Consider Christ at Ulster Covenant Day Centenary

A new tract in the series that travels under the 'Consider Christ' banner has been published in time for distribution at the Centenary Celebrations of the signing of the Ulster Covenant.

Written by Mr Robert Campbell, designed by Mark Thompson and printed by J.C Print, this tract both looks and reads well.

To date, 30,000 have been ordered, many thousands of which will be available for distribution on 'Ulster Day 2012.'

Many thanks to all who were involved in the production of this Gospel leaflet; some further copies are still available .... but unclaimed supplies are running low .... be quick if you wish to obtain a quantity.

Five Gospel Warnings

1. Substitute anything for Christ, and the Gospel is totally spoiled!

2. Add anything to Christ, and the Gospel ceases to be a pure Gospel!

3. Put anything between a person and Christ, and that person will neglect Christ for that very thing!

4. Spoil the proportions of Christ’s Gospel, and you spoil its efficacy!

5. Evangelical religion must be the Gospel, the whole Gospel and nothing but the Gospel.

[ J.C. Ryle, from his Tract: 'Evangelical Religion' ].

Outreach in Inishowen, Co. Donegal

The arrival of three students from the Whitefield College of the Bible on a two-week evangelistic programme allowed us to complete a stage in the Consider Christ project in Co. Donegal that we were unable to do in October 2010.

Then, the Inishowen penisula had been impossible to reach from our base in Rossknowlagh due to both distance and extreme weather conditions.

However, the central day in book our weeks of evangelism with the students (Wednesday 7 and Wednesday 14 September) was set aside for the purpose of taking the Gospel to Inishowen.

Thousands of homes received our specially designed 'Consider Christ' literature – one large tract (#2) based on the words of Isaiah 55, and the smaller leaflet, 'It's Time To Turn.'

Please pray for the spiritual seed that has been sown in this area; we desperately need our Lord to produce a harvest of souls.

ConsiderChrist.com

Over the summer period, the web domain "ConsiderChrist.com" became available.

We have been using "ConsiderChrist.info" for the initial stages in the Campaign.

The advantage of having "ConsiderChrist.com" is obvious.

The whole process was rather complex and drawn-out, and it is a testament to the perseverance of Stephen Hogg (Vision Solutions NI) and to the grace of God that we managed to secure this URL.

May the Lord be pleased to use it to expand His kingdom and exalt His Person and Work.

Outreach in Dublin

On Saturday 29th January, an outreach team of five young people travelled to Dublin via the train. 


Three of us met in Belfast and a further two joined us on the train at Portadown. 
The team comprised Aaron Fitzsimons, Andrew Simpson, Rachel Crawford, Henry Anderson and Clive Keys.

We arrived in Dublin just after nine o’clock. First, we had a look around for some suitable open-air locations. Then, we ate breakfast and headed out to hold the first of four open-air services.

The open-airs consisted of 'Bible Shots' (each team member reading a verse of scripture which God has used to speak to them or one that tells a simple Gospel truth) and then either Aaron or Andrew preaching a short, yet direct Gospel message. During the preaching a few team members would hand out tracts.

Henry led one of the meetings and gave his testimony at another, while Rachel and Clive also gave their testimonies, telling of God's saving grace in their lives!
 We believe each of these, were blessing to the hearts of some lost soul passing by!

“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6).

We pray that the planting, the watering and God speaking will prove to have been fulfilled on Saturday!

As a team and as individuals we did have to opportunity of speaking one-to-one with a number of people.

• God blessed Clive with the opportunity of witnessing to a man called Mark from England. He has a background of drug abuse, but there and then, during our first open air he gave his life to the Lord! We ask you to pray for this man that he would to grow in Christ, and also for Clive as he remains in contact with him.

• We also came across a Muslim called Owen. He stood and listened to what had been said during one of the open airs and, showing interest in what had been said, came over to ask more.
He was a young Irish man that claims to have tried many different religions and belief systems, ranging from Baptist to Mormonism. He also mentioned that he had read the 'Consider Christ' tracts from the leaflet drop that took place in Autumn last year!

A long conversation followed, one which took the form of a debate. Personally, after speaking with Owen, the confidence I have in Christ has not only stood fast, but it has been strengthened by the lack of evidence he showed for this lost faith.

• One other older man, Thomas, who I had the chance to engage in conversation with, wanted to understand what we preached - seeking knowledge however does not save a man. He had many problems with the Catholic Church which he belonged to, but those problems were set alongside problems he had with Protestant churches. Unfortunately his view of Protestantism has most likely been tainted by the teachings and actions of unbiblical 'so called' Protestant churches.
He seemed eager to know more, so I directed him to www.sermonaudio.com where he will be able to hear the true, faithful word of God being preached!

