Scottish Christian Broadcast Magazine Spring Summer 2015

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BROADCAST SCOTTISH CHRISTIAN

Issue 7

Connecting Christian Scotland

Spring/Summer 2015

FEATURES

Leading a Community into Life Alan Scott Interview

Greater Expectations Simon Guillebaud Interview

Powerpoint Ruth Donaldson

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Ian Black

Editorial Advisory Board Fred Drummond, Evangelical Alliance Scotland Alan McWiilliam, Christians Linked Across The Nation Andy Bathgate, Scripture Union Scotland Jim Turrent, Central Baptist Church, Dundee David Robertson, Solas Centre for Public Christianity

Editorial Thanks

Fred Drummond, Alan McWilliam, Andy Bathgate, Jim Turrent, David Robertson, Alan Scott, James Renwick, Ruth Donaldson, Charlie & Abby Clayton, Simon Guillebaud, Gavin Matthews, John McIntosh-Brown, Niall Joss, Chris Gbenle, Alexander Jones, Lorraine Darlow, Andy Bevan, Stuart Weir, David Hill, Lins Honeyman, Iain Craig, David Aird, Kenny Roy, Dr Rob Waller and Chris Macrae.

WELCOME

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STEP UP A NOTCH It's time to lift our eyes to the King of Kings in whose perfect plan all things are possible. It's time to pray and challenge the church to live again with greater expectancy for what God can do in Scotland.

It's time to engage more for the Kingdom as we live lives of radical obedience!

Hello and thanks for picking up this copy of Broadcast magazine.

Our theme is ‘Raising the bar' and in this edition we have many thrilling stories of God on at work that you are sure to encourage you.

We interview Scottish pastor Alan Scott of Causeway Coast Vineyard church in Northern Ireland whose church is seeing an extraordinary move of God where no less than 2,000 having came to faith in 2014.

Alan's call to us is clear: to see the church move from our gathered environments and out into our communities as scattered servants called to shape and transform the culture.

Proof Reading Thanks

We hear incredible stories from an evangelist Simon Guillebaud who has seen 100,000 embrace Christ in Burundi.

How to contact us

A report on the 24-7 prayer teams in Ibiza shows what incredible things our God can do even in such seemingly hard territory

Anne McCully and Tegwen Wallace.

Scottish Christian Broadcast The Steeple, Nethergate Dundee DD1 4DG t: 07704773382 e: info@scottishchristianbroadcast.com scottishchristianbroadcast ScotChristBCast scottishchristianbroadcast

Advertising

Contact Scottish Christian Broadcast for a media pack.

Scottish Christian Broadcast is a recognised name of Dundee For Christ, a charitable limited company registered in Scotland.

Company Registered No. SC306609.

Charity Registration No. SC037404.

Design Layout: Katherine Laidlay Cover model: Ruth Donaldson Photo taken by eliphotography.co.uk

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Our God is a faithful God and time an again these stories pay testimony to the fact that when we make prayer a priority God responds.

My hope and prayer is that the stories, testimonies and reports in this edition of Broadcast will point you to God and bring Him Glory.

I pray that they will act as touch paper igniting a passion for Jesus across Scotland.

The challenges may be great but as Fred Drummond identifies, our primary calling is to love God and when He is our chief desire and greatest joy all we need flows from Him.

Ian Black

Follow Ian on twitter @iangblack

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RISE UP RAISE THE BAR Fred Drummond

Leading a COMMUNITY INTO LIFE Alan Scott Interview

by Ian Black

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Powerpoint

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24-7 Prayer IBIZA

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Greater Expectations

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Message SCOTLAND

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Redeemed Christian Church of God

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CONTENTS

WELCOME

Editor

Ruth Donaldson

Charlie and Abbey Clayton

Simon Guillebaud Interview

by Gavin Matthews

John McIntosh-Brown Interview

by Niall Joss

Chris Gbenle Interview

by Alexander Jones

RECOMMENDs

SCB Recommends Some of the best books and music coming out of Scotland

www.scottishchristianbroadcast.com

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RAISE THE BAR

I am a big NFL fan. Since my time studying in the United States I have been a big Atlanta Falcons supporter and every Sunday night I follow the American football on TV. A couple of weeks ago the Falcons came to London and played a match at Wembley Stadium.

Every time there was a break in the play - which is often - the large screen would light up the stadium and a clip of the actor Samuel L. Jackson would come on. He would give a rousing speech to the Falcon fans, "Falcons don't get up, we don't stand up, we rise up". As the words “rise up” in huge letters flick onto the screen all the fans in unison shout out “rise up, rise up”. It is very effective!

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In the middle of the event, with my Falcons flag in hand, I suddenly thought, “what would this look like in church?”. Are we not a people who are called to rise up, maybe more on the wings of eagles than falcons?

Fred Drummond

Fred Drummond

RISE UP

Are we not a people who are called to rise up, maybe more on the wings of eagles than falcons? need to rise up? I immediately had some answers to that question for my own life and also for the church that I connect with as I travel round Scotland. However, I am also aware that I have big prejudices and alarming blind spots.

I decided to ask on Facebook and Twitter about where we, as the church in Scotland, need to raise the bar. I got a lot of responses. I can't comment on individual suggestions but I have attempted to put the comments into four main areas.

Love God

Firstly, there was the call for us to recognise that our primary calling is to love God. It is to spend time in sweet and wonderful communion with Him; to understand the wonder of His amazing grace and love in our lives, as both our chief desire and greatest joy. Everything else flows from the ever-deeper union that we find with God. Have we tried to fill every space with action and noise because we are frightened of waiting in the silence for a still, small, sometimes alarming and provocative voice? Have we substituted activity for intimacy and in so doing lost any possibility of transformation? As I travel to churches and conferences I am certainly more likely to be told about the latest initiative or programme than I am to be told about the prayer meeting or devotional

life. Let me be clear, this is not about style of worship, nor personal preference of how or where we pray, but rather whether we need to “raise the bar” on seeking the face of God. I am convinced, apparently along with lots of others, that the depth of our personal and communal encounter with God determines the effectiveness of our engagement in the world. RISE UP!

Where’s the salt?

As local groups of believers have we lost that saltiness? There was something wonderfully subversive about the early church. They sold stuff and gave to others, they shared hospitality and they broke bread in houses. Oh, I know all the arguments about not lifting everything directly out of one time and culture and transposing it on another, but it does seem to me that the church was intended to be a bit risky, perhaps a little bit colourful. It was the gathering of people who had encountered the grace and salvation of Jesus and who were trying to work out what that meant on a day-to-day basis. I am sure there were lots of questions, many mistakes, but lots of worship and storytelling. It was the Jesus community gathering and scattering in a fluid mix of trying to work out what it means to be a citizen of heaven living on earth. I can't imagine the early church ever being bland, safe or predictable.

I started to think about what we need to rise up from, and where we need to rise up to. To change the metaphor a little, where do we need to raise the bar in our lives as disciples of Jesus? Where, as the community of believers in Scotland, do we

FRED DRUMMOND

Author, Speaker and Head of Evangelical Alliance in Scotland

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Fred Drummond

The heart of church

Several people felt that we, as the people of God, have to rediscover the counter-cultural heart of church. Each of us has to live together in such a way that we live out, whether gathered or scattered, the radical nature of our calling in Christ. Among us this calls for accountability, for honest and deepening confession of our faith and also of our failings. We must practice forgiveness and reconciliation. Beyond our internal life to those we engage with we must also find radical courage - the courage both to embrace and to challenge. To those on the margins, those suffering abuse, those struggling with mental illness, those who have never found a welcome, we must be both a voice to speak out for, and arms to embrace.

I recently had the privilege of interviewing Prof. Stanley Hauerwas, an American writer and theologian. I interviewed him for the charity Home for Good which encourages Christians to reflect upon our own adoption by God and on the churches’ role in both the fostering and adoption of children. I listened to Stanley as he reflected on grace to the marginalised and how, and if, it impacts our practice. I came away with one phrase, I don't know if he said it or if it was my summary of some brilliant insights he gave.

The phrase was “the church is the community of damaged but healing children”. I love that. We can radically engage because God has radically engaged with us, but we are not perfect, not there yet, still damaged, therefore we should be the community that welcomes the damaged. RISE UP!

Valuing gifts

The last area to mention briefly is the need to create an atmosphere where the gifts of all believers are valued - a community that mutually develops, supports and encourages people to step out in faith and make a difference, wherever they are called. Rather than being people who pour cold water on dreams we become those who help people discover the skills to make the dream a reality.

The church is the community of damaged but healing children.

Let's get some “rise up” cheering going. Whether the dream is to be a more effective disciple in the workplace or to plant churches that will transform the nation; whether the dream is to start up a community project or develop a fresh expression of church - can we be cheerleaders who create an atmosphere that allows people to flourish? I wonder how many people in church have had a dream and vision squashed by discouraging words and unenthusiastic signals. Some people are still wounded by the critical spirit that sometimes permeates our gatherings. Can we raise the bar on dream and aspiration and free the people of God to begin to fulfil their destiny?

RISE UP! I hope I have done some justice to those who responded to me. My aim is simply to create conversation about what needs done. I am going to take some of these points further in a booklet early next year. My conviction is that we need to ask, “what is the normal Christian life?” Have many of us settled for something that would be unrecognisable either to Jesus or to the early church? Have we to find and declare a new normal - a new bar for us to aim at? Is it time for you and me to RISE UP?

Follow Fred on twitter @fred_drummond

ACOUSTIC WORSHIP NIGHTS FOR 20S AND 30S. THROUGH MUSIC AND SPOKEN WORD OUR HEART IS TO ENCOUNTER GOD facebook.com/saltyardsessions

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FRED DRUMMOND

Author, Speaker and Head of Evangelical Alliance in Scotland

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Leading A COMMUNITY INTO LIFE Alan and Kathryn Scott planted the Causeway Coast Vineyard church 1999. Ian Black talks to Alan about how Vineyard is changing the community one life at a time.

I’ve been hearing some amazing stories about your church, where is it situated and how long have you been there?

The church is based in Coleraine in an area known as the Triangle, because there are three towns each three miles apart - Portstewart, Portrush and Coleraine. The Causeway coast area also takes in another handful of towns. It’s a beautiful place to live.

Kathryn and I moved here from Glasgow about 15 years ago.

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I’ve been told that the number of people coming to faith through the work of Vineyard in the past five months has been a four-figure number. Extraordinary! Is that really happening?!

Yes! Something is shifting in our community. The number of people coming to faith since February this year is 2,230. It sounds dramatic but it’s been a slow process.

