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✝️ Report on the Children’s Meeting at Carryduff Primary School
Celebrating 50 Years of the Killynure Road Sunday School — Monday 16 February 2026
It was a joyful and memorable evening in Carryduff Primary School Assembly Hall, as families, teachers, and children gathered together to mark the 50th Anniversary of the founding of Killynure Sunday School. The atmosphere was filled with thanksgiving and warmth as everyone joined to praise the Lord for His goodness over the past half century.
🙏 Opening Welcome and Thanksgiving
The meeting began with words of welcome and prayer. There was a deep sense of gratitude to God for the faithfulness of those who had taught “the Word of God” through the years, and for the many children who had come to know the Saviour through the Sunday School. Particular thanks were given for past leaders such as the late Mr Robert Lowe who, along with Dr Ian Paisley, helped establish the school’s strong biblical foundation back in February 1976.
The gathering reflected not only on the past but also upon the future, praying for God’s continued blessing upon the children, their families, and the ongoing ministry of the Sunday School.
🎶 Singing and Memory Verse
The children enthusiastically sang lively choruses such as “Running Over” and “Deep and Wide”. The joy of worship was clear, and even the adults joined in, smiling as familiar songs from their own childhood echoed once again through the hall.
The memory verse for the evening was one very dear to all believers —
John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
The children recited it loudly, some from memory, and then repeated it several times as certain words were hidden on the board. The hall was filled with cheerful competition as both sides tried to say the verse best. By the end, every child could quote it clearly and joyfully.
💬 Testimony – Ryan Malone
One of the most striking parts of the evening came when Brother Ryan Malone stood up to share his testimony of how the Lord had saved him.
Ryan told the boys and girls that he had not grown up in a Christian home. He explained that although he had been raised within the Roman Catholic tradition, he had once believed that his good works, prayers, and church attendance could help him earn his way to heaven. He prayed often and tried his best to be good, but deep down, he never had peace.
Then one day, when he was a teenager, he met a street preacher in Belfast. That man spoke plainly and kindly to him about sin, explaining that “there is none righteous, no, not one,” and that “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” The preacher told him that Jesus Christ had died on the cross for his sins, was buried, and rose again the third day — and that Ryan needed to be born again.
Ryan went home curious and troubled in heart. He got in touch with the preacher again, and then obtained a Bible of his own — the first Bible he had ever had. Each evening, from 8 p.m. until 4 a.m., he read through God’s Word earnestly, searching to know the truth.
During that time he came across Ephesians 2:8‑9, which says:
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Ryan said those verses changed his life. He realised that salvation is a gift, not something we earn. It is received only by faith in Christ. He understood that what we think is good is still as “filthy rags” before a holy God.
That night Ryan trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour and was truly born again. His testimony reminded everyone that there are only two destinations — Heaven or Hell — and urged both children and adults present not to delay but to come to Christ while there is still time.
📖 Preaching – Evangelist Noel Shields
After a brief time of singing, Mr Noel Shields came forward to preach from John 6:1‑14, the account of the little lad who gave his lunch of five barley loaves and two small fishes to Jesus.
Mr Shields spoke warmly and clearly, explaining that this is one of the greatest miracles ever recorded in the Bible — so important that all four Gospels tell the story. Yet, he noted, only John mentions the little boy. Though we do not know the lad’s name, his parents, or his age, we know that he was there, and that he willingly gave what he had to the Lord.
The preacher pointed out three key lessons for everyone to remember:
1. The Lad’s Position
He was in the right place — near the Lord Jesus. The crowd around him was large, many were hungry, and none could feed themselves. Mr Shields reminded the children that the world today is like that crowd — filled with emptiness and spiritual hunger. Without Christ, people are lost, just as those people in the desert place were. Only Jesus, the Bread of Life, can satisfy the soul.
He warned that sin leaves people in a barren and dangerous place with no shepherd, no bread, and coming darkness. Just as night was falling at that miracle by the sea, so life without Christ leads into eternal darkness.
2. The Lad’s Possessions
Though the boy’s lunch was small, it was exactly what Christ used. Out of the whole crowd, only this one lad had something to offer, and what he had was enough when placed in the Lord’s hands.
Mr Shields told the children that the gospel message — the truth about Jesus Christ crucified and risen again — is what every person truly needs. The little lad’s small gift reminds us that God can use very small things in great ways. A little faith, a little courage, a little kindness — when given to Christ — can feed many hearts.
3. The Lad’s Presentation
The young boy handed over his food to Jesus without arguing or keeping it for himself. Jesus took it, blessed it, broke it, and multiplied it so that thousands were fed. The preacher said, “That’s what happens when we give everything to the Lord. He blesses it, He breaks it, and He uses it for His glory.”
He told the children that people sometimes doubt the miracle, but he assured everyone that not only were 5,000 men fed, but also women and children — perhaps 10,000 people in total.
The message closed with these words: “There’s no secret what Jesus Christ can do.” Mr Shields urged everyone, young and old, to give their life fully to Christ just as the little lad gave his lunch. Even if we feel small or unimportant, the Lord can do mighty things when we trust Him and give ourselves to Him completely.
🕊 Closing and Prayer
The evening ended with the hymn “If I Come to Jesus”. The singing was sweet and sincere, a fitting close to such a blessed meeting. Bags of goodies were kindly distributed to all the children, reminding them of the joy of giving and receiving. Before leaving, Brother Noel led in closing prayer, thanking the Lord for His presence and asking Him to bless the messages heard.
“Father in Heaven, we thank Thee for this meeting. We pray that many who heard the gospel tonight will come and receive the Bread of Life, the Lord Jesus Christ. Bless all the nights of these anniversary meetings and bring sinners to salvation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
🌟 Summary
The first night in the school, of the 50th Anniversary celebration, was truly uplifting. The Lord was glorified through song, testimony, and preaching. Everyone left encouraged and thankful, reminded that even a small offering — whether a little lunch, a few kind words, or a young person’s life — becomes great when placed in the hands of Jesus.
“There’s a lad here…” — and God can use any willing heart.
