The Record - June/July 2024

THE

RECORD

BI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF THE FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND JUNE/JULY 2024 • £2.00

Interim Editor • Sarah Robinson The Editor, Free Church Offices, 15 North Bank Street, The Mound, Edinburgh, EH1 2LS editor@freechurch.org

Do you have surplus copies of Sing Psalms?

The Free Church of Scotland’s Central Office is running low or out of stock of the following Psalmody books:

Copy Editor • Rebekah Macdonald Mission News • David Meredith Free Church Offices, 15 North Bank Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2LS mission@freechurch.org WfM Editor • Fiona Macaskill 8 Campsie Drive, Glasgow, G61 3HY rfmacaskill@me.com

• Sing Psalms with the Scottish Psalter • Sing Psalms Words Only • Sing Psalms Sol-fa If you have surplus copies in reasonable condition that could be returned to the Free Church Office it would potentially save significant reprint costs.

Please contact offices@freechurch.org if you are able to help.

Gaelic Editor • Janet MacPhail 24 North Bragar, Isle of Lewis, HS2 9DA 01851 710354 Seminary News • William Mackenzie Edinburgh Theological Seminary, 15 North Bank Street, Edinburgh EH1 2LS offices@ets.ac.uk

Design & Layout • Fin Macrae @DUFI Art www.dufi-art.com The Record • ISSN 2042-2970 Publisher • The Record is produced by The Free Church of Scotland, Free Church Offices, 15 North Bank Street, The Mound, Edinburgh, EH1 2LS 0131 226 5286 offices@freechurch.org Advertising • Anyone wishing to advertise in The Record should contact the editor.

Details of the church's activities, latest news and people to contact are all available on the church's website: www.freechurch.org

This QR Code will direct you to the digital version of the magazine on ISSUU. Available for 30 days for current print subscribers. iPhone: Open your camera app and hold the lens above the QR Code, it will automatically detect the link which you can click on to open.

Android: Download QR Code Reader from Google Play Store and follow app directions.

The Free Church of Scotland is a registered charity SC012925 • Women for Mission is a registered charity SC03898

THE RECORD

02

JUNE/JULY

Cover: Photo by Cedric Dhaenans on Unsplash

For Subscriptions • The subscription price for The Record is £33 for 12 editions over two years.

Cheques should be made payable to: Free Church of Scotland. Please contact the offices for overseas subscription costs.

CONTENTS

WELCOME TO THE JUNE/JULY RECORD

W

elcome to the latest edition of the record.

04 GENERAL ASSEMBLY NEWS Moderators Sermons, Report of the Board of Trustees, Report of the Mission Board, Report of the Board of Ministry, Lord High Commissioner Visit, Report of the Edinburgh Theological Seminary, Public Engagement Coordinator Report, Photos from the Assembly, Christian Education Group, Sabbatical Leave Provision

This is a bumper edition with updates about the General Assembly which was held in May. The General Assembly is the highest decisionmaking body in the Free Church of Scotland, and it meets for a week in Edinburgh every May to discuss church business, make decisions and have fellowship together.

It is exciting to see that God is at work in our churches, in our presbyteries and across the denomination.

There was an address from HRH Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, who is the Lord High Commissioner (His Majesty the King’s representative to the General Assembly). There were also speeches from guests from other organisations, including Elaine Duncan from the Scottish Bible Society, Megan Patterson from Christian Values in Education (Scotland) and Andy Hunter from the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC).

Do take a look at the General Assembly coverage on pages 6 to 16.

In this edition you’ll find a find a selection of contributions. Do look out for the update from Women for Mission about their latest Annual Meeting held in Livingston in May as well as a Mission Matters piece by Rev David Meredith.

We hope you continue to enjoy reading The Record.

If you would like to send in your church news or letters, email editor@freechurch.org •

16

FREE CHURCH NEWS

21

OBITUARY: THOMAS COOK

22

WfM NEWS Fiona Macaskill

24

WORLD NEWS Mexico, Egypt, Azerbaijan, Nepal

26

THIS IS MY STORY: OUT IN THE MIDDAY SUN David J Randall

28

FOOD FOR FELLOWSHIP

30

PAGES FROM ADAM'S DIARY: REDEMPTION (PART 02)

33

PRAYER DIARY

34

BOOK REVIEWS

36

MISSION MATTERS David Meredith

37

POETRY PAGE George Herbert

38

CHILDREN'S PAGE

39

MAR UISGEACHAN FUARA DON ANAM THARTMHOR Janet MacPhail

Yours in Christ Sarah Robinson

40 POST TENEBRAS LUX Catriona Murray

That in all things he might have the pre-eminence Colossians 1:18 2024

03

WWW.FREECHURCH.ORG

OPENING SESSION – GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2024

“I

have read the end of the book and jesus wins…

often the enemy appears to us to be stronger, to be bigger, to be fitter. It doesn’t seem to be a fair fight because we have the world which seems to be moving in a certain direction contrary to the Word of God, contrary to the Gospel. There is the enemy himself.

“But Jesus said ‘I came that they may have life and have it abundantly’ (John 10:10).

“As we look at those three texts in turn, there is a transfer of power. There is a new King in town, and he is in control, and he is in charge. All of this world belongs to him.”

Mr Akroyd noted that “time for us and time for God are two very different things.”

He said: “The great picture and promise that Moses sung of has now come to fruition through the person and the work of Jesus Christ. The kingdoms now are his. All of the kingdom has come under his sovereign control… He will reign forever and ever.’

Mr Akroyd encouraged commissioners to step out in faith and to give thanks, knowing that God has no limitations and he has all the power and all the authority.

The opening session continued with a number of items, including approving the appointment of Rev Callum Macleod as Moderator for the 2024 General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland.

He was presented with a Bible by Elaine Duncan, Chief Executive of the Scottish Bible Society. •

he shall reign forever and ever. he is the king of

kings and the lord of lords.” This is the message Prof Rev Bob Akroyd shared at the opening session of the 2024 General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland.

Mr Akroyd gave a thought-provoking sermon on passages in Revelation 11 and Revelation 19.

He said: “Keeping in mind that he (Jesus) wins, he is victorious, that he rules, that he reigns, let us consider something of the time in which we are placed and to consider how this truth might shape our deliberations, our ministries, our words, and our actions.”

Mr Akroyd spoke about how we are in a battle; it is underway.

He said: “We are surrounded by the enemy. The enemy is on all sides; the enemy is also within.

If we realise that we are surrounded, that greatly simplifies matters. That greatly clarifies our thoughts and that greatly focuses our attention. If we’re honest, we have the initial problem of finding the enemy.

“The second problem is often engaging the enemy. How often does it seem as though the enemy is progressing, and we are retreating; how often does it seem as if the battle is raging, and we are not winning.

“The third problem is the scale of the forces. So

THE RECORD

04

JUNE/JULY

THE MODERATOR'S ADDRESS

R

ev callum macleod, moderator of the free church of scotland, delivered his moderator’s address on the subject of ‘the life of the church and the mission of god.’

He said: “Identity formation is the process through which we develop an understanding of who we are and how we fit into the world around us. In the Church, our identity is not something we develop or create for ourselves; it is the gift of God. It is grounded in the gospel, the good news of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.”

Mr Macleod emphasised the importance of maintaining a clear understanding of the Church’s identity in Christ as well as ecclesiastical polity. “This union with Christ is a defining union. We become a new creation in Christ. Our personal identity is formed in our union with him.”

He continued, “[We are also] bound to be Presbyterian in practice. We submit to the Headship of Christ in every area of our Christian living. And we submit to the Headship of Christ at every level of church government and governance.”

He said history shows that identity can become confused and threatened in times of organisational change. Insecurity and instability can develop as the process of change gains momentum. An identity crisis introduces vulnerabilities, threatens process issues, and places the identity itself at risk of being lost. We guard against such confusion, insecurity, and instability by keeping our formation and being faithful to the Lord Jesus as King and Head of the Church.

Turning his attention to the significance of worship, Mr Macleod stressed its central role as a response to biblical revelation.

He said: “Salvation drives the people of God to worship; redemption compels God-directed praise. God’s covenant people are a worshipping people. God is the God of his people in all

2024

05

WWW.FREECHURCH.ORG

At the centre of worship is the preaching of the gospel. It is also the key to the health and wellbeing of the Church their life, but when God’s people come together in worship, this blessed reality comes to its highest expression. In our corporate worship, we encounter God; in a special way, we see the ‘glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ’ (2 Corinthians 4:6), and we are ‘transformed into the same image…’ (2 Corinthians 3:18). Worship is rooted in our deepest desires and reflects those deep desires outwardly. The worship experience increases our self-consciousness of our identity in Christ.

“The Ten Commandments tell us who we are to worship, how we are to worship, and when we are to worship. The ‘acceptable way of worshiping the true God is instituted by himself, and so limited by his own revealed will, that he may not be worshiped according to the imaginations and devices of men, or the suggestions of Satan, under any visible representation, or any other way not prescribed in the holy Scripture’ (Westminster Confession of Faith 21:1).

We share with the Christian church universally the basic, formal elements of worship: the reading of Scripture, the preaching of the Word, the administration of the sacraments, the singing of praise, and the offering of prayer.

“Our corporate worship is not where our evangelism or mission work takes place.

It is where those who have union with Christ can experience soul-enriching and lifetransforming communion with him. Regular, faithful participation in Biblical worship is the primary way we can ensure we are living out the reality of our union with Christ. It is where we are motivated and energised for evangelism and mission. Isaiah came face to face with his sinnership, where he experiences the grace of God, and where he is motivated for mission when he said – ‘here I am! Send me’ (Isaiah 6:8). A dynamic, worshipping community is central to mission: mission is moored in the Church’s worship, to its gathering around the Word and the Sacraments.

“At the centre of worship is the preaching of the gospel. It is also the key to the health and wellbeing of the Church. P.T. Forsyth wrote, ‘It is, perhaps, an overbold beginning, but I will venture to say that with its preaching Christianity stands or falls.’”

Mr Macleod said: “Preaching is the public proclamation of God’s Word; it is interpreting, explaining, applying, and rejoicing over that Word in the power of the Holy Spirit. The words we preach must promote spiritual health and expose spiritual sickness. The words we preach must equip believers to see and hear gospel truth while guarding against doctrinal error and biblical untruth. We are ‘transformed by the renewing of our minds’ (Romans 12:2). We preach the whole counsel of God so that all the people of God may grow up, be built up, and be equipped for God’s mission.

“We are called to be holy, and holiness is the counter-cultural distinctive of the covenant people of God. The root meaning of the word “holy” is to be set apart for God. Holiness is an identity and a calling, and it’s rooted in our relationship with God. We are chosen and set apart by God for God’s purposes.”

Mr Macleod spoke of the church’s missional role in the public square, affirming its responsibility to uphold truth and engage with society. “The function of ministry in the public square is central to the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount – ‘You are the light of the world’ (Matthew 5:14). We are to be ‘the salt of the earth’ (Matthew 5:13). The primary use of salt in biblical times was to act as a preservative – salt holds back decay. We must permeate the world with the truths of the gospel to stop the spiritual and moral decline in our society.”

He said: “God’s sovereignty means that the world is moving towards a definite final goal.

There is a terminus and a glorious destiny in view. We look forward to a ‘new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells’ (2 Peter 3:13). At last, the whole of God’s creation will be filled with image of God. At last, we shall see Jesus as he is, and ‘we know that when he appears, we shall be like him’ (1 John 3:2).”

Mr Macleod concluded: “We continue to serve our Lord and Master as God’s missional people. Our vision is to have a healthy gospel church for every community in Scotland. We serve in dependence upon God, with our roots firmly fixed in the Word of God, and our identity in Christ firmly established and settled. We strive to ensure that ‘the stream of our distinctive life flows right on’ until it carries us to occupy our place in the paradise of God.” •

THE RECORD

06

JUNE/JULY

REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Updates were given about the old pension scheme. The Board of Trustees has decided that it is in the best interests of the denomination and scheme members to use reserves to fund the buyout and to transfer the scheme to an insurance company as soon as practically possible. The Pension Trustee Directors will communicate as and when appropriate with all scheme members. Take a look at the Assembly reports on the Free Church website to find out about the background work that has taken place around this.

VISION Last year, the CEO, Mission Director, Church Planting Director and Communications Manager led healthy Church Gatherings in each Presbytery.

A video and discussion series on Healthy Church Characteristics was launched this February and is available to view on the Free Church website.

These resources look at seven characteristics of a healthy Christian and a healthy congregation.

FINANCE UPDATE Donald Forsyth, Chair of the Board of Trustees

Jill Steer, Finance Manager, gave a financial update about the incomings and outgoings of the denomination up to 31st December 2023.

