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THE

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MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF THE FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND SEPTEMBER 2022 • £2.00

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

How will you remember them?

Missions News • David Meredith Free Church Offices, 15 North Bank Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2LS mairi@freechurch.org WfM Editor • Fiona Macaskill 8 Campsie Drive, Glasgow, G61 3HY rfmacaskill@me.com Gaelic Editor • Janet MacPhail 24 North Bragar, Isle of Lewis, HS2 9DA 01851 710354

11days of Remembrance with SASRA

Seminary News • William Mackenzie Edinburgh Theological Seminary, 15 North Bank Street, Edinburgh EH1 2LS offices@ets.ac.uk Prayer Diary • Shona McGuire seonaid1954@hotmail.co.uk

sasra.org.uk/remembrance

Design & Layout • Fin Macrae @DUFI Art www.dufi-art.com The Record • ISSN 2042-2970 Published • The Record is produced by The Free Church of Scotland, Free Church Offices, 15 North Bank Street, The Mound, Edinburgh, EH1 2LS 0131 226 5286 offices@freechurch.org

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THE RECORD

SEPTEMBER

Cover: Photo by Photoholgic on Unsplash

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CONTENTS

WELCOME TO THE SEPTEMBER RECORD

elcome to the latest edition of the record.

04 LISTENING TO THE GLOBAL CHURCH Alistair I. Wilson

This month’s edition is packed with Free Church news and encouraging pieces written by numerous contributors. Do look out for the editorial piece by Rev Dr Alistair I. Wilson as he explores the topic of listening to the Global Church. He reflects that: ‘Every Christian has been drawn by God’s grace into a family with many members, into a body in which we all need each other.’ There is a thought-provoking piece by Dr Hannah Macleod about social challenges and needs in rural communities. She looks at issues of isolation, deprivation, dysfunction, and health needs, and suggests some ways the local church can help. As we look at the need for fellowship and the importance of community, we give thanks to the Lord for the fantastic Free Church Youth Camps that have been held this summer. Pray for the hundreds of young people who have attended these camps. Look out for the photo special to see just some of the highlights from this year’s camps. More events will be taking place for young people including the Big Free Rally next month (October) and a new Teens’ conference in June 2023. In other news, a new editor is being sought for The Record. This is a great opportunity to get involved in the magazine so it can continue to publish a variety of content including church news, theological insights, and thoughtful pieces from contributors in Scotland and beyond. If you would like to send in your church news or letters for the next edition, please do so by emailing editor@freechurch.org Yours in Christ

FREE CHURCH NEWS

WORLD NEWS Egypt, Nigeria, Mozambique, Afghanistan, Tajikstan, Australia

GIDEON Donald Mackay

SOCIAL CHALLENGES AND NEEDS IN RURAL COMMUNITIES Hannah Macleod

DONALD MACCRIMMON MACKAY: SCIENTIST, PHILOSOPHER, APOLOGIST (PART I) George M. Coghill

A HEALTHY GOSPEL CHURCH... IS IN LOVE WITH JESUS AND HIS MISSION Neil MacMillan

FOOD FOR FELLOWSHIP

WfM UPDATE Fiona Macaskill

OBITUARIES: NEIL MACLEAN

BOOK REVIEWS

MISSION MATTERS David Meredith

POETRY PAGE Charles Wesley

PAGES FROM ADAM'S DIARY: AN AFGHAN DOCTOR

PRAYER DIARY

BHO BHUAIREAS GU FOIS Janet MacPhail

POST TENEBRAS LUX Catriona Murray

Sarah Robinson

That in all things he might have the pre-eminence Colossians 1:18 2022

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WORLD NEWS

AMERICAS AFRICA EUROPE ASIA AUSTRALASIA AT LEAST 41 DEAD IN CHURCH FIRE BBC News At least 41 people have died following the outbreak of a fire at a church in Giza, Egypt. The fire caused a stampede, blocking the entrance, with many of the victims being crushed as they attempted to escape. The fire erupted as 5000 people gathered for Mass at the Coptic Abu Sifin church. Father Farid Fahmy, from another nearby church, told the AFP news agency that the fire was caused by a generator short circuiting. ‘The power was out, and they were using a generator. When the power came back, it caused an overload.’ Fire services have said the cause of the fire is unclear. Yasir Munir, who attended the Mass and was able to escape the fire, told Reuters ‘People were gathering on the third and fourth floor, and we saw smoke coming from the second floor. People rushed to go down the stairs and started falling on top of each other. Then we heard a bang and sparks and fire coming out of the window.’ Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah al- Sisi, has ordered the armed forces to rebuild the church and has offered his ‘sincere condolences to the families of the innocent victims.’ •

