On Saturday 23rd December we partnered with Ditty’s Home Bakery, Castledawson to give out 100 turkey dinners throughout the local community. Please continue to remember those in prayer who may be alone or struggling, not only at Christmas but throughout the year. A big thank you to Robert and Helen and their team for supplying us with each of the dinners.
Each Christmas since 2015 we have been blessed to have been able to give selection boxes to all of the men in Maghaberry Prison. We had the opportunity once again to work with Prison Chaplaincy to distribute over 1,200 gifts throughout the Prison. Our prayer continues to be that each man would personally know the true love and hope of Christ.
In addition earlier in December the Maghaberry choir took part in the annual Prison Carol Service. Choir continues to be an opportunity for men to gather and worship together twice a month on a Friday morning. This is also a place of encouragement, support and prayer.
Please continue to remember this outreach in prayer.
This past weekend we delivered 100 turkey dinners throughout the South Derry community. This time of year is difficult for so many, will you please keep those who are struggling or are living alone in your prayers at this time. A massive thank you to Robert and his team at Ditty’s Home Bakery, Castledawson for supplying us with each of the dinners.
We delivered just over 1,200 selection boxes this morning to Maghaberry Prison. Will you join with us in praying for all who will receive them over the next couple of weeks that they would know lasting peace and hope in Jesus.
2021 has continued to be another unexpected year with continued restrictions. Despite this we have continued our work in our local community of South Derry and beyond:
Local community
We have continued to reach out to show God’s love in practical ways to those who are most vulnerable in Maghera, Draperstown and surrounding rural communities. Most of our work continues to be with the elderly, those living alone, single parent families etc. Our Community Outreach Coordinator has continued her work by connecting and befriending via phone calls and when possible in-home visits or walks. She has continued to be available for prayer support and to run errands as needed especially for those who are immobile, have no family support or have been fearful to leave their home.
In addition we have:
Continued to pray over our community and land from the summit of Slieve Gallion mountain
Delivered 623 free meals
Delivered just over 600 free bread items donated to us weekly by Ditty’s Home Bakery, Castledawson
Delivered just over 100 free turkey dinners the weekend before Christmas supplied by Ditty’s Home Bakery
Delivered 30 food hampers the week before Christmas to those in need of encouragement and support in a season that is difficult and lonely for so many.
Delivered 30 packets of pancakes on Pancake Tuesday
Assisted the Maghera Cross Community Link with a BBQ in one of the local community housing estates.
We have been able to serve practically in different ways, i.e. cutting grass, yard clean up, providing furniture, small household jobs etc.
Maghaberry Prison
Due to restrictions we have been unable to visit the prisoners in person in Maghaberry Prison since March 2020 so we have continued to connect with the men from choir via Zoom and phone calls. We have also been able to connect and visit with men who have been released to encourage them as they adapt to life on the outside and get them connected with a local bible study. Due to a generous donation for the 7th year we were also able to deliver 1,200 selection boxes for all of the prisoners and staff in Maghaberry just prior to Christmas.
Bible study
Our men’s bible study continues weekly and has been an opportunity to bring men together from various denominations and traditions around the word and prayer. We continue to see these men grow in their faith and we see God moving in each of their lives.
As we step into 2022, we are ready to go and do what He wants us to do. Please continue to pray with us that we would be obedient to His call in each of our lives. We have never let go of our vision to see Ireland healed and restored in Jesus’ name, for people to encounter Him and walk in all of His fullness.
“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
2021 - Our year in review
This past weekend we delivered just over 100 turkey dinners throughout the South Derry community. Please keep those who are struggling or are living alone in your prayers as this can be a difficult time of year for so many. A massive thank you to Robert and his team at Ditty’s Home Bakery, Castledawson for supplying us with each of the dinners.
Unfortunately due to current restrictions we were unable to host our Community Christmas Dinner in Maghera this year so instead we delivered 95 turkey dinners and selection boxes to homes in the Maghera and Draperstown communities. Please keep these folks in your prayers, like so many they will be spending Christmas alone. Please pray that even while they may not have family and friends with them this Christmas that they would know the peace and presence of Christ with them.
A special thank you to Robert Ditty from Ditty’s Bakery, Castledawson for preparing all of the meals.
We delivered 1,200 selection boxes earlier this week to Maghaberry Prison for the prisoners and staff. Will you join with us in prayer as they are distributed by Prison Chaplaincy and that each person would know the true love of Jesus in their lives.
On Sunday 16th December we hosted our 3rd Annual free Community Christmas Dinner in Walsh’s Hotel, Maghera.
A big thank you to Sophie, Glenn and the Maghera Cross Community Link choir for singing. Thank you also to Allie Mae, The Byre, The Auction Room and Crawfords for providing some free door prizes.
Healing The Land, Mid Ulster Area.