She said: “We are very grateful to God for his generous provision over this last year. He has provided the financial resources needed to meet all our expenditure in 2023, and to continue to be in a healthy financial position as we continue in the mission and ministry work that he sets before us all.”

Details were given about the denomination’s finances including how remittance income is used.

The Board has instigated a review of the current remittance system with a view to bringing proposals for a new system to a future General Assembly.

The Board of Trustees would like to thank congregations and individual members for their efforts to maintain remittance levels and mission donations

The Board of Trustees has been pursuing the vision of ‘a healthy gospel church for every community in Scotland’ as it has worked with boards and presbyteries to support the ministry of local congregations.

Over the past 12 months it has continued to work on the realisation of that vision.

Chairman Donald Forsyth said: “We want healthy churches; we want healthy boards; we want healthy committees. The Board of Trustees has continued to address its own health this past year.

We have considered our purpose and our vision for how we operate. The Board of Trustees exists to nurture health in every part of the Church. Board members seek to be united in the gospel, working collaboratively as a group and with others. We seek to be missional and generous in outlook, acting as a catalyst to help enable healthy growth.”

During the year, the Board considered a wide range of matters including vision and strategy, communication, risk management, finance, investments, pension scheme funding, congregational property, funds and loans, the remittance system, the impact of vacancies on congregations, new legislation, legal matters, professional advisers, and correspondence on various topics.

He said the Boards and Committees are there to serve the church.

2024

Jill Steer, Finance Manager

07

WWW.FREECHURCH.ORG

during 2023. The Board recognises the significant challenges facing congregations with rising costs and that household finances are squeezed. Remittance income for the year was 3.2% below what was due to be remitted and 5.3% below budget.

As part of the budgeting process for 2024, a SubGroup of the Board reviewed the Stipend level and consulted with Treasurers and Ministers before recommending a 5% increase in stipend from 1st January 2024. Given the cost-of-living pressures, it is likely that a similar increase will be needed again from 1st January 2025.

The Free Church of Scotland budget for 2024 shows a breakeven position. The Board of Trustees is committed to achieving a balanced budget for ongoing operations. Any annual deficit should be due to additional strategic investment towards a Healthy Gospel Church, for example Church Planting grants, Healthy Church Development grants and Minister-inTraining grants.

increasing stipend and increased the scheme to assist in buying property.

Mr Forsyth said: “We need to do more. We are committed to doing more but these are just some of the ways we are trying to help contribute to the wellbeing of our ministers which is integral to the wellbeing and health of our congregations and our denomination.”

OTHERS GROUP TRUSTEES REMIT

UNDER

THE

BOARD

OF

The Communications Group has continued to progress the communication strategy. An increasing number of promotional videos have been produced by the Communications Team. The Healthy Church Podcasts have continued and there have been further improvements to websites and the sharing of news stories.

The Compliance Sub-Group has continued to support congregations in the areas of Safeguarding, Risk Management, Health and Safety, and Complaints handling. In April 2024, Mr Andrew Macaulay took over from Mr Donald Macleod as Safeguarding Training Coordinator. The Legal & Compliance Officer is assisting congregations with the new Register of Persons Holding a Controlled Interest in Land. The Operations Manager is continuing to develop a Compliance Handbook for congregations. •

HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF MINISTERS Mr Forsyth said that measures have been carried out to assist in the health and wellbeing of ministers.

“That is central. We are very mindful of that as the Board of Trustees,” he said.

He highlighted a number of measures including financial planning, reducing the risk on pensions,

REPORT OF THE MISSION BOARD Chairman Rev David Macleod spoke about work of the Mission Board, saying: “There are many people involved in this work and we are thankful for the way that each person serves with diligence and a zeal for God’s glory and gospel progress.

“In terms of general ministry, there are many encouragements as we see new churches being planted and admitted, other churches developing as they engage with development track and many other congregations persevering quietly and steadily in the work of the gospel.”

He added: “The remit and report of the Board is wide and varied but the mission is clear and simple – to make the gospel of Jesus Christ known. That is our prayer going forward into another year.”

to explore the possibility of a Centre for Rural Ministry with the Presbytery of Skye and Wester Ross. This would serve all presbyteries through researching and providing robust biblical resources for rural ministry.”

The Board ran a successful Development Track from 2018 to 2021. Due to renewed interest, it will run a new two-year track from this October which will seek to bring onboard elders too. The Mission Director has also held seminars in the Skye and Wester Ross and Western Isles presbyteries.

Rev Al MacInnes, of Dornoch Free Church, spoke about the need for rural ministry. He said it is a “privilege it is to have to live out your life as a Christian in the face of the same people day in and day out”. He thanked all those who have gone before him and asked for people to pray that God would raise up more workers to work in these areas of the harvest field.

“I’m very conscious of the need for men and women to recognise the mission field that there is in Scotland in the rural places”, he added.

CHURCH DEVELOPMENT The Mission Board is focussed on the development of rural ministry. The report says: “Whilst thankful for, and committed to, ministry in urban areas, we believe that it is important not to neglect rural ministry. This is the third consecutive year we have hosted a Rural Conference in Dingwall. These events have been of huge interest and encouragement. The next step is

THE RECORD

CHURCH PLANTING The vision to plant 30 new churches by 2030 as agreed

08

JUNE/JULY

by the General Assembly in 2017 is progressing.

Sixteen Church Plants have been started or are in the process of being approved by the Mission Board.

The Board asked people to continue to pray for church planting. Rev Neil Macmillan has stepped down from his role as Church Planting Director to focus on ministry in Cornerstone Free Church. An interim arrangement is in place meantime, as Mr MacMillan continues to work with Rev David Meredith and Rev Derek Lamont to give support to Church Planters.

The General Assembly recognise the importance of the role of a Church Planting Director in fulfilling the vision of planting 30 churches by 2030 in accordance with the Healthy Gospel Church Vision.

Scot resources to help facilitators consider how to ensure the language, resources and activities used in their RSHP lessons are objective, and inclusive of pupils who have religious beliefs, and to alert them to potential parental concerns. Alternative resources are sometimes suggested to replace content that promotes particular ideological beliefs as factual, or that may be inappropriate in the classroom.

Resources are available on the CVE Scotland website.

MEARNS FREE CHURCH ADMITTED A congregation and minister have moved into the Free Church of Scotland.

Commissioners at this year’s General Assembly received the Petition of the Presbytery of Glasgow and Argyll regarding the group worshipping as Newton Mearns New Church to be admitted into the Free Church of Scotland. They establish the body of Christians presently worshipping at Belmont House School under the name of Newton Mearns New Church as a fully sanctioned pastoral charge of the Free Church of Scotland effective from the rising of the Assembly. They declared that the new congregation shall be known Mearns Free Church within the Presbytery of Glasgow and Argyll under the ministry of the Rev Dr Scott Kirkland on his admission as a Minister of the Free Church of Scotland.

CHURCH EQUIPPING Mairi Beaton, Camps Co-ordinator and Donald Macleod, Camps Supervisor, updated commissioners on Free Church Youth Camps. They said that last summer there were 10 Free Church Youth Camps.

Both campers and leaders fed back that camp was a positive experience, and of great spiritual benefit and encouragement.

Miss Beaton said: “With over 120 leaders and cooks, we have incredible support from members of our congregations and outwith the Free Church too. We are incredibly grateful to our leaders and cooks who do a power of work to make these camps happen.”

The Board is grateful to God for his provision and are prayerful that they will be used for many generations to grow his kingdom, and for his glory.

There are 11 camps planned this summer.

Other events under the Church Equipping group include the Big Free Rally (this year’s event will take place on Saturday 28th September); the Youth Conference (in March) and the latest Teens’ Conference was due to be held this month.

Praying for One Another prayer points continue to be made available to individuals and congregations each week. The Board hopes that these are a great encouragement to those who use them and that they help to enrich our prayers for congregations and individuals.

The Board is producing four resource packs: 1-21 Discipleship, Partnering with Parents, Women’s Ministry, and Youth Fellowship as a resource for those involved in these programmes and ministries in their congregations. These resource packs are being edited and designed and should be available on the Free Church website in due course.

HEALTHY GOSPEL CHURCH FUND Application for aid from this funding can be made to the Mission Board for projects or workers to help facilitate the vision of a Healthy Gospel Church for every community in Scotland. The Board can also award grants through the Small Grant Fund which can be used for short-term missional trips or small mission projects.

WOMEN FOR MISSION It has been another busy year for the WfM Committee.

Go to page 22 for a report about the Annual Meeting and page for details about available funds.

GLOBAL MISSION The Mission Board continues to partner with individuals and organisations around the world.

Mission partners include the International Mission to Jewish People, OM, OMF and partners in the middle east. If you would like to find out more, contact our Mission Co-ordinator Rhiannon Mackintosh at mission@freechurch.org

CVE SCOTLAND HEALTHY GOSPEL CHURCH PODCAST

During the Assembly, Megan Patterson, from Christian Values in Education (Scotland) spoke about the resources to support the deliverance of RSHP lessons in schools under Education Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence. The Board is thankful for the free resources produced, which include activity plans intended to be used alongside the RSHP.

2024

A variety of guests have been featured on the Healthy Gospel Church Podcast. The Board wish to thank Rev David Meredith and Simon Kennedy for their diligent work in recording and producing the Healthy Gospel Church podcast. The Board thanks all the guests who have taken part in the podcast. •

09

WWW.FREECHURCH.ORG

REPORT OF THE BOARD OF MINISTRY Healthy gospel churches need well-trained, wellsupported healthy gospel workers with the necessary character, convictions, competencies, collegiality, and resilience to labour fruitfully for Christ in the changing cultural landscapes of Scotland and the world.

The Board of Ministry report states: “We know that the Lord alone sends out workers into his harvest field, and the Lord alone is able to supply the energy that those workers need to toil and struggle in his service; for that reason we call on the Church once again to persevere in praying earnestly to the Lord to raise up more gospel workers for Scotland and the world, and also to pray for those who are already labouring for Christ in the ministry of the gospel. But we know too, that the Lord has entrusted his Church with the task of discipling, identifying, selecting, and training the next generation of gospel workers, as well as supporting those who are already labouring. We are grateful to God for every sign of his grace in enabling Churches and Presbyteries to take intentional steps in these areas, but we know that more needs to be done if we are to fulfil our vision of ‘a healthy gospel Church for every community in Scotland’.”

Chairman Rev Paul Clarke asked commissioners to think about the ‘pipeline’ of future workers and what congregations can do to draw more people into ministry.

He said: ‘”The work of the Board of Ministry is to oversee and work with people from the moment they are thinking about applying for Free Church ministry through the application process in conjunction with Kirk Sessions and Presbyteries and then in placing them in training churches, overseeing along with Presbyteries throughout their period of training and then on into ministry right the way through to retirement.”

the structures for more formal assessment, induction and ongoing training of local congregations seeking to be Training Churches. They have produced a Training Handbook that provides a clear summary of all expectations for candidates, congregations and presbyteries and is to be updated and reissued annually.

The Board is continuing to develop effective support and training for Training Churches. Several ‘Training the Trainers’ Day Conferences, organised by The Bonar Trust, have taken place.

The Board has contacted Presbyteries to arrange opportunities to discuss the training programme and to speak about the need to identify, equip, and select godly and gifted individuals to serve as future gospel workers and Free Church ministers. The team has worked closely with ETS (see the ETS report for more details).

WORKING TOGETHER The report states: “Finishing at ETS and being licensed for ministry can feel like reaching the finishing line in a long race, but really it is just the end of the warmup, and the real race is about to begin! We long for all of our ministers to finish the race and keep the faith, having fought the good fight, and ultimately to receive the crown of righteousness that the Lord will award to all who have loved his appearing. The work of our Presbyteries, their Pastoral Teams and CPD Coordinators is crucial in supporting and encouraging our ministers for the long haul of ministry. The Board has sought to work with these groups and others in the last year, and ways in which they hope to continue to do so in the future.”

RESOURCES FOR ELDERS Mr Clarke announced the launch of new training resources for elders. The training of elders is within the remit of the Mission Board and ETS as well as the Board of Ministry. The Boards have collaborated over the last year to oversee Rev Peter Turnbull in the production of the new Elders’ Training Course.

A report to commissioners said: “We are enormously grateful to Mr Turnbull for the huge amount of work that has gone into devising, writing, filming, and editing the course and are very excited about the result. This resource has huge potential to strengthen the ministry of all of our existing Elders, as well as to train new Elders in the future, and we commend it to the Church wholeheartedly.”

