Inspire 2018

So many of us have lasting memories of our
time spent in Ovoca Manor, for some it has
been like a spiritual home. It was Kingsley
who was responsible for hiring the Harpers,
namely Herbert and Jean, who will go down in
Ovoca Manor history as absolute heroes. For
over 25 years Herbert and Jean sustained and
developed OM facilitating the faith development
of thousands.
Kingsley’s time was not without a few
memorable incidents. There was a very
unfortunate incident which lead to a brighter
future. Kingsley recalling this time explains that
‘following the dramatic fire that destroyed all
the stock in our first shop at Northumberland
Avenue, Dun Laoghaire, the SU Council
agreed to purchase 87 Lr. Georges Street, Dun
Laoghaire. This was a significant change being
on the main street of Dun Laoghaire which
helped SU relate better to the general public.
At that time (before Amazon!) there was an
important ministry for Christian Bookshops to
supply helpful literature both for children and
adults.’
Kingsley has always been known for his love
of God’s word which is why SU was such a
good fit for him. On reflecting about what SU
means to him he explained that ‘in this day and
age when the Bible is ignored by some and
criticised by others, the verse from Psalm 119
verse 105 highlighted by SU is what SU means
to me ‘God’s Word is a lamp to my feet and a
light for my path ‘. I am thrilled that Christians
from all different backgrounds and churches
can work together at SU to emphasise basic
Christian truths from the Bible and leave the
difficult questions till we arrive in heaven!
“I am thrilled that
Christians from all
different backgrounds
and churches can work
together at SU”
Kingsley
Herbert
& Kingsley
Ovoca Manor
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