Kenny Clements

Regular attendance at Sunday school and Church was an integral part of family life when I was growing up.  The influence and example of my parents and those involved in our congregation had a positive effect on my formative years.  It was a challenge from one of my Sunday School teachers that first began the work of the holy spirit in my life.

The assurance that he often spoke of was something I knew deep down I did not have.  It was during a mission held in our church in 1970 that I came to experience that assurance of my sins having been forgiven and knowing Christ as my saviour.  During that mission, quite a few became Christians including many young people and we were very much helped to grow by the influence of the late Henry Gray and his wife Mary.  The example they gave in terms of giving of their time and God-given talents is one of the reasons why I along with others remain involved in the life of the congregation today.  The good news of the gospel has the same power to transform lives today and give the true meaning of life that so many are seeking.

My Christian faith has always been a roll up your sleeves one as this is the example that Christ gives us.  If Christ gave a helping hand to those in need, then we need to follow that example.

As a couple, Janet and I are approved foster carers for the local Health Trust and see this as an opportunity to give a helping hand to others experiencing difficulties of various kinds.  I still feel passionately about the role of our church and although we face many challenges we need to thank God that he is in control and will lead and guide us into the future.

May each of us exercise the obedience he calls us to and together see his kingdom come where he has placed us.

David Young
I was brought up as a child in the country going to Sunday school and church, as I moved into my teenage years the things of the world were of more interest to me than the church.  After I got married to Joy I started attending church and it was during a vacancy and probably for the first time I started to listen to what was being said.

I can remember clearly, leaving church one Sunday knowing in my heart that I needed to get right with God.  One night as I tossed and turned and found sleep impossible as I was under so much conviction of sin I gave up trying to sleep and went into the front room, knelt down beside the sofa and best as I knew how I prayed "Jesus, I believe you are the son of God and I want You in my life".

I went back to bed and as I lay there I worried if God would accept me.  Just as the Bible says, "the peace of God which passeth all understanding" came into my soul and I just knew I had been forgiven. 

I now know that it was Gods holy spirit drawing me to himself and I am so thankful to Him because I do not deserve any of his goodness, his grace or mercy.

My prayer would be as I live my life at home, at work or within church life that others would be drawn to our lovely saviour.  I know that I fail Him many times and let him down but he is such a forgiving God and picks us up again and again when we fail.