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News Update December 2025
As the year draws to a close and we approach Christmas, our thoughts naturally turn to the wonder of Jesus coming into the world in human flesh. The familiar Christmas story reminds us that faith calls for a response. When the wise men saw the star, they did not simply pause to admire it; they allowed it to move them to action.
“We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”
Matthew 2:2 (NIV)
Trusting God to guide their steps, they set out on a journey that led them to Jesus. This Christmas, we are reminded that the birth of Jesus still invites a response of faith, obedience, and trust in Emmanuel, God with us. At Sight Loss Ministries, this call to respond to God's leading shapes all that we do. As we look back over the past months, we are grateful for the many ways God has guided our steps and opened doors to serve blind and partially sighted people through fellowship, support, and the sharing of His Word.
Recent Events and Ministry Highlights
In September, we hosted a well-attended lunch event at Antrim Elim Church. We originally planned to hold a BBQ, but with rain on the day, we instead enjoyed hot dogs and burgers indoors. Volunteers from Windsor Baptist Church helped with the catering, along with others from the church who led us in a time of worship. Our speaker, Rev. Howard Gilpin, brought an encouraging message from the Scriptures. These gatherings bring people together from across Northern Ireland, offering fellowship, encouragement, and spiritual refreshment. Below are two photos from the event, showing people enjoying lunch and the worship.
Later in September, we held a Coffee Morning at Banbridge Baptist Church. The event had two main aims: to raise funds for Sight Loss Ministries and to connect with blind and partially sighted people in the local community. A great deal of work went into promoting the Coffee Morning, including delivering flyers to homes across Banbridge on different days. During the event, a short video played in the background, providing an overview of our work. It was especially encouraging to meet new people with sight loss at our Coffee Morning and to be able to provide some additional support. One of the people we met was Amelia. At one time, she could read her Bible in large print, but as her sight deteriorated, this became impossible, and she had to rely on her husband to read it to her.
Technology and Independence
Through Sight Loss Ministries, we were able to give Amelia an Amazon Echo device, set it up for her, and demonstrate how to access the Bible and daily devotionals using just her voice. Amelia has Charles Bonnet Syndrome, a condition where people see things that are not actually present, which is caused by sight loss.
She usually wakes early in the morning, and she can now listen to the Bible independently whenever she likes. Speaking of her new device, she said, “I feel that it is going to teach me a lot. I am quite excited about it, really.”
This small piece of technology has given Amelia (pictured below) greater independence and has helped her reconnect with Scripture in a way that suits her. We would love to help more people like Amelia access the Scriptures through technology.
Christmas Lunch
On 6th December, we gathered at the Dunsilly Hotel, Antrim, for our Christmas lunch. At the start of the programme, we passed around a microphone so everyone could introduce themselves and get to know who else was present. The day provided a good opportunity for people to reconnect and enjoy food and fellowship together. A fun and engaging Christmas-themed quiz brought everyone together in two large teams for friendly competition. One of our trustees, Gareth, led the carol singing, adding to the joyful atmosphere. It was especially meaningful to have blind and partially sighted attendees read from the Bible using braille and large print, so that everyone could take part in celebrating the birth of our Saviour. Robert Lacey shared an encouraging Biblical message, bringing the day to a fitting conclusion. We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated and to the volunteers who assisted with transport and guiding. It was a truly memorable and special occasion for all. Below are two photos from our time together, one taken before lunch and the other during the programme.
Fundraising and Sharing the Vision
We thank God for His provision through occasional grants and the generosity of individual donors, and we continue to seek His guidance to meet our needs for the current financial year. While grant applications are ongoing, they often do not result in new funding. Alongside these applications, we aim to build a regular donor base, expand our network of church supporters, and welcome those who wish to help through sponsored activities or community fundraising.
To help raise funds, we were delighted to receive around 200 handmade Christmas Stars from Sharon Cunningham, a good friend of the ministry. Each star is beautifully crafted with intricate detail and features a Bible verse focused on the Christmas message, designed to hang on a tree or wall. Most of the stars have already been sold, with only a few remaining. We are immensely grateful to Sharon for this wonderful gift, which has been a real blessing to our ministry.
We are also selling framed prints of paintings by local artist Rachel McNeish, with her permission. We plan to sell these prints on an ongoing basis through our new website, which we are working on and hope to launch early next year. A Christmas star and a framed print are pictured below.
Additionally, we are beginning to seek more speaking opportunities in churches to share the vision and work of Sight Loss Ministries. We are thankful that several bookings are already in the diary, and we look forward to seeing what further opportunities God may open.
Looking Ahead: Events Planned to June 2026
31st January – 10:30 am: Prayer Time on Zoom (Confirmed)
14th March – 11 am: Prayer, Plans & Fellowship Meeting, Maghaberry Community Centre (Confirmed)
28th March – 1 pm: Lunch Event, The Banville Hotel, Banbridge, with speaker Yvonne Brown (Confirmed)
May – Weekend Away: Plans are underway for our weekend away in May. Priority will be given to blind and partially sighted people who need sighted support. Further details are expected to be released towards the end of January.
13th June – 1 pm: Lunch in Carrickfergus followed by a walk (Venue TBC)
27th June – 10:30 am: Prayer Time on Zoom (Confirmed)
To access the full list of events planned for next year, or to register for updates about any of these events, please use the link below:
https://forms.gle/MC48sRGC3GRcjL8y7
Praise and Prayer
Praise God for:
• Many opportunities to connect with blind and partially sighted people through our events and support services during the year
• Our trustees and volunteers who help in so many different ways with the ministry
Please pray for:
• God’s wisdom and provision for the ministry in the year ahead
• Those adjusting to sight loss, that they would know God’s strength and hope
• Upcoming events, to encourage and strengthen the faith of those who attend
Just as the wise men responded to seeing the star, we pray that this Christmas season, people will see the light of Jesus and respond in faith. May you encounter Emmanuel, God with us, and experience a Christmas and New Year filled with wonder, joy, and peace. From all of us at Sight Loss Ministries, we wish you a blessed Christmas and a happy New Year.
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