Leading author to address Presbyterian Women's conference

One of the leading best-selling Christian authors of the day, Dr Amy Orr-Ewing, is in Belfast tomorrow (Saturday, May 11) as the guest speaker at the Annual Conference of Presbyterian Women, the organisation that supports the development of ministry among women across the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

Upwards of 1000 women will gather in Assembly Buildings in central Belfast to hear the UK-based writer and theologian speak on the organisation’s theme for the year, which is ‘Entrusted’.

Looking forward to the event, Pauline Kennedy, PCI’s Women’s Ministry and Presbyterian Women Development Officer, said that the group is one Ireland’s largest Christian women’s organisations, and aims to encourage and equip women to live for Jesus, being disciples and making disciples.

“Our Annual Conference is always one of the highlights of the church year and is the biggest gathering in PCI after the General Assembly.

"Given how busy Amy is, we are absolutely delighted to be welcoming her as our guest speaker, as she delves into our theme, which comes from Luke 12:48. It says ‘… from one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.’ We are very much looking forward to hearing from her, as she known for addressing the deep questions of our day with meaningful answers found in the Christian faith. Many of our women will know her many books, especially ‘Where is God in all the Suffering?’ and ‘Why Trust the Bible?’ Today we will have the opportunity of listening to her not once, but twice, so we will be doubly blessed,” Pauline said.

A global speaker, last year Dr Orr-Ewing spoke at the National Prayer Breakfast in Westminster. Interviewed for the spring edition of ‘Inspire’, the magazine of Presbyterian Women, Dr Orr-Ewing said, “I believe the Lord has a wonderful word for us within the conference theme of having been entrusted with much in the gospel.

"He is calling us onwards and upwards, to go deeper with Him and to go further for him. To fulfil the potential and promise of our lives and to receive the riches of His love poured into our hearts…I am looking forward to sharing fellowship with women, gathering and seeing Him heal and encourage hearts, strengthening us for the service He has called us all to.”

Members from the organisations 450 groups across the all-Ireland denomination, along with their guests, will also hear from the outgoing Presbyterian Women’s President, Mrs Ann Wilson of First Ballynahinch Presbyterian Church, and welcome her successor for the year, Mrs Ellen Hillen of St Columba’s Presbyterian Church, in Lisburn. Presbyterian Moderator, Rt Rev Dr Sam Mawhinney will also be welcomed by Mrs Wilson.

During the meeting this year’s Home and Overseas Special Projects will be unveiled with updates on last year’s projects, which were supported to the tune of £30,000. Each year Presbyterian Women supports its Mission Fund to the tune of around £380,000. The fund supports the work of PCI’s deaconesses at home, the training of new student deaconesses, and the work of South Belfast Friendship House, alongside PCI’s Global Mission Workers around the world.