Report from Londonderry MWI
The Londonderry MWI are a relatively small bunch of lovely ladies drawn from both the Carlisle Rd and Clooney Hall congregations. They love the Lord, love life, laughter and lending a hand whenever they can. In recent times, the passing of several very loyal and faithful members has been deeply felt. The Mrs Sylvia McKeegan, May Lappin and Eleanor Campbell exercised their gifts of friendship and hospitality tirelessly, often arriving at MWI meetings with bags of goodies, knitted vests and teddies etc. for the container ministry and always ready to volunteer for the next job! We thank God for their faithfulness and for answered prayer as some new members have recently come along and encouraged us.
Meeting on the last Wednesday morning of the month, we have an interesting and variedprogram which includes lunch out in January and an outing in May. This year we had PSNI sharing valuable advice on personal protection and Ciber crime and most recently, were very impressed by the wide-ranging and compassionate work of Foyle Foodbank.
Another speaker took us on a ‘dander’ around our own city, to find out about the many famous and remarkable women who are commemorated with blue plaques eg. Amelia Earhart and Mrs. Cecil Frances Alexander, the famous hymn writer.
One of our most memorable meetings was entitled, ‘Living with a Heart Transplant’. It also happened to be a day when the MWI President, Mrs Alexa Browne was in the city and chose to visit. Our speaker, Michelle Crawford very eloquently told how, 33 years earlier, as a very ill ten-year-old, her household had been thrown into turmoil with the news that ‘a match’ had been found! We listened to the story unfold, the frightened and bewildered child asking,“Will it hurt?” and a consultant on his knees reassuring her about the journey ahead and the ‘magic medicine’ which would make her feel better. Michelle went on to tell of a personalencounter with Jesus which has been an integral part of her recovery and faith journey. Our hearts were very touched but none more so than her former GB leader and teacher Ms Frances Pitcaithley, a member of the branch who was present on the day.
They had such a wonderful time catching up afterwards over a cup of tea and we all left inspired and humbled, so thankful to God for his blessings!
The branch also loves to give and share when the opportunity arises. Apart from Easter Offerings and Mission box collections for WMP, we filled 30 shoeboxes at Christmas for The Samaritans Purse, donated to the Foodbank and had a stall at the church sale to raise funds for the Presidents Project. (Supporting the Homeless through three of the Methodist Missions in Ireland). May God continue to bless our fellowship in the coming year.
Maureen Young (All Ireland Finance Liaison Officer)