At times, the government acted as a deterrent to the Word when we were told, that we would be fined if we continued to evangelise through the handing out of leaflets!

In saying that, the overall response to the Gospel tracts given out was indifferent. Some took and kept them (possibly in fear of a €100 fine). However, others with the fine in view didn't litter the streets, but unfortunately filled the bins!

God's work has its ups and downs, we can only pray that those who kept the word will read it, and that God would speak to them and convict them of their sins!

The last open air was held at about 4:00pm and after a cup of coffee and a long-awaited rest we made our way back to the train station for 9.00pm. 
The journey home was expected to be quick, however, due to bomb scares in the North we experienced a short delay and a detour, causing us to get off the train in Newry and travel back to Belfast on a bus!

We would ask you to continually pray for the people of the South of Ireland as this campaign to win lost souls continues! Pray especially for the individuals mentioned in this short report.

We can and must pray, but when given the opportunity, let us also DO!




“For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” (James 2:26).

Detailed Report on Monaghan, Cavan & Louth Outreach

Fifteen people from various Free Presbyterian Churches made their way to the Four Seasons Hotel in Monaghan on the evening of Friday the 26th of November.

We were assembled together with the united objective of bringing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the border counties, specifically to the more major towns of Counties Monaghan, Cavan and Louth.

Throughout the weekend the fellowship was excellent and we certainly felt the nearness of God’s presence, particularly in a number of meetings together in the hotel for prayer and for meditation upon the Word of God. We can testify of the Lord’s goodness in help given throughout the weekend and particularly on the Saturday which was the main day of work.

In order to cover more ground, the team was divided in two with a number working in Monaghan town and travelling on to Cavan town and the rest working in Dundalk and then Drogheda.

• The group working in Monaghan, led by Rev David McLaughlin and Rev Larry Power, was joined by a number of believers from our Clogher Valley congregation including Rev Peter McIntyre and began the day with some door-to-door work in a couple of estates in and around Monaghan town before conducting an open-air service outside the courthouse in the town at which a number of gospel verses were quoted and Rev McLaughlin preached the Word whilst a number gave out the “Consider Christ” gospel tracts. One man was spoken to who seemed to show interest in the message proclaimed.

Moving into Cavan, the group then used the same routine of carrying out some door-to-door work in the area before returning to the town centre for another open-air which followed a similar format at which Rev McIntyre preached Christ to those who were nearby. This open air coincided with the switching on of the town’s Christmas lights and so there were a good number of people in the town able to hear the preaching of the gospel.

• The other group, led by Rev Smith, journeyed to Dundalk in the morning and were joined by around 6 others who had driven down for the day’s efforts. In Dundalk we had the opportunity to conduct an open-air at which two individuals gave a brief word of testimony as to the workings of the Lord in their lives, a number of others quoted a selection of verses from the bible before Rev Smith brought a message concerning Jesus Christ and the healing of the palsied man focussing particularly on those words “Son, thy sins be forgiven thee” (Mark 2:5). Although the town was relatively quiet, it was encouraging to see a number of people keenly listening from their cars as well as a few people who listened for short periods throughout.

One young man listened intently to the whole service and having spoken to a number of the team, told one of us that our efforts would not be in vain. Hearing that young man’s story is heartbreaking, yet we rejoice that if Christ is to save him, his life will turn in an instant from tragedy to triumph, certainly at least in relation to his soul.

Following the open air in Dundalk, the group made their way to Drogheda where we spent some time doing some door-to-door work in one of the estates before making our way back to the hotel in Monaghan.

One observation from speaking to people on the doors throughout all the towns targeted was that whilst in Northern Ireland the average person may not even confess to believing in a god, many in the Republic clearly believe in God, the challenge is to present the simplicity of the gospel to them that “being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).

The group enjoyed fellowship with the believers in Coragarry Free Presbyterian Church in Drum, and special thanks must go to the ladies of the congregation for providing a tasty lunch of soups, breads and a variety of deserts. It was a joy to have prolonged fellowship with the congregation throughout the afternoon before making our way home.

It is fair to say that the weather limited us in some regards as many of the roads were covered in ice, and so slowed down our travels, yet we thank the Lord for safety in transport. We thank the Lord for wisdom in speaking to people of Christ, for power given in the preaching of His word and especially for the sense of His presence throughout. We trust that He will use these small efforts made over the weekend for His own glory, and that even in time to come, the seed sown will be reaped in the extension of Christ’s kingdom into the Republic of Ireland.

Consider Christ to Feature on Anniversary DVD

After a little 'layoff,' a little snippet of news from 'Consider Christ' to relay today.

The Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster is currently producing a DVD to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the denomination.

The 'Consider Christ' project is set to feature within it.

Today, James McClelland took some footage of me giving a brief overview of the Campaign, including its origin and operation.

Hopefully we'll be able to say ... "Check this space" ... again soon!

