Thursday 10 December 2009

'Consider Christ' Tract #3 Now Ready!




I'm not long home from a whirlwind tour of the province, having collected Tract#3 in the 'Consider Christ' series and dropped copies off at various centres so that these tracts can be distributed to the churches who placed orders for them.

Vision Solutions NI and Every Home Crusade have done tremendous jobs on the tract; the colours have appeared exactly as intended – vibrant reds!

Friday 4 December 2009

'Consider Christ' Tracts – Christmas Edition



As a further extension of our 'Consider Christ' Campaign, a third tract will be coming off the presses of our printers on Monday morning.

This tract is a Christmas version.

We are mindful of the facts that:

• Many churches operate an outreach programme throughout the year, and often look for something that is themed for Christmas – in Londonderry, we go over into our city centre on the Saturday / Sunday before Christmas and have found that people are very receptive at this time of year;

• It will breathe fresh life into the ‘Consider Christ’ Campaign (complementing the bus adverts that are still going strong) - and helps keep the Lord Jesus Christ in the minds of the people;

• It can be used by our people who may wish to circulate the tracts in their own neighbourhoods / place them inside Christmas cards / etc..

May the Lord be pleased to favour this latest evangelistic venture with His blessing!

Wednesday 2 December 2009

Bishop J.C. Ryle on 'Considering Christ'


Today I have been thinking over a challenge from the former Bishop of Liverpool, J.C. Ryle:

"Let us cleave to Christ more closely,
love Him more heartily,
live to Him more thoroughly,
copy Him more exactly,
confess Him more boldly,
follow Him more fully."

(From 'Practical Religion' / 'Sickness' p.373).

These are exactly the motivating factors behind our 'Consider Christ' Campaign.

Monday 30 November 2009

Consider Christ 'Christmas Tract' On Drawing Board


For the past 5 years, an outreach team from Londonderry FPC has gone onto the Cityside on the Lord's Day before Christmas Day to hand out thousands of Gospel Tracts.

I was working on a new Gospel tract today with a view to getting it published for use on our outreach this year.

Seems a shame not to make it an extension to our 'Consider Christ' Campaign – and make a further concentrated attempt at impacting our city for God.

Further news will follow ... .

Meeting With CBS Outdoor Rep (Bus Ad Man)


Last Thursday I was eventually able to meet up with Jeff Smith again, the man responsible for organising the bus and shoplite advertising for the 'Consider Christ' Campaign.


He works for CBS Outdoor - with whom we signed a contract this Spring to supply:

• 8 billboards in Belfast,

• 60 shoplites across the country,


• 1000+ ads inside and outside buses that run under the Translink banner.

He was checking that we were satisfied with the coverage achieved by the Campaign. To say the least, we are delighted with it ... and especially when messages are coming in each day from people who are still seeing the 'Consider Christ' adverts on the buses!

For example:

• Last Thursday evening, 10 buses were spotted by one person in central Belfast;

• On Saturday, 3 buses were seen in Belfast, parked by the side of the road.

• Other reports have come in from various parts of the country, confirming that the bus campaign is still going strong!

Thursday 19 November 2009

Little Is Much When God Is In It!


When Rev M R Watkinson wrote to a government official in 1861, he could not have envisaged the repercussions!

Watkinson wrote, “I have felt our national shame in disowning God as not the least of our present national disasters.”

Several ministers of the Gospel were concerned that the nation was failing to recognise belief and dependence upon God and feared that history would deem that heathenism prevailed.

It was the action of the Pennsylvanian pastor that began a process that is now enshrined in American law. He suggested that every coin in the land should testify to their trust in God. His proposal was enthusiastically received and from 1864 every coin from the humble cent to a 1000 dollar note, which was introduced in 1966, has borne the motto, “In God we trust.”

More than that, President Dwight D Eisenhower authorised legislation that the motto of the United States of America would forever be, “In God we trust.”

If we all did something more for God with the same passion as Watkinson only eternity will reveal the consequences.

Source: US Dept. of the Treasury. Submitted by: D Browne.

