Tell me a little about yourself?

Hi everyone! My name is Claire and I am 24 years old.  I live in beautiful Whitehead with my family and my very crazy dog, Benny Buster.  I belong to North Street Presbyterian Church in Carrickfergus where I am an Officer in the GB compnay.  I am also a Christian and I try and shine my light for Jesus everyday.  When I am not doing GB stuff, I am a funded PhD history student at Queen’s University Belfast (which basically means I am writing an 80,000 word essay-argh!).  I am also a cinema addict!

How long have you been in GB and what do you love about it?

I have been in GB since I was teenie tiny and I have been an Officer for three years.  I LOVE GB for so many reasons.  First, Girls’ Brigade has had a very important impact on my life and my journey with Jesus.  God has touched my life through GB especially during the International Conference of GB (ICGB) in 2006.  It is amazing to realise that we are all part of a sisterhood across the globe.  Second, I love spending time with my GB girlies in Carrickfergus on Friday nights and during the TRANSFORM Bible class on Sunday mornings.  It is a privilege to chat, share our faith, make a difference and have lots of craic together.  For me, GB is fun, exciting and exhilarating.  I hope that it is for you as well.

What is your favourite bible verse and why?

What a hard question!?!  One of my favourite verses is Roman 12:9 which is a passage about becoming a living sacrifice to God, “Don’t just pretend to love others.  Really love them.  Hate what is wrong.  Hold tightly to what is good.”  It is an inspiring and challenging Bible verse.  I also love Philippians 2:15 (I have it as a fridge magnet) - “Children of God…Shine like stars”  That’s what Jesus wants us to do and it would be amazing to see all the GB girls in NI shining like stars.

If you could meet anyone and have dinner with them (alive or dead) who would it be and why?

William Wilberforce.  He was an inspirational Christian man who campaigned tirelessly for the end of slavery in the 1800s.  He dedicated himself for twenty years and suffered ill health and depression until he was eventually successful.  The movie Amazing Grace shows his epic struggle and everyone should try and watch it.  The story of William Wilberforce reminds me that it is not easy to make a differecne but it is definitely worth the effort.

What is your role as the Youth Representative on GBNI’s Executive?

I have been one of the youth representatives on the GBNI Executive since October 2006 and I think that it is a privilege to be the voice of 22,000 girls and young women.  Lynsey and I feed back to the Executive the views of the National Youth Council (NYC) which is a group of girls who passionately care about GB and want to influence decision making.  Any girl (aged 16-24) can be a member and I would love to see you at our next meeting this Wed 30th January at GBHQ for fun, fellowship and discussion.  Even if you can’t come. please leave a comment on our blog.  The NYC will be on the move in 2008 so we may see you at competitions and visit you during your Company night.  GB needs to hear your voice!