BRINGING YOU UP TO DATEThe entire proceeds from The Mission Shop go to support the work of Christ’s Church in very practical ways at home and around the world. We continue to be amazed at how God has blessed the work of The Mission Shop, which on average raises £1000 per week for the work of mission worldwide. We have had the privilege to be involved in many projects and we would like to outline the ways in which we, as a community of Christians in Saintfield, have been able to make a small difference.
Kenya:
Gary and Mary Reid with their young family have followed God’s call to serve as missionaries to the Maasai people of Kenya. Although they have not yet moved into Maasai land they have begun the construction of a home and school room there. While the Reids construct their home, an African evangelist, appointed by the Presbyterian Church of East Africa, has begun the work of sharing the gospel with the Maasai people. As a congregation, we have expressed our support of the Reid family by donating £7,000 towards the building of their home. We encourage you to pray for them—for good health and steady progress during this period of construction.
Irish Mission
Philip & Liz Kelso work with the Irish Mission in Carlow. Please continue to pray for this family as they seek to reach out to those who do not know Christ.
Project Romania:
We continue to support the very worthwhile work of Norman and Linda Patterson in Romania. Continue to pray for them especially at this time of the year when they are involved in the demanding role of hosting work teams.
Athletes in Action:
Athletes in Action: Athletes in Action is a worldwide Christian organisation, whose aim is ‘to win sportspeople in Ireland for Christ and build an effective movement of evangelism and discipleship’. Alan and Tanya Nixon head up the NI team and we show our support of the Nixon family by a monthly contribution. During this period they have received £2000.
Brazil:
We continue to maintain contact with the 2nd IPI (Independent Presbyterian Church) of Natal, through Pastor Hermany, who pastors the 2nd IPI and its four church plants, three of which are situated in the suburbs of Natal and the other inland in the town of São Tomé.
We have a particular interest in the work being done in São Tomé by Pastor Jadiel and his wife Flávia who has recently given birth to their first child. As a congregation, we have sent £4,624 to go towards the salary and support of this young family.
Philippines:“Helping Hands Ministries” is involved in hospital work, caring for sick and dying children in and around the city of Olongapo. Claire domingo is as busy as ever with the Children’s Recovery Unit, feeding programmes and Bible studies. But she was also involved in putting together an emergency team to respond to the mudslide on the southern island of Lafete in February. Claire and the team had many opportunities to minister to the victims of the disaster and also to a team of American marines sent to provide emergency relief. We were able to help in a small way by sending £1,000 to help with emergency supplies. Claire would like to return to Lafete with another team in a few months.
Please continue to pray for Claire, Meanne and Caleb as they prepare to return to Ireland for a brief period of rest and deputation.
Belfast City Mission:Billy McCullagh continues to oversee the work in Island Street in East Belfast. Billy was with us in December and it was encouraging to hear of the number of children attending boys and girls clubs and also the music clubs all of which meet on Wed evenings each week. We continue to offer prayerful and financial support of this vital ministry. | 
