Jean ‘delighted’ by award

Jean is the Northern Ireland Manager of Care for the Family, a national charity which aims to promote strong family life and to help those who face family difficulties.

Jean is married to Brian, who is the minister of Railway Street Presbyterian Church, Lisburn. They have two grown up children and one grandchild.

As well as her work with Care for the family, Jean balances life as a minister’s wife, as well as being an author, with her third book, Journey of Hope, being released at the end of the month.

Speaking about her MBE, Jean said: “While I am delighted to have been honoured in this way, I’m very conscious that there are so many others who are freely giving their time and talents to help others. In Care for the Family alone, we have around 200 volunteers across the country. Our work could not continue without them.”

Jean is the author of Journey of Hope, Seasons of Womanhood and Joyful in Hope.

Along with her husband Brian, Jean was involved in theological education with the Presbyterian Church of East Africa for eight years. Their two children grew up in Kenya, where daily life was interspersed with experiences of spontaneous joy, tragic need, Kenyan wildlife and the beauty of the Ngong Hills.

Jean added: “I have always had a passion for the family and believe deeply in Care for the Family’s aims and values. I enjoy seeing the ‘big picture’ in Northern Ireland, trying out new ideas and speaking and promoting Care for the Family throughout the country. I find all the different situations fulfilling - from addressing a crowd in the Waterfront Hall, to praying with a single person after an event.”