Mission Night marked the end of this year’s Synod meetings and the Ballyclabber meeting house was packed, with over 220 in attendance. The focus was on our mission work in France, specifically Église Nantes Nord.
Prior to his main address, Andrew was interviewed by Mr Osy Graham who, in his engaging way, was able to glean some lesser-known facts about his interviewee. These included Andrew’s upbringing in a very mission-oriented home, his being led from an enjoyable teaching career in Ballymena Academy to train for ministry and, in time, with Heather, to join Rev. Malcolm and Mrs Muriel Ball in Nantes. We also learned of his sporting interests and of the dilemma facing Matthieu in deciding whether to support Ireland or France on big sporting occasions.
In his address, ‘This Glorious Ministry’, Rev. Lytle drew upon his fifteen years’ experience and continued the theme of ‘encouragement’ which emerged throughout the week of Synod. Ministry is a spiritual battle and we can all take direction from the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:1-6:
1. We do not lose heart in our glorious ministry (v1)
2. We do not tamper with the Gospel message (V2)
3. We refuse to magnify the messenger (v5)
In closing, it seemed very appropriate to agree that the retiring collection should go to a lady in Nantes who has recently been forced to give up everything, including her marriage, for the cause of Christ. Our Committee gives thanks that Andrew was able to be with us throughout Synod; we give thanks to the ladies of Ballyclabber for a delicious supper; and we continue to commend all our mission works to your ongoing prayers.
Brian Dunwoody
This article first appeared in the Covenanter Witness, and it is reprinted here by kind permission.
