Irish Mission: William Workman - Athy & Naas
I have been working in Athy and Naas since May 1989, previous to that I was in Londonderry for three years. My wife Sandra was very much involved in the work with me until 1998 when she was diagnosed with cancer. Sandra sadly died in August 2009 after a long and brave battle with cancer.
When we first moved here we worked in three towns, Carlow, Athy and Naas. Philip Kelso took over our work in Carlow and it has been a great encouragement to see how the Lord has continued to bless the work there. William lives just outside Athy in the village of Ballylinan. Athy is approximately 50 miles south of Dublin and Naas is 22 miles from Athy, towards Dublin. Rev. Colin Gamble is the minister of Athy and Naas Presbyterian Church and lives in Naas. My work in Naas has become less over the years, mainly due to lack of helpers to run children’s meetings etc. I still organise outreach each summer consisting of a weeks’ Holiday Bible Club in the Scouts Den and a mission based in the Presbyterian Church.
My main outreach is in Athy, and it consists of visitation, children’s meetings, youth work, Bible studies, missions, summer outreach, church services and community work.
News from Athy & Naas
Summer Newsletter 09
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” Philippians 4:6
“with thanksgiving”
1. - It has been great to have a mix of ages and backgrounds and nationalities attending.
2. - For favourable weather on Tuesday mornings, for meaningful conversations with passers by. For all who have accepted leaflets or bought books/Bibles.
3. - For those who attend regularly. For those who listen and ask thoughtful questions.
4. - For the young folk who attend. They had a great time on a recent visit to the north. For spiritual conversations which occasionally arise with the teens.
5. - For premises for the outreach, for accommodation, some is already arranged; for teams from America and Northern Ireland
6. - For safety on all the youth club trips, and the weekly ferrying of children, teens and adults. For rescuing Claire from a car accident with only minor injuries.
7. - For keeping us safe in God’s love and care through all the ups and downs of life.
8. - For the care of doctors and nurses. Sandra now receives chemo every 14 days in Naas, which is more convenient than Dublin.
9. - For faithful preaching and loyal members in Athy. For a warm, and well-maintained church building.
10. - For the many local people we know, for those who help with the meetings, especially Claire and Breda, for many friends and supporters.
“by prayer and petition”
1. - God’s Word to bring fruit in peoples’ lives.
2. - People to stop and talk, to respond to invitations to meetings and clubs.
3. - More children to attend; children’s lives to be changed, as they understand the gospel.
4. - That the teenagers’ hearts would be softened to God’s Word.
5. - That there would be good numbers attending the summer outreach in Carlow from 6 to 10 July; in Athy from 13 to 24 July.
6. - For all the transport of youth and adults, that we may be kept safe on the roads.
7. - For us to put on God’s armour to protect us from all the fiery darts of the wicked one. Remember Claire and Jeremy who hope to marry in August.
8. - Sandra is becoming weaker, and it is uncertain that the chemotherapy will be effective but Romans 8:38-39 is our guarantee.
9. - Wise decisions concerning the proposed union of Athy and Carlow congregations under a minister yet to be appointed.
10. - Pray we may be wise, patient and loving as we try to serve Christians and unbelievers.
William & Sandra Workman