STUDENT TEAM Rev Dr Thomas Davis, from the Student Team, highlighted verses from 1 Thessalonians 5. He said: “These words and the whole gospel is what we want to shape our training and in everything that we do, while often we get down to the nuts and bolts of policies for training, it’s so important for us to remember that we want all of that to be shaped by the amazing truth of the gospel, and the hope that we have in the Lord Jesus Christ.”

The Ministers-in Training programme is still relatively new, and while some challenges remain the Board is grateful it is now firmly established as the normal pathway into ministry in the Free Church.

This past year, the Student Team has been developing

THE RECORD

MINISTRY TEAM Rev Colin L. Macleod leads this team, which works

10

JUNE/JULY

with Presbyteries and the Free Church Offices to ensure every Minister and ministerial family receive the care and support they need to do their work effectively.

The Board, in consultation with Mr Andrew Giffen, CEO, produced an updated version of the Working Conditions for Ministers document which incorporates a ’Preparation for Ministry’ for new Ministers in its first section. This is, in essence, a short-hand summary of helpful tips for those starting out on their journey in Pastoral Ministry.

There are two strands to the Board’s provision for lifelong training – Continuous Professional

Development (CPD) which is run twice a year and the In-service Development Course that is run each January. It also provides ‘stand-alone’ webinars in response to needs that have been highlighted.

The report added: “Throughout the year, the Ministry Team has received a number of initial enquiries about Free Church Ministry from ordained Ministers in other denominations. We are pleased to report that Rev Alister Donald, Rev Colin Buchanan and Rev Dr Scott Kirkland have successfully made the journey through the relevant Presbytery and Board of Ministry processes to be received into the Free Church Ministry.” •

LORD HIGH COMMISSIONER VISIT Commissioners welcomed His Majesty’s Lord High Commissioner, the Duke of Edinburgh, to the General Assembly.

The Duke said: ‘My presence here is to confirm the determination of His Majesty to uphold Presbyterian Church Government in Scotland.”

His wife, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh was unable to attend the Assembly. However, the Duke said: ‘Her Grace and I thank you for all that you do, most especially in your communities and parishes but also for giving your time and energy this week to contribute to the debate and decisions facing the church at this time.’

The Duke spoke about the importance of the Church while also recognising we live in challenging and changing times, saying: ‘I can only speak for myself, but I think one’s faith is an intensely personal journey, but it needs encouragement and spiritual nourishment. And the space we find to do this can vary greatly, but it needs to be a space that is comforting, welcoming and uplifting. We then need to find certainty – continuity – a feeling of reassurance when we’re in that space. To achieve this our churches and our ministers ought to be the custodians of the traditions and the rituals but also the values and the skills of ministry.

‘And yet, if God cares about all of us, and Jesus teaches us to do that for all, then it’s beholden on his Church and all those who work for him on behalf of his Church to demonstrate that they really do care for all. And perhaps Jesus’ greatest skill was his tolerance of all; his knowledge, his understanding and his acceptance of us all whatever. It’s a remarkable gift. It’s also a value that I believe should bind all Christians together and it is how we can build together for the future.’

The Moderator, Rev Callum Macleod, presented the Duke with a book on the Iolaire Disaster and another by Donald Macleod on Scottish Theology called Therefore the Truth I Speak. A length of Harris Tweed, to be made into a jacket, was also presented and the moderator’s granddaughter, Jessica, 11, presented the Duke with a bouquet of Harris Tweed flowers for the Duchess. •

2024

11

WWW.FREECHURCH.ORG

EDINBURGH THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY BOARD REPORT Changes are being made to the way students study at Edinburgh Theological Seminary.

Over the past year there has been the development of a revised BTh curriculum which is designed to provide more flexibility to students.

The revised curriculum was validated in February by the University of Glasgow and will come into force this September.

A report was presented to commissioners at the General Assembly. It stated: “Instead of two semesters, there will be a return to three terms which will better suit the timing of courses.

“Secondly, instead of each course having equal credit weighting and class time provision, there will now be some variation. The Senate and Board agree that, while maintaining a core curriculum, allowing students a measure of flexibility to devote to topics of their own interest will be a good and healthy development. The new arrangement will allow for various elective offerings and will also mean a greater measure of efficiency.

“A third difference will be that classes for four-year, part-time students will take place over three days (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday), thus allowing congregation-based students to spend Mondays and Fridays at their training congregations. In making such provision, we sincerely hope that Training Churches will not expect more local commitment which will encroach on study time.

We also hope that every effort will be made to encourage students to attend classes in person where possible, thus allowing for an optimum collegiate educational experience.”

The report says: “As we continue meeting the challenge to grow and develop, we are thankful for our historic rootedness in the work of the Free Church of Scotland.”

Chairman Willie Mackenzie spoke more about this, saying: “We are thankful that we are connected to the Free Church of Scotland. It is an excellent reminder that we are here primarily to serve you, to serve the church in Scotland. We don’t exist to create academics, though we do, and I’m thankful that we do on occasion; we don’t exist to create future authors, though I’m personally glad that we do. We exist to create gospel workers. We want to send pastors, church planters, church leaders and gospel workers out into the field where they are severely needed. There is a real demand. We’d love to see men from a range of different churches coming to ETS to be trained and to be sent out.”

The ETS Centre for Mission is also a core part of the Seminary and exists to encourage and support the Church, in the UK and throughout the world, to engage in mission rooted in careful theological reflection and responsible and effective practice.

In the Seminary report, student representative David Trimble commented: “The student body continue to give thanks for the education we are receiving at Edinburgh Theological Seminary.

It is a privilege to be able to study theology in a setting which has both a high regard for God and his Word, and a high regard for rigorous academic standards.”

He added: “Life in the Seminary continues to be a great blessing to those students who are able to attend classes in person. The opportunity to have fellowship with other students is wonderful and appreciated by the student body. It is always a particular joy to worship with a reading from Scripture, a prayer, and a Psalm in between classes each morning.

“The student body gives thanks that ETS continues to be an institution that is not only teaching us to be excellent students of theology but is also teaching us to love Jesus more and more.”

Principal Iver Martin paid tribute to the entire team at ETS. He said: “Whatever is contained in the Report could not have happened without the sterling efforts of a superb academic and administrative team who, while very different from one another, work superbly because of their common love for, and commitment to the Seminary.”

The revised curriculum has been a team effort, but particular acknowledgement should be paid to Rev Dr Daniel Sladek, who, supported by Rev Dr Zachary Purvis, has done most of the heavy administrative lifting.

Mr Martin has visited a number of places this

Willie Mackenzie, Chair of ETS Board addresses the Assembly

THE RECORD

12

JUNE/JULY

past year, including the PCA General Assembly in Memphis, Tennessee; the Reformation Worship Conference in Powder Springs, Georgia; the Evangelical Theological Society meeting in San Antonio, Texas, at which he presented a paper on Church and State in Scotland: 1707- 2023.

This year he also attended Twin Lakes Fellowship, hosted by First Presbyterian Church, Jackson, Mississippi.

He added: “Finally, I would like to once again state how important ETS is to the church in Scotland and beyond. As possibly the greatest asset the Free Church owns and operates, ETS is thankful to have the full support of its parent church and remains fully committed to the highest quality of theological education for both today’s and tomorrow’s generations of ministers and gospel workers.” •

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR’S REPORT Consultations including Reforming the Criminal Law to address Misogyny, continued work around the proposed ban on Conversion Practices in Scotland, and call for views in relation to Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Bill are some of the consultations that the Public Engagement Group (PEG) has responded to in the past year. PEG has also sought to develop the wider work of the Group in that time too.

A report was presented to the General Assembly

by Public Engagement Co-ordinator, Rev Stephen Allison. He said he has continued to develop relationships with other Christian voices in the political realm. This has included Care, the Catholic Church in Scotland, the Apostolic Church, the Christian Institute, Evangelical Alliance, Greater Love and Logos Scotland. He has also been part of the Scottish Churches Parliamentary Office, the Care Not Killing Steering Group and the Social Issues Team of Affinity.

Mr Allison has continued to support the Let Us Pray Campaign opposing the proposed ban on Conversion Therapy and has spoken at conferences they have organised in Scotland.

He has been part of the Scottish Government’s Faith and Belief Representatives Group which has involved meetings with civil servants and Government Ministers.

Last year he attended the National Prayer Breakfast of Scotland where former moderator, Bob Akroyd, was invited to lead one of the prayers.

Mr Akroyd delivered the Time for Reflection in January at the Scottish Parliament.

The pair also met with Douglas Ross MSP (leader of the Scottish Conservative Party) and Anas Sarwar MSP (leader of the Scottish Labour Party) to discuss issues of concern to the Free Church of Scotland.

The Public Engagement Group responses to Government consultations can be viewed on the Free Church of Scotland website. Consultations have included Reforming the Criminal Law to address Misogyny, a Human Rights Bill for Scotland,

2024

a Commissioner for Older People in Scotland and also a Consultation on the draft Statutory Guidance on the Delivery of Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood (RSHP) Education in Scottish Schools.

The Group also responded to the Scottish Parliament’s Health, Social Care and Sport Committee the call for views in relation to Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Bill. On the back of this response, Mr Allison was invited to give evidence before the Committee in relation to the Human Rights considerations and gave evidence to the Committee in March. The Group has continued to work around the proposed ban on Conversion Practices in Scotland and the Group has continued to advocate against the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill. Mr Akroyd signed a joint letter with the Moderator of the United Free Church opposing these proposals.

Mr Allison said: “We imminently expect the bill to be published and will respond to any call for views. We also welcome the introduction of Miles Briggs MSP’s Right to Palliative Care (Scotland) Bill and will be responding to the consultation in due course.

“We greatly value the prayers and support of the wider Church as we engage in this work. There are a lot of issues to engage with but we have made progress in getting meetings with officials." •

Rev Stephen Allison

13

WWW.FREECHURCH.ORG

PHOTOS FROM THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2024 All photos here and in Assembly articles courtesy of photographers Toby Long and Alan Inglis

THE RECORD

14

JUNE/JULY

2024

15

WWW.FREECHURCH.ORG

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION GROUP ESTABLISHED A Christian Education Group has been established, as a sub-group of the Board of Trustees, for an initial two-year period. Rev Alan Shearer has been appointed by the General Assembly as the Convener of the Group.

It followed a wide discussion at the Assembly about whether a Christian Education Group should be established. The discussion took place after the Mission Board reported that although it had been given the remit to establish a group, at last year’s assembly, the Board had not found willing suitable members able to serve on such a group.

Discussions took place about what the Church’s role is in helping parents, teachers and those involved in education.

Rev Alasdair Macleod, of Smithton Free Church, commended all those who work in education. He said: "I think we should give thanks publicly for every Christian headteacher, teacher, pupil support assistant, admin staff, facilities management staff – everyone who is involved in serving in our schools. I think the Christians who are salt and light in our schools, I think they do a remarkable job – not simply are they having to deal with some crazy ideologies, they are dealing with behaviours that previous generations of staff in schools would not have had to deal with, either with the pupils or even with their parents. And so, I think we need to place on record our thanks to all those Christians who serve within our school system.

“I also want to place on record all those Christians who are taking their rightful place and being

involved in the life of their schools through parent councils. It is one of the few tangible yet effective ways that parents can shape, for good, what goes on in their schools.”

He called for the Group to be set up under the remit of the Board of Trustees, which was agreed by the Assembly. The Group’s remit to is to discuss and respond to ongoing developments in Education in Scotland, particularly as it relates to Christian worldview, Relationships, Sexual Health, and Parenting Education (RSHP) and other issues of morality in the Curriculum for Education in Schools and early childhood centres in Scotland.

It will explore and develop partnerships with other organisations in Scotland who are engaged in Christian education and continue to equip and support local parents and churches to engage with Local Authorities, schools and early childhood centres in relation to these issues. The Group will support parents who have opted for home education, support Christian teachers and staff in state schools and early childhood centres and educate and inform the wider Church of what is currently being taught in Scottish Schools and early childhood centres.

At least half of the members of the group must be Free Church ministers or elders and where possible some members should be either teaching practitioners or those who have recent experience of delivering the Health and Wellbeing and the RSHP elements of Curriculum for Excellence in Scottish schools. The group may appoint consultants. •

REVIEW OF SABBATICAL LEAVE PROVISION Discussions took place about the need for ministers to rest while taking sabbaticals.

Rev Callum Iain Macleod, Minister of Urquhart & Resolis (Ferintosh), spoke about his sabbatical which took place last year, and highlighted the need for rest in that time.

He said: “I’m concerned that the current legislation for sabbatical leave is lacking. I would argue that there is insufficient emphasis on the principle of sabbath rest – the importance and necessity of rest and the benefits of rest.”