SIX MEN ARRESTED FOR PENTECOST CHURCH ATTACK Open Doors UK On Sunday 5th June, at least 40 Christians were killed, and dozens injured in an attack on St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, southwest Nigeria, that had gathered to celebrate Pentecost. Many believers were also abducted, including the presiding priest of the service. During the service, attackers entered the building, setting off explosives. As worshippers fled, they were met by gunmen who shot at them outside the exits. Open Doors UK have reported that six men have now been arrested in relation to the attack. General Lucky Irabor, Chief of Defence Staff, informed Nigerian media that investigations had to led to the arrest of four of the men responsible. Just a few hours later, two more men connected with the attack were also arrested. According to the Director of Defence Information, Jimmy Akpor, the men responsible are associated with the Islamic State of the West Province – an offshoot of Boko Haram with links to Islamic State. Among those arrested was Abdulhaleem Idris, who is responsible for committing previously coordinated attacks. Open Doors UK is urging Christians to ‘ask God that justice would be done in the courts, and that Christian communities would be safe from further violence. As Jesus instructed, we also pray for those who persecute believers: ask that God would have mercy on these six men and show them his love, so they would turn from their wickedness and choose to follow Jesus.’ •

ISLAMISTS BEHEAD TWO CHRISTIANS Barnabas Fund Islamist militants have attacked a minibus in the Cabo Delgado province in northern Mozambique and beheaded two Christians. The killings, which took place on 30th July, were claimed by alShabaab, the Islamic State (IS) of Mozambique. In a statement, IS-Mozambique declared ‘By the grace of God almighty, the soldiers of the Caliphate... killed two Christians, beheading them, and shooting them with weapons.’ In 2017, Islamists gained effective control of an area of Cabo Delgado. Since, the region has been termed ‘the Land of Fear’ on account of the many horrific acts of violence carried out against both Christians and moderate Muslims. Barnabas Fund are asking Christians to pray ‘that the violence perpetrated against Christians and others by IS militants will come to an end, and that peace will be restored to Cabo Delgado and the surrounding areas.’ •

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REFLECTIONS ON CHURCH GROWTH 1 YEAR AFTER TALIBAN TAKEOVER Release International 15th August 2022 is exactly one year since the Taliban regained control in Afghanistan, and the persecution of Christians has continued. However, the hopeless situation Afghanistan faces has caused many young Afghans to question their convictions and there are now early signs that the Christian faith could be growing in the country. Christians continue to be in grave danger in Afghanistan. A viewer of SAT-7, a TV company aiming to bring the Gospel to the Middle East and North Africa, said ‘The security situation for someone like me who has accepted another faith is extremely concerning.’ Another viewer reported ‘The Taliban have started doing house-tohouse searches and are confiscating people’s smart phones.’ Many Christians have fled Afghanistan, but some have chosen to remain in their country, to serve their people and continue to be a witness there. According to the President of Square One World Media, Shoaib Ebadi, many young Afghans have become disillusioned with what is happening around them and have begun asking questions. ‘They are eager to hear about new things because their way of life that has continued for centuries has not brought peace or forgiveness, and the people are not prospering. It’s always fighting and revenge.’ He continued, ‘They are questioning everything: their own faith, their past, their present, their future... We teach the Afghan people how to know Jesus and understand his teaching. That’s the big thing that can change the hearts of people inside Afghanistan.’ Shoaib Ebadi claims that despite or because of persecution, the growth of Christianity in Afghanistan has surpassed even that of Iran, where the Christian faith is well known to be growing rapidly. Ebadi told Release International, ‘The growth of the church in Afghanistan is ten times faster than in Iran.’ Partners of Release International in Afghanistan are ‘calling for prayer for Afghan Christians to be touched by the Holy Spirit and strengthened in their faith, and for breakthrough in their country.’ • Taliban flag on the wall of US Embassy, Kabul, Afghanistan

