Seeds are planted for Maize N'Grace event
South African farmer and evangelist Angus Buchan has spoken to gatherings of up to 200,000 people. At a special Information Evening on 16th March in the Jethro Centre in Lurgan local people were able to hear about his planned visit to Northern Ireland this year.
In keeping with Angus Buchan's background he will speak at the aptly titled Maize n' Grace event over three evenings from 10 to 12 June 2010. Even the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church has referred to Maize n' Grace on his blog.So that the maximum number of people from across the province can have the opportunity of hearing Angus Buchan a venue had to be found that would be both large enough as well as central. That is why the Ecclesville Equestrian Centre, Fintona, Co Tyrone has been chosen. The centre can hold up to three thousand people and is accessible from all parts of Northern Ireland.The special meeting in the Jethro Centre was one of a series of information evenings being held around the province in advance of Maize n' Grace. Underlining the wide geographical appeal that Maize n' Grace will have a similar event was even taking place in Arva in Co Cavan on the very same evening. The Lurgan event was chaired by one of the organizers, local man Basil O'Malley, a member of Dollingstown Church of Ireland. It was an opportunity to learn more about Angus Buchan himself and also for a Question and Answer session about the event. Angus Buchan describes his qualifications as coming from "the school of life and hard knocks". Both the book and film about his life, "Faith Like Potatoes", bear this out.Brian Keys, a businessman fom Dromore in Co Tyrone, is also one of the organizers. Talking about the event he said, "This is nondenominational and covers everyone. Everyone is welcome to attend and we want to reach out to everyone". What has been notable in some of the information evenings to date has been the attendance by church leaders from right across the community. Maize 'n Grace has even been referred to in the blog of the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church. After a recent visit to the west of the province the Moderator of the Presbyterian church wrote on his blog "I was struck by the desire of those who work in the agricultural industry in that area to share their faith in a contemporary and relevant way ... the message which Angus will share will be relevant to people from every walk of life, but especially to those from a rural or agricultural background".The visit by Angus Buchan is being planned by a number of local people. Basil O'Malley said "The message that Angus brings is good news for our community -for every part of it. He has lived through many challenging times so he is well equipped to bring a message of hope. That is why we offer the warmest of welcomes to everyone."As well as visiting www.maizengrace.com there is also an opportunity to find out more or to get involved by visiting the Facebook page for Maize n' Grace.