Missions in Scotland
By Rick Hancock, BCMD President and Pastor of Dunkirk Church
God is at work in Scotland and we, as Maryland/Delaware Baptists, have a opportunity to join Him in this incredible adventure. I joined Freddy Parker and Don Satterwhite, pastor of Middle River Church, Baltimore, and Gary Glanville, pastor of Northwest Church, Reisterstown, Md., on a discovery trip to this amazing land in April. Friendships were strengthened and new opportunities were discovered by the team.
Missions is about the harvest. Luke 5:1-11 teaches us about what friends can do for one another. Jesus told Simon Peter to go fishing after a long night of disappointing efforts. They obeyed Jesus, let down the nets and caught such a large number of fish that the nets began to break. The next verse is powerful. Luke stated, “So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.” James and John were Simon’s friends. Our friends in Scotland are asking for help with the harvest.
Collydean Granary Church in Glenrothes, Scotland, is looking for partners. Pastor John MacSporran restarted this work in 2007 and now has 30 in regular attendance. The church building was built nearly 200 hundred years ago and was used as the stables and granary for the old stone farmhouse across the street. Thousands of people now live within walking distance of this converted barn.
The work in Collydean is vast. Pastor John is asking for assistance with Holiday clubs, youth outreach, moms and toddlers ministries and construction needs. They need painting, cleaning, landscaping, tile and flooring help. They need windows replaced and steps repaired. The restrooms and kitchen need attention. This is a great opportunity to partner with brothers and sisters just 35 miles from Edinburgh.
Brechin Fellowship is another great opportunity for your church. Pastor Jon Bergin is an American who has given his life to reach the Scots. He and his family moved from the states in 2002 to serve this wonderful congregation just 90 miles north of Edinburgh.
The needs are many. Pastor Jon is calling for teams to assist with construction projects including painting, framing, plumbing, electrical, drywall and demolition. The church currently meets in the old Jolly Hotel built back in 1834. This facility is in the center of town and has a tremendous presence in the community. They can use your help in Vacation Bible School, youth outreach, prayer walking and soccer camps. Brechin would even consider a summer internship for student ministries.
The harvest is great. I have only shared a few of the needs. Please contact Freddy Parker at the Baptist Mission Resource Center (800-466-5290 ext. 215 or fparker@bcmd.org) for more information about the opportunities in Scotland. Our friends are asking for help.
