International speaker and evangelist Jay Lowder, founder of the U.S.-based Jay Lowder Harvest Ministries and author of Midnight in Aisle 7, will be the featured guest at Whitewell Metropolitan Tabernacle Belfast Sept. 22 through Sept. 29 during the Alive Belfast Mission.
Lowder, who has had a personal history of suicidal thoughts as well as an attempt to take his own life several years ago, will be addressing the issue of Northern Ireland’s high suicide rate and how he found a reason to live.
“At 21 years of age, I was on the verge of suicide,” Lowder says. “I truly believe if my roommate hadn’t come home early from work that day, I would not be standing here today.”
Figures show the rate of suicide among young people in Ireland is one of the highest in Europe, with North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds stating approximately 300 people take their lives in Northern Ireland each year. Last February, the House of Commons reported that death by suicide in Northern Ireland has seen an increase of 100 percent in just 15 years.
Lowder will speak several times during the Alive Belfast Mission. Services will be held Sunday at 6:45 p.m. and Monday to Saturday at 7:45 p.m., with Saturday carrying a special youth night emphasis. On Tuesday, Sept. 24, Lowder will specifically address the four myths of suicide, the five warning signs of someone at risk, and practical, safe ways to help those in danger. Admission is free for all events.
“There is no doubt that life is hard, but death is not the answer,” Lowder says. “Some may believe there is no quick-fix solution to tackling Ireland’s grave suicide statistics, but I disagree. There is hope through God.”
In addition to events at the church, Lowder will present his youth program “Crossroads” in many of the local secondary schools. For additional information about Alive Belfast Mission, click here.
Lowder has been a full-time evangelist for more than 20 years, traveling the world to address individuals at church and area-wide conferences, universities, youth camps and rallies. He has spoken at more than 350 events and has been featured on major international radio and television shows and networks, including Fox’s Hannity, CNN’s Sunday Morning, Premier Radio’s International Breakfast, the Discovery Channel, ABC, Daystar Television Network’s Marcus & Joni and TBN’s Praise the Lord.
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