Wednesday 18 November 2009

'Consider Christ' Getting Under Atheist's Skin!


Judging by a comment made by humanist spokesman Brian McClinton, the 'Consider Christ' Campaign has achieved much more publicity than he would have liked.

The British Humanist Association is advertising on billboards in each of the UK's capital cities: London, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast.

This promotion follows the atheist bus campaign run throughout Great Britain earlier this year when they re-broadcast the devil's lie: 'There is probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.'

Their new ad on Great Victoria Street, Belfast (NI's first humanist advertising campaign) features a photo of a girl and the slogan: "Please don't label me." It includes watermarks saying "Catholic child," and "Atheist child."

However, revealing his frustration at the success of the 'Consider Christ' Campaign, Mr McClinton added that the poster provided, "opposition to the near ubiquitous 'Consider Christ' ads that are currently covering most of our Translink buses."

When she read the article about the atheist ads on the BBC website, Joy Ovadal (Wisconsin, USA), asked, "I know that a lot of the buses do still have the Consider Christ ads, but would it be most of the Translink buses . . . or is the campaign just really getting to the humanists?!"

I responded, "It's certainly getting under their skin.

We placed 1000+ adverts on the buses (inside and outside) across the country .... and they are still going strong. I still get reports of multiple sightings of them, especially round Belfast, on a daily basis.

Some have commented along the lines, "Saw 4 buses while sitting in a restaurant today ... well, it may have been 2 buses going up, and then coming back down the street ... ."

I LOVE the term this atheist is using though: "the near ubiquitous 'Consider Christ' ads that are covering most of our Translink buses"!

"Ubiquitous" means, "existing or being everywhere, esp. at the same time; omnipresent - examples are 'ubiquitous fog'; 'ubiquitous little ants'.

And now ... near ubiquitous 'Consider Christ' ads!!

HALLELUJAH!!!"

An Omnipotent God who, in the words of this atheist, has now "near-omnipresent" ads on the transport system in Northern Ireland ...... it's a very refreshing thought!

Thursday 12 November 2009

Sharing Our Faith In Christ


While rummaging through some 'dusty corners' of my laptop tonight, I came across a poem I had saved for some future use.

That future use is .... now!

A Big Question

What purpose do we serve,
If we never have the nerve,
To share our faith,
...without reserve?
For fear we'll turn whoever off,
That some will turn away and scoff.
But keep it bottled up inside,
Because of pride.
We're to be forever bold,
Until our story's told
,
...and sold.
And then we'll know a joy untold,
And later get a crown of gold.
So we're to go our way,
And say our say,

Without delay,

...today
.
And it will pay,
When we go away,
Someday...to stay,
...I pray.

(Hal Weeks)

Monday 9 November 2009

Series of Messages on 'Consider Christ'

Rev. Paul Fitton, the minister of our church in Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, has recently completed a series of three messages on the theme, 'Consider Christ':

1. His PERSON

2. His PROVISION

3. His POWER

These are available for free download at the following locations on Sermon Audio:






Saturday 7 November 2009

Report on 'Consider Christ' in USA


While at Greenville, South Carolina, last week, Rev. Colin Mercer asked me to give a report on 'Consider Christ' to his new congregation.

I updated the Powerpoint presentation (well, Keynote - as it's on Mac!) and showed all 100+ slides at the mid-week Prayer Meeting in Greenville.

The message received a very enthusiastic welcome, reflected in both the prayer session and comments after the meeting.

Could this prove to be an excellent export from Ulster to USA? ... and to other places across the world as well?

Three-Quarters of Finance Received!


We are currently three-quarters of the way to our original target of £100,000.

So far, £76,000 has been raised through contributions from our churches and private individuals.

Now for the final push ..... .

Monday 26 October 2009

Another Soul Saved!


Just heard today of another convert through the 'Consider Christ' Campaign.

A local football manager was travelling behind a bus with a 'Consider Christ' advert on it.

This impacted upon him; he then attended a Gospel Mission in his town and came to Christ.

