When I first entered Scotland I didn't know what to expect. When we got there the people were really friendly and there culture is so unique. This trip was a eye opener it showed me how God works through people not only in the United states but around the world. When we were doing worship it was amazing to see everyone singing and praising him. Also learning from the youth and some of the adult's walk with God was encouraging. It shows no matter what, God will always have your back. He also put people in your life for a reason.
I saw God working in Scotland through the people we interacted with. In a stereo-typically non-Christian area, to be able to meet other people who share the same beliefs as I do was quite refreshing. It was amazing to be able to relate to a lot of the issues that my peers in Scotland have, because I find myself going through the same troubles concerning reaching people in New England. I built relationships with people that I hope to maintain throughout my life. It was a fantastic trip and I hope to go back at some point in the near future. I am so thankful for this experience, seeing God at work through the people in Scotland was so cool. God has really opened my eyes to things like how powerful prayer can be and how important it is. Walking through the streets of Partick and just praying for the things we saw, the shops, the schools, and conversations that Patrick and Erin might have there was something that I’ve never done before and it’s really helped me realize the importance of prayer in everyday life. Another thing I got from this trip is that whatever we do can be used to glorify God, a lot of the things we did like babysitting and just hanging out with the other teens didn’t really seem like that big of a deal to us but knowing God has a plan and He can use us without our knowledge really helped me know we were there for a purpose. Despite being sick the whole week I woke up each day happy to be in Scotland and on mission. There are so many lessons God brought to my attention while I was there, but the major points are 1.) You don’t need to leave the country to be on mission. Being in Scotland reminded me a lot of being back home. This showed me that all the things I have learned are easy to bring back home with me. Prayer walking, simple church, having conversations. All things I can do really anywhere. 2.) Our work is important. Hanging out with the youth , sharing our testimonies building a relationship are all things that could seem small but was needed. We got to know them and see how stories connected with them as well as each other. Each testimony is important even if you can’t see it yourself. 3.) Christ can work through everyone. You just have to let go and let God. Doesn’t matter if you have given your life to Christ already, new to faith, or still understanding. He can really work through everyone. I saw him through my team, the leaders, Patrick, and his friends that we partnered with. I saw Him through the youth that we met, as they shared how much His love has helped and changed them, and how they really want to know Christ more. One of the groups want to start their own worship band! God is so good. Thank you for supporting Q19 through prayer, giving and encouraging words. We have returned and now asking God to continue to transform us to be more like Jesus in our everyday life.
We will share personal reflections here over the next few days. Please check back. A highlight slide show is on the HOME page. Wednesday wrapped up our efforts in Partick & Govan; after training in the morning, the entire team made its way to Govan for a lunchtime outreach that takes place every week. The students were able to play games and have conversations with several highschoolers that stopped by. Afterward, the girls got to share lunch and stories with Jess and Claire while the guys played a game of basketball with some of the boys in the community. Team Govan had the opportunity to share their testimonies with several of the teenagers Jess and Claire have been ministering to, and Team Partick worked on some odds and ends around Patrick & Erin's house. The whole team later reunited for babysitting so Patrick & Erin could have a date night!
Today we spent the day in neighboring Stirling, taking in some sights of Scotland's storied history -- the views were breathtaking, the laughs many and the company sweet! We capped off our time here with dinner, getting to share our final meal with just about everyone we got to work with this past week. It was a good day, and a great trip! We're packed up for an early departure, and we can't wait to share more of our experience(s) with you all! See you soon! The last two days looked pretty similar -- the mornings consisted of training sessions with Patrick, TJ, Claire and Jess, and the afternoons were spent in both Partick and Govan. Much of what we're learning revolves around this idea of being where people are, so we're present, praying and initiating conversations when/where we can. We've most certainly been stretched and challenged during these times.
Monday evening we went to youth group in Govan. Jess and Claire introduced us to some of the students that spent time with the Q18 team, so we were able to build on those connections. With new and old friends, we played games, dance-partied and led the group in worship. Tuesday evening was another youth group night, this time with the ministry team from Patrick's church. We saw some familiar faces from Sunday, and were introduced to many more, but most of the teenagers are not involved in the church. Dinner was provided for all of us; we led the group in some games and shared stories. Tomorrow will be our last full workday in the neighborhoods, so be praying that we finish strong! Looking forward to sharing the ins and outs of these days with you once we're back home. Parents, youth leaders, 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. The Celebration will take place at the Rice Memorial Church directly in front of the BCNE building, 87 Lincoln Street, Northborough, MA.
RSVP to [email protected] with your name and number attending. Saturday morning, the team met with TJ for another training session; we spent some time studying Scripture as a large group before heading out into the neighborhoods that will be our stomping grounds for the rest of our time here. The two teams, Partick & Govan, then took off to prayerwalk specific routes in these areas. Each team settled in at cafes/restaurants along the way to publicly read and discuss the Bible together. We ended our day with a bang, attending a traditional Scottish dance known as a Ceilidh (pronounced "kay-lee"). Every member of the team participated, and it was more fun than any of us expected it to be! We attended two different services today -- morning worship with the church Patrick and Erin attend, and evening worship with a church located in the city center. Our afternoon also consisted of worship, playing/singing songs with several teenagers from the morning service; both groups were greatly encouraged by our time together! Two of these teens later joined us for dinner, and we got to talk with them a bit more. It's already Monday here, and we've got another full day ahead! Be praying for the students as they once again step out into the communities -- that they'd be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading, watchful of opportunities to engage, and growing in their confidence of God's perfect plan. We're so thankful for your comments & prayers so far!
We spent Friday getting to know the city a little more --
The day began with a train ride out to TJ's house for the first in a series of team training sessions. TJ led the group in a time of Bible study, followed by an orientation of what it looks like to be on mission in Glasgow. The team will be split across two of the city's neighborhoods in the next several days: Partick & Govan. Patrick, Claire and Jess spoke about the characteristics of these areas, and filled us in on the different ways we might partner with them in ministry. After wrapping up the session, we made our way to the Necropolis -- a hilltop cemetery that connects to the Glasgow Cathedral, and overlooks the city. The students paired off and spent some time in prayer for the people here. Then, we got to roam through the cathedral! The rest of the afternoon included lunch, a taxi ride, and a tour through Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum. We ended the day with the same company we started with; Patrick and his wife Erin hosted us for pizza and games, and TJ and his wife Dena joined us with their two young children. A late night of conversation, laughs and fun was had by the whole group! Encouraged that you're praying along with us. |
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