Small Update to Website

The Consider Christ website has received a little 'facelift.'

The front page has been altered to include some clips from our outreach DVD.

Those who access the site will find some video as the stepping stone into the rest of the articles.

Consider Christ Now on Vimeo

We are now using Vimeo to host a number of video clips that were produced for our Consider Christ Outreach DVD.

Their own publicity states that, "Vimeo is a respectful community of creative people who are passionate about sharing the videos they make."

Please check us out at: http://vimeo.com/user5300539

And keep coming back - updates will be made whenever possible.

... Yet another means of sharing the Good News that is the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!

Incredible Outreach Opportunity

The opportunity to engage in open-air evangelism over the course of the Outreach Weekend was severely curtailed by the weather, diverting us from town centres to going door-to-door.

However, open-air meetings were conducted in Letterkenny, Donegal Town and Ballybofey (Co. Donegal) and in Dundalk and Drogheda (Co. Louth).

While each meeting underlined the providence and protection of God, none did more so than the opportunity that arose in Ballybofey.

The 15 people in this outreach group, making their way home to Co. Tyrone and Co. Londonderry, were delayed in leaving their base in Rossknowlagh through the length of time it took to clear the snow and ice from cars.

However, when we arrived in Ballybofey, drawing up in the carpark beside the famous McElhinney's store, we noticed a lorry that had been in use as a makeshift stage. A couple of men were setting up a sound system ... and we wondered ..... .

On asking permission to use the stage for a short Gospel service, we were directed to the office of the 'events manager,' who promptly agreed that we could make use of the stage. She explained that they had booked a brass band to perform during the time slot in which we had appeared; the band had been in contact to say that it would not be able to make it through the snow. Therefore 2o minutes were made available to us.

We commenced by singing, 'Would You Be Free From Your Burden of Sin, There's Power in the Blood,' gave our version (that's being kind to us!) of a few Christmas hymns, after which Rev. Jonathan Creane preached.

As we climbed down from the platform, a sense that God alone had opened this door for us was felt by all. We earnestly pray that our joy on earth will be combined with joy in heaven over a sinner in Ballybofey who may have been led to that repentance that day.

Brief Report on Outreach Weekend, 26-28 November

On Friday 26 November, two groups of volunteers, both young and old, converged on Rossknowlagh, Co Donegal, and Monaghan Town - our bases for outreach into the 5 Border Counties.

The plan was to present the Gospel under the 'Consider Christ' banner over the course of the next two days.

Though the weather was most unfavourable, we are delighted to report that open-air meetings were conducted in a variety of locations, including Dundalk, Drogheda, Letterkenny, Donegal Town and Ballybofey.

1000s of pieces of Gospel Literature were distributed, including copies of:

(i) the 2nd Tract that was produced for the use of the Consider Christ Campaign,

(ii) a new, short Tract on the subject of Repentance,

(iii) and DVDs containing short Gospel addresses (each address is 2-5 minutes in length).

The area covered was vast - and though it was never going to be possible to engage in a blanket coverage of the 5 Border Counties (the postal drop had done this), still the message of the Gospel was carried from Dunfanaghy on Co. Donegal's 'Atlantic Coast', right down to Sligo; through to Carrick-on-Shannon in south Leitrim; over to Monaghan and Cavan towns; and right across to the East coast in the form of Dundalk and Drogheda.

We are immensely grateful to the 60+ people who gave of their time and talents to be involved in this Outreach (including 10 ministers), and to God's people who earnestly prayed for the success of this project.

It was heartening to notice the many 'Consider Christ' billboards that were on display in all the major towns and along the main routes through these Counties; also to discover the people readily identified the 'Consider Christ' logo when approached in the street - some immediately said, "Oh, we got some of this material in the post."

A couple of journalists, (one of whom publishes a magazine for Irish speaking people), have since been in contact, asking for further details of this Campaign - and keen to publish articles on our Outreach efforts among the people of the Border Counties.

We continue to pray that the Lord alone will have been glorified through these efforts; that our hearts will be drawn to Consider Him more, and that many unconverted person will both Consider and Come to Christ.

Sample From The Consider Christ Outreach DVD

200 copies of the Gospel DVD have been made today, ready for distribution to those who show some interest in our materials during our outreach weekend.

Check out a sample here (links to other segments will appear later):

Why Did Jesus Die? Rev Ian Brown from Consider Christ on Vimeo.

A NEW Smaller Tract for our Outreach Portfolio

I am quite excited to be able to tell you about a NEW tract that is now 'on the drawing board' for use in the Consider Christ Outreach into the Border Counties.

