News Updates

News Update July 2025

We thank God for His continuing faithfulness in the work of Sight Loss Ministries. Over recent months, we have seen God at work through times of fellowship, new relationships, growing friendships and the teaching of His Word. We are grateful for the many ways you have prayed for us, supported the work, and stood with those living with sight loss.

Psalm 150 reminds us to praise the Lord with all that we have. Whether through a shared meal, a moment of worship, a phone conversation, or a walk along the beach, our ministry is shaped by a desire to honour and praise God.

Events 

January 2025 - Online Prayer Time

We began the year by coming together in prayer over Zoom. It was a simple yet uplifting time of sharing ministry updates, praying for one another, and seeking God’s guidance for the year ahead. We are thankful for all who joined us.

March – Belmont Hotel, Banbridge

Our spring lunch event brought together over fifty people. We were blessed to hear from Rev. Ken Robinson, a retired Methodist minister, who spoke on the theme of being in Christ, with Christ, and like Christ. The worship, led by Rachel Glass and Amy Cullen, helped to centre our hearts on the Lord. Many commented on how encouraging the day had been and how good it was to be in fellowship with one another. 

May – Weekend of Activities in Buncrana

Our May weekend was a highlight of our year. Fourteen people attended, which was a manageable number. We were able to support every individual with sight loss with a guide. Our trustees, Eric Wilkinson and Ian Wilson, led us through rich Bible teaching from the Psalms, focusing on praising God. We visited the Amazing Grace Viewing Point and Ballyliffin Beach, where the majesty of God’s creation reminded us of His power and goodness. The hotel provided a peaceful and relaxing setting, with overwhelmingly positive feedback. It was our first visit to this venue, and we were grateful for how well it suited our needs. Below are some photos from the hotel, our outings, and one taken during a time of teaching from God’s Word.

June – Brownlow House, Lurgan

Our most recent lunch took place in the beautiful historic setting of Brownlow House. Around thirty people attended and enjoyed lunch together, followed by a walk in the sunshine around Lurgan Park. The weather was lovely, and the swans coming up close to us from the lake made the afternoon feel even more special. Below is a photo taken at the venue while enjoying lunch and another taken in Lurgan Park beside the swans.

Upcoming Events

Our next Prayer Time on Zoom will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, 16 August 2025. These times of prayer are open to anyone who would like to join us as we pray for Sight Loss Ministries and for one another. Let us know if you would like to attend, and we will send you the Zoom link and access details. 

We are also looking forward to our next lunch event: a BBQ at Antrim Elim Church on Saturday, 13 September. The speaker for the day is the Rev Bill Moore, a retired Presbyterian Minister, and it promises to be another valuable time of fellowship. You can find more details about the event and how to book on our website. 

sightlossministries.org/events

Volunteer Support

Much of what we do would not be possible without the help of our volunteers. In recent months, we have welcomed four new Volunteer Event Helpers, with three more currently being recruited. These volunteers make a meaningful difference by driving and guiding people with sight loss at our events. They generously give their time not only through practical help but also by praying and helping with planning behind the scenes.

We are also thankful to have recruited a new befriender, who will provide support in the Southern Trust area. Each volunteer brings a servant heart, and we thank God for each one.

Befriending in Action

One of those we recently supported is a man named Mervyn. After losing both his wife and his dog, he found himself alone and struggling. Mervyn received befriending, including regular phone calls, spiritual encouragement, and a listening ear. In time, his confidence grew, and he returned to work and began rebuilding his life with renewed hope.

Most of our befriending currently occurs face-to-face in the Southern Trust area, though as in Mervyn’s case, we also offer telephone support where needed. 

One challenge we face is providing in-person befriending in areas where we have no volunteers. At times, referrals come in from locations we are not currently able to cover, while in other cases, new befrienders can wait for a suitable match. Please pray for wisdom and God’s timing to connect the right people in the right places.        

Financial Update and New Opportunities

We continue to thank God for His provision. While we have spent considerable time applying for grants, recent results have not often led to new funding. Alongside ongoing grant applications, we are working to build up regular donations, grow our network of church supporters, and welcome those who wish to help the ministry through sponsored activities and community fundraising.

As part of this, we are holding our first coffee morning at Banbridge Baptist Church on Saturday, 27 September from 10 AM to 12 PM. It will be a relaxed event to connect with people in the local community, raise awareness, and encourage financial and prayer support.

We are also beginning to seek more church speaking opportunities to share the vision and work of Sight Loss Ministries. We have not actively pursued this in the past due to time limitations and other work commitments. We are thankful that a few bookings are already in the diary, and we look forward to seeing what doors God may open.

If you think your church might be open to a visit in the future, or if you would simply like to explore the possibility, I would be glad to hear from you. 

A Call to Praise

As we look back on all that has happened, we are reminded that every act of kindness, every shared meal, every prayer spoken is part of a greater calling: to honour and praise the Lord. Psalm 150 concludes:

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.” Psalm 150:6

Praise Point

• We praise God for His continued faithfulness, seen in encouraging events, deep fellowship, the teaching of His Word, and new volunteers.

Prayer Requests

1. Pray for God’s guidance in connecting befrienders and those in need in the right places at the right time, especially where geographical gaps or waiting periods exist.

2. Pray for God’s provision and financial stability, as we seek new donors, church partnerships, and fundraising opportunities to support the ministry.

3. Pray for fruitfulness in upcoming church speaking engagements, that they would inspire support and open doors for new connections and ministry growth.

Whether in the simple or the significant, we want everything we do to bring praise to the Lord and reflect His love. Thank you for joining us in that purpose. Your prayers, support, and encouragement help make this ministry possible.

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