We’ve been thinking for years about how to move beyond our Sunday services, small groups and

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Alan Scott INterview

Alan Scott INterview

I want to give the city into your hand

This year we did things somewhat differently. At the beginning of the year we sensed the Father saying, “I want to give the city into your hand”. We thought that if God really was speaking then he was doing something significant in the community and we needed to release some catalysts, so that is what we did.

In January this year we identified and released three evangelists…in releasing them it released something in the community, and that journey began in February.

So did these 2,230 people come to faith primarily through the three evangelists that you released?

A good number could be accounted for through them, but also through our Healing on the Street ministry, or through our Encounter School of Ministry and ordinary everyday people like the dentist in our church who lead one of his colleagues to faith this week. So some in our services, more in gathered environments such as schools, and lots in ordinary everyday moments.

Somewhat surprisingly more than 60 percent of those coming to faith have surrendered their yes to Jesus on the streets of our town and surrounding

area…and that’s been the big shift for us this year.

Normally when people have come to faith it hasn’t been in the street so it’s the area blossoming most.

Alan Scott INterview

Alan Scott INterview

create outward focussed believers. We wanted to serve God by reaching out to everyone, every day.

It was a process that took us quite some time to work through but eventually led to between 20 and 30 people coming to faith each month.

Obviously the whole church is engaged in this, just getting out of their comfort zone and engaging with their community?

At different levels for sure. Schools are a big area for us. We are now connecting with around 10,000 kids in 26 schools in the community.

The theme of this magazine is about the Scottish church raising the bar, praying with the greater vision, praying more directly for revival, raising its eyes and raising its expectations of what God can do in the nation. So prayer in your church, how’s that looking and how can we be inspired in the Scottish church?

It’s more scattered than gathered. You can gather people into a prayer meeting and encourage them and give them copies of things to pray for - which is totally important and valuable, or you can send them into the community to go somewhere to pray. There is no skill-set for what they are about to face in the community so it’s ‘on-the-job’ praying in that scattered environment. Much of the modern church has made believers strong enough to survive the culture rather than bold enough

to transform it. The kind of prayers that we are praying are prayers for the community, prayers for the broken, prayers for the lonely.

We should be out there transforming the culture rather than surviving it We discovered that the community is sometimes praying more than the church. We show up in town with Healing on the Street and our guys will meet people who have prayed the night before to a God they barely believe in; they will have prayed for help, support or whatever, and then they meet someone and that’s the tipping point into faith for them. But obviously if the church isn’t out there, those conversations don’t happen. We are not just praying for a movement IN the church, we are praying for a movement OF the church.

Are the things that you’re doing in your area transferrable into the Scottish scene?

I think so, and we are always saying that it’s not a model, it’s a mind-set. We just had folks, about 105 leaders, gather in September, some of those folks came and heard and didn’t move, but some folks came and they heard and really moved. We’re seeing a multiplication dynamic of some friends in their church in England where between 5 and 10 people come to faith each day now. So it’s definitely transferrable.

Sometimes we are tempted to think there are communities that are resistant to the gospel but actually they are deeply receptive, it’s just the church isn’t out there in the community. And of course every community is hard to reach when the church stays in the building but everything changes when she shows up in the community.

Follow Alan on twitter @Alan_Scott

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Interview by IAN BLACK

Scottish Christian Broadcast 13

“BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS.” ROMANS 10:15 (NIV)

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Powerpoint

Powerpoint

Powerpoint I grew up on the Isle of Skye and went to Skye Bible Church. On the first Friday of every month straight after school my pastor, Alastair Matheson, would drive my youth group and me to Inverness, a-five hour return journey.

There we attended Xstream, our “local� intercity church youth event. Going to Xstream had an impact on me that I would more fully understand and appreciate years later.

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Being part of Xstream made me realise that I was part of a wider family of people who shared the same faith. I was exposed to worship on a bigger scale - inspiring and empowering teaching from speakers sharing stories of what it is like to be a disciple of Christ and that God had a purpose for me and my peers. It also further exposed me to the message of the persecuted church during one particular event back in the early 2000s.

Over and above going to church and seeking my own personal faith, what I do and who I am today has also been encouraged by what I learnt and experienced at my local intercity church youth event, back in the day. Fast-forward six years, I moved back home to Scotland having served my passion, the persecuted church, on a professional level with an organisation based in Oxford.

Being part of Xstream made me realise that I was part of a wider family of people who shared the same faith.

Having moved to Edinburgh, I went along to an event described as very similar to Xstream Powerpoint Edinburgh - an independent event run by multiple people representing churches

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Powerpoint seeks to teach authentic discipleship that outpours inclusion, innovation and initiation - Christ-like leadership encouraging inclusive community and equal participation where everyone’s contribution is valued and recognised.

Creatively and prayerfully pulled together by the different teams behind the scenes, young people and their youth leaders get to share in bandstyle worship, meaty teaching, prayer ministry, community, and laugh at the antics the team gets up to on stage. To date, Powerpoint has had speakers such as Soul Survivor’s Mike Pilavachi and Andy Croft, Gavin Calver from Youth for Christ and Rachel Gardner from the Romance Academy.

Four years on and I'm still involved. Why? Because the legacy that Xstream generously instilled in me, I want to pass on to the next generation of young people who attend Powerpoint. Serving with a very committed and talented team, we have seen the event grow from averaging 600 young people per event to 1400 between two back-to-back events. #OYABEAST

Powerpoint

Powerpoint

from all over the city. Looking for volunteering opportunities, I went along. There I met Neil Costley, the Director. We chatted and I ended up joining the team, tasked with Powerpoint's communication and marketing. If I couldn't attend as a normal punter, then why not help?

Powerpoint seeks to teach authentic discipleship that outpours inclusion, innovation and initiation.

The event has changed its name to Powerpoint Scotland as the young people who attend from various parts of the country outweigh those from Edinburgh, travelling from Aberdeen, Dunoon, Perth, Dumfries, Dundee, Pitlochry, Inverness, Edinburgh and Glasgow - to name but a few.

In autumn 2012 Powerpoint hit the 1000 mark and we knew we had to find other buildings that would accommodate the numbers. One night in particular we had to run an extra outdoor event where Mike Pilavachi spoke twice to reach out to the 200 young people left standing outside of Ps&Gs church.

In 2013 we planted a second Powerpoint in Glasgow and now run Friday and Saturday night gatherings in both cities to cater for numbers and share the Powerpoint buzz around the country.

Join us next:

Powerpoint likes its hashtags and recently we used #Follow2Lead. Personally, each event is a real honour to be able to mirror what was done for me at Xstream, by serving 100s of young people hungry for God. Powerpoint and its team will never know the fruits of its labour therefore we pray that God, through the events’ legacy, will send young people out, holding just as tight the towel and basin as the sceptre of Christ-like love, using their calling to lead and set free communities, nations and the world. #LiveFree

One Life

Follow Ruth on twitter @RuthDonaldson

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Rachel Gardner, Romance Academy 14th February, Central Hall, Edinburgh 15th February, Findlay Memorial, Glasgow

24th April, Destiny Church, Edinburgh 25th April, Findlay Memorial, Glasgow

Special Guest TBC

6th June, Queen’s Park Baptist Church, Glasgow

Find us:

W. powerpointscotland.com F. facebook.com/ powerpointscotland T. @p0werp0int I. @powerpointscotland

Ruth Donaldson

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ST – WED 5TH AUGUST SAT 1 S LENDRICK MUIR, KINROSS

SOUL SURVIVOR SCOTLAND

SOUL SURVIVOR SCOTLAND IS BACK! The Soul Survivor team are coming to Scotland in August 2015 so we had a quick chat with Mike Pilavachi to find out what we can expect from the summer…

WHO IS SOUL SURVIVOR AIMED AT? Soul Survivor is for any young people (12-18) and whilst we unashamedly make everything about Jesus, we try and make sure everyone feels welcome whether they’ve been brought up in church or have never been to a single service.

WHAT WILL BE HAPPENING IN 2015?

We’ve got a brand new venue (Lendrick Muir in Kinross) that’s brilliantly located between Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stirling so it’s easy to reach. Andy Croft and I will be hosting the event and twice a day hundreds of us will gather together in a huge tent to worship, hear from God’s word and pray for one another in the power of the Holy Spirit.

The days and nights will also be packed with seminars, sports, cafes, films, campfires and more. Last year 59 young people gave their lives to Jesus so we’d really encourage those who are coming with their youth group to invite their friends from outside of church too.

ARE THERE ANY DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE? Yes - you can save money by booking online and by booking early so places start at £94 if you book and pay before the end of January.

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HOSTED BY MIKE PILAVACHI AND ANDY CROFT

CHECK OUT THE WEBSITE FOR ALL THE DETAILS

1ST - 5TH AUGUST: LENDRICK MUIR, KINROSS

W W W. S O U L S U R V I V O R . C O M

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CHRISTIANS AGAINST POVERTY

We are Christians

Against Poverty,

are you?

partner with us

I’ve been really excited by the response from churches across Scotland to tackle poverty in this nation.

Over the last couple of months I’ve met with lots of churches that are keen to find out how they can partner with Christians Against Poverty (CAP) to provide free help to people struggling in their local communities. I’ve been blown away by people’s heart and passion to reach the poor and show them God’s love in action.

We believe in the local church because it has the only message that will truly transform lives.

We empower churches to give practical answers to the poverty and debt they see in their communities.

CAP trains and equips churches to provide real, practical solutions to the causes of poverty, such as crippling debt, unemployment and life-controlling dependencies. Combining our award winning service with the love and care of the local church really is bringing a life-transforming mix.

Linda, from Fife, was helped through our debt counselling service, she said: “Life before CAP had left me desperate. I lost my job and debt just accumulated from there. I wasn’t eating properly and struggled to give my children healthy meals it was heartbreaking. I woke up every day feeling so stressed and low, but I couldn’t talk to anyone, as I felt so ashamed.

“I saw CAP’s details on a letter from the Job Centre and Pat from my local CAP Centre came to visit me.

She explained how CAP would do the hard part – all I had to do was stick to the budget they would create for me. I broke down in tears. I couldn’t believe how simple the solution could be.

Ali Paton

22 CAP Scotland’s Partnership Manager

“Soon the letters stopped piling up, the phone stopped ringing, and I began to see the way out. It was a relief knowing there was food in cupboard and decent meals for kids. Pat also introduced me back into the church and my faith and trust in God has grown stronger. With no judgment and no pressure, CAP offered me a new life.”

In 2015 we will be hosting various training days and visiting more locations to let churches know how they can partner with CAP in Scotland. If you’re interested in finding out more visit capuk.org/partnership or email churchpartnership@capuk.org.

