A note from Jeff

Ministry has been a blur here in Scotland. The people of Calderwood have been very gracious in helping us see their country. We have been in about all of the regions in Scotland. The country is truly beautiful.

The first week I was able to speak in a private secondary school. The time was entitled, “Grill a Christian.” My platform was my military service as a Christian. The group was good, but there were some difficult questions about evolution, being a Christian in the military, and atheism.

I had the honor to be a part of Ian and May McRobbie’s Baptism. It was a very special time. I’ve also had some great meetings and experiences with a wide variety of people including a Baptist minister, a Church of Scotland minister, and a Free Church of Scotland minister.

I have been working with Calderwood Baptist and Claremont Parrish Church in preparation of this fall’s mission trip for high school students and volunteers from Living Hope. The time over has been a great opportunity to work out the details of the trip. The churches have named this partnership opportunity Hope 08.

Preaching every week has kindled more respect for senior pastors. Between all the travel and visiting various people of the church, I have been scrambling to prepare for each sermon. The people have been very kind and patient with my southern accent. Last week the Executive Secretary of the Baptist Union of Scotland came to the service. I am glad I found out after the service instead of before! I have two more sermons. The one this Sunday is to both Claremont and Calderwood. This Saturday I am also the keynote speaker at a men’s event at Calderwood.

Ministry here has been exciting. Like Americans, the Scottish are very busy. Most people choose to attend either Sunday AM or Sunday PM, but few do both services. To work about busy schedules, most meetings don’t start until 7:30 p.m…they tend to last until very late at night though!