TAJIK CHURCH GROWS DESPITE PERSECUTION Open Doors UK Protestant Christians in Tajikistan have been told that they can ‘no longer register any new churches.’ The announcement came in late May and was made by Chair of the State Committee for Religious Affairs and Regulation of Traditions, Ceremonies and Rituals, Salaymon Davatzoda. He also announced that children would not be able to participate in church activities, including a ban on religious camps. Without state registration, church gatherings are illegal and those participating face danger of punishment. However, a Tajik church leader shared that ‘despite all the prohibitions, the church in Tajikistan is growing.’ He added, ‘Whether they will register churches or not, please pray for us so that we remain faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ and continue His work while we live.’ •

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ANGLICAN CHURCH DIVIDES OVER SAME-SEX MARRIAGE Premier Christian News A group of conservative bishops and lay people have separated from the Australian Anglican Church and have formed a new diocese. Led by former Archbishop of Sydney, Most Rev Glenn Davies, the group is encouraging any Anglicans unhappy with progressive bishops to join them. The move follows the Australian Anglican Church’s decision to allow each diocese to come to their own decision on whether to allow same-sex weddings. Whilst the group registered the new diocese with the charities commission in October 2021, it was at the recent Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) in Canberra, Australia that the diocese was announced. The new diocese, which will be known as Diocese of the Southern Cross, will operate under the conservative Anglican movement, GAFCON and will cover all of Australia. The diocese will also not be “in communion” with Archbishop of Canterbury, Most Rev Justin Welby. In his announcement, Archbishop Glenn said ‘I think you’ll see the Diocese of the Southern Cross will have a significant impact. It will send shivers down the spines of some bishops in the Anglican Church of Australia.’ He added, ‘For those who cannot live under the liberal regime of a bishop, they can come and thoroughly be Anglican under a bishop.’ •

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GIDEON BY DONALD MACKAY

ideon is one of the best known and best loved of the judges of israel.

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'Gideon Frightens His Enemies in Their Campown', Antonio Tempesta (1613)

His story is striking and colourful, and his name is used as the emblem of a worldwide Biblereading and distribution network. The background of the story is the era of the judges, around 1200- 1000 BC, following the inspired leadership of Moses and Joshua. The settlement of Palestine by the Israelite tribes was accompanied by a decline in monotheistic religion and a breakdown in solidarity of the tribes, which rather than a nation became something like the amphictyonic league of ancient Greece — a loose association for mutual defence, stronger at some times than others. It took the charismatic leadership of Samuel and David to recall the tribes to a national unity focused on Yahwistic worship and a central sanctuary. Gideon therefore features in a pattern of tribal disunity associated with a decay of religion and the judgment of God. He belonged to the minor aristocracy of Manasseh, at a time when the central highlands of Israel were being overrun by hordes of Midianite Bedouin from the east. These were seasonal raiders rather than occupiers, but the effect on the inhabitants was much the same, resembling the devastation caused by a flock of locusts. For seven years the annual incursion continued, until the tribes cried out to God for deliverance. Gideon was much exercised by all this — not merely by the famine induced by the raiders, but by the apparent failure of God to intervene on behalf of his people. While he was wrestling with this problem, he was confronted by a being described as “the angel of