Conscious of the fact that not everyone will completely read a tract that contains 900 words (Tract #2 in the Campaign) - thankfully some will! - we are also arranging to take a small DL leaflet on the subject of Repentance:

- one side features a thought-provoking graphic designed by Jason Ramasami (see above);

- the other side contains the following relevant Scriptures:

TIME TO TURN

• The first line of the first sermon that Jesus preached in public contained the command, “Repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:14-15).

• When those in the crowd to whom Peter preached were convinced by the gospel message, they asked him what they should do, and he counselled, “Repent.” Preaching the very next day, the same Apostle declared, “Repent ye therefore, and be converted that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 2:38; 3:19).

• As he reached the crux of his message on Mars’ Hill, Athens, the apostle Paul told his hearers that God, “now commandeth all men everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30). To press home the urgency of this repentance, Paul explained, “Because God hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that Man [Jesus] whom He hath ordained” (Acts 17:31).

Today ... it is Time for you to Turn. Turn from Sin, and Turn to the Saviour.

You cannot repent too soon, because you do not know how soon it may be too late.

Revised Application Form for Outreach Weekend

The above form is revised in that the location of one of the venues for outreach is changed from Kilkeel to Monaghan.

Not a massive alteration, since news of this change is already in circulation - but we include a revised Form in the interests of accuracy.

Deadline for Applications Fast Approaching!

The deadline for application to join the Consider Christ Outreach Weekend in the Border Counties is fast approaching.

This outreach is scheduled for next weekend; Friday 26 - Lord's Day 28 November 2010.

There are two venues:

1. CEF Centre, Rossknowlagh, Co Donegal

... from this location we will reach into Co. Donegal and Co. Leitrim.

2. Four Seasons Hotel, Monaghan

... from this location we will reach into Co. Monaghan, Cavan and Louth.

Please print off the Application Form available on this blog site and return them to either of the addresses stipulated, together with your deposit of £10 (entire cost of weekend = £50).

Please note that Wednesday of this week (24 November) is the deadline for applications.

PLAN OF ACTION

(i) We are meeting at each centre at 8pm on Friday, 26 November for fellowship and prayer;

(ii) then we intend to be on location from 10.30am - 6.00pm on Saturday,

(iii) and 11.00am - 4.00pm on the Lord's Day.

It's time to act ....... NOW!!

Tract #2 On The Drawing Board!

The second tract for use in personal outreach in the Second Phase of the Consider Christ Campaign was finalised today.

It should be printed towards the beginning of next week and will therefore be available for distribution in major towns belonging to the Five Border Counties next weekend.

Gospel Outreach DVD

12 noon was the start time for the production of a DVD to be used on Gospel Outreach in the Consider Christ Campaign.

It is hoped that this DVD will be ready for distribution when outreach teams converge on Monaghan Town and Rossknowlagh on the weekend of 26-28 November 2010.

Revs. Ian Brown, David McLaughlin, Robert Ormerod and David Smith each took turns at occupying 'the hot seat' to record messages for use on the DVD. (Rev. Ron Johnstone had been filmed at the weekend).

Initially, the benchmark had been set at 500-800 words ... after the 'first take' some trimming was deemed necessary.

The 'finished products' last between 1 min 54 sec and 5 min 31 sec..

Titles include:

'The Gospel'

'Why Did Jesus Die?'

'The Debt Is Paid'

'Sins Forgiven'

'Behold The Lamb'

'The Alphabet of Salvation'

'Three Great Anchors.'

Come and join with us in taking the Gospel via this medium to people in the 5 Border Counties – or assist with distribution by purchasing some (at modest cost) to pass on to your unconverted friends.

Change of Venue for Consider Christ Outreach

Today we have been able to negotiate a deal with the Four Seasons Hotel in Monaghan that will allow the group that will engage in Gospel Outreach in Counties Monaghan, Cavan and Louth to stay in, and work from, the heart of this area.

So, from Kilkeel ..... to Monaghan we go!

An amended Application Form will therefore be uploaded soon!

Pray For The Success Of The Gospel

Prayer is one of the best and most powerful means of helping forward the cause of Christ in the world.

It is a means within the reach of all who have the Spirit of adoption.

Not all believers have money to give to missions. Very few have great intellectual gifts, or extensive influence among men.

But all believers can pray for the success of the Gospel, and they ought to pray for it daily.

Many and marvellous are the answers to prayer which are recorded for our learning in the Bible.

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16).

[ Bishop J.C. Ryle ]

Application Form for Outreach Weekend 2010

An Application Form for the 'Consider Christ' Outreach Weekend to the Border Counties is available for download at the following link:

http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonid=6310856450

Scroll down the page until you come to the downloadable PDF file.

Alternatively, you can click on the image above, enlarge it, then save and print it!

Please complete and send it back to us ASAP:

• to me, Rev. Ian Brown, if you're coming to Rossknowlagh;

• to Rev. David Smith if you're going to Kilkeel.

Every blessing!