to accept our invitation to come into our church to hear our news about the greatest ever gift.
And so, during the coldest weekend Ballywalter had seen in a generation, over 700 people, undeterred by the weather, accepted our invitation to celebrate Christmas Bethlehem-style. They were invited to crafts, games and tasty treats in our halls. They met animals, including a donkey in our outdoor stable, and they visited Santa in his beautiful grotto to remind us of the gracious giver of all gifts. But best of all and before all of that… our guests were greeted at the doors of our church by a clatter of Roman soldiers warming themselves by peat fires. They were welcomed in and offered
a warm Christmas drink. They were herded together and compelled to sign the Bethlehem census before a Roman town crier guided them in groups of 30 through scenes of that miraculous night so long ago. They saw the beauty of the angels, they spoke with stinky shepherds, witnessed the wise men cower before a frightening Herod and then got all the news and gossip from the innkeepers before at long last they made it to the stable where Mary and Joseph introduced Jesus – the greatest ever gift, the baby who would grow into the perfect man, who lived and died for us; the baby who brought hope, peace and perfect love into our world. He will one day come again and will undo everything evil and sad – that truly is a reason for joy and a gift worth accepting. Afterwards people spoke to us about how beautiful and meaningful the tour of Bethlehem was. Most of all though, people talked to us about the warmth of our welcome. They spoke of the friendliness of our people and the joyful servant hearts they saw in action that weekend. The research and the statistics tell us that big events like our Bethlehem event aren’t effective in drawing new people to church and to faith in Christ, however this is what will: God’s people displaying Jesus, the aroma of Christ out in the world with a simple invitation to ‘come and see’. Merry Christmas. Herald December 2018/January 2019
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