A Dubliner, Presbyterian minister of Ballycarry, north Antrim, the Rev Gabrielle Farquar (nee Ellis) is to the forefront in what has been described as "a radical reversing of the church's traditional understanding of overseas mission".
As co-ordinator of a project, joined in by neighbouring churches, she invited a group of young Africans to a three-week visit to Ballycarry.
Thirteen in number, these are members of churches in the Blantyre Synod of the Presbyterian Church in Malawi. Blantyre, birthplace in Scotland of the intrepid 19th century missionary and explorer of Africa, David Livingstone, was a well chosen name for the Synod.
Mrs Farquar and a group made a similar visit to Africa in the summer of last year. No doubt this caused her to question a common perception that "overseas mission only means Westerners going to such overseas parts as Africa".
Moreover, it made her decide that this year her group should not only invite but also pay for the Malawians to come to Co Antrim and, as she believed, make a positive impact on people there through fellowship and work together.
The visit has been recognised as an approved scheme by the Commonwealth Youth Project.
The Malawian group arrived on July 29th. Soon after they had a "week's orientation" at the Ski Supreme, Coleraine, inclusive of sight-seeing in Antrim.
A "must" during the visit had to be a return football match.
The group visiting Africa last year was beaten by the Malawians 2-1. Last Saturday, a local select Presbyterian took its revenge before a sizeable "gate" at Ballycarry/Larne.
As well as the spiritual and social aspects of the visit, there was work to be done "in the shape of a dry stone wall feature to be constructed in Ballycarry village".
The visit made a lasting impression and will prompt similar exchanges in coming years. "Starting as a Student" is the theme of what is promised to be "an amazing day full of helpful advice for first-time students".
It is organised by the Presbyterian Youth Board in co-operation with most of the youth agencies and chaplains of the other churches on September 8th from 9.30 a.m.-4.30 p.m.
The place is Assembly Buildings, Church House, Fisherwick Place, Belfast. The cost is £7.50 sterling per person. Application forms from the Presbyterian Youth Office, Church House.
Outreach has noticeably taken root in an increasing number of congregations. Blythswood Care is a prominent Scottish-based relief agency with which members of the congregation of Ballylinney, Antrim, are in a partnership of service.
They are to be found often helping to load the containers of items for the relief of the people of Romania at the agency's Ballylinney base.
An event for everyone, entitled "Going Bananas", has been organised by the Rev Dr Gary Millar, Howth and Malahide, from Monday to Friday, August 13th-17th, 10.30 a.m.12.30 p.m., in the Hall at Malahide. An experienced team from Bangor, Co Down, is to guide the activity of children attending at the forenoon sessions.
Parents and church members are invited to join with the team in Bible study and praise at 5 p.m. Monday to Friday in the Malahide Hall and to attend a Parents' Evening at 7.30 p.m. on Friday in the nearby St Andrew's Church. It is emphasised that this is a community event. All are welcome.
The desire of the church's Christian Training Committee to provide a book to be used by new communicants and younger people inquiring about the Christian faith has led to the publication, in co-operation with the agency Focus, of a new guide to the themes of the Bible.
It is entitled The Good Book Guide, available at Family Books, Church House, Fisherwick Place, Belfast, at £5.99 sterling.