Find out more: capuk.org/partnership | 01274 760580 Job Clubs | CAP Money Course | Release Groups

Lifting people out of debt and poverty in Scotland Registered Office: Jubilee Mill, North Street, Bradford, BD1 4EW e info@capuk.org. t 01274 760720.

Registered Charity No. 1097217, Charity Registered in Scotland No. SC038776, Company Limited by Guarantee, Registered in England and Wales No. 4655175, CAP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registration No. 413528

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Could you give up one of these ... ?

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Become a Partner today!

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Team up with our existing Bible-a-month Partners to pray and give regularly so that together we can change the lives of people around the world.

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or call 0131 347 9801

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IBIZA Ibiza, party capital. Great music, beautiful coastline, deep sense of spirituality.

And binge drinkers, heavy drug users, violence. It’s a place where you can do what you want, when you want. What happens in Ibiza, stays in Ibiza.

In the West End, the tourists are Brits, Scots. The Scottish bars are the liveliest on the strip. That’s why 24-7 Prayer are particularly appealing for Scottish volunteers this summer.

Abby Clayton says, ‘There are so many Scots who come to San An; people we meet and help home.

Scots respond to other Scots in a different way to anyone else! There’s a Scottish bar at the end of our

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street, The Highlander, the busiest, liveliest bar on the West End. The owner of The Huddle Bar, namesake of the famous Glasgow establishment, gave a ringing endorsement of the work of 24-7, which he allowed us to reprint in Gatecrashing. ‘I've seen them, over the years, carry away hundreds of drunk, confused people and get them cared

for…I've seen them take abuse at times, get covered in vomit, questioned by the police and not receive a word of thanks. There's no questioning or moralising on the part of 24/7... they see someone in trouble and they're there to help.’

Ciara McBrien, student worker from Central, Edinburgh, is leading a Scottish team to Ibiza in June 2015. ‘Thousands of students flock to Ibiza every year – from Edinburgh, Scotland and all over – and it’s there, on holiday, that barriers come down, there is honesty and openness. It’s an opportunity to connect, to love people, to join a mission with experience and impact. My prayer is that we serve, pray and see salvations, but also that we will bring that heart back to Edinburgh.’

For fourteen years 24-7 Ibiza have been sharing the love of Jesus in the streets of San Antonio.

Thousands have received and responded to prayer, thousands have been helped back to hotels or the medical centre when the night has gone a bit wrong, and have been cared for by volunteers who give up weeks each summer to join the mission of Jesus.

Craig McKellar, an accountant from Edinburgh, was on the Scottish team last year. We asked about his time.

There is loads to tell - here is one story:

One night, as we walked, this guy pointed and shouted ‘24-7!’ with a high five. He had just arrived, and didn't know 24-7. He asked questions like ‘Define God for me’ – he had studied religion. I explained the Gospel. That conversation lasted about fifteen minutes outside a junction of bars and strippers. It's only later you think of where you were standing – but comforting to know God is there!

Tell us a little about what you do on team.

24-7 PRAYER IBIZA

24-7 PRAYER IBIZA

24-7 PRAYER

We meet at the centre at 11:30 pm, pray and praise God. At midnight we pray for half the group, who go out on the streets in pairs for the next hour. The rest stay in to pray, read from the Bible or put on a song.

Out on the streets of the West End, we walk around to see if anyone needs assistance (physical, emotional or spiritual). We talk to the PR reps and offer to pray with people.

One night we were called to a bar on the strip. We found a man lying on the ground, moving his arms and legs. We sat next to him, got him to sit up, told him who we were, gave him water. This required patience. He was not responsive. We called the centre for a wheelchair and took him to the medical tent. He had taken four ecstasy pills. We tried to get him to drink water – his temperature was high – and the staff put an ice cube on his neck. After about forty minutes we had permission to walk him back to his hotel. Thankfully he remembered his hotel and room number!

What has been the highlight?

Thankfulness and amazement from holidaymakers for what we do. It gives a great opportunity to explain why – and that opens up discussions about God.

What has been challenging?

'Working' midnight till four meant the last hour of prayer was challenging. The prayer room is the engine room and so it is important to persevere in prayer for the people we meet and for the team out on the streets.

What have you learnt about God during your time here?

God can surprise us! Some nights, prayers were answered which had not even been discussed.

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24-7 PRAYER IBIZA Once we handed out oranges to workers on a Wednesday afternoon. A bar-girl said she only liked apples and bananas. As we walked on, we came across another bar and a staff member handed us a huge red apple saying ‘This is for you’.

It was random but we knew we had to go back to the girl with it. She was delighted.

find a very active God searching for his children, calling them home, overwhelming them with kindness. We know that Jesus loves Ibiza.

What else do you do?

Get involved :

We sunbathe in the afternoon, have breakfast and dinner together, watch the sunset, play UNO! One night we went to an outdoor club, which was great.

We also have team time to reflect on the night and pray together.

How did your expectations differ from your experience?

I didn't expect to have chats with the PRs or for them to respect us so much. I expected to be vomited on and I was anxious that some people may be aggressive but thankfully that never happened.

How would you sum up your experience?

Privileged and faith-strengthening.

Privileged because I've been available for God in the building of his Kingdom. Faith strengthening because it has challenged me to find more time for God even back home where life is very, very busy.

No night is the same in Ibiza. Each has a story. Each involves an encounter with God that changes someone’s life. In the most unexpected place, we

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Charlie & Abby Clayton

You can read the story of the amazing work of 24-7 in Ibiza in Gatecrashing: the story of 24-7 Ibiza, available from www.muddypearl.com

If you’d like to apply to be part of the Scottish team to Ibiza in May 2015, contact Ciara McBrien at Central in Edinburgh ciara@jesusattheheart.org or Abby Clayton abby@24-7ibiza.com If you can’t make that team, there are other shortterm mission teams in 2014 and openings to join the long-term team, (8 weeks to 5 months). If you are passionate about prayer, reaching out to others, and celebrating Jesus at work in people’s lives, these teams are for you.

24-7 Ibiza is part of 24-7 Prayer, an international, interdenominational movement of prayer, mission and justice that began with a single, student-led prayer vigil in Chichester, England in 1999 and has spread, by word-of-mouth, into 100+ nations.

24-7 Ibiza was pioneered by Brian and Tracy Heasley, and their amazing story is told in Gatecrashing: The story of 24-7 Ibiza, available from www.muddypearl.com. Brian now heads up 24-7 Prayer GB and 24-7 Ibiza is led by Charlie and Abby Clayton. If you would like to give towards this work then details can be found on http://www.24-7ibiza.com

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SIMON GUILLEBAuD INTERVIEW

SIMON GUILLEBAuD INTERVIEW

Greater

Expectations When Simon Guillebaud answered the call to preach the gospel in an African war zone he expected to die. But God had greater plans.

Gavin Matthews spoke to Simon for SCB.

Crazy Obedience

When 24-year-old evangelist Simon Guillebaud arrived in Burundi he had nothing but his calling and some money. Within 24 hours all his money had been stolen and he was alone in the most dangerous country in the world. Recalling those formative days Simon says, “When you think you might die next week you don’t waste a day, and for three years I ran around like a headless chicken, sharing Christ with everyone.” People listened and responded to Simon’s preaching, partly he says, because of the terrible risks he took to reach them. “A message I was willing to die for was surely worth listening to” was a typical response.

A message I was willing to die for was surely worth listening to.

Reaching thousands

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The war has passed, but Burundi remains a dangerous place where violent or sexual assaults, murder and fear are everyday realities. Simon says that he and his teams risk their lives for Jesus regularly, “We go expecting to suffer, we can get our heads kicked in, but it’s worth it because the Lord comes in power.”

Simon’s message for the church in Scotland is simple. “People are always asking me why we don’t see miracles in the church in the west. But we rarely see miracles in the church in Africa either; we see miracles when we leave our church buildings and step out in faith on enemy territory, that’s when we see the power of God.” Fifty people in one village put their faith in Jesus when the muchfeared witch-doctor fell down as they preached in Jesus’ name. “That would not have happened if we had stayed in church; the challenge is to get out there” he observes, adding, “If we want our kids to embrace Christ they need to see His reality in our lives, as we take risks and see Him coming through.”

“In our Christianity we can embrace bumperstickers or scars” Simon insists, “The ‘life in all its fullness’ that Jesus promised isn’t found in church pews or in front of the TV, but when we’re risking it all for Him.” In the lives of these radical Burundian believers this costly discipleship is not unusual or considered unreasonable. “When we see how glorious Jesus is, then sacrifice is actually a privilege” they say.

The Power of God

God has wonderfully honoured the costs that these Burundian believers have borne for Him they have seen over 100,000 of their countrymen

Background image: Google maps

While that was a fruitful time, it was unsustainable and Simon stepped back to think through his methods. The result was that on his return he set out to train and equip thousands of Burundians to take the gospel to their own people under the banner Great Lakes Outreach. What God has grown from that one young man’s dangerous obedience has been breathtaking. “This summer we sent out 1010 evangelists for two weeks, and saw 11,000 people turn to Christ” Simon says. He has the quiet assurance of a man who has grown accustomed to seeing God move in extraordinary ways.

Taking up the cross

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SIMON GUILLEBAuD INTERVIEW

embrace Christ in the last eight years. To reach the Pygmies, Burundi’s poorest people with an average life expectancy of only 27 years, the missionaries went and lived with them, listened to them, served them and shared their lives. Eventually the Pygmies said, “We’ve watched you, you’re the real deal, now we want your Jesus.” The development partnership that has sprung from that has slashed the death rate in their community.

Passionate Prayer

In the world’s hungriest nation “give us our daily bread” can be a desperate prayer, and this great move of God in Burundi has been anchored in the prayers of people who have learned to pray with a desperate dependence on God. Simon Guillebaud’s observation is that prayer which shakes nations begins when we “stop going through the motions, or pretending we are doing God a favour” but “get a glimpse of the brokenness all around us and really seek His face”. This is something that Simon and his Burundian friends say is not unique to Africa but can happen anywhere that people get a glimpse of God. “If you are remotely moved, that moving is the Spirit of God and He’s saying, ‘come on, let’s step up a notch’. You can’t do it by yourself; find two or three other people who are similarly hungry and then covenant together to ramp things up, holding each other accountable” Simon implores.

This summer we sent out 1010 evangelists for two weeks, and saw 11,000 people turn to Christ.

Greater Expectations

Ephesians 3 describes our God as, “…Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us…” (Eph. 3:20 NIV) Simon Guillebaud has hundreds of stories which show that our expectations of God have been too low, too often.

