CEF of Ireland
Easter Conference
18—21 APR 2025
Portrush Presbyterian Church
Why come to conference?
Whether you’re a CEF volunteer, someone involved or interested in children’s ministry, or someone wanting to hear great Bible teaching, CEF Easter Conference has something for you! We have a great lineup of speakers who will be teaching from the Bible, reporting on mission work and leading seminars on topics relevant to both children’s ministry and to living the Christian life. You’ll be able to browse the CEF Resources Shop, meet CEF workers and make new friends over a cup of coffee.
If you’re a young person or young adult we also have Meltdown for you in the evenings.
As we think about God’s goodness to us over the last 75 years, we want to spend time this year reflecting on the words of Philippians 3:14 as we ‘press on’ towards all that is ahead.
Easter Conference is free, has a very relaxed atmosphere, and you’ll be made very welcome— we look forward to meeting you over the weekend!
Bible Studies
Mission Updates & Reports
CEF Resources Bookstall
Good Book Company Bookstall
‘God CREATED’ Kids’ Club
Junior Teens’ Programme
Meltdown Youth Events
Youth & Young Adults Houseparties
Speakers
We have a great lineup of speakers from near and far who will be pointing us to Christ and His word through our theme: ‘Pressing On’.
John Kirkpatrick
After having the privilege of serving in Garryduff and Portrush Presbyterian Churches over a period of 37 years, new opportunities have opened up in a new season, summarised by four ‘C’s. College: where I am now involved in the management, some teaching and the encouraging of young ministers. Church: in First Ballymena, where I have the joy of preaching each month as part of the team. Chaplain: that is, race chaplain, for the Motor Cycle Union of Ireland. Central London: where I give oversight and support to Trinity Church Central London, a new church plant. Retirement allows more time for family; my wife Joan, our four children and seven grandchildren who are among the greatest of blessings.
John will be bringing the main Bible teaching and missionary challenges over the conference weekend.
Linda Corry
I was 13 years old when I trusted in the Lord Jesus as my Saviour. Just a few short years later, I came to realise that God had a plan for my life—one that would steer me away from a career in the police, to full-time missionary service with CEF in Central Europe. Since 1988 God has led me to serve him in different places, roles and responsibilities. Whether in Romania or Moldova, or coordinating training for Central European countries, or most recently, giving direction to our European Education department, there have not been many dull moments! God has given ministry opportunities to be grasped, challenges to be taken up and overcome, and blessings to enjoy as children have heard the gospel and trusted in the Saviour.
Linda will be sharing on the work in Europe on Saturday evening and will also be taking our Saturday morning seminar: Pressing on in a changing world with an unchanging message.
Claire Bain
I was raised in a Christian family and trusted the Lord at a young age. I wanted to serve God as a missionary from childhood and have been serving with CEF Romania since 1994—first as a volunteer on a gap year and then full-time with the mission. Currently I divide my time between ministry in Romania and CEF Europe.
Claire will be sharing on the work in Europe on Saturday evening.
Sarah Bleakley
I am a CEF worker in Lapland, which spans across the North of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. I live in Norway and run a total of four weekly GNCs and three JYCs. My heart is to see God raise up both volunteers and full–time workers to join the CEF team in Lapland—a huge area with a huge need for the gospel!
Sarah will be sharing on the work in Lapland on Sunday evening.
Andrew Collins
Andrew has spent many years working as a consultant psychiatrist in Belfast alongside part-time work providing biblical counselling. He is an elder at his church in Portadown. He tutors on the BCUK Certificate Programme in Belfast. In collaboration with others, Andrew is responsible for taking the lead in developing the Certificate Programme and other advanced skills training.
Andrew will be taking our Monday morning seminar: Resilience: strengthened in Christ for trouble and temptation.
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Andrew McNabb
Andrew is married to Claire and comes from County Armagh. He started attending a Good News Club at a young age and has been involved with CEF ever since! Andrew joined the CEF National Office team in March 2016, working first in Ministry Development, and then as Office Manager since January 2017. It is Andrew’s desire, with the Lord’s help, to support the workers in the office and on the field in their respective ministries.
Andrew will be taking our Monday afternoon seminar: The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad.
Seminars
Pressing on in a changing world with an unchanging message
Sat, 11.30 am
Linda Corry
“It is the Biblical duty of every generation of Christians to see to it that the next generation hears about the mighty acts of God. God does not drop a new Bible from heaven on every generation. He intends that the older generation will teach the newer generation to read, think, trust, obey and rejoice” (John Piper, from a sermon based on Psalm 145:4). God’s plan has not changed. The responsibility of every believer has not changed. The message has not changed. The next generation…has changed! So, do I need to change? Do my methods need to change? Does the way I teach need to change? How do I press on, fulfilling my responsibility to teach the next generation in the 21st century? During this seminar we will dive into these questions (and others) together and seek to discover biblical, practical and relevant answers.
Resilience: strengthened in Christ for trouble and temptation
Mon, 11.30 am
Andrew Collins
In the face of pressures from outside and sins from within, we often feel weak and weary. How can we be real about our limits, and yet courageous in endurance as we face obstacles and temptations in life and ministry? This seminar will examine the concept of resilience biblically, leading us to a deeper dependence on Christ.
The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad
Mon, 3.30 pm
Andrew McNabb
How much do you know about what God has done through CEF of Ireland over the past 75 years? Maybe you know some familiar names and ministries. But our history is filled with almost-unknown people, extraordinary giving, fervent prayer, and a seemingly impossible vision for the future. We’ve opened the CEF archives, so come along and experience our history like you’ve never heard (or seen!) it before.
Programme
18 – 21 APR 2025
Fri
Welcome evening
- Portrush Town Hall
Light refreshments are provided.
All welcome.
Sat
Bible Study
- John Kirkpatrick
- Portrush Presbyterian Church
Followed by tea and coffee.
Sat
Seminar
- Linda Corry
- Portrush Presbyterian Church
‘Pressing on in a changing world with an unchanging message.’
Sat
Focus on Europe
- Claire Bain & Linda Corry, with closing message by John Kirkpatrick
- Portrush Presbyterian Church
Come and hear how God is working through the ministry of CEF across Europe.
Sat
Meltdown
- Portrush Presbyterian Church
For teens and twenties.
Sun
Focus on Lapland
- Sarah Bleakley, with closing message by John Kirkpatrick
- Portrush Presbyterian Church
Come and hear how God is working through the ministry of CEF across Lapland.
Sun
Refreshments & Interview
- David & Rosemary Edwards
- Portrush Presbyterian Church
An interview with David & Rosemary (outgoing National Directors) as they reflect on a life of ministry with CEF of Ireland.
Sun
Meltdown Youth Night
- Josh Cairns
- Portrush Town Hall
Praise, message and food!
Mon
Bible Study
- John Kirkpatrick
- Portrush Presbyterian Church
Followed by tea and coffee.
Mon
Seminar
- Andrew Collins
- Portrush Presbyterian Church
‘Resilience: strengthened in Christ for trouble and temptation.’
Mon
Seminar
- Andrew McNabb
- Portrush Presbyterian Church
‘The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad.’
Mon
Service of Praise
- Closing message by John Kirkpatrick
- Portrush Presbyterian Church
Join us as we thank God for 75 years of ministry and look ahead to what is to come!
Mon
Meltdown
- Portrush Presbyterian Church
For teens and twenties.
“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3:14 (ESV)