He said: “I believe there is ministry fatigue in the air”.

He added that the act “requires an urgent review”.

Rev Alasdair Macleod, of Smithton Church, also

THE RECORD

encouraged ministers to take a sabbatical and for it to be a time of rest.

The General Assembly, seeking to update and clarify the regulations for Annual Leave and Leave of Absence for Ministers, instructed the Mission Board to undertake a comprehensive review of sabbatical leave provision for Ministers. The Mission Board was also instructed to include a requirement for meaningful rest during sabbatical leave. It was instructed by the General Assembly to take all necessary steps to review and revise church legislation on Leave of Absence for Ministers in consultation with the Assembly Clerks’ Office, and to report back to the 2025 General Assembly. •

16

JUNE/JULY

FREE CHURCH NEWS CONNECTION TO HISTORICAL SLAVERY

T

he

free

a

statement

church

of

scotland

regarding

the

has

Free Church delegation that visited the USA in 1844 and some of their US associates. We grieve that the Free Church decided to receive funds as a result of the delegation.

“Even though we, as the Free Church today, are unlikely to be the beneficiaries of these funds due to the various transfers of property to other denominations, yet as their successors we acknowledge with sorrow the actions of our forebears who held the name of Free Church office holders. We express gratitude for the many Free Church members and office holders who actively opposed the slave trade and expressed opposition to it.

“The Free Church affirms the necessity for constant watchfulness against oppression in various forms, and we continue to commit ourselves to the opposition of modern-day slavery and racism.” •

released

denomination’s

connection to historical slavery.

The General Assembly has issued the following statement: “The Free Church of Scotland is firmly opposed to all forms of racism and slavery. The Bible teaches that everyone is made in the image of God and worthy of inherent dignity and respect. We are all equal in the eyes of God and the Bible urges us to love one another without partiality. Many of our congregations and individual members are financially, prayerfully, and actively engaged with organisations working to release and protect people from modern-day slavery and trafficking.

“The Free Church recognises and freely admits the historical sins of members of the denomination in relation to slavery. In particular, we express regret over the interaction between members of a

MODERATORS SIGN LETTER ON ASSISTED SUICIDE Joint Letter on Assisted Suicide from: • The Moderator of the United Free Church of Scotland (Rev Andrew Downie) • The Moderator of the Free Church of Scotland (Rev Bob Akroyd)

W

e are writing, as representatives of two

every life has equal value — a value which can only be measured by the sufferings of Jesus Christ on the cross for humanity.

We also believe that for a civilised society to survive, everyone should believe that everyone else is equally valuable. It is very important, therefore, to understand the consequences for the Scottish Parliament if it crosses the bright red moral line of acknowledging that, if a life does not reach a certain quality, then it loses its worth and can be ended. It would become a society where the value of all human life is actually unequal and purely relative. It would be a society where the worth of every human life could then be graded depending on its usefulness, meaningfulness, and the amount of pleasure it may experience.

scottish protestant christian denominations, to share our very grave concerns concerning

the new proposal being considered in the scottish parliament to legalise assisted suicide. This is because

it is a procedure which intentionally ends the life of a human being which is perceived to have become unworthy of life.

However, we believe that no human life can ever lose its value. We believe that every life has an immeasurable and equal worth, without exception.

Every human being is precious while being worthy of honour and dignity. We believe, as indicated in the book of Genesis in the Bible, that everyone is created

by God in his image — an image that reflects and expresses his equal love for everyone. As a result,

2024

17

WWW.FREECHURCH.ORG

shame in being dependent on others — that is what society is all about. We help each other. We are dependent on each other. We recognise the same value of life in everyone else.

Finally, though we oppose assisted suicide, we strongly support palliative and hospice care. We also believe that this care should continue to be developed in Scotland, which can address, if appropriately provided, physical suffering. This would enable the lives of patients, which are ending naturally, to be made as comfortable as possible without intentionally ending their lives. Society will then continue to recognise these patients as having full worth and value while accepting them, unconditionally, for who they are in compassion and care. •

In other words, assisted suicide must be rejected because it would mean that Scottish society has lost its trust in the inherent value of all human life.

This position would eventually result in Scotland becoming an ethical wilderness. Thus, the Scottish Parliament must always maintain that all lives are equally meaningful. We would then have a responsible and compassionate civilised society which continues to affirm and defend the worth of the lives of all its members; even though they may be disabled, aged, or weak; even though they may have lost their autonomy; even though they may be experiencing real difficulties; even though they may be suicidal.

If ours is to be a caring Scotland, all persons need to know that they are valued and unconditionally accepted for who they are and that there is no

MEET, EAT, GREET AT FERINTOSH AND RESOLIS

A

‘For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.’

Psalm 100:5. •

series of events were held in ferintosh and resolis in march to welcome people to church.

Rev Calum Iain Macleod, of Ferintosh and Resolis Free Church, said: ‘We hosted a casserole evening which came with enough food to feed an army! This was attended by nearly one hundred people from our own congregation, our local community and further afield. After a hearty feed, our friend Bob Akroyd was our after-dinner speaker.

Bob shared some stories of ‘20 Years Inside’ as he reflected on 20 years of prison chaplaincy. Bob told of some of his experiences and the opportunities he was given after serving in this community.

‘The following day we hosted a Community Fun Day at Resolis. This all-age event was well attended by children, teens and adults who took part in games, face painting and even a shot on a bouncy castle! We were also able to enjoy the first barbecue of the year and enjoyed a large feast of burgers, sausages and home baking.

‘On the Sunday we hosted invitation services at Resolis and Ferintosh where Bob Akroyd was our preacher. This was followed by an afternoon seminar as we continued with a recent series, ‘Equipped to Serve’, which looks at the Andy Bannister book How to Talk About Jesus Without Looking Like an Idiot.

Our weekend was closed with a praise evening.’

Calum added: ‘As we reflect on the weekend, we are grateful to our team of caterers, welcomers and activity organisers who brought all the logistics together. We are thankful to our friends Bob Akroyd and Willie Matheson for their contributions to the weekend.

‘We are most thankful to God for all that was provided to us over the weekend, and for the encouragement and sense of community we experienced.’ •

THE RECORD

18

JUNE/JULY

CUMBERNAULD INDUCTION

T

he congregation of cumbernauld free church gathered with members of presbytery, friends and

well-wishers

of

the

congregation

to

welcome rev tom penman as their new minister on saturday 16th march. Mr Penman, who was previously

minister of South Uist Free Church, comes to a congregation which has been vacant for over two years since Rev Andrew Longwe moved to London City Presbyterian Church.

The service was conducted by Rev Dr Rodger Crooks with the sermon from Acts 4 being preached

by Rev Duncan Murchison. Mr Murchison proclaimed a challenging and encouraging message on the theme of “Proclaiming Jesus’ name”. Rev Dr Colin Dow gave the charges to the new minister, urging him to focus on excelling on the core tasks of preaching and pastoral work, to take time off for himself and his family, and to find support and encouragement in other members of the presbytery.

Rev Ivor MacDonald, interim moderator during the vacancy, then addressed the congregation from Hebrews 13:17, urging them to find mutual joy with their minster in the work of the gospel and caring for one another.

There was a clear sense of joy and expectation both in the service and in the lovely meal that followed.

Cumbernauld is a united and outward looking congregation. Do pray for them and Tom, their new minster, and his wife Mhairi and three children Deborah, Abigail and Peter as they settle in, and ask the Lord to bless their desire to proclaim the name of Jesus to the town of Cumbernauld. •

Rev Dr Rodger Crookes

Rev Tom Penman

IN A BIG COUNTRY ROUND UP

T

he purpose of the in a big country rural conference is to inform, stimulate and encourage ministry in rural areas. All these boxes and

more were ticked at the recent In a Big Country held in Dingwall Free Church in April. People gathered from as far away as Aberdeenshire, Lochaber and Skye to hear two stimulating talks and take part in four engaging seminars.

Rev Peter Turnbull turned our attention to the significance of place.

Key points were that there was no hierarchy of place in terms of gospel importance. It was pointed out that Jesus’ ministry was largely rural.

Peter’s own story of being called from a large urban resource church to serve a small church in Moray was inspirational.

Rev Ivor MacDonald is minister at Hope Church, Coatbridge but also maintains a croft on the Isle of Skye. We heard a fascinating talk reflecting on a recent visit to rural congregations in Mississippi. Ivor used the example of Dollar General, an American chain of discount stores who intentionally plant in rural areas. If the world has such a vision then why can’t the Church?

2024

19

Rev Peter Turnbull

WWW.FREECHURCH.ORG

In the seminars Beth Rose, a Strathnairn crofter, told the story of how she and her husband Tim made a lifestyle choice of rural living. Beth unpacked the challenges of living in a rural area where there was no healthy gospel church. Susan Maclean, youth worker at Poolewe and Aultbea, spoke of her experience in the presbytery of Skye and Wester Ross. Her focus was on developing youth work through shared resources. Rev Jerry Taylor from Thurso and the North Coast spoke about gospel ambition. He shared something of the growth in Bettyhill.

Rev David Meredith asked the question, ‘Where do you begin?’. He tackled the issues of inertia and lack of realism as being two significant inhibitors in beginning a process of rural revitalisation.

Like all conferences there was additional value in people simply meeting with each other. New friends were made, and contact details were exchanged as people shared their common experiences — both challenges and victories. •

Rev Ivor MacDonald

ETS ELECTIVE COURSES

D

elving into topics such as the ancient church, the church in scotland, the modern church and evangelism

and discipleship is the aim of a new initiative by edinburgh theological seminary.

The Seminary is enabling people to study individual modules that are part of the standard Bachelor of Theology degree. It means you can register for one (or several) individual electives in the Autumn, Winter, or Spring terms.

It is open to anyone, whether you are a new student, interested in continuing education, currently in church office, or an auditor who would like to listen in on the rich theological conversation. The modules will be carried out in-person and also available online.

Here are only some of the 2024–2025 courses on offer: Autumn Term (8 weeks in September–October) HB231 Hebrew 1 (Daniel Sladek) GR131 Greek 1 (Ben Castaneda) CH101 Ancient Church (Zachary Purvis) CH232 Church in Scotland (Iver Martin) ST201 Theology Proper: Doctrine of God (Cory Brock) ST301 Christology: Doctrine of Christ (Zachary Purvis) PT231 Pastoral Care & Biblical Counselling (Bob Akroyd) Winter Term (8 weeks in November–January) CH102 Medieval & Reformation Church (Zachary Purvis) CH233 Free Church of Scotland History & Distinctives (Iver Martin) ST101 Introduction to Theology: Prolegomena (Zachary Purvis) ST202 Anthropology: Doctrine of Humanity (Bob Akroyd) ST302 Soteriology: Doctrine of Salvation (Bob Akroyd) PT232 Apologetics & Worldview (Cory Brock) Spring Term (8 weeks in February–April) CH201 Modern Church (Zachary Purvis) NT321 Early Christian Interpretation (Ben Castaneda) PT131 Preaching & Bible Teaching: Homiletics (Cory Brock) PT132 Evangelism & Discipleship (Bob Akroyd) PT227 Reading Scripture Missionally (Alistair Wilson) ST321 Covenant Theology (Daniel Sladek & Zachary Purvis) ST303 Ecclesiology & Eschatology (Zachary Purvis) To find out more about the modules, and how to sign up, contact the Admin team at ETS : offices@ets.ac.uk ETS also offers university-level degrees validated by the University of Glasgow, along with access-level programmes. They are committed to face-to-face instruction, but their courses also include online and hybrid-learning options, making it more manageable than ever to engage. •

THE RECORD

20

JUNE/JULY

THOMAS NEILSON COOK (1933-2023)

BY REV DOUGLAS MACKEDDIE

T

he congregation of knockbain free church felt the passing of tommy cook very deeply but not as deeply as those of his family whom he adored.

Tommy was born in Dalkeith on Thursday 5th October 1933 to Margaret and John Cook (a plasterer). He was their first child and was to be followed by his sister Elma and then his brother Ian. He spent his young life in and around the Edinburgh area. After leaving school Tommy served his time as a joiner.

In connection with his employment John (Tommy’s father) moved his family to Steinish on the Isle of Lewis when Tommy was around 16 years old and it was there that Tommy met the love of his life Nora MacDonald at a dance in Stornoway. They were married on St Valentines day in 1958 and were blessed with 3 girls, Mairi, Joan and Anne. The train set Tommy had hoped to share with a son was to remain his alone!

