Well known Congo missionary is guest speaker at CWU harvest

Pictured at the Harvest Thanksgiving Service in Lisburn Christian Worker�s Union Hall on Sunday 8th October 2006 are L to R: (front) Pianist - Joanne Watterson and her daughter Louise, Joseph Lockhart, Bob McAllister, Robert Watson, Geoff Sloss and Gillian Sloss. (back row) Gordon Dawson, Mavis Ross, Michael McNeilly, Mary Moore, Robert Moore, Margaret Sharkey, Jean Kennedy and Billy McCleary.

Harvest Thanksgiving Services were held in the Lisburn Christian Worker�s Union on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th October. The speaker on Saturday evening was Pastor Trevor Brock from Great Victoria Street Baptist and the singers were the Donaghmore Quintet. On Sunday evening the speaker was Bob McAllister, a retired missionary from Armagh and the singer was Geoff Sloss from Ravarnet. Joanne Watterson presided at the piano.

Mr McAllister, a well-known retired WEC missionary, served many years with his wife Alma in the Congo. They survived the uprising, which took place there in the 1960s when many missionaries were brutally murdered. Drawing on his experiences from those years, he spoke on the text from John 12 v 24, �Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone; but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit�.

Those who had paid with their live for the cause of Christ in the Congo left behind a wonderful testimony of their faith, which has borne fruit even to the present day. He mentioned in particular Ruby Gray from Dromara who was speared and thrown to the crocodiles. Today a church is being built to commemorate the sacrifice she and others made for their faith.

Mr McAllister emphasised that it is only when we die to self and allow God to take control of our lives that we become useful vessels in His service.

The full story of Bob and Alma McAllister�s ministry is published in their book �In the Line of Fire� which is still available in Christian bookshops.