Warm welcome for U.S. guests

Professors Russ Dykstra and Peter Van der Schaaf from Grand Rapids in Michigan spent last week in the town, sightseeing and attending sermons.

As members of the Protestant Reformed Conventant of America they made the long journey from Michigan to join with the congregation at the Convenant Protestant reformed church in Ballymena. The two visitors even found time to accompany a missionary to Limerick last week.

Professor Dykstra is a professor of Theology in Michigan and gave a sermon on Sunday at Ballymena Prostestant Hall. Speaking at the Braid, he told the Times that Ballymena is a delightful town.

It was the Professor’s first time in Northern Ireland and although the weather has been bad is hasn’t affected his visit, he said: “Our flight was delayed, because of the weather in America not here, the weather Michigan is very similar to the cold we have been experiencing here," he said.

Despite the cold weather, Professor Van der Schaaf said he appreciated the very warm welcome he has received, adding: “Total strangers have started conversations about us being here, asking me about my stay and how it’s going.

“I plan to return later in the year with my wife for a holiday.”

Rev. Angus Stewart, who hosted the two guests, said: “I was looking forward to showing them some green, but they have enjoyed seeing the area despite the icy conditions.”