Friday 16 October 2009

Final Days of 'Consider Christ' Mission In Londonderry


"Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing," noted the hymnwriter. How accurate he is!

We have tried to harness the momentum generated by the province-wide 'Consider Christ' campaign by organising a two-week Gospel Mission in Londonderry. This commenced on Lord's Day, 4 October – the day our bus adverts were officially due to come to an end.

Those two weeks are now accelerating to their close.

Only two meetings left!

Tonight, I will be joined in the pulpit by two of the other organisers in the 'Doing Something More For God / Consider Christ' Campaign:

Rev. Robert Ormerod, who has been the evangelist throughout the Gospel Mission, will again be preaching (several of his messages have already been uploaded to Sermon Audio – www.sermonaudio.com/ianbrown – others will be put onto this site in due course);

Rev. David McLaughlin is coming along to testify. I have heard a brief outline of his testimony from his daughter; this has whetted my appetite to hear more of what the Lord has done in his life.

Many visitors have attended the mission, with numbers rising throughout this second week.

Please pray with us that the good seed being faithfully and passionately sown will yield an abundant harvest.



Monday 12 October 2009

Is It Worth While?


"Is it worth while?" is the title of a mini-article I read today.

It came from a most unusual source.

Yesterday afternoon my wife was given a copy of a small 'Magazine,' published by the Londonderry Baptist Church in September 1951.

On page 2 this brief illustration is reprinted from 'The Messenger':

"It is said that in the mines of South Africa 400 tons of dirt must be removed to get one ounce of diamond.

If we win only one soul to Christ with all our efforts, will it not be worth while?

Each sinner is a diamond in the rough, even though we do have to move lots of dirt to get to him."

I applied this to our 'Consider Christ' Campaign – and rejoice that with at least 2 souls led to the Saviour as a direct result of the Campaign so far, it has been all worth while!


'Consider Christ' Tract #2 (Rev. Colin Mercer)



In one of his first messages in the Greenville SC pulpit, Rev. Colin Mercer has preached on the words of Isaiah 55 – the text he used as a basis for writing the second tract for our 'Consider Christ' campaign.

Tune in and hear this quality gospel message, delivered with passion and blessing.

Thursday 8 October 2009

'Consider Christ' Tract #1 (Dr. Frank McClelland)



Dr. Frank McClelland (Toronto) 'touched base' with Northern Ireland during the month of September. We were delighted to welcome him to our Presbytery meeting at the beginning of that month.

On his return to Toronto (after a missionary trip to Kenya), Dr. McClelland preached his way through the first tract that was released in the 'Consider Christ' Campaign – 'The Alphabet of Salvation.'

Tune in to our brother's message; be challenged and comforted by his announcement of the old-time message of the Gospel of Grace.

Regional Rally – Drumglass High School, Dungannon

Drumglass High School was a hive of activity on Friday night as more than 300 people flocked to a specially convened evangelistic meeting. The rally was organised as part of the Free Presbyterian Church's province-wide 'Consider Christ' Campaign.

The Church had already arranged for every home in Northern Ireland to receive gospel literature, and for eye-catching posters to be displayed on billboards and buses.

The Dungannon venue was one of eight, strategically located to cover as much of the province as possible.

The meeting was conducted by local coordinator Rev Geoffrey Abraham (Aughnacloy), who extended a warm welcome to those gathered in the packed assembly hall. Also participating were Rev Paul Fitton (Dungannon), Rev Timothy Nelson (Sixmilecross), Rev Ian Brown (Londonderry) and soloist Mr Mark Clements (Magherafelt).

The special speaker at the rally was Rev John Morrow (Omagh). Mr Morrow reminded the audience that this year was the 150th anniversary of the great Ulster revival, and he affirmed that his message was the same as that so wonderfully used in 1859. Basing his remarks around the question, "What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?" (Matthew 27:22), Mr Morrow urged his hearers to consider their own relationship with God, and to be reconciled with Him through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Rev Abraham concluded the proceedings by thanking all who attended, making particular mention of the participants and of those who had worked hard behind the scenes to ensure the success of the meeting. He encouraged everyone to support follow-up events in their local congregations.

