... May we press onward toward the mark and claim the eternal prize through Jesus Christ our Lord ...
As an aged saint Paul wanted to still grow in grace and go forward in his experimental knowledge of Christ. He did not want to sit stationary or stand still in his Christian experience. Even though he was so mightily used of God he still desired to press onward. This was his sole ambition in life to press on with God. The theme for the work of the Youth Council this year reflects Paul's desire to "press toward the mark". Individually and collectively we ALL need to spiritually press on. Some did not make good progress in 2009. Others went back in their walk with God in the old year. Seemingly others have ground to a halt in their spiritual development.
'... press toward the mark ...'
In 2010 let us resolve by God's grace to spiritually progress through the work and witness of the Youth Council. This is the whole objective of this year's programme of meetings and rallies. Standing still spiritually will only rob us of the blessing of God. To help us avert such a calamity I would like to consider the lessons to be learnt from Paul's desire to progress spiritually with God and apply them to our hearts and lives.
Rev. Ian Harris was born in Banbridge, Northern Ireland. Saved as a young teenager, God led im into the ministry through John 20 v 21. In 1985, he became the minister of Carrickfergus FPC where he ministered for the next 12 years. Now minister of Annalong FPC, he Rev. Harris was elected President of the FPC Youth Council in Spring 2009.
Find the speeches made by former Presidents of the Youth Council below.
Rev Alan Cairns: Feb 1974 - Sept 1975
Rev Ken Elliott:
Sept 1975 - Jan 1979
Rev Fred Greenfield:
Jan 1979 - Jan 1981
Rev Hillis Fleming:
Jan 1981 - Jan 1983
Rev John Morrow:
Jan 1983 - Feb 1985
Rev Reggie Cranston:
Feb 1985 - Feb 1991
Rev Ron Johnston:
Feb 1991 - Feb 1995
Rev Robert Walsh:
Feb 1995 - Feb 1999
Rev Alan Lamont:
Feb 1999 - Feb 2001
Rev Samuel Murray:
Feb 2001 - Feb 2005
Rev Thomas Martin:
Feb 2005 - Feb 2009
Rev Ian Harris:
Feb 2009 - Present
