Christine Kyle Deaconness Ulster Hospital Dundonald
I am married to Jim, and we have two teenage daughters; as a family we belong to Orangefield Presbyterian Church.
I was brought up in Lowememorial Pres. church, South Belfast and during my time at university felt called to deaconess work. I trained at St. Colm's college, Edinburgh 1983-85 and was commissioned as deaconess in Woodvale Pres. church in September.1985.
I moved to Orangefield Pres church in 1986 and enjoyed the work there. I felt called to the Ulster Hospital in November 1989 and have enjoyed the challenges and rewards ot ministering in a busy hospital.
Each day brings a variety of challenges, meeting with those who are anxious and worried about having tests done or facing an operation; bringing a word of encouragement to the lonely,those who have had bad news and also sharing with families who sit with a loved one.I also conduct sunday worship once a month in our hospital church. I visit very frequently in our care of the elderly unit and we have started a service here once a month.
As I continue to view my role as Hospital deaconess I see it as a ministy of "being there"- giving time to people, listening, praying and reading God's word.
Thank you to the Reverend George Mofett and other members of the chaplaincy tem for their friendship and support and the PW for their many prayers and encouraging words. It is lovely to know that we are working together to further God's kingdom in this place.
Life in the Ulster Hospital
Do you remember the story of Christian’s journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City, told so vividly in Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress? One of the first obstacles which Christian encountered was the Slough of Despond. He ... being heedless did suddenly fall into the bog. He struggled and strived to get out of the bog until he saw a man who asked him what he was doing there and why he had not looked for the steps. “Give me your hand,” said Help, and he drew Christian out of the miry slough, set his feet on sound ground, and bade him go on his way.
No more was said about Help. He was not seen again and we know nothing of him personally. This was no more than a brief encounter, but without it Christian may never have continued his journey. Help was someone who knew the terrain, had a watchful eye for travellers and the knack of being in the right place at the right time. As I walk through the wards I hope I am in the right place at the right time to share a word in season, to pray and encourage many who come into hospital. The hospital has changed so much over the past nineteen years, with more day procedures, outpatient appointments, and shorter stays in hospital. But people are still apprehensive, distressed, and lonely, and what a privilege it is to stop at a hospital bed and spend some time with them.
I continue to be involved in leading worship on a regular basis in the hospital church and trust that these times of worship will bring encouragement, comfort and hope to many.
My thanks go to the Rev George Moffett and the other Chaplains for their encouragement and support and also to members of PW Groups for their interest and continued support.
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Prayer requests
Pray that I would know God’s wisdom and sensitivity in sharing with folks.
I also conduct the service on the last Sunday of each month.
Pray that these times of worship would bring encouragement, comfort and hope to many
For good health and strenght to meet the many demands both at home and and at work.
To be still before God and know his guidance and wisdom in the many visits I make.
Our weekly services would be a source of comfort and help to all who come.