D.L.

That summer arrived and we were on the move! The caravan was packed. Our destination was Donegal, near Downings and Carrigart, to a remote Caravan site, one of the few ones that did not have internet! Yes, when I told this to my kids, their response was much expected – DAD!! I wanted to be in a place where we could enjoy nature, and many friends told me that Donegal was the place to go. 

Well, I listened, and I found the only caravan site that was as far away as possible from civilisation, at the very top of the Island. However, getting there became a little bit of an adventure, as I missed the turn. It was getting late, and we ended up driving the caravan (7m long) on a tight and narrow road, praying that no one was coming in the opposite direction as we were very close to the edge of the cliff. 

We were very exposed, but thankfully, there was no wind. Then, almost one by one, they spoke up, saying, “Dad, I need to go to the toilet!” With no sight of the caravan site and being lost, this was not what I wanted to hear, and it was too dangerous to let them out of the van, so I drove a little bit further only to find a lovely home, and without even thinking about it, I pulled into their car park. 

I got out and walked to the front door, hoping to find mercy and compassion, and we did. A lovely lady opened the door, and I told them we were lost and that our kids needed the loo! With a smile on her face and with my cheeky request, she said that I had taken the long and most challenging way and that if I carried on for another 10 minutes, I would find the caravan site sign pointing me to turn to the left, and she was right! Then, she opened her front door, and we all marched to the toilet! That was my first encounter with the people of Donegal. 

At the end of May this year, we will leave Ballynahinch Presbyterian Church and become the new Minister of Dunfanaghy and Carrigart Presbyterian Churches. I will also be leading the Bewglas Centre. I know the Lord opened this door for us; this was very clear as both churches’ call was unanimous, and I am so thankful for that. I am looking forward to see God’s plan unfolding and be part of it.

But we are people with emotions, and we have made friends over the last seven years in First Ballynahinch, and it is only natural that I will miss them. I will remain the minister of First until almost the end of May and will be installed on the last Sunday of May (evening service) in Donegal. So, there is still time to say goodbye and to see God’s plan unfold in Ballynahinch. 

Please pray for us; moving is not easy!

This Sunday at First, I will preach about the discipline of Surrendering, of Submitting to God’s will, and of Yielding to God’s purposes. This message is as much for me and my family as it is for First Church. 

“Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I also send you.” After saying this, he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”(John 20:21-22 CSB17)