A word of testimony by Jim Stewart.
In Luke 2, we are at a dark night in Israel's history, and the promise of a redeemer, a daysman, seems a remote and receding hope.
Into this darkness bursts the light of fulfilled prophecy,
We know of course, that this tremendous event was another step along the way in God's great unfolding plan of redemption, Christ Jesus coming into the world to save sinners.
But let us apply another truth to our hearts.
When things seem difficult and dark, then the sovereign Lord comes to meet us at the very point of our need, standing somewhere in the shadows we find Jesus.
There are many in our D.C.F.I. family who can testify to that.
Sometimes one unexpected event can change life forever.
Such was the experience of Jim Stewart, who tells his story to David Goode.
"Our times are in His hands".
D.G. Jim, let us begin by looking at your upbringing.
J.S. I was born in the woodvale area of Belfast in July 1937.
My mother was saved, so obviously a Christian mother was a major influence on my life.
Like all young lads we went to Sunday School and other church activities but then I began to drift from these influences.
D.G. How and when did you come to faith in Christ?
J.S. I was saved on 29th September 1968 in the Welcome Evangelical Church under the ministry of Rev Robert Mackey.
"The Welcome" is of course forever associated with Amy Carmichael.
I was 31 at the time and very soon began to teach Sunday School.
I also met Florrie (Orr), who taught Sunday School in the nearby Woodvale Mission, Disraeli Street, and we began to keep company.
Most of our spare time was spent going to meetings and seeking to live for the Lord.
Yes, you could describe us as a "courting couple".
D.G. Jim, we know that this happy, almost idyllic, period of your life was suddenly shattered on the 4th March 1972 at 4.30pm.
Tell us about that day.
J.S. I remember being in the old C.E.F. Bookshop in Church Lane, to get some material for my Sunday School class.
I left the shop, and I remember walking up Ann Street, across Corn Market and "Feeling like a coffee" as we say in Ulster.
I went into the Abercorn, at that time crowded with Saturday afternoon shoppers, found a seat and ordered my coffee.
I had just finished my coffee, which I had enjoyed, and as I rose up to leave there was a blinding flash.
THE ABERCORN HAD SUFFERED A TERRORIST ATTACK.
D.G. Is it too painful to recall that horror, and its devastating effects on you personally?
J.S. Well, yes, it is difficult, but I want to explain how the Lord brought me through those dark days.
After the flash and the bang, I remember lying on the floor, stomach down, conscious the whole time, and feeling this searing pain.
I recall being placed on the floor of the ambulance and I knew I was badly hurt.
It was not until the following Tuesday that I learned the extent of my injuries.
The Doctors told me that both my legs had been amputated mid-thigh.
Yes, I was devastated.
Yes, I cried.
Yes, I wondered what life could now hold for me.
They were unquestionably "days of darkness" which scarcely seemed bearable.
It was when in those depths that Pastor S. T. Carson came to visit me, and read the words of Psalm 84:5-6 "Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee ...who passing through the valley of Baca, make it a well".
Those words were both a comfort and a stimulus.
D.G. "jim, did you ever feel anger towards those who had caused this?“
J.S. Yes, of course I did, and at times there was a sense of vengeance, but the Word of God came clearly, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, said the Lord". (Romans 12: 19).
I spent six weeks in the Royal Victoria Hospital and then eight months in Musgrave Park Hospital, and finally came home on 8th December.
D.G. What about the romance which was blooming at the time of "the Abercorn"?
J.S.
Well, it continued to blossom.
Florrie was a tower of strength, and we married in the Welcome Church on the 5th October 1974, the first wedding to be held in the church.
The Lord blessed us with two sons, Paul (now 27) and Stephen (now 26).
D.G. How would you bring your remarkable story up-to-date?
J.S. Just by saying that we have proved the truth of God's promise "My grace is sufficient for thee" (2 Cor.12:9).
Florrie and I still are involved with the Woodvale singers, mostly a family group, and we still serve the Lord in this way.
I am unable to have the heart surgery I need, because of my disability, and can no longer use the artificial limbs, which means permanent wheelchair use, but "our times are in His hands ".