January 2023 MWI All Ireland President’s Letter
Happy New Year to all Methodist Ladies!
It’s the time of year when we look back and we look forward – for some looking back, 2022 was filled with happy memories, the family wedding, the gift of a new baby, the good medical result or achieving the grade to get into University or chosen school.
For others, it was sad memories, the death of a loved one, the disappointment of not getting good news concerning your health, not getting to the school or University of your choice, that friend who had let you down, feeling lonely and unloved, sad because your branch of MWI did not get going again, the list goes on and on.
Let’s not dwell on the past but look forward in Faith and Confidence that our God is our Refuge and Strength in all situations in life. He promises to “Never leave us or forsake us” Chronicles 28 v 20.
Here are some verses to help us fight our fears during 2023,
Psalm 23 says “Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for you are with me”.
Deuteronomy 31 v 6-8 says “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid the Lord your God is with you”.
Hebrews 13 v6 says “So we say with confidence “The Lord is my helper”. I will not be afraid – What can mere mortals do to me?
As I look back on my MWI visits, November has been a very interesting month. I visited Fivemiletown on 2nd November to support the MWI Concert. The weather was miserable, but I received a very warm welcome. All funds were for Missionary Work.
On 7th I made it to Cookstown MWI. I was delighted that our General Secretary, Moira McMurray was able to join with me.
On 10th November, I was able to join Pettigo MWI for lunch in “Tullana On the Green Restaurant,” a lovely time of Fellowship for all.
Later that evening we travelled to Richhill for the Installation service of Maeve Wilson, as Vice President of the North Western District. I felt so Blessed and encouraged to have been able to attend this evening.
On 17th, my friend, May and I enjoyed a lovely evening in Letterbreenwhere we were taught how to make some pretty birds from strands of wool, the 25th was a meeting of District Office bearers from the North Western District in Fivemiletown, and on 25th we had an amazing meeting, via Zoom, with full attendance, of the All Ireland Executive. An extremely busy but enjoyable month!
Looking ahead, I shared my vision for MWI in 2023 – and thanks to my good friend, Roberta Irwin, I now have a video of MWI and what we do as an organization. I want you to ask your Minister to invite MWI to come and share this video in your church, to promote the MWI movement and to try and accomplish our motto “To Know Christ & To Make Him Known”.
I will be delighted to come and share my dreams with each congregation, with the help of MWI Officers.
As MWI ladies please continue to pray for this opportunity and continue to make Christ known through the work of MWI.
Olive - MWI President