SEPTEMBER

God” (but also as God himself). To begin with, Gideon appears not to have realised whom he was dealing with, because he engaged with the visitor in an almost combative way. It is instructive to follow how the Lord dealt with Gideon in the exchanges that ensued, taking the equivalent of a whole chapter of 30 to 40 verses. He began with a promise of deliverance from the Midianite menace — by the hand of Gideon himself. Next there was a challenge: to take a stand for Yahweh by demolishing the altar of Baal, an action which demanded courage and commitment. This commitment was essential because the Midianites had now assembled a huge army, crossed the Jordan, and prepared themselves to crush the Israelite tribes once and for all. Next, once Gideon had raised the fiery cross and gathered a defence force among several of the other tribes — Asher, Zebulon and Naphtali as well as Manasseh — there followed a series of tests of faith. The first, imposed by Gideon, was for God to show himself committed by miraculously keeping a fleece wet, and then dry, in defiance of the elements. Then God ordered Gideon to dismiss, first, two-thirds of his army and, second, all but one-thirtieth of those who remained. Finally, for Gideon’s encouragement, he was bidden to steal into the enemy’s camp and there receive evidence of their low morale and foreboding of defeat. Having done this, we are told, Gideon bowed his head and worshipped. The stratagem Gideon employed to defeat the Midianites was a masterpiece of psychology and surprise. His tiny force infiltrated the enemy’s lines during the night watch, equipped with nothing more than trumpets and torches shrouded in pottery jars. The 300 warriors suddenly smashed the jars, sounded the trumpets and raised a fearsome war cry. The effect was to create the impression of a far larger force and to induce panic among the Midianite troops and, perhaps more significantly, among their huge armada of war camels. In the darkness, the Midianites fought each other and soon fled in confusion. As the Bedouin horde sought to retreat eastwards across the Jordan the Ephraimites, now alerted, seized the fords and slaughtered many, including the Midianite chieftains Oreb and Zeeb. 15,000, however, survived and took refuge in the wilds of Transjordan, with Gideon following. As he and his valiant 300 crossed the Jordan — “faint yet pursuing” — they called on the inhabitants of Succoth and Peniel for provisions, but were rudely turned away. They carried on and took the 15,000 by surprise at Karkor, routing them completely and capturing their two remaining leaders, Zebah and Zalmunna. On his return to Israel, Gideon revealed the two sides of his character. First, he took bloody vengeance on the men of Succoth and Penuel for their lack of hospitality on his outward journey. Then, confronted by the leaders of Ephraim — who were always touchy about their own position of primacy in Israel — complaining that they were left out of the initial mobilisation of the defence force, Gideon showed tact and diplomacy by pointing up their success in defeating Oreb and Zeeb. And now, how was this great victory to be consolidated in Israel? A grateful army turned to Gideon, who now enjoyed immense status and presence, and invited him to rule and to start a dynasty. With great restraint, Gideon declined. He knew that the judges who had preceded him had resisted the temptation of kingship, recognising that Israel had been founded as a theocracy. Besides, he probably realised that the jealous tribe of Ephraim would never accept a Manassite as ruler. But Gideon, at this point, showed a fatal weakness. While he acknowledged God as the true deliverer of Israel, he wanted the divine rule to be expressed in a material form, and that not in the form of the ark of the covenant but of a gilded symbol — not dissimilar to the golden calf of an earlier generation. And so, a golden ephod, the weight of a suitcase, became a snare, not only to Gideon and his family but to the whole nation. Gideon erred in other ways as well. He took many wives, and had a concubine from the heathen city of Shechem. It seems that he acted as a sort of judge and that he looked to find a successor from among his seventy sons. It was an irony that it was his Shechem son who succeeded him, after systematically murdering the legitimate progeny. Immediately after Gideon’s death, we are told, the people of Israel fell away from the worship of Yahweh and followed the Baals. They also failed to honour the memory of their great hero who had been responsible, under God, for the survival of the nation. It is well that the sacred historian made good that failure, by leaving an unforgettable memoir of his deeds. • Donald Mackay is a member of Knox Free Church, Perth.

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FOOD FOR FELLOWSHIP Tell us about yourself Hi, my name is Marion Gray (Macaulay), I am married to Iain and we worship in Knockbain Free Church, North Kessock. I grew up on the Isle of North Uist with my mum, dad and brother Andrew. We moved to the Isle of Lewis when I was about 11 years old. I left school and headed off to Glasgow to study Primary teaching at Jordanhill and then taught in Glasgow for 11 years before moving to North Kessock three years ago. I absolutely love teaching and love the children entrusted to me each year. I have been very blessed to have worshipped in wonderful congregations. My time in Glasgow was very special and I enjoyed blessed times, there especially in my early days as a student and young worker where fellowship and food were central to many gatherings. It was in Dowanvale that I made my deepest friendships and where I met my husband Iain. Service to the church and those who did not yet know the Lord has been a big emphasis in all the congregations I have been part of. Finding roles and opportunities to serve was encouraged and this led me to wanting to serve further afield. In 2006 I had the opportunity to go to Moldova for the summer to help run camps and it has been a privilege to be part of the work there and to see it grow and for the church there to be strengthened. The Moldovans have become part of my family and we have very strong links and speak weekly. I have visited almost 20 times now, have attended weddings and some even made it over to our own wedding.

