News Update December 2024

Events

This year has been full of blessings and activity. In June, we visited the Ulster American Folk Park near Omagh. Our group enjoyed a meal together and explored exhibits about emigration to North America. In October, we gathered for a lunch event at the Belmont Hotel, Banbridge, featuring worship, updates on our ministry, and an inspiring message from Ollie Neill on Luke 15, reminding us of the Father’s deep love for us. Most recently, our Christmas event in Antrim was a highlight. Over 20 attendees enjoyed a quiz, carols, Scripture readings (including braille and large print carol booklets from Torch Trust), and a meaningful message about our Saviour’s birth. The feedback was encouraging, with participants expressing their enjoyment of the fellowship, food, and programme.

As we approach 2025, we are excited to continue serving. Some planned events include:

• Open Prayer Time on Zoom: 25th January, 10:30 am.

• Lunch at the Belmont Hotel: 29th March.

• May Weekend Programme: 9th–11th May, featuring teaching from God’s Word and activities. 

More details will be available on our website as plans are confirmed and can be accessed using the following link: sightlossministries.org/events 

Befriending and Technology Support

Throughout the year, we received several befriending referrals in the Southern Trust, and we expanded our telephone befriending service to begin supporting people living anywhere in the UK. We are also seeking to connect with new clients on the North Coast who could benefit from our service. Additionally, we want to recruit one or two new befrienders based in the Southern Trust area to strengthen our capacity further.

We have continued to offer technology support to those wanting to access Christian resources on their devices. Looking ahead to the New Year, we plan to increase efforts to promote this service, ensuring more individuals can benefit from the available resources.

A Reason for Hope This Christmas

At the heart of Christmas lies the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ. His birth brought light into a dark world, offering hope, salvation, and peace to all who believe. For those facing challenges, such as living with sight loss, the message of Christ’s coming reassures us that we are never alone. Emmanuel, “God with us,” is our constant guide and strength. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, may we remember that in Him we find joy, purpose, and a future filled with hope. 

How Our Services Make a Difference

Thanks to the support we receive, we have seen how our ministry touches lives. Those who engage with our services have shared how they have benefited in the following ways:

• Growing in their faith through hearing God’s Word and receiving spiritual encouragement. 

• Feeling more included and connected through our community-focused events.

• Discovering new resources and support available for those with sight loss. 

• Experiencing improved mental health and a sense of fellowship.

Collaboration and Growth

In November, we welcomed Sarah Dawkins (Torch Trust CEO) and the Chair, Tony Brown, to Northern Ireland. Their visit strengthened our partnership with Torch Trust, and we participated in their Regional Event at Banbridge Baptist Church. We also celebrated adding a new missionary in September, Daniela Campbell (Leonard’s wife), who has been assisting with administration and the planning and delivery of events, enabling us to meet the growing needs of the ministry. We are recruiting Volunteer Event Helpers who will drive and/or guide people with sight loss at our events. A lot of work went into developing policies regarding these new roles. We hope to deliver training early in the New Year with these volunteers.

Financial Update

We give heartfelt thanks to God for His provision. As we approach Christmas, we are encouraged to have reached 85% of our financial needs for the year. It has been made possible through grants, generous one-off gifts, and the thoughtful support of churches and groups who share our vision for this ministry.

We are particularly grateful to those who support us with monthly donations, no matter how small. These consistent gifts provide a stable foundation, enabling us to plan for and sustain our ministry. Every contribution, however modest, plays a vital role in making a difference, and we thank God for those who partner with us in this way. 

This provision has enabled us to support individuals through the challenges of sight loss, share the hope found in God’s Word, and build meaningful connections within a supportive, caring community. Whether you support us through prayers, encouragement, or financial gifts, or you are a professional looking to share our work with others who might benefit, your involvement is deeply valued as we continue serving those with sight loss.

Prayer Points

1. Give thanks for God’s provision and pray for the remaining funding needs to be met.

2. Pray for new volunteers as we recruit Event Helpers and Befrienders to extend our outreach.

3. Pray for developing connections with blind and partially sighted people in the Northern Trust who can benefit from our befriending service.

4. Pray for more people’s lives to be changed by Jesus as we meet together at Events and hear teaching from God’s Word. 

Wishing you all every blessing this Christmas. May the light of Jesus shine in your hearts this festive season. Thank you for being part of our journey to bring hope and community to those with sight loss.