DVD recordings of the rally (£10) are available by contacting one of the sponsoring churches – Aughnacloy, Cookstown, Dungannon, Omagh or Sixmilecross.

[Report by Rev. Timothy Nelson]

Wednesday 7 October 2009

On The Buses




I received some photos from Jeff Smyth (CBS Outdoor Advertising) today, showing our posters on buses.

It is exciting to see that the message, 'Consider Christ' is still making its way round our province by means of the transport system.

A Translink worker in Londonderry sent a couple of prints of photos he had taken of buses bearing our logo that were in his bus depot. We gratefully acknowledge receipt of these.

Many thanks also to those who, camera at the ready, have taken photos of buses (or sent a message through identifying the locations where they spotted 'Consider Christ' buses) over the course of the last two weeks.

Monday 5 October 2009

1500+ 'Consider Christ' Invites to Primary Schools

A programme of visitation of Primary Schools in Londonderry was commenced on Thursday past and completed today. The purpose was to give out invitations to our 'Consider Christ' Bible Club (5-9 October) and our 'Consider Christ' Gospel Mission (4-18 October).

In total, 1500+ invitation cards were given out in 7 Primary Schools.

This is an excellent means of reaching many of the children of Primary School age in our city – and a means of contacting their parents.

Much thanks is due to the office and teaching staff of the Schools that received the invitations (and to those who posed for photos with me! - including Marilyn McCarter, pictured above). They gave me an enthusiastic welcome and have helped immensely in distributing our literature.

Regional Rally – Newry High School


On Friday night (2 October 2009) a large crowd of over 350 people gathered at the ‘Consider Christ’ Gospel Rally in Newry High School.

The event was one of four on the same evening across the province.

One of the co-ordinators Rev David Smith (Ardaragh) explained the background and purpose of the rally:

“The denomination has funded a distribution campaign into every home in Northern Ireland of some 750,000 gospel tracts, a poster campaign involving billboards and buses and eight regional rallies. The funding has come from the generous giving of the congregations who have been enthusiastic in their support and firms such as Vision Solutions in Belfast who have given of their experience and time. Also Every Home Crusade printed the tracts without charge as part of their vision to place gospel literature into every home.”


He added, “The purpose of this rally is to present the gospel message and give direction as to how a person may know God and the salvation of their soul.”


The meeting on Friday night was led by Rev William McDermott (Moneyslane), Rev James Porter (Markethill) opened in prayer. Rev David McMillan (Mullaglass) sang three solos. Mr Noel Shields (Mourne) read the scriptures from Luke chapter 19.

Rev Ian Harris then addressed the meeting. He took as his text the words of Pilate, “What shall I do with Jesus, which is called Christ.” He commented that while Pilate had ample opportunity to consider Christ, the time came when he must choose what to do with the Lord. Sadly, Pilate decided to hand him over to be crucified. Mr Harris went on to remind the gathered audience they too had a choice to make, they must reject Christ or accept Him. He urged any in the meeting who were not yet saved to realise the importance of having their sins forgiven and come to know Christ as their Saviour.

The meeting was concluded in prayer by Rev Raymond McLernon (Tullyvallen).


Mr Smith wishes to thank all those who attended the meeting, the Principal and board of Governors for the use of Newry High School and the caretaking staff for their help in holding this special service.

[Report by Rev. David Smith]

Regional Rally – Ballymena



On Friday 2 October 2009, over 500 people gathered at the ‘Consider Christ’ rally at Ballymena North Business and Recreation Centre. The meeting was held in conjunction with other rallies in Dungannon, Lisburn and Newry.

The Rev Robert Ormerod (Cloughmills FPC) led the meeting and opened in prayer. A group of young men from the Ballymena congregation sang two pieces and the Rev John Greer, the minister of Ballymena FPC, brought the closing word. He spoke on Zacchaeus (Luke 19) and noted the saving experience of Zacchaeus could be summed up in 4 steps:

1. A desire – v3 – ‘and he sought to see Jesus.’

2. A determination – v4 - ‘And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.’

3. A decision – v6 – ‘And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.’

4. A declaration – v9 – ‘This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.’

A word of thanks to all that helped in every way - Joseph Kennaway (piano), Joseph Greer (sound) and all the stewards and car-park attendants – it was greatly appreciated by all.