The testimonies of the martyrs and living sacrifices of Burundi shows that our imagination hasn’t yet been captured by what Jesus is asking of us either.

God’s expectations are far higher than we have yet realised; but He is raising the bar.

Read more about Simon Guillebaud and Great Lakes Outreach at www.greatlakesoutreach.org

Choose Life is inspired by a new book by Simon Guillebaud Choose Life.

Living in a war zone for many years, Simon is attuned to making the most of each day, taking nothing and no-one for granted. The Choose Life challenge is written to inspire others to do the same. http://challenge.chooselife.org.uk/

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Interview by Gavin Matthews

Cut adrift without hope Family breakdowns. Trapped in poverty. the problems are not. At of a change. The year may be new but and compassion with Glasgow City Mission, we share God’s care al that there is hope, those who have hit rock bottom and reve with your help. there is a future. But we can only do that

Show you care.

a week in our warm, safe A gift of £5 will feed a homeless person for to introduce our yearcity centre premises. Your gift will allow us ild confidence, practical & round support services that seek to rebu social skills. ission.com Please donate now at www.glasgowcitym or 2630 by calling 0141 221 City Mission to simply sending a cheque payable to Glasgow FREEPOST, GLASGOW CITY MISSION

Scottish Charity: SC001499

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Kingdom Coffee

Kingdom Coffee

Kingdom Coffee was established in 1998 with the vision to help support farmers, their families and the communities where the products we sell are grown.

We do this by selling products that are Fairtrade, ethical and sustainable.

Fairtrade coffee enables farmers to create a sustainable future on their land and at the same time ensures that they receive a fair price for their coffee.

Meseret survived on scraps of food and was so malnourished that she couldn’t breastfeed her daughter.

Selling Fairtrade products is very important to us.

But we want to go further and we do this with our Fairtrade Plus concept - we love the work that Fairtrade does but feel that we are able to do more by giving more.

Now, with hope, we can help Tearfund to support families in Ethiopia and beyond, ensuring a better future for all.

Fairtrade Caffe Tesfa (which means “hope”) was created to support Tearfund to help them provide much needed funds to develop a better life for people like Meseret and her family.

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You can help Tearfund by simply changing your coffee to Caffe Tesfa - every sip of coffee really does make a difference.

35

MESSAGE SCOTLAND

MESSAGE SCOTLAND

MESSAGE SCOTLAND Andy Hawthorne, the founder and Chief Executive of The Message Trust, is a man who makes an impact.

Anyone who has seen or heard his “Time for Reflection” address to the Scottish Parliament will be aware of that. The Message impacts on the lives of over 100,000 young people in the UK every year. So when he says that the time is right for The Message to become involved in Scotland, it’s time to pay attention.

John McIntosh-Brown is The Message Trust’s Scottish Director. Niall Joss met with him to find out more.

So how does an Australian end up in Scotland working for the Message?

“That’s a question that I have asked God quite a bit, yet, I can’t think of any other time when I have felt more at the centre of God’s will. I came to Scotland with my wife and daughter, not knowing why I was coming here. I had never heard of the

36

Message Trust. I travelled here in faith, on a kind of Abraham call…You go and I will show you… it was a bit scary really. After we had settled in Glasgow the door at the Message Trust opened and I commuted to Manchester for 18 months. In the natural, it made no sense, yet God clearly had a plan which He has gradually unfolded.

I think I have the advantage of coming to Scotland with fresh eyes. I was in a meeting recently where the others were joking with me about why God would bring an Aussie to Scotland. Later one of them said “a blow in, like you, sees more in ten minutes than the villager sees in his whole life”.

That is not always true, but I can see the point.

How has The Message ended up here?

“First and foremost we are here because a number of leaders in Scotland have been asking that we come and work on a more regular basis. Andy has spoken at CLAN and Powerpoint, but we’ve never had a long term presence. Andy believed the timing was right and had an overwhelming sense of God saying - Go Now.”

Prayer is the highest priority in Message culture How has The Message been welcomed into Scotland?

“It has been incredibly positive so far. There are lots of like-minded people.

People love our Creative Arts teams, the EDEN community transformation model, and our growing development of Christ Centred Enterprise.”

Any challenges?

“The Message has a reputation in England as we have 23 years of good results; launching in Scotland is very different. We can’t just try to trade on that reputation. Some folks know about Andy, or our work in Manchester or elsewhere, but generally we’re not known here. Message Scotland is starting small, working with local churches on local projects. We are committed to partnerships, relationships and strengthening the good work already being done. I spent a lot of time meeting with people, listening to them, praying for them and engaging in blue sky thinking about possibility. Personally, I am not daunted by small beginnings, actually I’m invigorated by the challenge… and struggle will always keep us on our knees in prayer, in faith and reliant on Him.”

Where will your focus be?

“Message is youth and community focussed and is about empowering the local church.

Young people, particularly young leaders are the future, so I’m overtly youth focused. By that I mean un-churched youth. But connecting with unchurched teenagers can seem the hardest place for churches - sometimes we’re a bit scared of it. Real youth outreach is messy, challenging, uncomfortable… but holds the promise of changed lives, a changed church and ultimately a changed nation.

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MESSAGE SCOTLAND We are really effective in reaching young people.

We want to recreate our English work, but with an authentic Scottish flavour – and that means local creative arts, bands, theatre companies and dance teams. Experience shows this is really effective in reaching out to schools, prisons and communities.

And we do this with a high level of excellence and cultural relevance - people, especially young people, respond to that.”

What are the key values for Message Scotland?

“Prayer is the highest priority in Message culture.

Every Message team, every office, every project, is based in daily prayer and our work as an act of worship. Andy Hawthorne will tell you that, “we move forward on our knees”.

The second is mission which flows out of prayer.

Andy always reminds us that his main job is to, “Keep prayer hot and keep mission hot”. A Prayer and Development Coordinator and a Missions Development Coordinator were the first people I hired to help develop Message in Scotland.”

Raising the bar really means getting over ourselves...we need to stop thinking that it’s all about us about our comfort, it’s not about us feeling good about ourselves. But it is about us asking, ‘God, what are you doing in this situation, and how can I best be your hands and feet?’ The reality is that many people in the world are looking for God...but they’re not always looking for Church – or at least not the way that we are doing it some of the time. The question is, are we willing to, like St Paul, become all things to all men…that we might win some?”

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

w. messagescotland.org f. facebook.com/MessageScotland

How will we know that we’re raising the bar? What does that mean to John?

“Raising the bar really means getting over ourselves...we need to stop thinking that it’s all about us... it’s not about our contentment, it’s not

Interview by 38 NIALL JOSS

Follow MessageScotland on twitter @MessageScotland

BRING A

FRIEND

Reg Charity: 1127987

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best-selling author & inspirational speaker

Rob Parsons OBE Katharine Hill PR ESENTED BY: Philip Jinadu

and Kat hari ne Hill

Coming to GLASGOW Tuesday 17 March Woodhill Evangelical Church, 30 Wester Cleddens Road, Bishopbriggs, GLASGOW, G64 2NH 7.30 – 10.00pm (Doors open at 6.45pm)

FOR MOR E INFO RMAT ION OR TO BOOK,

visit www.careforthefamily.org.uk/ittakestwo or call 029 2081 0800 40

TonBrIDge

Tuesday 10 February

soUThaMpTOn

Wednesday 11 February

sWanSEa

Thursday 12 February

isLE of MAn Thursday 7 May abERdeEN

Tuesday 12 May

wiMbLEdoN

Thursday 14 May

sTokE Wednesday 10 June

ChaLfONt St PetER Thursday 11 June baLlYmeNA Wednesday 4 November beLfASt Thursday 5 November LeEdS Tuesday 17 November

cHesTEr Wednesday 18 November

“You’ll get practical tips to put into action straight away. Don’t miss it!”

– Nicky and Sila Lee, authors of The Parenting Book

All events 7.30-10.00pm Book today!

Visit www.careforthefamily.org.uk/parentalktour or call 029 2081 0800

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MERCY SHIPS

Bring Hope and Healing

MERCY SHIPS

Mercy Ships brings hope and healing to the developing world through the use of hospital ships.

30-year-old Gillian Martin is an ear, nose and throat and maxillofacial surgery nurse from Aberdeen, Scotland. She has volunteered for Mercy Ships twice; the first time for 3 months in Guinea in 2013, and the second time for 6 and a half months in Congo-Brazzaville in 2014.

Gillian said: “I had no real idea what to expect my first time serving, but whatever I did expect, it exceeded my expectations by miles!

“I think what’s great about Mercy Ships is the passion of all the volunteers, where everyone works together to achieve the same goal. There’s a real sense of community here. We are one big international family serving with the same vision.”

Judy Polkinhorn, Executive Director of Mercy Ships UK, said: “Mercy Ships is very grateful for the work of the volunteers and all the donations we receive.

Without their efforts we would not be able to bring hope and healing to the countries that need us most.”

The ship is currently in Madagascar, where it is docked until May 2015. To donate or volunteer with Mercy Ships please visit: www.mercyships.org.uk.

Will your church help our patients?

Can you help those like Adjovi suffering from a disfiguring tumour, and thousands more, who are in desperate need of medical services?

Find out more about the inspiring work of our hospital ship, Africa Mercy † Invite a speaker † Request information for your congregation † Medical and other professional volunteers needed † Make us your charity and mission partner † Give for Mercy!

e: info@mercyships.org.uk • t: 01438 727800 • www.mercyships.org.uk Mercy Ships UK, 12 Meadway Court, Stevenage SG1 2EF Registered Charity Numbers 1053055 and SCO39743 (Scotland)

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Chris Gbenle is pastor of Fountain of Love Church in Aberdeen, the first of 53 Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) parishes in Scotland. Alexander Jones spoke to Pastor Gbenle about the Church

The Redeemed Christian Church of God was founded in Nigeria in 1952. Since then they have expanded around the world and by 2012 they had a presence in 160 countries. The RCCG came to the UK in 1988, opening their first church in Scotland in April 1996.

Pastor Gbenle first arrived in Aberdeen in August 1998. “I was sent up here to try to revive the work that was at that time fledging. As of now we have 53 parishes, churches or branches of the church.

The main church here is still in Aberdeen. That supervises the rest of the churches in Scotland.

We’ve grown from just a couple of people to start with to over 550 people in the main church.”

This is by no means a church focussed on cities alone. The RCCG is active far beyond the confines of the largest settlements, “We’re going more into the smaller communities now, the towns Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Fort William, Thurso. And the reason is that we just want to have a presence for the Lord. I know works are going on there by the churches we meet. We’re just another voice to speak for the Lord in all those communities.”

