Banbridge Baptist ladies to host inspirational bible conference

Shirley travels extensively throughout the world addressing audiences keen to hear of her life’s work. During a recent project in Russia, Shirley formed a friendship with Mrs Elaine Thompson from Banbridge Baptist Women’s Fellowship, and she has accepted an invitation to come to the town for a series of inspirational meetings.

Born and raised in Long Beach, California, Shirley joined the staff of Campus Crusade for Christ in 1953, one year after its inception. It is a Christian organization that promotes evangelism and discipleship in more than 190 countries around the world. Initially she ministered on four university campuses in the state of Texas before travelling throughout the United States as a national women’s representative for the organisation.

In 1961 she married Nelson “Bud” Hinkson and in 1967 they moved to Europe with their two children, Jon and Joi, and a team of 70. They were known as The University Ambassador Team. As a result of their work in England, many new ministerial opportunities arose in mainland Europe, Eastern Europe and eventually The Soviet Union. The Hinkson family based this new aspect of their work in Vienna, Austria travelling throughout what was then, Communist Europe.

Their “Campus Crusade for Christ” work included pioneering a ministry of evangelism and discipleship. This included teaching “A survey of the New Testament” both in Hungary and at various other bible institutes in the former Soviet Union, and developing manuals for child training, leadership and Bible study.

Shirley continued this work with her husband until his home calling in 1992. She now spends her time ministering to women in universities, Parliament and the Executive Ministry in Moscow and St Petersburg. She also is a Grandmother of three.

Elaine Thompson commented, “I’m looking forward to meeting up with Shirley again and hearing what she has to say about God’s inheritance for us all. This is a new approach to a bible conference in the town and we are delighted by the interest already shown from the women of Banbridge and the surrounding towns and districts. I have no doubt those who attend will be encouraged by Shirley’s life’s work and in what this mighty woman of God has to say about our inheritance from God”.

Shirley says, “I’m looking forward to visiting Banbridge in Northern Ireland to renew my friendship and enjoy fellowship with other Christian women of the area. The women of Banbridge and district are truly in my prayers at this time for a successful Bible Conference in November”.

The theme for the weekend of meetings will be ‘Your Inheritance’ and cover such topics as ‘Is our inheritance legally ours?’, ‘Is our inheritance truly attainable?,’ and ‘Are you enjoying your inheritance?’

The bible conference will take place at Banbridge Baptist Church on Thursday 7th and Friday 8th November at 8pm, while on Saturday 9th November the morning session will open with tea, coffee and scones at 10am followed by a light lunch and the conference will conclude at 2pm asking the question is this Inheritance too good to be true?