Going to Scotland was a very eye opening experience. Although physically, it reminded us of New England it still felt like another world to us. Throughout my whole experience I felt God's protection over my life and my group's life. I was so blessed to meet people there and see what God has been doing within his people around the world. It also changed my whole perspective on missions. We always think of missions as helping the poor, but we never get to the conversation and evangelism aspect of it. Scotland taught me that although these people were materialistically fine, they were spiritually poor. They didn't need us to build them things, or buy the food, they needed us to speak about God. It opened my eyes to see that every country needs God. The whole experience taught me many things that I'm applying to my life back home.
Glasgow reminded me so much of New England. Walking around is streets gave me a different perspective as to how I should live and communicate to others back home. I learned so much about God, and His people, because of how I felt His love in that place. Though there are less than 1% of the population that are followers of Jesus, God still showers His love to that city-- because that’s just how He is. I learned that He values relationships, and that He values us. We are all created in His image, though most might not know it. God’s love demands to be felt, even in a place of spiritual darkness, and through Jesus we are able to be the lights of the world to reflect that love. I’m thankful I got to realize this with my team in Glasgow, Scotland.
Families, mentors, youthleaders and pastors please RSVP for Saturday's celebration. Name and count to [email protected]. We will order food tomorrow.
Today we began a shift wrapping up aspects of our time here. We summarized and evaluated with our hosts. Around noon we headed out to prayer walk and connect with folks. The title says making the turn and there was a marked difference in connecting today. Conversations were flowing for many in our group as locals seem to feel a bit more comfortable with us. But it was also our last offical day. Pray for our friends here as they continue to share the good news of Christ! We have learned many valuable lessons in reaching out and conecting. We pray we can use the lessons taught here in our own world of influence. Tomorrow we sight see and share some final time with our hosts. Pray we will finish strong! Today we began a shift wrapping up aspects of our time here. We summarized and evaluated with our hosts.
Around noon we headed out to prayer walk and connect with folks. The title says making the turn and there was a marked difference in connecting today. Conversations were flowing for many in our group as locals seem to feel a bit more comfortable with us. But it was also our last offical day. Pray for our friends here as they continue to share the good news of Christ! We have learned many valuable lessons in reaching out and conecting. We pray we can use the lessons taught here in our own world of influence. Tomorrow we sight see and share some final time with our hosts. Pray we will finish strong! Today we started our morning with a teaching time lead by our local friends. Around noon we divided into two teams and headed out into the neighborhood.
One team spent time at a local activity center hanging out playing games. Another group visited a local shopping area prayer walking and meeting people. We are over the half way point and beginning to look at what will be impacted when we return home. Tonight we had dinner at one of our host homes and have been joined by a guy our age. We've swapped stories from each of our cultures and playing games. Laughing alot! It was windy and rainy at times today so we are hoping the sun will come out tomorrow! Parents, youthleaders, mentors and pastors please RSVP for Saturday's return Celebration. The celebration begins at 11:30 and will conclude by 2:00. A lite lunch will be provided.
RSVP to [email protected] with your name and number attending. Aye lads and lassies! Questies here! We started off this beautiful day with training at Gena's! We talked about pursuing the Father's heart, and how our actions flow from being in His love. We split up into two groups and walked around two neighborhoods where we prayed for the people and the stores and houses that we passed. (With some fun included- see picture for Felipe playing soccer with the local teenagers!)
Another special thing we did was simple church! We read Ephesians 4 together and talked about how we felt about the passage and how we felt God was speaking through it for our own individual needs. It was more personal and intimate than a typical Sunday service. We are now at the Odom's looking over the wee man Eli while TJ and Deena are out on a date. He likes hangin' out with the "big kids"! Please continue to pray for us and pray for the people of Scotland that the Lord may soften their hearts to receive Jesus. Thank you! Ps- Jonah wants a shoutout. Pss- hello Mrs. Peña Today was a full day but included some relaxing group time. The team visited a Baptist church located a couple of doors from the girls flat. Our group lowered the average age by a couple of decades. We enjoyed the service and message.
We had a time of teaching this afternoon. Tonight we divided into two groups, cooked dinner for our hosts and joined them for house church. Yesterday we prayer walked two areas in the snow, wind and rain. Challenging but good time. Saturday evening we offered support to a local Kids/Youth Club. Kids came and played games and our group provide pancakes American style. We continue to learn and try to put into practice what we are learning. Keep praying! We rested well and enjoyed our first full day.
Our hosts started our day with a teaching session preparing our group to encouter the culture. We're learning the similarities and differences of our cultures. After lunch in a local cafe the team split and headed out to meet locals in two neighborhoods and praying as we walked. Tonight a few for the group attended a football (soccer) game. Paul a new friend was playing and they won! Others on the team hung out at our friends flat learning a new game to play tomorrow a youth event. (Allyson found the "American" section at the local food store.) Thankful for those of you following along. The Scotland team arrived safely after a stopover in very cool Iceland.
The Glasgow team met us and have helped us acclimate with lunch downtown, a scavenger hunt, tour of a 1000 year old Cathedral. We just wrapped an orientation and after dinner we will settle in for the night and adjust to the time difference. Thanks for your prayers as we see all God has to show us. Cheerio |
Q17 Scotland
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