In his early life, Tommy was influenced greatly by a Godly grandmother. Later he joined the RAF for National Service. The RAF experience not only helped discipline him but he also found himself attending church regularly at camp, something he said he was trying to run away from. He came to respect those who witnessed for Christ, bending their knee in prayer although they were being ridiculed for it. He admired those who gave testimony of their faith in Christ but he knew that he did not possess what they had. He said, “I had to hew out cisterns – but had not come to drink of the fountain of living water. I was not prepared to take the ‘water of life freely’”.

In his testimony, which he had written some years ago, he recounts something of his and Nora’s spiritual journey. Although they both attended church regularly he says, “But it was not until our church had a student mission worker that we both felt that the mighty power of the Spirit began to work in our lives. That great rebirth came to Nora first and I initially felt that someone had come between us and she would never love me the same way again – this of course was exactly it – but oh the mercy of God. He brought me to that condition of heart and soul where I could no longer resist his demands on my life. How he has uplifted me during these intervening years in providence and grace bringing me back from a backslidden state to know the warmth and care of his love”.

Tommy was never idle, always wanting to provide the best for his family and a comfortable home, which he never failed to do. While working for the Department of Agriculture & Fisheries as a clerk of works Tommy decided he wanted to provide more for his family.

He spent many a long hour studying at the kitchen table, which resulted in him qualifying as a Chartered Surveyor. This qualification then led to a move to the Inverness office of the Department and some years later to the Department office in Stornoway.

Sadly, he lost his beloved Nora in 2011 but continued his devotion to his Lord and his family. He impressed them when, as quite an elderly gentleman, he started dabbling with technology and mastered the use of an iPad which he regularly used until quite recently. He wouldn’t let anything beat him. His many gifts and talents were well demonstrated at the “Men’s Club” in Inverness.

Moreover, he was a dab hand at marquetry. Some of his work in this area could be seen in the Ballifeary Nursing Home, Inverness where he spent the last months of his life.

Tommy was an elder in Greyfriars Free Church, and from 1994

2024

21

until his passing he served as an elder in Knockbain Free Church. In all of his congregations Tommy was demonstrably helpful at both a spiritual and practical level. He was a man of great integrity and wise counsel. His closeness to his Saviour was marked out by his walk and conversation.

Tommy was a good friend to many and enjoyed the company of others, young and old alike. He very much craved fellowship with his fellow believers. You were never very long in his company when the discussion would turn to Christ in our lives. What an ambassador he was for his Saviour whom he loved so dearly and of whom he often said “he was unworthy”.

Tommy was immensely proud of his family and very supportive of them all.

He would do all he could to help them and anyone else that asked or looked like they needed his help. No job was too much trouble.

The Kirk Session and congregation of Knockbain Free Church offer their heartfelt sympathies to Tommy’s family in their loss: Mairi, Joan, Anne and all their families including nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. We also remember in prayer Tommy’s sister, Elma and brother Ian who both live in Dumfries. • “So they from strength unwearied go Still forward unto strength, Until in Zion they appear Before the Lord at length.”

Psalm 84:7

WWW.FREECHURCH.ORG

WOMEN FOR MISSION ANNUAL GET TOGETHER

BY FIONA MACASKILL

T

shared the story of one of the young women she met and how this ministry has transformed her life. The men in the group were able to help in the building of a new house for the centre to work from. Community House Damaris run at a deficit each year but have a big vision for the future. Maybe this is something you can consider in your giving, if you are able. Every year we choose three or four charities that we can support but it would be amazing to see people committing to regularly support some of these ministries.

Megan Patterson from Christian Values for Education helped to launch our Breaking Barriers project last year and came back to help us close it.

It is challenging to hear about the situation in our schools in Scotland and we are pleased to have raised funds this year to help support CVE as they develop resources for teachers and chaplains as an alternative to those provided by the state. There is a real increase in interest among the young people of Scotland about the Gospel. Please continue to pray for doors to open for CVE as they share their resources with the councils and that our young people would have access to these.

Our last speaker was James from Release International.

The funds you have raised for Release International will go towards the Love in Action project. James shared with us about how Nigerian Christian families who have been displaced due to violence have their immediate practical needs met. This reduces the impact of the

he sun came out on saturday 18th may for the women for mission annual get together in

livingston free church. We are grateful for all who gave up an afternoon in the sun to come and hear about what has been going on in the last year and to help us launch our new project.

We had a really encouraging time of worship together and were delighted to hear from three of the four charities we have been supporting this year as part of our project Breaking Barriers. Almost £40,000 has been raised so far and there is still time to get your donations in for this so please don’t worry if you haven’t done so yet. Donation details can be found here and closing date for donations is 30 June.

Adam Otoo, from International Justice Mission shared a little with us about the work done by IJM, a global movement of Christian lawyers, social workers, investigators and survivors as they continue in their mission, working to end slavery and violence, until all are free. It was really challenging to hear a little of the lives of the vulnerable who are caught in circumstances outwith their control. We are excited to see what the money you have raised can do to help this amazing organisation in their fight to set the captives free.

We also heard from Ali MacDonald who had visited the Community House Damaris in Athens, a charity WfM supported last year. A group from Smithton went out in October last year and the ladies were able to work alongside the women and their children. Ali

THE RECORD

22

JUNE/JULY

hardship and trauma they face. They are encouraged to persevere in faith and they know that they are not abandoned by their Christian brothers and sisters in the UK. We heard about one woman who had lost all the significant males in her life, just because they were Christians. This is a sensitive and sometimes dangerous work and we pray that God will protect his workers as they continue to serve Him in this.

Our new project for 24/25 is called Empower – Lifting Women Up and Transforming Futures. All the launch videos are available to watch on our website and we would encourage you to show them in your

churches. Please get in touch if you need leaflets or posters. We will look in more detail at some of the charities we are supporting this coming year in the next few issues of The Record.

We followed the meeting with a lovely afternoon tea and a good catch-up and chat. Please remember that we have our conference Refresh on Saturday 21st September in Inverness. Sharon Dickens from 20 Schemes is the main speaker. Please keep an eye out for booking details which we hope will go live soon.

Last time our conference sold out so book early to avoid disappointment. •

WOMEN FOR MISSION WANT TO FUND YOU!

Y

ou may know that women for mission fund big projects every year, but did you know that we also give smaller grants to groups and

individuals? Although we’re ‘Women for Mission’ we’ll fund men too! Read on to find out more…

Our Heart for Home Fund is money we’ve set aside for any Free Church groups and individuals who want to show Jesus’ compassion to their community. This can take a wide variety of forms. Churches might want to run a youth club but need to decorate a room, buy a table tennis table, or furnish a cosy corner. Recently we have given money to Duirinish Free Church for toys for a Parent and Toddler Group, St Columba’s for women’s outreach, Tornagrain got money to run a holiday club and South Harris has a new dishwasher for their outreach café – all funded by WfM! We are so happy to play a tiny part in the practicalities of reaching out to people with the love of Jesus. The sceptical among you might think ‘there’s no such thing as a free lunch’ and you’d be right. So what do WfM want in return? We’d like a few paragraphs and a picture or two of how you used your money – that’s it. We’ve even made that part easy for you by providing a form on our website for you to use.

If your congregation or church group has a project that could use some cash, (and you think our terms are reasonable) you can apply on our website: womenformission.org/heart-for-home/ Women for Mission also have money set aside for the travelling costs of Free Church members who are volunteering for short-term mission work. If you have skills you want to put to good use for God, we want to help you!

Again, we ask for a short report and some pictures in return, but that’s it. We like to think that we’re straight forward people, so this fund is called Support a Volunteer and you can apply on our website. In the past couple of years we have contributed to two trips for Emily Giffen: to Southeast Asia and

2024

23

Moyobamba. We have also helped Luke Davidson with funding for a trip to Romania with Blythswood Care. You can read details of their trips on our website.

If you are thinking about any kind of short term-mission work, please head to our website and fill out a form. It’s as easy as that. https://womenformission.org/ support-a-volunteer/ •

QR Code for Heart for Home

QR Code for Support a Volunteer

WWW.FREECHURCH.ORG

WORLD NEWS AMERICAS AFRICA EUROPE ASIA AUSTRALASIA

PROTESTANTS FORCIBLY DISPLACED IN HIDALGO, MEXICO Christian Solidarity Worldwide A group of 139 protestants were forced to flee the villages of Coamila and Rancho Nuevo in the state of Hidalgo in April, after village leaders cut off their electricity, vandalised and blocked access to their church and some of their homes and posted guards at the entry points to the villages.

The group, including five infants and 70 children under the age of 17, all of whom attend the Great Commission Baptist Church, sought sanctuary in the municipal seat of Huejutla de los Reyes, where they are requesting government intervention to protect their rights.

Human rights violations linked to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) have been ongoing and severe in the two neighbouring villages since 2015. Local authorities have repeatedly attempted to force members of the religious minority to participate in Roman Catholic religious festivals, including through financial donations, lighting candles and actively participating in acts of worship. Despite detailed documentation of the case dating back to 2015, the municipal government continues to deny that the incidents in Rancho Nuevo and Coamila are linked to FoRB. In March, church pastor, Rogelio Hernández Baltazar, was arbitrarily detained for 48 hours along with other church leaders. In early April, village leaders sanctioned the takeover of five plots of land belonging to members of the church, cutting down trees, removing stones, and destroying their crops.

The group of displaced Baptists is sheltered in the Municipal Presidency building. They have requested action from the government to allow them to return to their homes and practice their faith freely. According to the news service Milamex, Protestant churches in Huejutla de los Reyes are providing humanitarian aid to the group and have joined in their call for the government to respond. •

ATTACKS ON CHRISTIANS IN EGYPT Christian Today/BBC News Attacks on two predominantly Christian villages in Egypt in April came after days of rising tensions, which the state’s security services did nothing to quell despite being notified of impending danger to Christians, according to a human rights group.

Hundreds of Muslims took to the streets and attacked Christians, first in Al-Fawakher and then in Al-Koum Al-Ahmar village, both in Minya Governate. Enraged villagers launched the attacks ostensibly to prevent construction of church buildings at each site.

Clergy from the Coptic Orthodox Church had notified security service officials days prior to the first attack that hostilities toward the Christians had reached a breaking point, according to a statement issued by the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights. On 20th April, Muslim villagers in Al-Fawakher attacked three houses with Molotov cocktails in response to a rumour that a Copt’s house was going to be used for worship, according to EIPR. “Security services failed to intervene to prevent attacks before they occurred, despite their prior knowledge of the existence of tensions and sectarian incitement,” the group said.

Moderate villagers had warned Christian friends that an attack was certain, and the Archdiocese of Minya requested help a second time but was largely ignored, according to EIPR.

THE RECORD

On 23rd April, villagers attacked Christianowned homes with bricks and stones and eventually more gasoline bombs. The homes that weren’t burned were looted by the rioters. They beat several Christian women, though none suffered serious injury. Videos of the attack surfaced on social media with posts stating the attacks were against Christians “trying to build a church in the village.”

The attack on Christians in Al-Koum Al-Ahmar started on 26th April. The crowd swarmed through the Christian neighbourhoods smashing doors and windows of Christian-owned homes with stones, according to EIPR. They then went to a plot of land that had been set aside by an evangelical church for the construction of a worship hall and destroyed building supplies stored there.

Egypt has a long-standing practice of restricting or even forbidding construction or renovation of church buildings. In 2016, the government passed the Law for Building and Restoring Churches that brought welcome changes in approvals for construction and renovation of worship halls, but significant hurdles remain for Christians who want a dedicated building for their congregation.

Even if a congregation receives government approval to build, Islamists willing to employ violence can put off construction indefinitely.•

24

JUNE/JULY

NEPALI CHRISTIANS FACE TRIAL FOR ALLEGED FORCED CONVERSION Barnabas Aid Four Christians in Madhesh province, eastern Nepal, need supporting in prayer. They face trial, accused of trying to secure forced conversions to Christianity.

On 3rd April they were required to submit bail of 150,000 Nepali rupees (£895) at the district court in Bara.

The allegations stem from a visit the Christians were reported to have made to a non-Christian family on 10th March in the town of Kolhabi. Several local residents confronted the Christians at the house and summoned the police, alleging that they were attempting to convert locals by force.

Seven Australian Christians in the town were also detained and subsequently deported. Meanwhile, the four Nepali Christians spent 24 days in custody before being bailed.

“This is an outrageous case of injustice against all Christians,” said BP Khanal, spokesman for the Nepal Christian Society (NCS).

Whilst Nepal’s constitution guarantees religious and cultural freedom, a law came into force in 2018 that made it illegal to convert a follower of a religion “being practised since ancient times”, a ruling that protects Hindus and Buddhists but excludes Christians, who are either first- or second-generation believers.

Since 2018 more than 20 cases of persecution, including attacks on churches, have been reported, the NCS commented, saying that the true number is much higher.

