First and Deputy First Ministers endorse Odyssey event
The First Minister and Deputy First Minister have met organisers of the "Maize 'n' Grace" event which will be held at The Odyssey Arena on the evenings’ of 27 and 28 May.
South African farmer and world-renowned evangelist Angus Buchan will be the keynote speaker at “Maize ‘n’ Grace”. Buchan, whose life story is told in the book and film “Faith Like Potatoes”, has spoken to crowds as large as 350,000 and has addressed gatherings that have included Jacob Zuma, President of South Africa.
The Omagh - Waterford Peace Choir will also sing a number of pieces each evening. The choir was formed in the aftermath of the bomb that killed 31 people in Omagh in 1998. It has performed in many places including Parliament Buildings in Stormont. One of its patrons is Jeffrey Donaldson MP.
Maize n’ Grace will be one of the largest free non-denominational events to take place here in recent times. The organisers are giving a warm welcome to every part of the community and it is expected that people will travel from every part of the island to hear Angus Buchan. The organisers believe he will convey how the Christian message is able to bring down walls not only between individuals and God, but also between people and communities. They have extended an invitation to the First and deputy First Ministers to attend.
In thanking the organisers for the invitation the First Minister said: “Angus Buchan has a reputation as an international evangelist but also as a humble man. As a South African he comes from a country that has experienced division and conflict but is seeking to build something new. He is coming here with a message of how God’s power is able to change lives and transform communities. Anyone who comes here with a message of hope for the future is to be welcomed.”
The deputy First Minister said: “In the Executive we are aiming to deliver a better future for all in society and this is as event where everyone should feel comfortable. I particularly welcome the participation of the Omagh – Waterford Peace Choir. Angus Buchan has talked of how he and many people in his country are praying for reconciliation among all people here, old and young and of all backgrounds. As we look to the future we can only welcome such a hope.”
Speaking on behalf of the organisers of Maize n’ Grace Mr Brian Keys said: “We thank the First and deputy First Minister for receiving this invitation. We believe that the Christian message that the event expresses can bring hope not only to individuals but to our community as well.”
Maize n’ Grace is a free event to which all members of the public are welcomed. It is taking place in The Odyssey Arena on the evenings of 27 and 28 May at 8pm. All tickets for Maize n’ Grace are free and are available direct from The Odyssey box office.