[Report by James Curran]

Some Billboards Are Still In Place!


Our deal with the advertising company, JC Decaux, for 35 billboards in various locations across the province (we had a further 8 x billboards with CBS Outdoor in the greater Belfast region) began on 7 September and ran to 21 September.

However, some have survived into an additional 2 x week cycle. I have been informed that the billboard @ Chapel Hill in Lisburn is still on display; I have just photographed the billboard @ Garden City, Londonderry.


Both of these are in key locations.


The interesting detail about the Londonderry billboard is that, when its 2 x week cycle expired, the other 2 companies who were advertising on this prismatic board were replaced with fresh adverts; only the 'Consider Christ' board was permitted to remain!

We view this as providential and rejoice that the Good News of Christ's Gospel is still being proclaimed to the hundreds of motorists/pedestrians who pass these locations each day.


Regional Rally – Lisburn LeisurePlex



About 500 people attended the Lisburn ‘Consider Christ’ gospel rally in Lagan Valley LeisurePlex on Friday evening, 2nd October.

The rallies, arranged by the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster as one of the stages in the ‘Consider Christ’ campaign, were also held in Belfast, Londonderry, Armagh, Enniskillen, Ballymena, Dungannon and Newry.


They are designed to encourage people who are living in a world without direction, certainty and hope to, ‘Consider Christ’.


The Rev Gordon Dane (Crossgar) led the Lisburn rally and the preacher was the Rev Trevor Baxter (Ballynahinch. Rev Thomas Martin (Lisburn), Rev Cairin Salt (Aghalee) and the Rev Dr Fred Greenfield (Dunmurry) also took part.


Linda Douglas (Lisburn) and Patricia Hamilton (Dromore) presided at the keyboards and led the hearty gospel praise, which included, ‘Would you be free from your burden and sin’ and ‘Sinner how thy heart is troubled’.


Dr Greenfield sang, ‘He was wounded for our transgressions’ and ‘The Prodigal’ and local gospel singers Kingdom Heirs sang, ‘At the cross’ and ‘There rose a Lamb’.


Basing his text on,
“For what shall it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36), the Rev Baxter spoke of - a word to make you think; a warning to make you tremble and a wonder to make you thankful.

Sunday 4 October 2009

Regional Rally – Devenish College, Enniskillen

On Friday 25th September 2009 the "Consider Christ" regional rally was held in Devenish College in Enniskillen. The Free Presbyterian Churches in Enniskillen, Kesh, Kilskeery, Fivemiletown (Clogher Valley) and Castlederg joined together to hold the rally.

During the fortnight before the rally the congregations of the local congregations gave out thousands of personal invitations which were supported by adverts in the local press and the main "Consider Christ" campaign.


A large gathering of just under 300 people, including many young people, attended the Enniskillen rally which was led by Dr Lindsay Wilson, Minister of the Castlederg congregation.

Rev Raymond Robinson, (Kesh) opened rally in prayer. Following a message in song by Mr Leigh Davis, Rev Peter McIntyre (Clogher Valley) gave a report on the Free Presbyterian outreach to the Irish National Ploughing Championship which had just ended the previous day in County Kildare (south of Dublin). Rev McIntyre was pleased to report that seven souls were gloriously saved.


Rev John Gray then preached a powerful message in the Gospel and we pray that even when the voice of man is silent this Word from the Lord will speak on to men and women.

[Report by Mr Ian Moore]

Regional Rally – The Big Tent, Armagh

Saturday 3 October 2009

Campaign Update on 'The Heart of the Matter'



An update on our 'Consider Christ' Campaign left interviewer Pastor Ralph Ovadal (Pilgrim's Covenant Church, Wisconsin, USA) both enthused and excited.

