Amanda Cooper: Coleraine, New Row Presbyterian Church
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The work of a deaconess is as diverse as the personalities represented. However, we share common goals - a heart to see all people crown Jesus as King and Lord of their lives, and the practice of servanthood. My role in the family of New Row affords a wealth of opportunities to this end, as doors of homes and hearts are opened for different reasons in a pastoral context.
I am responsible largely for women's ministry among committed and fringe families. This entails involvement in two bi-weekly ladies Bible Studies, organising monthly social events (opportunities for friendship evangelism and a relational ministry of encouragement and support). Also, one-to-one ladies Bible Studies when required, often arising out of a counselling context. I coordinate a small Practical Care Team, which is under development. (It would be our prayer to expand and also add a pastoral dimension to its remit). I share the responsibility of organising our '55+' group (for retired members and friends of New Row), also teaching GB and BB Bible Class, and leading school assemblies locally. In addition to the above, however, the pastoral care of families, the sick, the bereaved, the counselling of women and a desire to grow the prayer-life of the congregation, remain priorities.
News from Coleraine:
The growth of our awareness and experience of God, our capacity to look at others through Christ-tinted glasses and, beyond sin-drenched faces, to see God in every person we meet, I believe, depends on two things. Firstly, our obedience to the Father's commands and, secondly, our commitment to our calling of servanthood, as Jesus-followers.
With this in mind then, how exciting to see the Spirit of God powerfully at His life-changing work in many lives in New Row. In answer to prayer our newly- established small, behind-the-scenes Care Team continued to serve many throughout the year in loving, practical ways. Little did I know that, due to a post-viral debility which I contracted after flu in October 2007 - which rendered me unable to walk at times or stand long enough to even boil a kettle and which kept me from service for eleven months - I would have been one of the recipients of their love, practical support and encouragement. They may never understand the full impact of their small kindnesses, but with every meal delivered, visit undertaken, lift driven, note of encouragement written and prayer whispered, Christ's love flooded into my family’s and my own heart. And the result? A manifestation of the Kingdom of God within our New Row family.
Not a moment of our lives is wasted under the sovereignty of God. And as I journeyed through last year, my Heavenly Father had much to teach me. I thank God for His faithfulness in being with me throughout my pain and suffering, and I trust the lessons learned will have further equipped me for a more humble, compassionate, loving future ministry among God’s people, especially women.
Dear Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name, raise up more servants like those on our Care Team, and with Christ As ouR Enabler, let Your Kingdom come! Make my life a window, Lord, through which Your light shines, and a mirror to reflect Your love. Amen.