Concert set to pay tribute to missionary Jim

Just over 11 years ago Jim, who was a tailor by trade, felt called by God to go to Ethiopia.

Without a word to his family until the day before, he booked a ticket and out he went.

In the midst of thunder and lightning he arrived in the village of Kuriftu where he was led into a mud hut.

Jim’s daughter Karen explained that her father believed God met with him that night and showed him the plan to help the children and people of Ethiopia.

“At the same time a lovely man of God named Bezabih Toloso who lived in the village of Kuriftu had been praying that God would send someone who could help his people. These two men under the anointing of God worked together to bring God’s plan to fruition,” said Karen.

This divine appointment was to explode into the great missionary work that is now established in the area, of a scale that neither of these men could have first imagined.

Today there is a 2,000 seat church, also a feeding programme, a clinic, a school and college, teaching children up to 18 years of age.

The college also serves the adult community in the local area.

The concert, which will be held in Whitewell Metropolitan Tabernacle on Thursday April 30 at 7.30pm, will be headlined by Lisburn band Live Issue.

Also on the bill will be Pathway, Kenny Archer, and Laura Dowey.

A small tribute will also be shown from the children in Kuriftu in Ethiopia on the night of the Concert’ thanking James McClelland for the many years that he served to save and better the lives of hundreds of children.

Tickets, for a donation of £7, can be obtained by contacting Whitewell church on 02890 777074 or Hope for Ethiopia on 02890 629524 or pay at the church on the night.

There will also be a supper served after the concert.

All money raised will be donated to the Children’s Clinic in Ethiopia.

Jim’s family and friends intend to continue his legacy via the Hope for Ethiopia 7 Facebook page.