You can pick up the interview here on the 25 September edition of 'Heart of the Matter.' The segment relating to the Campaign begins at 29:16 ... 'Rev. Ian Brown – Saturating Northern Ireland with the Gospel Message.'


Thursday 1 October 2009

'Consider Christ' Trailer Advert in Tandragee


Due to the fact that the church building in Tandragee is set back from the main thoroughfare, the minister of the congregation, Rev. Samuel Murray, enquired if it would be possible to receive a smaller 'billboard-style' poster instead of the banners that were being supplied to churches. His idea was to have a trailer built to carry this sign – giving him a portable means of advertising that would permit him to display the message at a good location in the town.

Vision Solutions NI scaled the large 48-sheet billboards down to 8' x 4', a member of the Tandragee church made the trailer – and the result appears in the photograph above.

Currently this excellent sign is positioned by the side of the main Tandragee/Portadown road, in the line of vision of hundreds of motorists each day.

Tuesday 29 September 2009

Regional Rally – Grove Wellbeing Centre, Belfast




Approximately 450 people converged just outside Belfast city centre for the 'Consider Christ' regional rally in the Grove Wellbeing Centre on York Road.

Representatives from fifteen Free Presbyterian congregations stretching from Portavogie in the east to Carrickfergus in the north and including churches in the Greater Belfast area were present at this rally.

The meeting took the form of an old fashioned gospel service. The
programme of events were as follows:

• Rev. Alan Smiley (Ballygowan) led the community singing.

• Rev. David McLaughlin (Carryduff) led the service and testified of the miraculous power of the grace of God in his life.

• Dr. I R K Paisley (Martyrs Memorial) offered the opening prayer.

• The soloist was Mrs. Helen McGill, and Mr. Jeff Hammond played the organ.


• The scripture reading was by the Rev. Brian McClung from Newtownabbey.

• The preacher on this occasion was Rev. Thomas Murray preached a heart-warming message based on John 14:6the motto text of the Gospel Advertising Campaign.

• Closing prayer was by the Rev. David Priestley (Bangor).

The Lord’s presence was experienced; continue to pray that the spirit of God will work in the hearts and lives of the many unsaved that attended on the night and that the Lord of the harvest will gather in the souls of the lost.

A DVD of this meeting will be available soon from our sound engineer, Mr. John Palmer.

A Willing Band Of Helpers!





It's all systems go at Mount Merrion FPC at the moment!

In tandem with their Family Conference (just finished last night, 28 September 2009), a large quantity of the second tract prepared for the 'Consider Christ' Campaign was distributed in the area surrounding their church in Mount Merrion, Belfast.

This work would not have been possible without individual involvement – some to place church invitations within the tracts, and others to deliver them to people in the community.

The pictures that illustrate this article clearly demonstrate that Rev. Paul Thompson has found in his family a willing band of helpers for this project!

May the Lord bless the efforts of His servants to the reaching of many souls in their area.


Monday 28 September 2009

Two Thirds of Necessary Finance Now Received


Two-thirds of the £100,000 needed for the 'Consider Christ' Campaign has now been received.

Contributions from 37 of our churches, plus several private gifts, have realised this total. For this we are extremely thankful.

Do continue to pray that the remaining monies will be brought in over the course of the next few weeks.

Next Set of Regional Rallies – 02/10/2008


On Friday evening, 2 October 2009, the second set of 4 Regional Rallies will be held.

The four locations are in a 'diamond' formation across our country (tightening in a little from last week):

North: BALLYMENA

Ballymena North Business and Recreation Centre
120 Cushendall Road

Ballymena

BT43 6HB


South: NEWRY

Newry High School
23 Ashgrove Road

Newry

BT34 1QN


East: LISBURN

Lagan Valley LeisurePlex Conference Centre
18 Lisburn Leisure Park

Lisburn

BT28 1LP

West: DUNGANNON

Drumglass High School
Carland Road

Dungannon

BT71 4AA

Each meeting begins @ 8:00pm and features an old-time Gospel Mission Service.