A Barnabas contact confirmed that several other instances of harassment of Christians have occurred in recent weeks. Two foreigners were arrested and deported from Gulmi. A Nepali Christian in Pasupati and two others in Kathmandu were arrested but later released. Extremists have attacked Christians distributing literature and torn Bibles.

Give thanks for the continued growth of the Church in Nepal. Pray for protection for believers facing harassment, for justice to prevail in the case of the four believers arrested and that any unfounded accusations of forced conversion will be dismissed. •

USCRIF NAMES AZERBAIJAN A COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN International Christian Concern The United States Commission for International Religious Freedom (USCRIF) recently added Azerbaijan to its Countries of Particular Concern (CPC) recommendation list. Countries featured on the CPC recommendation list are the most serious violators of religious freedom.

“USCIRF documented a significant and alarming increase in the number of prisoners arrested on the basis of religion or belief in Azerbaijan in the year,” said USCIRF Commissioner Stephen Schneck at the launch event of the Commission’s annual report. “In addition, authorities are regularly accused of torturing or threatening sexual violence to illicit false confessions from detainees with those perpetrating such violence facing no accountability.”

Azerbaijan, a small dictatorship situated between Russia and Iran, has a long track record of persecuting religious minorities, especially ethnic Armenian Christians and Jehovah’s Witnesses. And while most of the population is Muslim, even Islamic worship is tightly controlled by the authoritarian government.

The regime, led by President Ilham Aliyev, has spent years inciting public hatred for the region’s ancient community of Armenian Christians. President Aliyev acted on this hatred when the Azerbaijani military first blockaded and then forcibly took over the Armenian-majority district of Nagorno-Karabakh (also called Artsakh) in September 2023. About 120,000 ethnic Armenians fled their homes to neighbouring Armenia over fears of genocide.

Since September, Caucus Heritage Watch has documented Azerbaijan’s campaign of ethnic cleansing of the region as the military has systematically defaced and completely removed numerous Christian structures and monuments, some of them dating back to the Middle Ages.

In addition to Armenian Christians, Azerbaijan has often targeted Jehovah’s Witnesses for prosecution. The Witnesses’ staunch belief in pacifism clashes with the country’s mandatory military service requirement for men. And despite international law requiring exceptions be made for conscientious objectors to military service, many Azeri Jehovah’s Witnesses have been forcibly conscripted into the military and later tortured at military disciplinary units, according to Forum 18. •

2024

25

WWW.FREECHURCH.ORG

In the This Is My Story devotional series, REV DAVID J RANDALL imagines what it might be like if we could interview some Bible characters. Hebrews 11:4 says of one character, ‘though he died, he still speaks’; may these ‘interviews’ encourage us today in trusting, loving and serving the Lord Jesus Christ, the Character of the Bible.

Record: We don’t see to have any information about your name; you’re just known as a woman of Samaria.

Woman: Yes, it’s a bit complicated; I’ve been married several times, and I’ve been known by various names.

Why don’t you just call me Sam. Record: Right — Sam it is. How many husbands have you had?

Sam: Five, actually; and then there was another but we never bothered getting married.

Record: So, you’re probably not someone we’d expect to have theological discussions with travelling preachers.

Sam: Possibly not, but I don’t know that I’d call it a theological discussion.

THE RECORD

Record: Well, let’s start at the beginning. How did you meet Jesus?

Sam: It was one hot day when I went out to Jacob’s Well to draw water. That’s when I usually went; it was the time of day when there weren’t likely to be others there — it was easiest to avoid the sneers and jibes of the good people of Sychar. But as I came nearer to the well, I realised that there was a man sitting beside it. I thought I’d better turn round and come back later…

Record: Why was that?

Sam: Well, most decent men wouldn’t have wanted to spend the time of day with a woman, especially a woman like me. And also, if he was a Jew — well, everybody knew Samaritans and Jews had nothing to do with each other.

26

JUNE/JULY

Francesco Trevisani (1656-1746) Christ and the Samaritan Woman at the Well(by 1746)

THIS IS MY STORY: OUT IN THE MIDDAY SUN

Record: Why not?

Sam: Like many disputes, it went back a long time.

Centuries ago my ancestors were settled in Israel after the Assyrians had deported many Jews. They eventually inter-married with the Jews who had been left in Israel and the resulting Samaritan population was ostracised and despised as not-the-real-thing.

Record: And that attitude still prevailed in the first century?

Sam: Yes, it did. Some strict Jews wouldn’t even use cups or beakers that had been used by a Samaritan, so it was a tad surprising that Jesus took any notice of me.

Record: But he did, didn’t he?

Sam: I was just about to turn tail when he actually asked if I could draw him some water from the well. I turned to see if there was somebody behind me, but no, he was talking to me, and that started our conversation.

Not that it was much of a conversation to begin with, because most of the time I hadn’t a clue what he was talking about.

Record: Didn’t he say something about giving you a kind of water that would quench a deeper thirst within you?

Sam: I know that now, but then I kept thinking he was just needing help to get some cool water from the well. I thought, ‘How could he give me water when the whole point was that he didn’t have a bucket?’ But the more he spoke about this living water, the more I began to wonder if he knew something that I didn’t know.

Record: And he did, didn’t he?

Sam: Indeed. When he referred to my husband, I thought the easiest thing was just to say that I didn’t have a husband — which I didn’t at the time. But somehow he knew I’d had five husbands and then had moved in with another man. It was getting a bit scary, and I tried to change the subject. Maybe he could settle a common argument: whether people could only worship God properly in Jerusalem.

Record: And how did he respond?

Sam: He spoke about a time when true worshippers would worship ‘in spirit and in truth’, regardless of where they were. I said that when the Messiah came, he would answer all our questions. And I couldn’t believe my ears when he said, ‘I am that Messiah’.

Record: And what then?

Sam: It was just getting interesting, and then his disciples came back from the village and I could tell that they were surprised to find their Master talking to me. But the thoughts were rushing over each other in my head.

Who was he really? Was he just a wandering teacher?

Could he really be the Messiah? I left my water jar and went back to the village to urge people to come and meet this stranger by the well.

Record: And what was the reaction?

Sam: I guess people were surprised. Usually I kept myself to myself, but this was all very different. Some folk decided to come out to the well, and we heard later that when Jesus saw us coming, with the sun shining brightly on our light clothes, he said to his disciples something about the fields being white for harvest.

2024

Record: And we heard that he stayed in the village for a couple of days, and many villagers came to believe in him.

Sam: Yes, they heard him for themselves, and I remember them saying that they didn’t just believe because of my testimony but they hailed him as ‘the Saviour of the world.’

Record: What, not just of Jews and Samaritans?

Sam: ‘Saviour of the world’ is what they said, and subsequent events have shown it to be so. He would overcome the barriers that people put between each other: male/female, slaves/freemen, young/old, Jews/ Gentiles (like Samaritans), or whoever. His ‘water of life’ is for all who put their trust in him.

Record: So what is this water of life?

Sam: It’s the good news of his grace and mercy. I couldn’t believe that there could be mercy from God for someone like me. I hadn’t had much of a life; I regarded myself as damaged goods really. What religious leader would have time for the likes of me?

Record: But that seemed to be true wherever Jesus went, didn’t it?

Sam: Yes, he kept surprising people. He even said once that tax gatherers and sinners were entering God’s kingdom ahead of the religious leaders.

Record: That wouldn’t aid his popularity with these leaders.

Sam: It certainly didn’t. But it wasn’t that he was against them either. Whether a person was a religious leader – like Nicodemus, for instance – or an immoral woman like me, he called us all to confess our sins, turn from them and trust in him as our Saviour.

Record: So what was that going to mean for you? You said you felt like spoiled goods.

Sam: Yes, but it was as if I was born all over again that day, or as if I had really been dying of thirst and he had given me a drink of clean, cool water that revived my soul. I know I’ve done a lot of wrong things; I know my life was far from what it should have been — but it’s as if I’ve been given a fresh start. The past couldn’t be undone, but I had to put things right in the present and live in God’s way in the future.

Record: And did you follow Jesus’ doings after that?

Sam: Of course — right through to the terrible day when they crucified him and it looked as if everything had come to a miserable end. But then came that wonderful day when he rose again, and we realised that it was through his standing in for sinners that we could be assured of forgiveness and a place in his heaven.

Record: So what would be your message for others?

Sam: That it’s never too late to turn to him. It’s never too late to leave the past behind and respond to his amazing grace that can save a wretch like me. • David J Randall retired from pastoral ministry in 2010 and is a member of the Free Church congregation in Broughty Ferry. He has served in a number of locumships, still preaches regularly, and has written several books.

27

WWW.FREECHURCH.ORG

FOOD FOR FELLOWSHIP Tell us about yourself My name is Cristi Black. I’m originally from Kansas in the US, but I married a Highland boy and moved to Scotland. We live in Inverness with our sons, Noah, Micah and Malachi. We are part of the Merkinch Free Church, church plant (on Madras Street). I also work for our church plant, wearing whatever hat is needed to serve the work of the church.

What is your favourite recipe and why?

It was hard to pick just one favourite recipe, but I decided to use one of my go-to recipes in this busy season of life. It’s my mom’s Mud Cake recipe. It’s very versatile, easy, and forgiving.

While I enjoy making food beautiful, I don’t usually have the time for that right now; but I don’t want that to stop me from extending the welcome of Jesus and hosting. You can serve this cake simply as is, or add ice cream, or fancy it up with frosting, a whipped cream centre, or a mixed berry drizzle. I’ve also recently made it with white spelt flour for a gluten- and dairyfree pudding, and I was pleasantly surprised with how it tasted.

What kind of things has being in fellowship taught you about the Lord?

What first comes to mind is presence. I walked through a significant season of suffering when I first moved to Scotland. There were many times I echoed the psalmist to God, crying out for him to make good on his promises to be near. Again and again, God met me in those cries through the presence of his people. It looked different at different times, but I could always see God’s care through his people. Fellowship cultivates relationship that helps us walk with one another in seasons of sunshine and sorrow. God designed his church to look like this, and it’s a beautiful gift.

On the other hand, the second thing that came to mind is how fellowship has challenged me and refined me in my own sin and weakness. If I am living like Paul to the Corinthians, with my heart wide open, I will find places of rub that require me to examine my heart (2 Corinthians 6:11-13). Perhaps it’s where I need to confess sin to God and/or others. Perhaps it’s where I need to grow in grace to genuinely love people who can be quite hard to love at times.

There are many more things I’ve learned over the years, but these sum them up: the mercy of God through the presence of his people and the growth areas of my own heart to reflect Jesus more. God’s grace surely comes through fellowship through both encouraging blessing and refining challenge. •

THE RECORD

28

JUNE/JULY

©oxxyzay - stock.adobe.com

How does food play into fellowship in your church? (Outreach, fellowship, bible studies etc.)

We love food at Merkinch Free Church! In our ministry context, it is a primary way to connect with folks in the community. From our weekly drop-in café to takeaway meals during lockdown or soup at Hope Explored, food is a tangible way to love people even as we are ultimately looking for opportunities to share the hope of Jesus with them.

We also gather around food for fellowship as a church family. In addition to hosting in homes and more organic meet ups, we have fellowship meals each month. We have found it to be a helpful way to build relational depth. This is especially important as we’ve had so many people move to Merkinch and South Kessock in the last few years to be part of the church plant. We have many in the community come to Sundays and prayer nights, so we have needed to be intentional about creating space for the believers in the church to develop authentic relationships. It’s a key component of being effective co-labourers in the Kingdom.

Mom’s Mud Cake Ingredients • 3 cups plain flour • 1 teaspoon salt • 2 teaspoons bicarbonate soda • 1/3 cup cocoa • 2 cups sugar* • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar* • 3/4 cup mild oil* *This is where the recipe is forgiving. You can use granulated or caster sugar, white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even malt vinegar, and most kinds of oil.

Method Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl and wet ingredients in a separate smaller bowl. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth. The batter is quite wet. Bake at 160O C for 30-40 minutes.

2024

29

WWW.FREECHURCH.ORG

PAGES FROM ADAM’S DIARY Redemption: Did the Saviour pay for all of our sins or only some of our sins?

PART 02

A brother, known to some of us as Dr Adam, has served the Lord among his suffering church for many years. Dr Adam has also ministered in various parts of the world among refugees. We have asked his permission to print some of the stories of his life and service for the encouragement of readers of The Record. For well understood reasons, the names of people and places have usually been changed or omitted.

THE RECORD

30

JUNE/JULY

L

ast october, one of my helpers and i arrived in a refugee camp inside the hungarian border. In one of our gatherings in that camp, at

Photo by Bret Kavanaugh on Unsplash

the end of the day, as I was preparing to leave, a young woman with earnestness and urgency asked me to go with her to the room of a woman who was gravely ill…I read to her the 8th chapter of Paul’s epistle to the Romans.