Growing Churches

Pastor Gbenle estimates the RCCG have about 2500 members in Scotland. Spread between 53 parishes he admits that means they are small, but the language used is relentlessly positive, “We

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Do all and trust God to use whatever he wants to use out of it. have few very big congregations, most of them are churches that are just growing.”

Asked how the RCCG differs from other churches, Pastor Gbenle is keen to emphasise unity. “We have a lot more in common than what divides us. We all have different areas of strength and emphasis, but in terms of belief, the core beliefs are the same.

We do lay quite a lot of emphasis on prayer and corporate fasting, as led by the Spirit of the Lord.

The position of the Word is also very strong. At least twice a week we have teaching of the Word.

If we’re going to characterise church, we’re of the Pentecostal flavour, within the evangelical group.”

Chris Gbenle does not pretend to have all the answers for the future of the church. He openly admits there are things they do well, and other things where they could learn from the rest of the church. “We’re also strong in going into the community, which I know is being done by a lot of other churches, and that is wonderful. We started

Christian

Church of God out very early, from 1998, to work with those involved in substance abuse and alcoholism.

Going out to bring people in

Ultimately Pastor Gbenle, and the RCCG in Scotland, have a passion for evangelism. His desire to tell people the Gospel is clear throughout our conversation, “We’re going out to bring people into the church. The church community should still stand and should still be the place outsiders want to come into and find fellowship, friendship, and a community. We’re also doing a lot of street evangelism which has gone out of fashion. You don’t need to win souls, but if you do, praise God!

I just pray that somewhere along the line, before the Lord comes, it will be possible for all people to see themselves as one.

You’re making a witness for the Lord. That’s just one strand of evangelism; you need to be friendly to your workmate, family member - tell them about Jesus. We throw in everything - the kitchen sink! - do everything to see that the soul is won.

REDEEMED CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD

REDEEMED CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD

Redeemed “I try not to play down what others are doing. Do all and trust God to use whatever he wants to use out of it. Aggressive in a nice sense, I would call it. We’re very passionate about it and just keep doing it.”

African church

Asked how he reacts to being characterised as the “African church”, Pastor Gbenle gives a passionate response, “We’re more than willing to accommodate everybody. I think that’s a wrong perception - that’s not what we are, that’s not what we want to be. In our own part we’re doing all we can, and I’m sure we can do better, to make sure everyone feels included. I just pray that somewhere along the line, before the Lord comes, it will be possible for all people to see themselves as one.

“I’m very, very hopeful, 100% hopeful, for the future of the church in Scotland. I am absolutely confident in the Lord. As time goes on it will be a church owned by the indigenous people of Scotland. It’s not a church to serve the expatriate population.

Our confidence is in the Lord, not in our ability.”

Interview by ALEXANDER JONES 45

Scotland's Biggest Free Christian Magazine

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BROADCAST MAGAZINE Collection Points

BROADCAST MAGAZINE Collection Points

Magazine Collection Points

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In 10 years’ time her natural curiosity will be replaced by a realisation that the future holds nothing more than hardship and relentless poverty.

YOU CAN CHANGE ALL THAT.

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For just 83p a day your one-to-one support will enable a child living in poverty to attend a church-based Compassion project. Here, loving Christian staff will ensure children receive the healthcare, education, food, clothing, spiritual and social support they need to thrive.

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There is something to be learned from the expectancy that children have for God to hear and answer prayer. What we can learn about child-like faith from children?

It is difficult to begin to think about children without reflecting on the words of Jesus in passages such as Mark 9:33-37. After journeying with the disciples, Jesus asks them what they had argued about on the road. They did not answer because they had been arguing about who was greatest among them. You can almost sense the humour of their silent response. There they are, caught and embarrassed by the reality of their pride.

This was not the first time they were lost for words.

In verses 30-32 we learn that Jesus had been trying to teach them about his betrayal, death and resurrection, but even though the disciples did not understand, they were afraid to ask questions. They kept quiet - were they not inquisitive, wondering what all this meant? The opportunity to enquire further was right there before them. Perhaps they were hiding their naivety, or trying to prevent criticism if they asked the wrong question, or maybe they just wanted to pretend those words had not been spoken.

As adults, we might weigh up the possible permutations that our words and actions could have and decide whether or not to speak, guarding ourselves from possible unfavoured responses or future consequences. We safeguard our pride and all those things that key in to our sense of worth.

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But are we similarly reserved in our approach to God? Do we edit what we articulate of our thoughts, questions or supplications to God?

We safeguard our pride and all those things that key in to our sense of worth.

Children tend to live more in the moment and grasp opportunities to enquire of others, wondering and imagining all sorts. What does that do? How does that work? Why does that happen? When will that happen? I remember those younger years of my children when all they seemed to do was constantly ask questions! They were never aware of their endless questioning of things. But they were inquisitive and wanted to know and understand more. They had a natural need to connect things in their mind and figure out problems they encountered. They were forever saying, “But why?” And there was an endless tapping on your arm and repeated “mum...” if you did not respond quickly enough!

LORRAINE DARLOW

LORRAINE DARLOW

LORRAINE DARLOW Often, I wanted to tell them to be quiet and cease their persistent requests and was relieved when my husband was the target of their badgering.

Why on earth did they never get fed up asking?!

Well, for one thing, they thought we had all the answers. They trusted the responses we gave and were keen to hear what we had to say. They never got tired of constant interaction and conversation, pressing in for new insight and understanding.

When there was a special event coming up, they asked about it over and over, with excitement and expectancy. Even in their patient waiting there was an excited anticipation as they imagined what might be. Oh, how these things speak volumes to me now!

How might our relationship with God change if our natural response was to immediately turn to the One who knows us best…?

As I think of myself as a child before God, and reflect on passages such as these in Mark's Gospel, I wonder whether my desperate need to inquire of God is evident at all amid my own deliberating and analysing, as I attempt to make sense of things and wonder how I might respond in various situations.

How I wish I had that “pressing in” childlikeness to express my emotions and seek some wisdom about the situation or even a sense that I am not alone in this. How might our relationship with God change if our natural response was to immediately turn to the One who knows us best in order to express confusion, joy, disappointment, or deep need?

answered us in the most amazing way. She was so matter of fact - "I told you so". I wondered why I hadn't been as perceptive as her to begin with. Her expectancy for God to hear and answer our prayer was unquestionable. We learnt so much from that one incident. God is listening and waiting to respond. No matter what the outcome, the Father's ear and attention is with us in every moment, but do we have tenacity of child-like faith to press in to the One who knows us best?

Children can demonstrate that same unquestionable trust in God as they do in parents.

I remember my daughter, who was only 6 at the time, remind me when we faced a really tough situation, that God's advice would be better than human advice as they simply didn't know as much as God did! I was comforted by her faith and insight but secretly saw her words as naive.

However, in that moment, she encouraged my husband and me to turn to God first, and God

Lorraine leads the children's and family ministries at St. Silas' Episcopal Church in Glasgow. She is an experienced practitioner who is passionate about careful theological reflection as the foundation for effective ministry practice among children and families. Lorraine and her husband Darren, also a minister, have five children so life never has a dull moment!

Follow Lorraine on twitter @ldarlow

Lorraine Darlow

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against injustice

“IJM take on the cause of those whose destiny is poverty, servitude and pain. They speak truth to power.

They rescue many thousands from the clutches of injustice and they work to bring about cultural and societal changes which lead to long term changes to the conditions in which the world’s poorest people exist. I have seldom met a more professional approach to charity work and I would encourage people to consider the range of ways in which they might support IJM’s work.”

Rt Rev John Chalmers Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland

The call

Following the recent referendum, the overriding message that I take away from the surrounding debate is that Scotland is a country that wants to be just - just in how it relates to our physical and global neighbours and just in how Scotland relates to the world around us. Justice is not only a political discussion or ideal, it should be at the heart of Christian living – a sacrificial life that serves God, strives for fairness and seeks to put others before ourselves.

The call to seek justice is one that resonates throughout Scripture. Countless times, the Old Testament prophets and Jesus call upon the religious elite to stop with their noisy worship and recognise the plight of the poor and act on their behalf. Isaiah 1:17 invites us to: “Learn to do right; seek justice.

Defend the oppressed.

Take up the cause of the fatherless; Plead the case of the widow.”

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In a country where only 5% of the population attends church, yet where people are so passionate about justice, where is the just church that we are called to be? Yes, the church is doing great things supporting specific ministries, but justice needs to be a daily rhythm of how we live our lives. This can have a far reaching impact, not only in serving social need, but also highlighting the love God has for humanity. Tim Keller quotes in his book Generous Justice, “If the world sees the global Church doing justice, then the world will get interested in faith.” It is our role as Christians to respond to both local and global injustices, not just once but as a regular part of our walk with God. So, what are we waiting for?!

Responding to the call

Injustice comes in many forms.

Beneath the surface of the world’s poorest communities, common

Andy Bevan

IJM UK’s Regional Development Executive for Scotland 53

IJM

IJM

Raising the bar in the fight

IJM

violence - including rape, forced labour, illegal detention, land theft, police abuse and other brutality - has become routine and relentless. And like a plague of locusts devouring everything in their path, the unchecked plague of violence ruins lives, blocks the road out of poverty and undercuts development.

Get involved Church

Inspired by God’s call to love all people and to seek justice for the oppressed, International Justice Mission (IJM) protects the poor from violence, without regard to religion or any other factor, and seeks to work alongside all people of goodwill.

We are a global team of Christian lawyers, social workers, investigators, community activists and other professionals that protect the poor from violence throughout the developing world. IJM partners with local authorities to rescue victims of violence, bring criminals to justice, restore survivors and strengthen justice systems.

Pray

Part of my role in Scotland is to help the Scottish Church move into active, joyful and effective service on behalf of victims of violent abuse. One of my favourite passages in Scripture is Exodus 3; in this, we read that God sees, hears and feels the cries of the oppressed and he calls Moses to go in His strength to rescue the Israelites from slavery.

Likewise, today, God sees what is going on in our world and calls upon His Church to respond. The Church in Scotland needs to raise the bar in the fight against injustice. Will you respond?

Andy Bevan

54 IJM UK’s Regional Development Executive for Scotland

IJM operates as a community of spiritual formation.

God is using the church in powerful ways to bring rescue and hope to some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable. We want to partner with you so IJM and your church can do justice, together: IJMUK.org/TheJusticeNetwork IJM depends on prayer to do the work of justice.

Prayer is an integral part of our work as an organisation and we do this because we believe that prayer is a way of seeking justice – not ancillary to the work, but part of it. We eagerly invite others to join us in praying for the work: IJMUK.org/pray

Campaign

IJM advocates on behalf of those in poverty.