What’s your thoughts on food and fellowship? Food is an essential part to fellowship and church life. Whilst in Glasgow I was part of our Saturday café, which was a blessing and joy to be part of. Conversations with the community are much easier to start over a tea and a ‘Dowanvale Doubler.’™ It gives us all a common starting point; everyone loves food and to eat together. I was brought up in a home where food and sharing meals was important and part of our family life. Hospitality was something I experienced and our home was not just ours, it was to be shared and opened to all. Many stories, life experiences, advice, support and strengthened relationships happened around a table sharing food. Since coming to Knockbain Free Church we have experienced wonderful hospitality and people opening their homes to us and it has been the best way to get to know people and care for them. It is a wonderful example of building relationships and sharing in the Gospel. Before we moved to Inverness my husband and I were shopping in town and saw a furniture shop that had a closing down sale. We went in and ended up leaving with a huge dining table, chairs and a bench. At that time, we were in a flat and when we were looking to buy our house in Inverness, we had to make sure we bought somewhere that could fit the table! It was central to our family life and how we wanted to serve, host and engage. Being in fellowship over food and around a table revealed a lot to me about our Lord. Our engagement with others need not be fancy, it is a simple activity that brings people together. Every culture shares food together and it teaches us humility, sacrifice and showing love. Luke’s Gospel, especially, records Jesus attending many meals. This was his main way to interact and connect with people. In his fellowship around food we see his commitment to mission and his promises.

What’s your favourite Moldovan recipe? Picking one recipe to share is always hard but I have decided to share a very popular Moldovan dessert. I chose this more for the story behind it. It is a simple, easy and humble wee dessert and so delicious. It is called Cuşma lui Guguţă (cushma loo-ee gug-oot-za). The Moldovans refer to it as Guguţă’s hat. Guguţă was a character in traditional Moldovan folklore. He was a small shepherd with a big traditional woollen hat who wanted to protect his village from the harsh, cold winter and fit everyone under his hat. This is a great reflection of Moldovan spirit, a determined, loving and caring nation. We saw this as we saw their response to the Ukrainian refugees, a small and poor country but with big hearts.

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How long have you been involved in WfM? I have been involved with WFM since 2018. It has been a privilege to hear and engage with different organisations, and to see the commitment of the women of the Free Church in raising funds is incredible. It is always amazing to see the hard work and dedication of the charities that we support. It is so important that we are aware of the different needs we have at home and abroad and how we can support them. •

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M OLD OVAN

CUŞMA LUI GUGUŢĂ (cushma loo-ee gug-oot-za)

Ingredients:

• • • • • • •

CREPES: Milk (500ml) Flour (250g) Sugar (1tbsp) Unsalted butter, melted (50g) Vanilla extract (1tsp) 3 eggs beaten Pinch of salt

• • • •

FILLING Sour cherries (450g, pitted) Sour cream (300g) Sugar (2tbsp) Chocolate (100g)

Instructions

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• • • • • •

CREPES Warm the milk slightly for about 1-2 minutes in a pan. Add the milk to a bowl. Add 1 tbsp of sugar, 1 tsp of vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Then add the 50g of melted butter. Add the beaten eggs to the bowl. With a whisk, slowly incorporate the 250g of flour until the batter is smooth. Preheat a medium-sized frying pan on a medium heat. Grease the pan with butter. Make the crepes one by one. Cook for about 2 minutes on one side until the bottom is cooked and then flip the crepe and cook for about 1 minute on the other side. FILLING Add 2 tbsp of sugar to the sour cream in a bowl and mix. (Taste may need to be adjusted). Cover the bowl and put it in the fridge to rest. Take each crepe, fill it with sour cherries, and roll it. Place 4 crepes side by side on the plate. Cover crepes with the sour cream mix. Keep adding cherry-filled crepes to create a pyramid, ensuring there is a layer of the sour cream mix between each layer. Finally cover the whole pyramid with the sour cream mix and grate some chocolate over it.

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