At a leaders’ meeting in Brookeborough Rev Chris Walpole suggested that a Lay Witness Weekend could be good for our congregation. Heather Boland and Allen McCartney came to explain. The seed lay dormant for a few more meetings, but it was one of those ‘annoying’ things that kept cropping up in ‘matters arising from the minutes’. The concept of Lay Witness is that it should be lay led. None of the leaders felt that God was leading them to take on that role. We made a pulpit announcement. Mrs. Ruth Coalter offered to be co-ordinator. The rest, as they say, is history.

 Ruth gathered a small team around her. Mr. Ronnie Strong, from our Ballymoney congregation was appointed by the Lay Witness Movement as their team leader. For nine months the preparations continued. Then two weeks before the mission, Glengormley Youth Choir came to prepare our hearts. They were a great blessing in their own right. Five people responded to the appeal.

 Alongside the work that was going on locally, Ronnie was gathering a suitable team to lead the programme that was planned in partnership. Every member of the team had a vital role to play. The first public event was a congregational meal. Outside caterers meant that our own ladies could attend the Evening Celebration that followed it. The men met for breakfast next morning. No sooner was this over than the coffee mornings were under way, attended by 75 people. There was also a children’s workshop and praise time in the morning. The young people had an Italian/Indian meal before the evening celebration in the church. Next morning the team led an open Sunday School and morning worship.

 In all of these events members of the Lay Witness Team shared of their experiences of God, and their stories. Hearts were touched. Tears were shed. Lives were changed. Souls were saved. Fellowship was deepened. Many recommitted their lives to God. New life has been breathed into our church. The Kingdom of Heaven continues to grow in the hearts and lives of those who have been open to have Christ come and rule in their lives.

 The weekend concluded with a service of thanksgiving on the Sunday evening. Thirteen people came forward to share what the weekend meant to them. It was very evident to everyone in that church that not only had the seed grown, it had borne fruit. Fruit that would last. As a Minister I would like to commend the Lay Witness Movement to other congregations. It is one of the most positive things that is happening within our church. This weekend has been the highlight of my ministry so far. I had the privilege of witnessing God’s Holy Spirit moving among our people and in my own life. A sincere thanks to all the Lay Witnesses, both visiting and local. 

Andrew Kingston  - Minister