Diocesan News15 Jun 10

Over 7500 Attend Three Nights of Maize n' Grace

At least 2500 people turning up for an event on each of three consecutive nights. That must surely count as a significant event in the life of any local community. That is how many people came to Maize n' Grace to hear South African farmer and evangelist Angus Buchan from 10 to 12 June in Fintona, Co Tyrone.

Angus Buchan's life has been featured in the book and film Faith Like Potatoes. News of his ministry had obviously travelled as people came from as far away as London, and as close as Fintona to hear this father and grandfather who is now a celebrated speaker.

The Ecclesville Equestrian Centre is more used to hosting horse riding events in its large indoor arena. The sawdust floor was covered with carpet and seating provided to hold up to 3000 people. A bookstall and some burger vans provided refreshment for any weary travellers.

It might easily be thought that the organizers of such a large gathering would be experienced event planners. It turns out that none of the organizers had been involved in anything like this type of event before. As Alan Irvine, one of the organizers jokingly described it, "If each of us had been interviewed for the job of organizing this none of us would have got the job". Yet, with the help of 60 volunteers and a year of preparation the event went smoothly.

A year ago the organisers had heard Angus Buchan speak and decided that he should come to Northern Ireland. Buchan received countless invitations but decided to accept this one. The organizers (farmers, business people and an accountant) then set about planning for what would be a larger event than anything they had ever been involved with before.

One of the remarkable features of Maize n' Grace was the welcome given to every part of the community. Large religious events in Northern Ireland can have the potential to be divisive - being seen as exclusively Protestant or Catholic. The organizers of Maize n' Grace decided that the three day campaign would be open to all parts of the community, with no other agenda than sharing good news.

There is no doubt that Angus Buchan is a passionate speaker. On meeting him one is also struck with his humility. There is something of the farmer at heart in him and he finds it difficult to be separated from family as he fulfils a worldwide ministry. As he speaks on stage he does so wearing the clothes (and hat!) of a typical South African farmer. His lack of 'polish' is part of what makes him attractive as a speaker.

During the three evenings of Maize n' Grace at the Ecclesville Equestrian Centre over 100 people camped in the grounds of the centre in Fintona. The car par park not only filled up with cars from all parts of the country but also with coach parties. The wide age range each evening was also striking, even as the last nigh coincided with England's first World Cup match.