The Banbridge Seventh-day Adventist church celebrated the 90th birthday of June Lang on Sabbath 10 June 2023. The occasion had been kept secret by the organising team. June didn't know, until the very last moment, that her elderly son and one of her granddaughters had flown from Australia to spend a few weeks with her. The celebration took place in the church's hall after the morning service. For those who know June well, she doesn't like to be 'fussed over'. However, the church thought they would not let this opportunity pass without showing her how much she was loved and appreciated.
A nicely decorated birthday cake, biscuits, drinks and other sweets and a stunning bouquet of roses waited at the centre table. Then it began in earnest. The church hall was filled with the joyful singing of 'Happy Birthday'. June was overwhelmed and couldn't stop laughing and enjoying every minute, even when she was cutting her cake afterwards.
Since June stopped driving, and because she struggles with mobility issues, a small team of members with cars take turns to fetch her from her home and drive her to the church worship service every Sabbath. You cannot miss her broad and sunny smile no matter what the weather looks like outside.
When asked about the secret of her longevity, she says, "I've been a naughty girl all my life." Her sense of humour can catch you off-guard. June may be a 'private' person, but she becomes talkative when asked the right questions. The more she talks, the stronger your faith becomes as you hear stories of how real God is to her.
June lives on her own, but she never feels lonely. Her long life is filled with stories of God's love, care, protection and provision. Her child-like faith is refreshing and uplifting. She prays for little things, and God answers, time and again. At first, June was reluctant when asked for permission to share her story with the Adventist family in the UK, but when she realised that it could bless someone else's life, she happily agreed.
The Bainbridge church feels blessed with the quiet but always cheerful presence of their beloved June Lang.