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PASTOR GENERAL'S REPORT, APRIL 2, 1982
PAGE 4
Life of Members in Northern Ireland
(The following is from Mr. Mark Ellis, pastor of our Churches in Ireland.)
People often ask: "What is it like to live in Northern Ireland?
Are you in danger? What type of problems/risks do you face?"
Well, as much as it is possible, the average member in Northern
Ireland carries on a normal, balanced, routine way of life.
Of course, the politics of the "Irish problem" overshadows,
although hardly anybody in Ireland trusts the politicians.
(The
latest national poll showed that 60% of the people did not
believe what the politicians were saying!)
Members have learned what to say in order not to offend their
neighbors.
They have learned which areas of Belfast are
dangerous and which streets to avoid.
Probably people are more likely to be mugged in New York or
murdered in Dallas or are at more risk in El Salvador and
Zimbabwe than members in Belfast.
We have security checks at shopping areas and occasional spot
checks by the army. (Some days we face six roadblocks and other
days none.) We also take our own security precautions at Church
services because we meet in the city centre area.
Members and visitors are free to travel in Northern Ireland, much
of which is very beautiful.
The members do appreciate the prayers of other members worldwide
for their safety, for the Irish "question" will probably remain
until the return of Christ. It may well get worse before it gets
better. Hopefully, the brethren will have the necessary faith to
go through any future trials.
Members Protected From Fort Wayne Flood
Greetings from soggy Ft. Wayne:
In spite of the severe flood in the Fort Wayne and Allen County
areas, the good news is that God protected the members and their
homes.
In one case the flood waters stopped three inches short of a mem
ber's home.
There were several cases where members had to be
evacuated, but there was litt
or no damage to their homes.
The story of one family is quite remarkable. They live in one of
the worst flood areas, called Riverhaven. For the first time in
all the years that they have lived in the area, they decided to
purchase flood insurance just five weeks before the flood. They
had to be evacuated, but instead of having to go to an evacuation
center they were able to go to their in-laws who "just" decided
to take a three-month vacation two days before the flood, and