Presbyterian Church in Ireland - Mission Overseas - Steele family faces new challenge

11th January 2010

Last Friday, 15th January, the Steele family officially resigned from service with the Board of Mission Overseas when David was formally inducted as the new minister in Dundrod Presbyterian Church, in the Templepatrick Presbytery.

David and Maggie Steele and family lived in Malawi for the past seven years where, from their base in Mzuzu, they served with the Livingstonia Synod of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP), our partner church in Malawi.

At the outset, David was Chaplain to a number of schools in the Synod area but latterly he had a two-fold role.

On three days a week he taught theology at Livingstonia Theological College (LTC) in Ekwendeni, a short drive from Mzuzu.

On the other days, he worked in the Livingstonia Synod Literature Department in Mzuzu, producing teaching materials for young people and new church members. Topics covered a variety of issues, including Marriage Guidance, Christian Morality and How to Grow as a Christian.

In addition, David spoke occasionally at Student Christian Organisation of Malawi (SCOM) meetings and conferences; and was involved in pastoral work in St Andrews CCAP congregation in Mzuzu.

The Steele family returned from Malawi in July last year for their final home assignment and over the past few months were involved in deputation speaking.

David's call to minister in Dundrod has been an encouraging confirmation for the family of God's guiding, and with it has come the the excitement of knowing that the Lord has new opportunities in ministry for them as they adjust to life in Dundrod after a number of very fulfilling years' service in Malawi.

We acknowledge with gratitude to God the Steeles' faithful service in Malawi and would encourage continued prayer for each member of the family as they settle into their new surroundings and begin to take up the challenges that now face them.