As I read and explained these things, in her weakened state, she began to sob through my words. When I finished, she asked if I could baptise her. I asked her, ‘Do you mean now? Here?’ She answered, ‘Yes. You are his ambassador. Do whatever he tells you to do!’ I asked the girl who had taken me to her to go quickly and ask some of the other believers to come to her room. They all came and formed a circle around her bed. I asked her to tell them in her own words of her faith in our Saviour. She said, ‘I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as my Saviour!’ I then put a white towel around her neck and poured a small bowl of warm water over her head in the name of the triune Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I am unable to describe in words the peace that entered into the room, like a cold front pushing hot muggy air out. It engulfed her. It could have been touched and tasted! All of us in that room felt it. With my hand behind her back, I laid her down in her bed and soon she was asleep. I went to the camp office and asked them to call an ambulance for her. The officer refused. Rather than wrangling with him, I asked him if he could allow us to take the lady ourselves in our van to the nearest hospital. He said no. He would be responsible. And then quite rudely and abruptly, he asked us to leave the camp. We did. Three days later, I learned that she had passed into the presence of our Lord the following morning.

However, I look forward to seeing her again clothed in the splendor of her heavenly state. (Revelation 7:9-17)

2024

31

WWW.FREECHURCH.ORG

Judgement is never the last word with God. She was now redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.

The ransom was paid in full as it has been for all those who place their hope and faith in the Great Redeemer.

As we were leaving the camp, the girl who took me to her room told me the story of this lady’s life. About five years earlier, her husband, in an altercation, had killed a man. He had subsequently been tried and sentenced to death. His only option to escape death was to engage in what is known in this lady’s birth country of Iran as ‘the law of redemption’. This law only applies to conflicts among people resulting in injury. It does not apply to a person versus the State. Under this law, it is possible for an offender to buy his or her liberty from the offended party by appeasing the offended.

This is a penal redemption code borrowed from the Old Testament. If this man could satisfy the demands of the offended, in this case the father of the slain man, his sentence would be downgraded to imprisonment rather than execution.

The accused man, the husband of this lady who passed away, had been sentenced to death for a capital offence. One week before his sentence was going to be carried out, he had pleaded with his wife to go and speak to the father of the slain man one more time and see if he would agree to do the ‘redemption’. In the past, the father had refused. But this time, he had agreed, if they turned the deeds of their home over to him. However, while her husband was in prison, this lady had entered into a relationship with another man and she did not want to lose the house. She had thought to herself that, if he dies, he will be out of the way. She had justified her action by saying to herself that, after all, her husband had killed someone and he was a violent man and deserved to die. Therefore, she had not paid the redemption for her husband and, accordingly, he had been hanged.

Now she felt free to enjoy life. However, the world has a wicked sense of humor, an irony of fate which one can only escape by falling at the feet of our Lord and appealing to the grace of God. The new man in her life had later left her for another woman. She was then promised a modeling career, if she could make her way to London. On her way to Britian, she had been caught by the Hungarian border guards and put into that miserable eastern European refugee camp. While there, she had been diagnosed with an aggressive liver cancer. I was told she had seen her illness as an ironic retribution for what she had done. However, judgement is never the last word with God. She was now redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. The ransom was paid in full as it has been for all those who place their hope and faith in the Great Redeemer.

I was struck by this encounter, because it speaks to us of the redeeming work of our Saviour. The death of our Lord in our place and on our behalf covers all our offences and debts. That is the matchless beauty of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: ‘For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.’ (2 Corinthians. 5:21; Galatians 3:13) The Son of God was born into our broken world so that those condemned may gain their liberty and the dead may live. The Lord Jesus told his adversaries, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.’ (John 5:25) The story of this dear woman was the story of the thief on the cross, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ And he said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.’ (Luke 23:42-43) •

THE RECORD

32

JUNE/JULY

JUNE-JULY 2024 PRAYER DIARY And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Ephesians 6:18

2024

•

Pray for the congregations across the denomination: Lift up the congregations across the denomination. May they grow in health, unity, and effectiveness in proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Strengthen their leaders, inspire their members, and fill them afresh with God’s Spirit. May they be faithful Gospel communicators in their neighbourhoods and cities.

•

Pray for Edinburgh Theological Seminary: Pray for the students of Edinburgh Theological Seminary as they take a break from their studies. Ask God to grant them rest, rejuvenation, and a deep sense of his presence during this time. Pray for the lecturers and staff that God would give them wisdom, strength, and joy in their work. Ask God to guide and inspire them in their teaching and service. Lift up prospective students, asking God to lead those whom he has called to study at ETS.

•

Give thanks to the Lord for the Free Church Teens’ Conference: Give thanks to God for the Free Church Teens’ Conference on 7th – 9th June. Pray that God’s Spirit moves mightily among the young people, drawing them closer to himself and igniting a passion for his Kingdom. Pray that this conference is a time of deep encounter with God and of equipping for a life of discipleship.

•

Pray for Free Church Youth Camps: Pray for Free Church Youth Camps, their leaders, and the campers. Protect them physically, emotionally, and spiritually throughout their time together. May they experience God’s love, grace, and truth in tangible ways. Open the hearts of the campers to receive the Gospel, that they may come to know God personally and grow in their faith.

•

Pray for the Central Office Staff: Pray for the denomination’s central office staff. Thank God for their dedication and hard work in serving the Church. Grant them wisdom, creativity, and joy in their roles. Ask God to strengthen them and help them to support one another as they work together for the advancement of God’s Kingdom.

•

Pray for the Public Engagement Group: Please pray for further winsome engagement in the future as they seek to set the right tone in their engagement with Government and others. We must pray for our law makers (1 Timothy 2:1-2) and support them where we are able (Romans 13:1-7). However, where they call on us to do something contrary to God’s word, we must also be ready to humbly challenge them. We obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).

•

Pray for Edinburgh Theological Seminary Open Day: As the Open Day approaches on Friday 6th September, ask God to provide guidance and provision for all those considering applying to ETS. Ask God to give them clarity of vision and a deep sense of his calling. May this event be an opportunity for them to discern his will for their lives and to take the next step in their journey of faith and learning.

•

Pray for the Annual Edinburgh Theological Seminary Conference: Pray for the Annual ETS Conference on Saturday 7th September and for the speakers who will share God’s Word. May God give them clarity of thought as they prepare and deliver their messages. May hearts be stirred, minds enlightened, and lives transformed by the power of God’s truth. •

33

WWW.FREECHURCH.ORG

BOOK REVIEWS Our books this month tackle real issues head on. We highlight an books on biblical identity, dealing with doubt and an excellent new version of the Shorter Catechism for children.

BOOK OF THE MONTH PRIDE: IDENTITY & THE WORSHIP OF SELF MATTHEW ROBERTS (2023) “The Psalms are full of many kinds of anguish, but angst over identity is not one of them”.

So starts this book and so it continues – in a biblical, searching, challenging and pastorally caring manner. The author looks at basic biblical principles and reminds the reader that our whole being is made in God’s image for the worship of God. Due to our rebellion, mankind now worships anything other than him. More than that, false worshippers identify themselves by what they worship and the biblical examples of the Philistines, the Danites and the Ephesians helpfully illustrate this principle. Today, despite claiming to be nonworshippers, members of Western society worship freedom, especially the freedom to indulge desire in all its forms, with the Free Self being the ultimate god. And seeing as we created this god, like the metalworkers of old, we feel free to reshape it to something better.

Hence the situation of false identities leading to tragic outcomes.

The author explores at length the slavery and the sinfulness of sinful desire, showing clearly that it is not to be indulged in any form. He particularly challenges those evangelicals who unthinkingly adopt the false identities of the Pride movement that claim that people are heterosexual or homosexual (or whatever) which he dismisses as false categories i.e. we are not defined by our desires, but our creation in the image of God. This has important pastoral implications, because if the false categories are accepted the denial of desire is seen as a sacrifice of the true self, whereas in reality the denial of sinful desire should always be a source of joy to the believer. In a society in which identity politics is fracturing us into ever smaller subgroups, the author argues that the privilege of the Church is to tell people that they are “… an image of the glorious living God” made for

THE RECORD

him, which is far better than any false sub-identities we create for ourselves.

Other writers have addressed the issue of identity to a degree, but this is the most comprehensive treatment of the subject I have come across so far.

It is thoroughly biblical from start to finish and the pastoral heart of the writer comes through clearly.

Such a book on the foremost social topic of the day deserves the widest of readerships. • This book is available from www.christianfocus.com Duncan MacPherson, North Harris Free Church

34

JUNE/JULY

ILLUSTRATED WESTMINSTER SHORTER CATECHISM ANDREW GREEN, SAŠKO NEZAMUTDINOV AND BEN PRESTON (2022) Like many parents of young children, we’re always on the lookout for family worship resources that will teach the great truths of scripture, while keeping young minds and short attention spans engaged!

Catechisms have long been recognised as great teaching tools for the next generation; however, the archaic language of some of the historic catechisms can be hard for younger readers or listeners. We don’t want to dumb down what we are teaching our children, but neither do we want to add unnecessary barriers to understanding.

This is where this edition of The Illustrated Westminster Shorter Catechism fits in. The dramatic graphics give children visual content to attract attention, while the 107 catechism questions have been updated in language, while seeking to maintain the same eternal truths. For example question 17, ‘What is sin?’ is modernised from ‘want of conformity unto, or transgression of, the law of God’ to ‘disobeying, or not keeping God’s law’.

Some will undoubtably miss the language they are well used to, but in general the change helped our kids with memorising and grasping the concepts being described. This book is a great addition to any family’s bookshelf, as they do the hard but vital work of discipling their children. • This book is available from 10ofthose.com Ali Sewell, Haddington Community Church

DEALING WITH DOUBT DAVID J. RANDALL (2023) To deal with doubt is to try and catch a worm disappearing into mud. But here we have a courageous author who has written about the subject from a purely spiritual point of view. David Randall has taken various characters from the Bible and shown us the reality of their relationship with God, both in the depths of despair and the joy of reconnecting.

We are told that faith is a transformative gift from above, so it follows that many erroneously feel that to doubt the giving of that gift is disloyal and akin to irreverence. But in fact, as we search the scriptures along with Randall, we discover that to doubt is the most natural characteristic in our Christian journey. As the lives of Solomon, Elijah, and Peter, along with many others, open before us, so we see that ‘we need to pay more attention to the Lord than the storms around us’ (p167).

I particularly enjoyed the chapter on Habakkuk who was a prophet of magnitude, identifying and cataloging the chaos around him. He brought the violence, injustice, and lawlessness to God, doubted the fact that God was listening and then went to stand on the watchtower to wait on the Lord. This sense of waiting should speak into all our lives and Randall deals with it both academically as well as practically. Waiting is the unfolding of doubt, to the point of seeing only distress in the land and yet still believing in God. Share the faith of these great people, including the greatest of hymnwriters, says Randall, and you will not only get through the doubting but will rise up victorious.

Hold on tight to the end of this very deep dive into the subject of doubting and you will find practical lessons to repeat at the start of every day. • This book is available from icmbooks.co.uk Ruth Aird, Trinity Community Church, Penicuik

2024

35

WWW.FREECHURCH.ORG

MISSION MATTERS A monthly take on some of the mission work the Free Church is involved in by our Mission Director, DAVID MEREDITH

Photo ©Fin Macrae

P

olitics fascinates me . People say that polite

political party although his people lobbied him to do so. No, Jesus started the Church. If politics has changed thousands, the Church has changed its tens of thousands. Remember also where power lies. The little prayer meeting in the damp and dingy vestry in some forgotten west highland hamlet has access to more power than Downing Street, the White House, the Kremlin and Holyrood combined. As women and men speak to God we are reminded that while nations conspire and small people rise against God, he laughs (Psalm 2).

The gospel has changed more lives than politics ever has. Read Tom Holland’s Dominion and Glenn Scrivener’s The Air We Breathe. The thesis of these two books is that the origins of modern politics and all major beneficial changes in Western (and world) society have their origins in the message of Jesus known as the gospel. Alastair Campbell famously said, “We don’t do God.” I think that even he recognises that God does us to the extent that he has given us basic civilisation.

Be encouraged. I think of Big Norman whom I knew in my youth. Norman used to say, “Jesus turned water into wine, but I turned furniture into whisky.” The reference was to the pawn shops of the west end of Glasgow where he got money to fuel his alcohol addiction. When I met him, he was a productive member of society, a family man and a kind Christian. Was he changed by a Socialist Sunday School? Capitalism didn’t pull Norman out of poverty, the gospel did.

