MWI President's Newsletter - July/August 2011

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE!

Yes, a new face is greeting you on the M.W.I. page - your new All Ireland President and I'm going to take this opportunity to introduce myself and tell you a little about me.

My name is Maureen Weir and I live in Bangor. I'm married to Ken and have a son, a daughter, a daughter-in-law and 4 grandchildren - all very special to me.

For the first twenty years of my life I lived in Belfast. I was brought up in a Christian home, where my parents set before me an example of Christian values.

I belonged to Joanmount Methodist Church, where, at a children's mission at the age of 9, I gave my life to Christ. The example, influence and encouragement of so many Godly people in the church at Joanmount had a big impact on my life.

In 1985, as a family, we attended the first Castlewellan Holiday week and here I was challenged and motivated to serve the Lord in a more meaningful way. At Primacy Methodist Church I became Sunday School Superintendent and became involved in the M.W.A./M.W.I., holding the posts of secretary and then president. For two years I was president of the M.W.I. on the Down District and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

When asked to become All Ireland President of the M.W.I. I felt very honoured but also very inadequate. A lot of prayer and soul searching took place. One day, in my daily devotions I read..."Drop your littleness and watch it sink into the bigness of God's purposes. God has something bigger for you than you can imagine. Be open to that..." Challenging words but they spoke to me. I accepted the challenge and so for the next 2 years I look forward to representing the Methodist Women in Ireland.

I feel apprehensive as I take up this challenge but God has said "Be strong, courageous and firm; fear not nor be in terror before them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you; He will not fail you or forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6 AMP) Reassuring words to help me on this journey.

I ask for your prayerful support and look forward to meeting many of you over the next two years.