I grew up in Aghadowey and attended the Presbyterian Church where I went to Sunday School and Girls Auxiliary. On a few occasions I went to Girls Auxiliary camp, where we had the opportunity of meeting missionaries. As a child, I was inspired by their testimonies and how they were living and sharing their faith in many different countries. The GA motto was Philippians Ch 4 v 13 ‘For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength’. I have often thought of that verse when I have been challenged by difficulties through life.
When we married I became a member of Moneydig Presbyterian Church, where our three children were baptised and nurtured in the faith. It wasn’t until I was diagnosed with a serious illness that I came to know Jesus as my Saviour. In the weeks before my illness I had been challenged during the Sunday services and realised afterwards that God had been speaking to me and preparing me for what lay ahead. When I went into hospital, many people prayed for us as a family and I experienced a peace, the peace that passes all understanding that only God can give. It was very real to me and I knew that whatever happened God would be with me always.
Having been a member of PW for a long time, my involvement there and in other church activities now has a new and deeper meaning. In later years I served as PW leader and taught in Sunday School.
Looking back on my life I thank God that He spared me to enjoy my family. The arrival of five lovely grandchildren has been a real blessing to us.
During lockdown a constant source of encouragement for me has come from reading Scripture and praying. We have had to deal with many changes in our lives over the last few months but as we look forward to spring, we know God’s faithfulness never changes. Lamentations Ch 3 v 22,23 – ‘The faithful love of the Lord never ends. His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness, His mercies begin afresh each morning’.