The Free Church of Scotland is larger than the Scottish Green Party but that’s not the point. We are still less than 1% of the Scottish population.

Gospel churches hardly scratch 4%. Our message will turn Scotland upside down. People, let's believe this. Get it out there.

By the way. What did Kuyper do when the politics business finished for him? He became a missiologist. Follow the power, preach the word. •

people never discuss religion or politics.

Ridiculous; these are the two most important subjects we speak about. Religion: man’s relationship to God. Politics: man’s relationship with each other.

One of my many memories as a student listening to Donald Macleod was his passionate plea for Christians to get into the arts, business and politics. It worked. Many of my peers had and have illustrious careers in a variety of noble callings. Macleod introduced us to rudimentary Kuyperianism. What’s that? Abraham Kuyper was a theologian who was Prime Minister of the Netherlands between 1901 and 1905. His most famous quote is, “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, Mine!” In other words, Christians should be everywhere.

Kuyper founded the Anti-Revolutionary Party, which was in the European Christian democratic tradition. Some argue that it started that noble political tradition. It was a serious movement which had credible policies on economics and education.

Later it divided over the usual crazy issues of universal suffrage and cooperation with Roman Catholics. It was also a tad heavy on trade unions.

The Kuyper story taught me that Christians should get involved in politics but should avoid forming political parties. Christian political parties in today’s Scotland are unelectable because they lack intellectual coherence and are obsessed with identity politics. They fight spiritual wars with carnal weapons.

My point. If you feel a calling towards politics then go for it. Don’t be put off by the fact that your party of choice peddles bad policies and is run by suspect people. Esther didn’t run from the palace and Nicodemus didn’t resign from the Sanhedrin.

On the other hand, don’t forget that there is a bigger change agent in town. Jesus didn’t start a

THE RECORD

36

JUNE/JULY

POETRY PAGE PRAYER GEORGE HERBERT George Herbert (1593-1633) was a Metaphysical poet whose works are best remembered today for their consideration of God and faith. Educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, he was Public Orator for the university before becoming an MP. Herbert later took ordination in the Church of England and served as Rector in Fuggleston St Peter until his death. In this sonnet Herbert offers metaphors for prayer, ranging from grand images such as eternity in an angel’s age to the simplicity of softness. •

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

Prayer the church’s banquet, angel’s age, God’s breath in man returning to his birth, The soul in paraphrase, heart in pilgrimage, The Christian plummet sounding heav’n and earth Engine against th’ Almighty, sinner’s tow’r, Reversed thunder, Christ-side-piercing spear, The six-days world transposing in an hour, A kind of tune, which all things hear and fear; Softness, and peace, and joy, and love, and bliss, Exalted manna, gladness of the best, Heaven in ordinary, man well drest, The milky way, the bird of Paradise, Church-bells beyond the stars heard, the soul’s blood, The land of spices; something understood.

2024

37

WWW.FREECHURCH.ORG

CHiLDREN'S PAGE

THE BOOK OF RUTH

The book of Ruth is a powerful example of love and faithfulness.

Ruth, a Moabite woman, follows her mother-in-law, Naomi, back to the land of Judah, though she knows no one else there. But God blesses Ruth and her faithfulness to Naomi, providing a home and family for her, and Ruth becomes part of the people of Israel, the great-grandmother of King David, and in the family line of Christ Jesus!

THREE QUESTIONS

We asked Ross Graham three questions.

What is your role in the Free Church?

RUTH 1:15-18 “Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods.

Go back with her.”

I’m an elder in Haddington Community Church What do you do in your role?

I help look after people in our church, take part in making important decisions and organise our Community Groups and Bible studies.

Will you please share a Bible verse that means a lot to you?

That’s easy. It’s a popular one. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6. God knows best so I trust him.

CROSSWORD

can you place the words into the grid below?

TRUST

AH ORP

Read the section Ruth 1:6-18 (verses 15-18 are below)

But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.”

When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.

!!

E V I T A E R C GET

colour in this picture of Ruth gleaning in Boaz’s fields

BOAZ

H DA

JU

H RUT MOAB

BETHLEHEM

RED

MI

NAO

FAIT H

EEM

ER

MEMORY V ERSE I

have chosen the way of fa ithfulness; I set your ru les before m e.

Psalm 119:3 0

Mar uisgeachan fuara don anam thartmhor (Like cold water to a thirsty soul) LE JANET NICPHÀIL

L

eughaidh sinn na facail-sa ann an leabhar nan

An uair a gheibh an Crìosdaidh dhachaigh, gu dachaigh nas fheàrr, gu suipear-bainnse an Uain, cha bhi ´anam tartmhor ' san àite, oir leughaidh sinn, ´ Cha bhi acras orra tuilleadh, no tart nas mò, oir treòraichidh an t-Uan iad gu beò-thobraichean uisge.'

Feumaidh sùil gach Crìosdaidh a bhith tric air a' cheann-uidhe, agus bidh seo gam misneachadh aig amannan sam bith nam beatha nach eil furast' dhaibh.

Nach fheum sinn cuideachd a bhith a' cuimhneachadh air facail Chriosd r'a dheisciobail,´Anns an t-saoghal bidh àmhghar agaibh: ach biodh deagh mhisneach agaibh, thug Mise buaidh air an t-saoghal.' Is e gealladh a tha seo, ach cofhurtachd na chois, bhuaithe-san a thuigeas gach eagal agus feum a bhitheas oirnn'.

Nar là fhìn, nuair nach fhaic sinn mòran air an cur ri àireamh sluagh a' Chruthaidheir, tha sinn dualtach a bhith eu-dòchasach. Aig amannan mar sin, tha e gu mòr fheum dhuinn a bhith a' cuimhneachadh nach eil cho fada bho fhuair sinn am Bìoball nar cànan fhìn.

Chan eil rian nach robh eileanan a' chuain glè dhorch gu spioradail, mus tàinig an Soisgeul.

Nuair a thàinig an Soisgeul, bha mòr bhuaidh leis aig amannan. Bha sluagh leis an acras gu bhith a' cluinntinn searmoin, seinn agus ùrnaigh. Nach iad a leanadh facail an t-Sailm?

gnàth-fhacal, 'Mar uisgeachan fuara don anam

thartmhor, mar sin tha deagh sgeul à tìr chèin.'

O chionn ghoirid, bha e na bheannachd a bhith ag èisteachd ri feadhainn a bh'air a bhith ag obair thall thairis, ann an tìr chèin, airson còrr air fichead bliadhna, 's a bhith a' cluinntinn mar a tha an Cruthaidhear air Fhacal Fhèin a bheannachadh. Bidh seo gar misneachadh gu bhith a' cumail oirnn' ag ùrnaigh airson ceàrnaidhean den t-saoghal nach fhaca sinn a-riamh. Gu dearbh, bha sinn air ar fàgail a' smaoineachadh gu robh soirbheachadh leis an Fhacal anns na ceàrnaidhean sin, nach robh anns an rìoghachd againne.

Tha sinne ann an tòrr dhòighean, nas fheàrr dheth gu h- aimsireil na tha iadsan.'S dòcha gu dearbh, gu bheil cus againne de nithean an t-saoghail-sa, ach cha do shaoil mi gu robh sinn cho math dheth gu spioradail.

Nach e an naidheachd as fheàrr buileach, an naidheachd a thàinig thugainn ag innse dhuinn gun do rugadh Slànaighear ann am Betlehem?

Choinnich Esan ris gach uireasbhaidh a bh'oirnn' mar dhaoine, ri linn an Tuiteam. Bhuair an Sàtan Esan barrachd air aon uair, ach, sheas Criosd gu buadhach ris an dearbhadh-sa.

Rinn Criosd a' chùis airsan a bhuair ar ciad pàrantan ann an Eden, agus an Nàmhaid-sa eu-comasach seasamh an aghaidh Facal Dhè.

Nach ann againn a tha an armachd-cogaidh bhuadhach? Is e sin,´Facal Dhè, a tha beò, agus cumhachdach, agus nas gèire na claidheamh dà fhaobhair air bith? ' Chuir seo ruaig air an t-Sàtan, oir, ´ seasaidh Facal Dhè gu sìorraidh.'

'Lem bhlas cia milis o mo Dhia do bhriathran ceart gu lèir.

Dom chàirean 's mìlse iad gu mòr na mil air feadh mo bhèil.'

Bheir seo misneach dhuinn, gun till Esan le buaidh, aon uair eile, agus gum bi ginealach, nach eil idir a' toirt àite Dha an-dràsta, air an lorg Leis, agus gum bi iad mar am Mac Stròdhail, ag ràdh, ´Tillidh mi agus thèid mi a dh'ionnsaigh m'Athar.'

Nach e deagh sgeul dha-rìribh a bhiodh an sin? •

Tha d' Fhacal againn' ann an dà chànan dèan èasgaidh sinn gu bhith ga chàradh rir dòigh-beatha, 's ri ar còmhradh 's cùm sinn o Nàmhaid tha tric an tòir oirnn'.

©shyska - stock.adobe.com

Nach e seo ùrnaigh gach Crìosdaidh?

2024

39

WWW.FREECHURCH.ORG

BY CATRIONA MURRAY

POST TENEBRAS LUX

©drimafilmi - stock.adobe.com

T

here are early signs of summer here in lewis .

really have been breached if we can complain of such a thing in a village considered fairly devout.

Of course, I was naïve to be taken by surprise.

In the days leading up to that Sunday, I had watched as Kate Forbes was having her character assassinated for telling the truth about her faith and the standards to which it held her. People compared her unfavourably to other ‘politicians of faith’, who had, when tested, chosen political expediency over faithfulness to their god. In other words, they were disgusted that she could choose God over them. One Twitter commentator with whom I conducted a gentle discussion on the topic, held Humza Yousaf, John Swinney and Theresa May up as paragons who had ‘not allowed their faith to interfere with supporting LGBT rights’.

We have become a country obsessed with what we see as our rights. Tourists visiting quiet, rural villages bristle at being told not to let dogs off leashes on the machair where livestock might be grazing, not to park in the passing places on single-track roads, and not to ‘wild camp’ next to cemeteries, or in public carparks. ‘We have a right’, they protest, as though that is that. They do not consider that residents of such places also have rights — the right to peace and quiet, to safety, and even to enjoy the amenity of their home communities.

The moral, of course, is that we cannot live happily alongside one another in a society that is entirely predicated upon the rights of the individual. We need to look to something outside ourselves, something greater than we are to mitigate this particular effect of sin. In my experience, the answer lies with God: look to him, and what he requires of us, and all those other things will be added — unless, of course, they don’t really matter.

I could go to the beach carpark next Sunday to protest, or remonstrate with neighbours who wield drills on the Sabbath. But, ultimately, that would just be me asserting my ‘rights’. Far better, then, to get up a little earlier to bask in peace in the cool of the day — and leave it to God to show others that their worth lies not in demanding their dues, but in glorifying and enjoying him forever. •

No, not the weather (don’t be daft), but, rather, the arrival of tourists: hordes of cruisers, campervans and hardy hikers with tents on their backs. They beat the cuckoo this year, for her optimistic call has only been heard for a week or two as I write this, while ferries have been booked solid since the last snow melted off the gangways in March.

On Sunday, I woke early, as is my habit, and let the dog out into the garden. I lingered on the step myself, savouring the morning chorus of birds, and the distant ‘coo-coo’ of that most welcome summer visitor. There is a peace unique to an early Sunday morning, particularly in a place that has eschewed bustle, that has laid aside work, and still permits the calm and rest to wash over itself.

Having fed the various furry inmates, I sipped my own coffee out on the deck, paying less heed to God’s word open in front of me than his creation all around.

It suffused me with such a sense of wellbeing. I had been a bit under the weather, very stressed at work, but this day was a mantle of God’s love, resting lightly on me, comforting but not oppressing.

Two hours later, I went outside again — and what a different world I emerged into. Some neighbours were working with power tools and having a shouted conversation. The constant rumble of traffic heading to our local beaches was the only thing that drowned out the racket of the drill. It became a cacophony of voices, of engines, of man-made noise, and the birdsong could not hope to compete.

Human beings were not designed by the Creator to live this way. It is part of our rebellion against him that we have even warped what it means to rest.

We have decided that a day off from work is meant to be spent as we choose, doing what pleases us, and never mind why or by whom it was ordained in the first place. Sinfulness manifests as selfishness, which is why people will wield an electric drill at nine o’ clock on a Sunday morning. It was the first time, however, that I had experienced North Tolsta in quite this way, and I feel as though the defences

THE RECORD

40

JUNE/JULY