On the Road July-December 2007

July 1st 2007 - Ballee Baptist Church
This was an extra special meeting for Solid Ground for a few reasons. Firstly it was the 'Commissioning Service' for Jonny & Julie Pollock (Stephen's daughter) before they go to serve the Lord in Mexico City with OMS International. Secondly it was the first time the new trio had sang in their own fellowship, so lots of nerves. 'Castles in the Sand' & 'Who knows Tomorrow' were the two pieces sang by Solid Ground. God gave strength and His Son glorified as Mr Stephen Williamson, Regional Director gave greetings from OMS Mexico and Pastor Kennedy brought the closing word.

August 4th - Portrush Evangelical Hall
Solid Ground were responsible for singing and speaking at the special summer outreach in Portrush with their friend Alan Francey giving a personal word of testimony. Stephen brought the epilogue from 1st Peter 5 v 7.

August 17th - Ballinderry Parish Church Hall
This was a meeting to welcome Mr Donald Coulter and his wife Lorraine as the Regional Director for Northern Ireland Region of OMS International. Solid Ground had the privilege of being involved in the meeting with Mike Berkley and Jim Faulkner from OMS (UK) also taking part. John 4 v 35

September 7th Straid Congregational Church
Another Missionary theme meeting with Solid Ground sharing in the ministry of OMS International. A live link to Mexico with Jonny & Julie Pollock and Gary Thompson from Ahoghill was a highlight in the meeting. Sharon Kelly from the Wash Basin also shared some recent experiences of her time in Mexico.

September 16th Tobermore Baptist Church
First night of a two week Gospel Mission outreach with Solid Ground presenting the gospel in song and Rev. Tommy Shaw from Dunaghy Congregational Church preaching the Word.

September 30th Kilrea Baptist Church
'Knowing who holds tomorrow' appeared to be the theme as Pastor John McFarland brought the word from Matthew 25 and Solid Ground sang.

October 5th Dunseverick Baptist Church
It was good to renew fellowship with the folks at Dunsererick. There has been a youth connection between Ballee and Dunseverick for over 30 years. It was a privilege for Solid Ground to take part in the 'Truth 4 Youth' Mission with Pastor Taylor form the Lisburn church as speaker. It was also great news to hear of one backslider being restored on the Monday night of the mission. Praise God!

October 10th Ballymena Congregational Church
Mr Paul Bradley from South Africa was the guest speaker at the special outreach 'Mission 07, the way to heaven'. Solid Ground ministered in song reminding all to build on a sure foundation. We have heard recently that 6 souls were saved during the time of mission. Praise the Lord!

October 13th Newtownards Congregational Church
Jeremiah 8 v 20 "The harvest is past, the summer is ended and we are not saved" was the text used by Rev. George Speers as Solid Ground echoed the warning in song, at the annual harvest praise service.

October 21st Portrush Baptist Church
With Pastor Geoffrey Ward away speaking else where, Mr David Good from Monkstown Baptist church was the speaker at Portrush. 'It was Love' was the theme of the pieces sang by Solid Ground. Supper was appreciated before returning to Ballymena.

October 28th Armagh Baptist Church
This was the first time for Solid Ground to sing in the beautiful new building at Armagh. Being able to sing from the heart 'He's my Saviour' is the personal testimony of all the members of the group even though sometimes we ask 'Why me Lord?' Pastor Colville Director of ABC was the visiting speaker.

October 30th Branagh Memorial Hall

It was good to renew fellowship with the saints at Branagh. Mark Brown student at Belfast Bible College and fellow member at Ballee Baptist Church accompanied Solid Ground to this engagement and spoke from Isaiah ch 6. The Gospel was faithfully proclaimed in word and in song.

November 4th Cullybackey Elim Church

Pastor Stephen Neill from Dromore Elim Church was the guest speaker at Cullybackey. Solid Ground sang a number of pieces and finished with 'It was love' reminding all why Christ died on Calvary's tree.

November 5th Anahilt Presbyterian Church

This was the annual Harvest Praise and the Rev Jim Hagan was the guest speaker who having read from Jeremiah ch 8 and verse 20 left all in no doubt of their need of salvation. This was supported by the songs from Solid Ground and the word of testimony from Ashley.

November 11th Lisburn Independent Methodist Church

A new venue for Solid Ground and the special speaker was the Rev Eric Lewis (Ballycraigy) who expounded Matthew 13 - the parable of the wheat and the tares. Being 'Remembrance Sunday' the boys were singing of the one who paid the ultimate sacrifice to take away the sin of the world.

November 18th Larne Mission Hall

It was good to renew fellowship with the folks at Larne who have had a difficult time during the past few days with two deaths in the fellowship. David Stewart from Castledawson was standing in for the Pastor who was away speaking at a mission he was conducting. David spoke from Matthew 8 on 'Lessons we can learn from the storms of life'. Solid Ground singing and using the theme of 'Who knows tomorrow' was very apt for the circumstances.

November 22nd Ballee Baptist Church

See 'post' - In the Presence of myenemies dated 23rd November 2007.

November 25th Ballee Baptist Church

Its never easy singing in your own fellowship but God always gives the grace. Solid Ground take comfort from the fact that all can say 'He's My Saviour' and having a friend that always near, never far - 'That's Just Like Jesus'. Pastor Jones was the speaker and spoke from probably the most well known verse in the Bible - John 3 v 16.

December 1st - Castlereagh Baptist Church

This was a wonderful night of praise organised by 'The Friendship Hour' at Castlereagh after their annual Christmas dinner. A number of artists took part in the programme along with Solid Ground.