Please plan to be there – and bring your friends!

Friday 25 September 2009

Regional Rally – Lisneal College, Londonderry



250+ people converged on the location for the most northernly venue for the 'Consider Christ' Regional Rallies tonight – Lisneal College in Londonderry.

Eight congregations that are a considerable distance apart were channelled into this Rally ... Bushmills, Coleraine, Convoy, Garvagh, Limavady, Magherafelt, Mulvin and Londonderry.

The meeting took the form of an old-fashioned Gospel Meeting. The programme of events featured:

Leading / Soloist: Rev. William McCrea (Magherafelt);

Opening Prayer: Rev. Andrew Patterson (Garvagh);

Testimony: Rev. Maurice Baxter (Mulvin);

Message: Rev. Ian Brown (Londonderry).

The Lord's presence was manifest among us and we continue to pray that as we 'cast our bread upon the waters,' much fruit will return to the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

A DVD of this meeting will be available soon.

Thursday 24 September 2009

The Buses Are Beginning To Roll


To add to the 'Consider Christ' buses that have been seen in Belfast, reports are coming in of sightings in Londonderry, Newtownabbey, Newtownards and Coleraine.

In fact, as I knocked doors as part of a 20-strong Outreach Team in Londonderry last night, a man jumped out of his car and came striding across the road towards his house. When he recognised the symbol on the literature I was giving out, he said that he had seen "three or four of those on buses today."

It turned out that he worked in Coleraine, had noticed the buses there, and went on to comment that someone in his office thinks the campaign is "great."

Tuesday 22 September 2009

Local Press Coverage (Enniskillen)


The ministers who will be attending the 'Consider Christ' Regional Rally in Enniskillen this weekend contacted the local press to make the public aware of the Campaign meeting.

The 'Impartial Reporter' sent along a photographer and composed an article based on information the ministers provided to the paper.

Standing in front of our Billboard in Enniskillen are (l–r): Revs. Larry Power (Coragarry), John Morrow (Omagh), John Gray (Enniskillen), Lindsay Wilson (Castlederg), Raymond Robinson (Kesh) and Peter McIntyre (Clogher Valley).

The current Campaign presents us with a golden opportunity to contact the press and obtain good positive coverage – and, more especially, to proclaim the glorious message of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to the people of our local villages, towns and cities.

Monday 21 September 2009

Now You See It ..... Billboard Campaign Ending


It will be very sad to see our billboards come down across the country.

Today is officially the last day for them to be on public display, however, given the fact that some of them appeared on Monday 7 September, and others were put up on later days of the same week, we will get the full value of our two-week advertising cycle.

On the way to the Scripture Union at Wellington College today, I detoured into Short Strand and took a photo of the 'Consider Christ' billboard at the entrance to this housing estate
.

Just as well I took the picture then!

One hour later,
with the meeting in Wellington College over, I drove past the same spot at Short Strand – only to discover that a new poster had been pasted over the top of ours.

Like I said, it's sad to see them disappearing ....... .

'Consider Christ' @ Wellington College SU



Some members of the 'Consider Christ' sub-committee were privileged to speak to the Scripture Union @ Wellington College, Belfast, this afternoon.

This meeting had been organised by Miriam McLaughlin (daughter of Rev. David McLaughlin, Carryduff). She eagerly rallied support for the cause, putting up special posters to advertise the meeting, and encouraging her friends to attend.

A Powerpoint Presentation of the Campaign was shown; after which a number of questions were answered. Approximately 30 were present.

It's an honour to be able to take the news of our Campaign to young people. We pray that our Lord will fire them with enthusiasm to, "Do something more for God."


Saturday 19 September 2009

Regional Rallies – 4 Rallies Next Week!


On Friday evening, 25 September 2009, 4 of our Regional Rallies will be held.