We come alongside the UK Government and international bodies in seeking justice for the oppressed. We invite you to urge the United Nations to ensure that justice and security are on the agenda as they seek to alleviate poverty around the world http://www.thelocusteffect.com/petition For more information Email - scotland@ijmuk.org Web - IJMUK.org and IJM.org Twitter - @IJM_UK

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Book your place now

Workplace Integrity – Conference in partnership with CVM Scotland Saturday 19th September 2015, 10:00 - 16:00 Letham St. Marks Church of Scotland, Perth Kenote Speaker: Mark Greene of LiCC This conference will tackle: The folly of the sacred/secular divide · Does work matter to God? · Christian workplace ethics · Workplace Relationships & Sexual Purity · Workplace evangelism · Helping to reform workplace structures

Get in touch to book your place: stuart.weir@care.org.uk Open – Post-Abortion Care Conference Saturday 24th October 2015, 10:00 - 16:00 Glasgow Kenote Speaker: Jenny Baines This conference will tackle: Biblical theology of the unborn · Pastoral toolkit for those providing care

Get in touch to book your place: stuart.weir@care.org.uk

Women and Porn In January at Deep Impact, Aviemore, (deep-impact.org.uk) we provide seminars to help women overcome porn and how to safeguard children from our sexualised society. We have filmed a seminar that addresses the discovery of husbands who are addicted to porn, but this is also a problem for some women. View it at: care.org.uk/where-we-work /care-for-scotland.

Assisted Suicide We are working hard to help the Scottish church engage such an important moral issue.

We promote life! So when there are pressures in society that threaten vulnerable people to prematurely end their lives, we want to speak up for them. For starters, if you are convinced that assisting someone who is suffering to a premature death is not in keeping with Jesus and his way of doing things, sign the petition which will go to the Scottish Government at care.org.uk/where-we-work/care-for-scotland/latest-news-from-care -for-scotland.

Human Trafficking Much is being done to see the best possible bill for Scotland in this crucially important issue. Scotland needs to take a leaf out of Northern Ireland’s book who have now a worldleading bill which criminalises the purchase of sex. Consider biblically reflecting on this sinister industry further by using our new resource at care.org.uk/where-we-work/care -for-scotland.

stuart.weir@care.org.uk

stuart.weir@care.org.uk

@carescot

@carescot

careforscotland

careforscotland

07583 294787 Registered Charity in Scotland (SC038911)

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At the heart of CARE for Scotland is human dignity.

We help and speak up for those who find their dignity being eroded.

We believe Jesus wants to ‘bind up the brokenhearted and release the prisoner’. We work in key social areas to serve the Scottish Church and society to maintain human dignity in Jesus’ name.

Are there ways you can connect in in 2015?

Stuart Weir, CARE National Director

07583 294787 Registered Charity in Scotland (SC038911)

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Are you a Christian doctor or health professional?

The Christian Medical Fellowship is here to connect you with other Christian doctors, nurses and allied health professionals support you with challenges in the workplace supply resources and training to help you learn and grow provide opportunities for Christian service For information about membership, local groups and upcoming events contact Dr Audrey Chalmers (CMF Staffworker for Scotland) audrey@cmf.org.uk Registered Charity no. 1131658.

uniting and equipping Christian doctors — www.cmf.org.uk

Project name Item name Client Client team

70 munros Resized advert 133x96mm Jennifer Clark Scotland

Job number Proof stage Proof date Feedback due

15-J3252 v2 14/11/14 14/11/14

Africa Inland Mission’s

Perth Baptist Church

70 YEARS OF MOVING MOUNTAINS!

Perth Baptist Church 14 Almond View, Perth, PH1 1QQ

Come and hear how God is changing lives in Africa!

Hear from serving mission partners and take part in practical and informative seminars.

Find out more by contacting Ruth Box at scotland.eu@aimint.org

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y rdha2015 u t Sa arc

M pm 28th 0am-4s £20 ren £10 1 Adult r child ree f olde dren nts &ger chil e d Stu youn

In 2015 Christian Aid reaches its 70th anniversary of journeying with our partners to overcome poverty. To mark this milestone we are aiming to climb 70 Munros throughout the year. We invite you and your church to join us at one, some or all of them!

To find out more and to register your interest go to christianaid.org.uk/70Munros or call 0141 2217475 UK registered charity no. 1105851 Company no. 5171525 Scotland charity no. SC039150 Northern Ireland charity no. XR94639 Company no. NI059154 Republic of Ireland charity no. CHY 6998 Company no. 426928. The Christian Aid name and logo are trademarks of Christian Aid. Christian Aid is a key member of the ACT Alliance, a coalition of 100 churches and church-related organisations working together in humanitarian assistance and development. © Christian Aid November 2014 J3559 Photo: iStock by Getty images

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TRY PRAYING

trypraying

for those who don’t do church Moving back to Edinburgh from Hull to set up trypraying has been a rollercoaster for David Hill. Five years on, SCB finds out how things have panned out…

What inspired trypraying?

It was a chance conversation with someone at CLAN in 2007. A lady, who had a small child in a push chair, met me at our prayer stall. She said her aunt had become a Christian because she’d been given one of our 40-day prayer guides by her mother and she became a believer - a wonderful story. When I heard that, two thoughts went through my head, firstly, our 40-day prayer guide was the most inappropriate piece of literature to give to a non-Christian! Secondly, “We can do better than that: why don’t we write a prayer guide for people who don’t think of themselves as religious.” That was when trypraying was born.

(I would love to meet that lady again. She doesn’t know what effect that brief conversation had on me.) So I wrote a booklet which is a 7-day prayer guide for people who don’t do church, but it gradually leads to faith in Christ.

What has been a highlight for you from the past five years?

It’s been an adventure. It started simply as a booklet. It became a church project, then a multi-church project and now a multi-region project. Last year there were 120 towns, cities and villages where churches where using trypraying.

This growth has astounded us. I think the simple strategy of “use it and lose it” (everyone in the congregation using the booklet one week and then giving it to a friend the next week) has enhanced this.

And what has been difficult?

I thought my job was to produce a booklet, which I did, but then people saw more in it. Some said it was for the nation, when I thought it was just for Edinburgh. Some said it was for the nations, when it was as much as I could do to make it accessible to Scotland. The back story of the last few years

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has been of me trying to expand my thinking. I have never walked this way before, so the greatest challenge is trying to enable this little thing to become what God wants it to be, and to enable this tiny organisation, which operates out of spare bedrooms and laptops, to facilitate it.

Which is one of your favourite trypraying stories?

There are many. Paul, who saw a trypraying banner outside a church en route to the pub to get drunk, decided to go in and met the minister and trusted Christ. Then there was Chris, who gave the booklet to her friend Tony saying, “Why don’t you try praying for a week and see what happens?”

He did. He became a Christian and subsequently proposed to Chris and they were married in December! Jenna, who in despair after an ectopic pregnancy, saw a trypraying banner and thought to herself “why not”, and began a journey that has changed her life.

What does the future hold for trypraying?

Projects come and go. This will go - but not yet.

In March there will be another cycle where we anticipate that many hundreds of churches will engage in the simple “use it and lose it” idea in the lead-up to Easter. The growth possibility of a national season of prayer and evangelism with churches uniting to put this invitation into the public space has not yet been fully realised. trypraying is an outrageous exposure to the grace and power of God. For a society sold out to secularism, the simplicity and directness of trypraying are disarming.

What can we pray for you?

That we will remain outrageous!

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E D FE EN O T N AT TO

2015

THE KESWICK CONVENTION

THE WHOLE OF LIFE

for CHRIST

Something for everyone – Bible teaching, worship & fellowship – all in the wonderful setting of the Lake District.

WEEK 1

WEEK 2

WEEK 3

11–17 JULY JOHN RISBRIDGER

18–24 JULY PAUL MALLARD

25–31 JULY LIAM GOLIGHER

VISIT WWW.KESWICKMINISTRIES.ORG V O

LU

A N ch ll te TE ild am ER re s S n an inc NE d lud ED yo in E ut g D ! h.

Lifestyle & wedding photography vintage, candid and creative

Social Media training and visual content

eilidhsutherland.com hello@eilidhsutherland.com

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STONES

A celebration and exhibition of the life and work of the Church.

17 May, 2015 2.00pm - 6.00pm Princes Street Gardens Edinburgh • Congregation Life Stories • Exhibitors • Music / Events / Seminars • Youth/Children Activities • Massed Worship

Scottish Charity Number SC011353

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67

OUT NOW

The 3rd

the debut praise & worship album

ÂŁ9.99 ÂŁ3.50 from every sale goes to your choice from our charity partners

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15

Argyll Convention

Join local Christians and other visitors in this fantastic part of the country.

Tuesday 4th to Thursday 6th August 2015 Argyllshire Gathering Halls, Breadalbane Street, Oban PA34 5NZ 10.00 (Prayer); 11.00; 14.00; 19.00 for 1930 There will also be a songs of praise on the Friday evening Main speakers are: Sinclair Ferguson and Alasdair Paine Other speakers include: Fiona Marks from Care for the Family

...and many more

Speakers in previous years included: Tim Chester, Richard Bewes, Fiona MacDonald, Hector Morrison, Carine MacKenzie

Buy > Give > Support > Affect Available exclusively for order or download from

www.music4mission.com 68

This is a donation entry event.

No need to register

Info & contact details www.argyllconvention.com www.facebook.com/argyllconvention 69

RECOMMENDS... identity all of his own. Of the many great tracks on this highly accomplished blues release, a highlight is the Chicago blues exposé “Lord I Pray” which not only references the BB King reading of the blues stalwart “Everyday I Have The Blues” but also sums up the Simon Kennedy Band’s innate ability to turn out something really rather special.

Available from www.eatacd.com/thesimonkennedyband

Reviewed by: Lins Honeyman for Cross Rhythms

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Excellent

I have found the CD so uplifting. The song Resurrecting Me is just one example of the powerful lyrics that are in every song: “Oh my God you’re resurrecting me We're living in the power of the cross Oh my God my fear is washed away There's nothing that your love cannot endure.”

You cannot listen to this album as a Christian and fail to be reminded of all that the Living God has done for us!

And so at the start of 2015, let me encourage you to go and buy this cd, it will be one of the best available throughout this year!

