“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord knowing that in the Lord, your labour is not in vain” (1 Cor. 15:58).
As we focussed once again on the outreach efforts of our missionary brothers and sisters we were encouraged by Paul’s words, that work we carry out in the Lord’s will does not return unrewarded. In listening to many reports, stories and prayer requests we have witnessed courage and obedience in the lives of our missionaries, the advancement of the gospel in their ministry and the Kingdom of God being added to through the grace and mercy of God.
The Women’s Fellowship (WF) held its sixth Missionary Update night by Zoom on Thursday 6 November 2025. Approximately 150 ladies joined together in groups or individually. Mrs Heather McCullough, WF President, welcomed everyone and read from Ephesians 2:1-10. Heather reminded us that it was because of the good news that these ladies had left birth families and church families in order to proclaim God’s grace in other places. Heather was able to introduce each of our speakers and also shared photographs and points for prayer.
Our first speaker was Miss Mary McCollum, based in George Royal Academy in South Africa. Mary shared a great answer to prayer that there had been a 100% pass rate by each student in each subject. Discouragements include some pupils leaving school and succumbing to the world’s temptations. Mary also requested us to pray for protection for young men (around age 18) who are expected to go through a coming-of-age ritual: ‘going to the bush’ can be demonic and disruptive to their Christian Spiritual growth. Mary reported that she was pleased with the development in the Leadership Group and is hopeful that, in time, these young people will be used by God.
Mrs Rachel Berrocal from Sevilla sent a pre-recorded video. It has been a difficult year, with a split in the congregation last June. However, she was grateful for the thirty people making up a new group and very excited about the new premises and opportunities already given to reach out those close by. God has provided encouragers in two Brazilians: Lamech and wife Carol and also Felipe and wife Larissa who actively seek to move the work forward through talking to their workmates, generous financial support and working with the young people. Rachel asked for prayer for her children to remain strong witnesses in a difficult spiritual environment.
Mrs Amy Roqué provided us with an update from Limerick. Amy was very thankful for the time the Strunk family had served with them and also for pulpit supplies but asked us to pray for a full-time pastor. The group now meet in an Arts Heritage Centre which was previously a Church of Ireland building. She expressed to us the joy of having two local Limerick ladies return faithfully to worship. However, due to the transient nature of modern life, the fellowship has lost a couple of families due to work relocation.
Next Mrs Ruth Peel joined us from Galway, where the recently-formed mother and toddlers’ group continues to thrive. We were asked to pray for the possibility of a new elder, Christian students facing antagonism, a lady who is involved in outreach in Mali, the Christmas Market outreach and a young girl who attends worship but whose parents are unsympathetic. We were uplifted to hear that Bethan Peel has been able to begin a Scripture Union group in her school and also for the good number of students attending church weekly.
Our final speaker was Mrs Heather Lyttle in Nantes. We learned about a new venture that had just begun that day: a crotchet class, led by Mrs Barbara Davies. Heather was thankful that fifteen ladies were able to attend and even more thankful that she didn’t have to lead it! English classes continue to be held on a Monday night with approximately 20 people attending 3 groups. We pray that this might provide openings to speak of Christ. We were asked to pray for one faithful believer going through a difficult and testing time. We were also reminded of God’s goodness and rejoice with Heather over Enoh and his upcoming baptism. Heather expressed her gratitude for an American girl, Nia, who works with GBU and has started three new CU groups.
Our thanks to Mrs Sarah McDonnell who manages all Zoom for our Mission Update evenings. Mrs Ruth Herron offered a vote of thanks, shared announcements and a concluding prayer. Some of the ladies who were meeting in groups continued in a time of prayer together whilst some ladies remained on zoom where five ladies prayed for each situation. Mrs Heather McCullough then closed the meeting with prayer.
Ruth Herron
This article first appeared in the Covenanter Witness, and it is reprinted here by permission.