The four locations are in a 'diamond' formation across our country:

North: LONDONDERRY

Lisneal College
70 Crescent Link Road
Londonderry
BT47 2DD

South: ARMAGH

The Big Tent
Portadown Road [A3]
(Opposite Fruitfield Service Station –
Between Corcreevy Road and Legacorry Road)
Richhill
Co. Armagh

East: BELFAST

Grove Wellbeing Centre
120 York Road
Belfast
BT15 3HF

West: ENNISKILLEN

Devenish College
Algeo Drive
Derrychara
Enniskillen
BT74 6JL

Each meeting begins @ 8:00pm and features an old-time Gospel Mission Service.

Please plan to be there – and bring your friends!


'Consider Christ' Featured in the 'Good News'


'Good News' is the name of the newsheet published by the Revival Movement Association.

In the September 2009 edition of this leaflet, our 'Consider Christ' Campaign receives prominent coverage
.

Several photographs of the production of our first tract are carried, in addition to an accompanying article that reads:

During the month of September the Free Presbyterian Church have arranged to hold a major Evangelistic campaign in Northern Ireland entitled 'Consider Christ.' They will be using various advertising means to conduct the campaign.

Part of the campaign is to place a Gospel Leaflet into Every Home, so we agreed to print and freely supply these leaflets for this Outreach programme. The Post Office required 741,000 copies for their delivery to each home.


This required us to print 13 reels of paper, each weighing 750 kgs – with a piece of new equipment we were able to print the reels in colour on both sides of the sheet.


Our delivery date was suddenly brought forward which meant all the leaflets had to be folded, packed and labelled in just a few days. This meant that we had teams working for two nights in order to complete the work.


Please pray for this major outreach – that many souls will be brought to the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour.


We are expecting to take delivery of 120 tonnes of paper costing over £60,000.00. Please continue to pray regarding all the financial needs of the ministry and that literature will continue to be a blessing.


Yours for a Great Revival,


Samuel Adams

Clive Allen.

Friday 18 September 2009

The First Photos of 'Consider Christ' Bus Adverts!


Rev. Brian McClung, minister of Newtownabbey FPC, has sent me the first photos of the 'Consider Christ' adverts on buses.

He tells me that, "Some have been on since Thursday."

This is excellent, as the bus ads were not due to appear until Monday, 21 September.

The BIG question is .....

..... though they are booked for a 2 x week advertising cycle, how long after that will we still be able to spot some bus ads??!!

Thursday 17 September 2009

Tract #2 To Be Distributed Through Our Churches


A first look at the finished version of Tract #2.

This tract is a departure from the autumnal colours that characterised the designs for Tract #1, our billboards, shoplites and banners.

This was intentional, as we needed to make this tract recognisable as part of our 'Consider Christ' Campaign, and yet make it sufficiently different in appearance so that people would not think they had already received this copy.

Now for 300,000 of these to start combing their way across Ulster!

Tract #2 Coming Off The Presses!



I was able to witness part of the production of our 'Consider Christ' Tract #2 today while at the Revival Movement Association in Kinallen.

A view of the factory floor from an upper tier allowed me to see piles of our tracts, already printed and waiting to be trimmed and folded.

Demonstrations of both these processes were given before thousands of tracts were loaded into my car for distribution on the trip home.

(Flying) Visit to HQ of Revival Movement Assocation



As part of a 6+ hour road tour today, I called in at the new Headquarters of the Revival Movement Association – the gospel literature printing house that has been responsible for printing Tracts #1 and #2 for our 'Consider Christ' Campaign.

I had the honour of meeting some of the staff.

Unfortunately my notoriety went before me. They all seemed to have heard of me (!) - and instantly recognised me as the guy who forced round-the-clock shifts on them in a desperate effort to meet the Royal Mail deadline for presentation of our 750,000 tracts for door-to-door distribution.

"Oh, ... Ian Brown ... eh? ;)"!

My son Joel and I had a very enjoyable whirlwind tour of the new factory and stood mesmerised at the sight of the some of the machinery that was functioning at high capacity. However, the sound of the same machinery prevented any meaningful conversation – even with the resident blog-artist, Gary Boal!

Further photos can be viewed on our Facebook Group, 'Doing Something More For God.'

To all the staff at RMA, we send a heart-felt "Thank You!"