MAKE UP YOUR MIND Simon Kennedy Band Once in a while, a release from a previously unheard-of artist comes out of nowhere and hits you right between the eyes and one such release is the debut album from Dundee-born bluesman Simon Kennedy. Describing his own sound as gospel-tinged, funky and guitar-led, Kennedy has pulled together a stellar band including his co-producer Mirek Hodun on Hammond and one time Jamie Cullum drummer Carl Taylor and, if the combined talents of all involved were not enough, the inclusion of a top notch brass section seals the deal on this enthralling release. Tracks like the defiant “Don’t Let Them Turn You Around” helps Kennedy set out his stall for an album of faithrelated blues numbers that will appeal to believer and non-believer alike whilst songs like “I Ain’t Opening The Door” and “Hands On The Wheel” intriguingly leave meanings open to interpretation.

Undoubtedly, Kennedy’s lead guitar work is the star of the show as the guitar teacher, producer and session musician pulls incredible solo after incredible solo out of the bag in the likes of “End Of The Sunrise” and the funk-laden title track and, whilst the influence of axe heroes such as Robben Ford, Gary Moore and Freddie King are evident, Kennedy refreshingly maintains a playing style and

reveals who God is and what he is doing for us.

In my humble opinion there is not a single weak track on the CD.

Reviewed by : Iain Craig of St Peter's Free Church

moody love song "Demure" and the stirring and poignant song of reflection "Factories" adds new colour to Nicol's palette whilst the likes of the pounding "Electric City" and the memorable "Luminous" - complete with infectious bass line from Ramsay Stewart - maintain the sound developed on previous albums. Whilst the mix is occasionally unbalanced and the band struggle in places (their valiant effort in "Heroes" for example), there is an appealing unpolished rawness to proceedings - not least in the Dylanesque "Do So Well" which showcases Nicol's trademark gritty vocals, poetic imagery and a sheer passion for what he does. Elsewhere, the band help Nicol pull out all the stops in the likes of "Excitement" and the funk-tinged "Till It Burns" which reflect the prolific songsmith's ability to turn out a song that sticks in the brain on first listen whilst innocuously referencing matters of faith in a way that will appeal to believer and non-believer alike. The punchy "Velodrome" closes a rough and ready but nonetheless vibrant release in style.

Available from www.eatacd.com/scottnicol

Reviewed by: Lins Honeyman for Cross Rhythms

Church Come Alive Satellite This CD will fill your heart with great encouragement. Every one of the 12 songs will cause you to rejoice in God's faithfulness and love!

It opens with a very powerful song called Church Come Alive and maintains passion throughout; even from the first chord of this song, right through to the final chord of the last song. It takes us on an exciting journey as each of the 12 tracks

Very good

HIGH VELOCITY Scott Nicol & The Limitless Sky The latest release from Prestwick-based singer/ songwriter Scott Nicol kicks off in upbeat fashion with the typically positive "Brilliance" in what is a second outing with his UK backing band The Limitless Sky. The addition of strings on the

Good

Average

Poor71

RECOMMENDS

RECOMMENDS

SCOTTISH CHRISTIAN BROADCAST

If you like your music bright, thoughtful and radiant with joyful colour, then this might be the album you have been waiting for. Gracey has written 90% of the material herself, which is a remarkable achievement bringing powerful lead vocals combined with strong backing and superb instrumentation which sounds as smooth as silk.

Gracey says that the album is “an expression of her life experiences” and that ”music has been her most important source of joy”. This is obvious as you reflect on the content. The pace and tempo of the music vary greatly across all the tracks. It is an album combining uplifting and energising praise and worship with the occasional insert of gospel rap.

This is a book about prayer and mission.

Not a formula.

Why do we take other people’s stories and turn them into a formula or a rule? Why do we look more at what, why and how they did it, than at what influenced and guided them on their journey?

the next track will lead. It is difficult to highlight a particular track as they all contain elements that people will enjoy depending on their personal circumstances. Some may feel there is a degree of repetition but within a worship setting that is entirely appropriate. You get the feeling that this piece of work has been pulled together by a great team where perfection is not far away.

Perhaps we are looking for a shortcut. Perhaps we are simply overwhelmed by the task. Or maybe we are just genuinely hungry to see a move of God and will try anything to see that happen.

The challenge for Gracey and the team will be to produce the same sound quality in a variety of live settings. It will be good to see how their ministry develops as more become aware of this great talent. Let’s hope it’s not too long before Gracey becomes a household name and we see her live in a local concert.

Brian’s hope is that if we get one thing from this book, it is that you take with you the call of God for you to live a life of responsiveness to His interruptions. Not a formula, but a call to a life of prayer and mission.

Available from www.eatacd.com/gracey

MADE FOR THIS Gracey

RECOMMENDS

RECOMMENDS

RECOMMENDS continued...

Gatecrashing Brian Heasley

Brian Heasley takes us on a tour of the party island of Ibiza where he and his young family moved to pray, weep and show God’s love for the holiday makers and communities there.

Reviewed by: Kenny Roy Kenny leads the Finance teams at Central and Abernethy Trust and recently formed Bayrd Roy

Reviewed by: David Aird Producer for Heart of the Matter Black Diamond 107.8fm. and Crystal 107.4fm

The album brings together quality work from musicians, engineers and producers resulting in a very special and beautiful project. You are captivated as you listen, wanting to know where

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Excellent

Very good

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RECOMMENDS

RECOMMENDS continued...

even anti-depressants. But this only applies to the statistical majority. Others live with on-going chronicity, struggling with their ‘thorn in the flesh’.

For yet more the penny seems to drop and they wake up changed – but they never know any more. For some, the most logical explanation (and CS Lewis tells us that the logical is what remains after all else has been discounted) is that of supernatural healing. All these are part of Emily’s journey, told here in easy bite-sized chunks.

There is a problem with the ‘black box’ view of healing, where something happens on another plane and you never know why or how. Such healings are of course amazing; but I often feel God has more to teach us, more to reveal of Himself. And, with Emily, we can learn in a deeper way. We can learn how to keep ourselves well, how to overcome the inevitable setbacks and even relapses. And of course we can share this journey with others. So here is her story, as it resonates with the biblical story of Joseph, for us to listen to and learn from.

The Amazing Technicolor Pyjama Treatment Emily Ackerman

Reviewed by: Dr Rob Waller Consultant Psychiatrist working for the NHS in Scotland and a Director of Premier Mind and Soul www.mindandsoul.info

There are different journeys through life, and Emily has travelled much of her journey with Myalgic Encephalitis. We know for her condition what works ‘on average’ as shown by scientific trials – graded exercise, cognitive therapy and (yes)

Scottish Christian Broadcast book recommendations in partnership with

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eatacd.com 75

Scottish singer songwriter Steph Macleod has been offered the opportunity to work with top Christian music producers Scott and Ed Cash making a record in Nashville USA. Using the online crowd-funding platform RocketFuel, and partnering with the aviation charity MAF, Steph is reaching out and asking for support in the hope of raising funds for the project.

The Best New Music

Worship Anthems 2015 Various Artists

Waterfalls Vineyard Worship

30 great songs captured at events and gatherings in the UK and US, on a double CD. Including: Let It Be Known, You Died For Me and Holy Spirit.

The extraordinary new live album from Vineyard Worship, from ordinary people whose hearts long to worship God. Powerful, honest and intimate worship.

Fanny Crosby 1820 – 1915

S afe

in

T he a rmS

of J eSuS

20 of her best loved hymns, including all The Way my Saviour leadS me, BleSSed aSSurance, Saved By Grace and To God Be The Glory

“I’m not only thrilled at the prospect of working with some incredibly talented people, but the chance at sharing the Gospel of Christ through new doors is truly exciting!” SM

Safe In The Arms Of Jesus Fanny Crosby 100 Year Commemorative Edition

Oceans: Worship Without Borders Various Artists

A century after the passing of one of the Church’s greatest hymn-writers of all time, this commemorative CD brings together 20 of her best loved hymns, still enjoyed by worshippers everywhere.

30 contemporary praise songs with a faith- building theme. Including: Oceans (Where feet may fail), Cornerstone and 10,000 Reasons

Available now from EssentialChristian.com, iTunes and your local Christian Retailer 76

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our giros and that became a regular lifestyle of drinking and drugging. It’s quite sad, because that was what gave me my reason for living.

I never had a lot of ambition. I didn’t believe in myself, it was only about getting drink and drugs. I sold hash and cannabis to my pals and taking opiates.

From

Despair to

Hope Jim MacDonald talks about his journey from despair as a ‘functioning addict’ to hope with CrossReach

“I went to a normal primary and comprehensive high school, but I was attracted to the bad lads. I was probably looking for attention – even negative attention. I got into ‘O’ Grade classes, but slowly and surely my behaviour deteriorated which culminated in me getting excluded from school in 1982 at the age of 15. During that time period if you didn’t get a trade, you were basically on the scrapheap and the dole. There were a bunch of us who gathered together – birds of a feather – and we started smoking dope. We lived for the weekend and would club together and share

My big brother phoned me and said: ‘the reason you’ve lost all that weight is because you’re an addict’ and he asked if I wanted help and I said yes. I was at the point I was screaming and crying and I really did want out.

My sister knew about places in Edinburgh that could help me and she mentioned a drug and alcohold treatment centre and I got referred and taken in. I didn’t finish the course first time because I was convinced that if I didn’t touch heroin or crack cocaine I would be able to drink and smoke a joint. I was in so much denial and didn’t understand how powerful addiction is.

I ended up using in the treatment centre and got thrown out, but that was the wake up call I needed. Thank the Lord they took me back within 6 weeks and I finished the programme.

Near the end, they trusted me enough to let me do the last 3 weeks from Rankeillor Initiative’s Anchor Project (supported accommodation run

by CrossReach) so I moved there. Rankeillor was brilliant because there were 5 guys, all in recovery. Sometimes it was a pain because the slightest behaviour got challenged, but it was also good because we had an environment of support and after 5 months I was ready to move on to my own tenancy. I was scared of being on my own, but I got supported from the Genesis Project (visiting support - also part of Rankeillor Initiative’s service). Support worker Matt was a great help because he’s so laid back but really practical as well, helping me

with things like dialling a number and letting me talk to the Gas board and I gained in confidence.

One day I said to Matt: ‘Do you think I need this anymore?’ and he said, ‘Jim, you’ve not needed it for a while but I’ve been waiting for you to say.’ Matt sorted out counselling for me at Simpson House, so all of CrossReach has helped me. Now I’m proud to work for CrossReach! It’s like I’ve come full circle - getting help from CrossReach and then I started doing relief work and bank shifts at Cunningham House (a homeless project in Edinburgh).

If it wasn’t for CrossReach I don’t think my story would have continued and I’d have become a statistic. CrossReach helped me build a good foundation to my recovery. My recovery has been a journey and CrossReach is integral to it.”

