Fulfilled in His Service.
My name is Lorraine McKibben.
I am married to Ivan and I have 4 grown-up children, a son-in-law and a grandson.
I was brought up in a very good home, where I was sent to Sunday school, church and Sunday school in the afternoon.
I can't remember thinking that I needed to be saved but I had a terrible fear of death.
I know I heard the gospel at the Mission Hall and when I met Ivan, I went with him each Sunday evening to Hillsborough Free Presbyterian Church, and I heard of my need of Salvation.
On 3rd June 1979, two months before I got married, I asked Jesus to be my Saviour.
I had instant peace in my soul and no longer had any fear of dying, as I knew where I would spend eternity.
I had my first baby in October 1980, and my last one in August 1985.
The Lord had given me my own mission field at home.
I didn't go out to work and I thoroughly enjoyed my time at home with my family.
Each evening the children and I had a Bible reading and prayer time and as each one learned to read they also read the Bible.
As they reached the high school, times changed and these times stopped.
I pray that as they are starting their own families they will realise the importance of God's Word and prayer.
As my family grew up I had a lot of time on my hands and I wanted to use it for the Lord.
I had always helped at the summer Bible week in my church and I really enjoyed working with the children.
About 5 years ago I was asked to help with the Friday night children's meeting and I have continued to do so and feel it is a very worthwhile work.
A couple of months before I was asked about the children's work, I had been speaking to Edna Scott who told me of the need for new young workers in the Lisburn Branch.
I felt that this would be a work in which I could help, as I had been a care worker for 6 years.
As I was nearly 41 asked her how young she meant.
She said that as a lot of the workers were in their 70's anything younger would be OK.
That September I started with the Lisburn Branch.
The first year I felt like a spare part as everyone else knew what they were doing and I couldn't even remember simple things like names!
I went on my first Branch Holiday and felt like part of a big team with one goal in mind, to see the disabled saved and encourage believers in their faith.
The Holiday Home in Newcastle is a great place.
Bright and airy in a lovely situation with the mountains behind and the sea in front. It is good to see how the disabled relax and have fun and games, but also are fed spiritually.
From my own perspective I feel fulfilled as the Lord has given me a work to do for Him and I too benefited from the daily devotions both morning and evening.
It is lovely to spend a week in God's presence with God's people.
The first Tuesday night in each month is set aside for the Prayer meeting.
In any work for God the need to pray is vital and at this meeting we hear of any special prayer requests.
The Lord has saved us to serve Him and it is my prayer that if perhaps you have some spare time you might contact your local Branch of Disabled Christians' Fellowship where you would be warmly welcomed.
LISBURN BRANCH.