A Changed View

The Protestant Reformation in the sixteenth century, fueled by the writings of Martin Luther and John Calvin, set the stage for Scotland to produce a rich Christian heritage. From martyrs burned at the stake like Patrick Hamilton and George Wishart, to John Knox who basically brought the reformation to the Scottish church, and David Livingstone, who brought the gospel to Africa, we see no shortage of Christian heroes produced from the great country of Scotland.

I say these few words about Scottish history to provide an unfortunately stark contrast to the current spiritual climate of this country.  Churches are either not growing, or closing their doors. A giant cloud of apathy, towards religion, seems to have crept its way into the hearts and minds of the people. An old Glaswegian motto reads "Lord, let Glasgow Flourish by the preaching of the word." Today the motto has been changed to, “Let Glasgow Flourish.” Secularism is quickly taking hold of this country. *PRAY FOR THE NEXT REFORMATION*

Even in these first two weeks of being in Glasgow, God has shown us more clearly why He brought us here; to reach out to a spiritually poor city with the gospel for the glory of God. What an amazing calling God has placed our lives for this next year!

THIS PAST WEEK
We had another great and encouraging Sunday this week.  One of the elders stepped in to preach literally the day before due to illness from pastor Scott.  God anointed his words as he preached on the armor of God.  The rest of the week was consumed with spending time building relationships, figuring out our roles and responsibilities more clearly, and attempting to set up our bank accounts.

LESSON LEARNED
No matter how difficult the transition is, no matter how much you know or don't know what you are doing, no matter how difficult it seems or even if all of it makes sense, when God says GO...you GO! Learning that if we exercise the faith that God has already given us, and take active steps towards seeking God's will for our lives, He will honor that and we will see the fruit of that in our own lives! #gohardorgohome

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. Continued diligence with spiritual disciplines

2. That we would be faithful in seeking out discipleship (building relationships)
3. We would be able to move into our flat soon
4. That our bank account stuff would all get resolved

5. That God would use us in mighty ways to reach the lost in Glasgow

*pictures from Wikipedia