It’s our turn to be strong for Ian, says McIlveen
Ian Paisley pictured with Rev David McIlveen
A Free Presbyterian minister who has worked closely with Dr Ian Paisley for decades last night insisted that it was too early to be writing his friend’s obituary.
The Rev David McIlveen, of Sandown Free Presbyterian Church in Belfast, spoke of hope for his friend Lord Bannside, the former First Minister of Northern Ireland and founder of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster.
Dr Paisley has been ill in the Ulster Hospital with a heart complaint since Sunday night, with his family maintaining a bedside vigil ever since.
Speaking from Tasmania, the Rev McIlveen told the News Letter: “My thoughts and prayers are with Dr Paisley and his family at this time.
“Over many years he has been a great strength for many other people in this type of situation and now it is our turn to do the same for him.
“I want to make it clear that I do not see this as an obituary.
“I am very conscious how people will react to his condition at the moment but we are optimistic that things will improve.”
The Rev McIlveen was speaking from Tasmania during a visit to Free Presbyterian churches in the region.
“I would not be doing this interview from Australia without Dr Paisley’s influence in the Free Presbyterian Church over the years,” he said.
“The development of the Free Presbyterian Church across the world is an indication of his ministry and how it has grown through his influence.
“Today it has churches in Australia, Kenya, Cameroon, Spain, India, Jamaica, North America and Canada.
“All over the world his ministry has had a great influence. There are currently three churches in Australia and three in Spain, with several missions in Kenya and fraternal relationships with churches in Cameroon.”
The Rev McIlveen added: “I last saw Dr Paisley before I left for Australia just over three weeks ago. We were making some preparations for the future regarding things we were involved in.
“I first came into Dr Paisley’s church in 1965.
“That was 47 years ago and ever since I have been a member of his church.
“I have known him and his family very well, having lived close to each other and worked together on so many issues.”
He said that Dr Paisley is seen as a “unique” person by Free Presbyterian Church members across the world and that he is a man with “a special sense of humour”.
“He has a unique ability to break down cultural differences in just moments and also has a magnetic personality,” said the minister.
“I have travelled with him on at least a dozen overseas trips and it is quite significant that he made such trips even though he had such a busy schedule.
“His visits to Africa in particular were very special for the people there. He always knew how to identify with people who had heard of him but never seen him, yet who still appreciated his ministry.
“He has always been the same – very thoughtful and always ready to listen and give advice and steer any project.”
The last time the two men met was a private meeting at the Sandown manse.
“He was in excellent form and was inquiring about my pending visit to Australia.
“To me, he is someone who always has a passionate interest in other people. I would like to say that this is not an obituary. We are praying for Dr Paisley’s recovery.”
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 12 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
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