“Now I’m able to give something back by working at Cunningham House. I feel privileged because just 6 years ago I was in almost the same position as those guys hopeless. And CrossReach is all about hope - it certainly gave me that.”

www.crossreach.org.uk Tel: 0131 657 2000

If you want to support the work of CrossReach Text: CRSR01 £10 to 70070 or Donate online: www.justgiving.com/crossreachchurch/donate CR0066

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In the early 90s I left Edinburgh and moved to Aberdeen. I thought my problems would leave me, but I now know that you take your head with you. I managed to get a job with British Rail but my past caught up with me because I lied on the application form and I was sacked.

Back to square one, I did some voluntary work and ended up working with people with learning disabilities - but I was a ‘functioning addict’. After I left the job working with people with learning disabilities I went to university for 2 years, but blew it again because of my drug taking. I thought I was going to better my life but it was the same stuff. I had to leave because I got involved in a drunken brawl and hit a policemen. The next 8 years were horrible. I would try to stop using drugs; I would go to church for a wee while, but they really didn’t understand - despite trying their best and being lovely people. I would do all right for a week or so then be back to square one. Satan and the drug addiction had such a grip on me that I couldn’t let go. I’d have my bible beside me and I’d be reading the word of God and I’d be crying ‘please God, get me out of this.

I don’t want to do the same tomorrow.’ And then I’d go to the chemist to get my prescription and be hustling to get a few points to get more drugs the next day. The lowest time was when I went to the supermarkets and raked their buckets for food and took it home with me.

I looked like a cross between Rab C Nesbitt and Frank Gallagher from ‘Shameless’ - long hair, beard, no teeth. Spiritually, emotionally and financially i had nothing, but God works in mysterious ways and He answered my prayer through my family.

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Add your voice to the biggest evangelical movement in the UK

We will NOT be silent

We’re looking for more voices.

We’re looking for more people who want to help us speak to government and make sure that the Evangelical Alliance brings real, lasting change to people and communities.  Perfect for church conferences, retreats, youth groups, Christian Unions, church family events & weekends away  Great for day visits & residential stays  Flexible accommodation options available  Full or self catering options  Adventurous activities for your group

Will you join us? You’ll also get a free bi-monthly copy of idea, access to members-only resources and much more.

Join us. We’re better together.

t: 013873 75394 e: whithaugh@rockuk.org w: www.rockuk.org

Go to eauk.org/join

WHITHAUGH PARK

Newcastleton, Scottish Borders TD9 0TY

ENCOUNTER

OPEN DOORS CHURCHES TOUR SCOTLAND 2015

the persecuted church

g

persecute

• ristians Ch

d

Ahab Alhindi

Bethel Church Redding

S AY YES n

Frequentsee Trust

• Monday 16 March - Edinburgh •

i

Speakers

Julian Adams

- 2015

years serv

Glasgow 24th-25th April 2015

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HEAVEN INVADES...

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• Tuesday 17 March - Aberdeen • Wednesday 18 March - Inverness • Thursday 19 March - Dundee Join us for an evening of information and inspiration, with firsthand news from Christians in the Middle East and ideas on how your church can support their persecuted family in 2015. Put the date in your diary now! *No need to book. Keep an eye on www.opendoorsuk.org/scotland for more details about venues.

Andy Merrick

Venue TBC Hope Church Glasgow Book soon at www.hopechurchglasgow.org Hope Church Glasgow Trust is a charity registered in Scotland, No. SC036059 Image © www.juergenschacke.com

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Open Doors in Scotland • phone 0845 600 4198 • email odscotland@opendoorsuk.org

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2015 OPEN DAYS

COMMITTING TO A YEAR OUT WITH GOD IS A BIG DECISION. RIGHTLY SO. LET US HELP.

Independent Christian

ABERDEEN

3 MARCH / 11AM-4PM

Schooling for ages 3-18

GLASGOW

05 MAY / 11AM-4PM

EDINBURGH

05 JUNE / 11AM-4PM

TO BOOK INTO AN OPEN DAY, GO TO OUR WEBSITE OR EMAIL US: www.dna-uk.org dna@dna-uk.org 01428 653560 | 07905 625195 facebook.com/uk.dna

twitter.com/DNAuk

It is through your help that our work continues. Please consider a gift. You can make a donation on line, or send one to HIYFC, 37 Stuart Street, Ardersier. IV2 7RU. Much more information about our work is available at www.hiyfc.co.uk or contact us on 01667 461191 or admin@hiyfc.co.uk Highlands and Islands Youth for Christ. Company No. 196260. Scottish Charity SC029001

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01698 282700 Christian Schools (Scotland) Limited is a registered charity trading as Hamilton College - SC00620Â 6

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Atholl Centre, Pitlochry

* Christian Books and Music * Christian Stationery and Gifts * Fair-trade Food Items * Fair-trade Third World Crafts

The MusTard seed 86 Victoria street, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1dQ

01856 871596 mustardseedorkney@btinternet.com Open Mon - sat 10.00am - 5.00pm (except Weds and suns)

TRANSFORMING SEAFARERS’ LIVES

• Conference facilities • Easy access accommodation • 8 bedrooms downstairs • 15 bedrooms in total • Disabled toilets & showers • Special diets & local Deli food • Beautiful mountain scenery • Fantastic outdoor activities • Edinburgh & Glasgow to Inverness route • Direct by rail, bus or car • Contact Iain: • 473044 01796 • admin@athollcentre.org.uk www.athollcentre.org.uk Registered Charity SCO15113

Photo from Highersights via flikr.com

SAILORS’ SOCIETY SCOTLAND REACH THOUSANDS OF SEAFARERS EVERY YEAR Affordable counselling that really works

A network of chaplains and ship visitors extend some good Scottish hospitality and provide practical, emotional and spiritual support, wherever it is needed.

Imagine how God could use YOU at

Haven of Peace Academy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Are you a qualified teacher? Are you flexible?

Do you have a heart for education and children?

Do you have a desire to play a vital role in shaping future African leaders?

Haven of Peace Academy (HOPAC), an international Christian K-12 school in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, is recruiting experienced, Christian teachers.

Contact personnel@hopac.net for more information.

Call Tim on 01382 214496 www.dundeecounselling.com 84

www.hopac.net

We have a vison of a chaplain in every Scottish Port, so that each visitor to our shores is welcomed and cared for.

HELP US TO REACH NEW HEIGHTS. VOLUNTEER TODAY. To find out more about becoming a volunteer chaplain or ship visitor, please get in touch:

www.sailors-society.org

info@sailors-society.org

+44 (0)23 8051 5950

@sailorssociety Registered Charity in Scotland No: SC04188785

WEEKEND ADVENTURES "Set in the Cairngorm National Park in the midst of rolling hills, clear lochs and rugged mountains, Compass has been offering warm hospitality for over 40 years to schools, families and groups of all ages. We are confident that your stay with us will be an unforgettable one.

!

Compass Christian Centre provides an ideal location for the outdoor life. We offer a wide range of options and our qualified, professional team will make your visit enjoyable from start to finish. Come and see for yourself why so many of our guests return year after year."

Book your adventure at THE Compass Christian Centre..

Contact our bookings team for further information

enquiries:info@compasschristian.co.uk | web: www.compasschristian.co.uk Operated by The Compass Christian Centre Ltd | Registered by Guarantee in Scotland SC045620 Registered with OSCR SC011797 as a charitable organisation | VAT registration 271 1926

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Aglow International is a worldwide ministry reaching 17 million men and women every year! With groups in 171 nations, we are seeing the love and power of God transforming many lives!

Aglow Groups meet in various locations in Scotland – look online or contact us to find out where your nearest Aglow Group is!

To find out more visit www.aglow.org.uk Or call Helen on 01563 521503 / 07946 388389 Or Pat on 01346 532046 / 07900 576974 John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Welcomes you to a meeting with Neal & Sandra Schafferius Meeting Venue: Holiday Inn (next to Zoo) 132 Corstorphine Road Edinburgh EH12 6UA For dates and times see website.

Neal’s desire is to lead people into God’s presence through worship.

Sandra’s heart is to preach God’s Word and see people healed and set free in every area of their lives. www.healingthewholeperson.org An Elim Church Incorporated ministry

N & S Ministries Ltd is a Company Limited by Guarantee Registered in Scotland SC471532 Registered Office – Edinburgh Elim Church Buildings, 18 Morningside Rd, Edinburgh EH10 4DB Registered Charity Number SC042247

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GROWING HOLIDAY OPPORTUNITIES! Chris Macrae has recently been appointed as the first Holidays Development Manager for Scripture Union Scotland.

SU Scotland has been organising holidays (camps) for over 70 years. SU Holidays are a great opportunity for children and young people to make new friends, explore the Bible and grow in their faith whilst enjoying an action-packed week of adventure with other young people from across the country.

Chris’ job will be to increase the number of children and young people attending SU Holidays and Weekends and to develop new partnerships with local churches and youth workers, helping to build an understanding of the valuable role that residential ministry can play in a young person’s life experience and faith development.

Chris was previously a Ministries Development Staff worker with the Church of Scotland and prior to that worked for the International Bible Society as manager of the Wesley Owen Books & Music store in Edinburgh. Chris has been leading an SU Holiday along with his wife Claire for the last 4 years and has a real passion for SU Scotland’s ministry with children and young people.

Chris says, ‘At SU Scotland we believe passionately in the significant role that residential events and holidays can play in a young person’s life and it’s a great privilege to have the opportunity to contribute to the development of this valuable ministry and increase the opportunities for children and young people to explore the Bible and respond to the significance of Jesus. This new role will help us to develop

CHRIS MACRAE

partnerships with churches and youth workers to make it as easy as possible for them to include a residential or holiday as a key part of their own work with young people.”

‘SU Holidays provide a safe, Christian environment where young people can spend time away with their friends and also make new friends in a group setting. They provide a different context in which to present the Bible, which from our experience creates more opportunities for young people to make a response. SU Holidays also provide a setting whereby youth workers can develop relationships with the young people they work with over a more concentrated period of time.

Recent research has shown that SU Holidays have helped young people grow in confidence and self-esteem.’

Chris added, ‘I am excited to be involved in helping develop the next chapter in the life of SU Holidays and look forward to promoting the excellent resources that SU Scotland has in delivering this valuable ministry across Scotland.’

Bookings for SU Holidays in 2015 are now open! Visit www.suholidays.org.uk for more information and to make a booking.

If you want to find out more about the opportunities available through SU Holidays for your church or your group of young people, contact Chris at chris.macrae@suscotland.org.uk

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