PCI’s rural chaplaincy team among the Balmoral crowds

Kenny Hanna explained,

“PCI has always been a denomination with a significant rural dynamic, made up of farmers and farming families for generations. As a rural chaplaincy team, we always enjoy coming to Balmoral, as we are very much a part of a wider rural support network and here to serve.

“We cover an area that reaches from Comber in the north, along the western shores of Strangford Lough, and down the coast to Ardglass and on to Warrenpoint. We then take in the towns and villages as far west as Benburb, reaching up once more to the southern shores of Lough Neagh.

“As part of that broader rural network, we are here for any farmer and any farming family from any background. Alongside working with schools, Marts and agri-businesses, we are also unique in one important respect, that we seek to share the good news of Jesus, pointing them to the hope that only he can bring.”

“Talking to folk this year, it is very clear that there are still dark clouds in the background. The international situation does not help matters and there are continuing underlying challenges from the cost of diesel, which has doubled, and the increasing cost of fertiliser, to the continued presence of TB, which is a huge issue for cattle farmers. With milk selling for just above the cost of production, some dairy farmers are providing us with milk at a loss.

"If you look at the impact of the geopolitical situation on farming, and something as important as the weather, given the fact that we have had the wettest winter since 1877, much of a farmer’s life is beyond their actual control, which adds to the stress. This is why it is so important to talk, to engage with farm support organisations, and to encourage one another in these days. As a chaplaincy team we are also hear to help where we can, offering a compassionate and pastoral listening ear.”

Mr Hill said that,

“For many years PCI has been involved in chaplaincy serving alongside others in healthcare, universities, prisons and the armed forces. Since we expanded that longstanding ministry into rural chaplaincy five years ago, with Kenny’s appointment as Rural Chaplain, he and his team have certainly made their mark, working with our congregations to serve farmers, farming families and rural communities. They have been a real blessing – so much so we are exploring ways of developing rural chaplaincy elsewhere in Ireland.

 “Much of the work of rural chaplaincy is about working in partnership and building effective relationships with different rural agencies, farm support organisations and agri-businesses, many of whom I met today. I am delighted to see such partnerships and welcomed the opportunity to thank them for their support of this project.

“Kenny has worked hard, as has the whole team, to develop these relationships, which has enabled the Church to work together with others who also serve the farming community. It is a privilege to support this work, as the love of Christ always compels us to reach out to all people with the good news of the gospel, including those in the rural community.”