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BROADCAST SCOTTISH CHRISTIAN
Issue 8
Connecting Christian Scotland
Autumn/Winter 2015
FEATURES
Something Stirring in the City
The Story of Destiny Church Edinburgh
Why are you even here?
The place of Christians in the Arts
What Kind of Church?
A Scottish Church Fit for Purpose
Sowing Seeds For The Future
New Scottish School of Christian Mission 1
Celebrating 70 years of serving remote and isolated communities ‘The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.’ Psalm 126:3
We go the extra miles www.maf-uk.org/70years 2
Registered charity in England and Wales (1064598) and in Scotland (SC039107)
ÂŽ Registered trademark 3026860, 3026908, 3026915
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Editor
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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, Peter Anderson, Ruth Donaldson, Gavin Matthews, Alexander Jones, Simon Kennedy, Lins Honeyman, Iain Craig, Hugh Henderson, Cully, Helen Brough, staff at Carrubbers Cafe, Caroline Johnston, Eat a cd.com.
Design Layout Katherine Laidlay
Cover
Jack Keely
Cover photo taken by
Sarah Barr of ES Photography & Social Media
Proof Reading Thanks
WELCOME RISKY BUSINESS “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.” (NLT) Mark 12:30 Have you - like me - ever felt you’ve spent so much time sitting on your thumbs waiting, planning, mustering courage, imagining a particular outcome but never quite getting there? God loves a risk-taker! Christ calls us to place our trust in him and take hold of Kingdom opportunities. Yet it won’t have escaped your notice that almost every message of our Western culture screams ‘No! Aim for comfort and security now. It’s all about you!’ The Christian life – from the first hesitant, faltering steps – is about walking by faith and finding the courage to trust God with all of our hearts. But the beauty is, that when we lean into the Lord, as he calls us to do, we truly discover that His love never fails. For the persecuted church, to testify to their faith in Christ may cost them their lives. Of course risk can be - and often is - connected to foolishness, but it is no fool who depends on God. We need never lack confidence in the gospel. God’s love never fails.
Anne McCully and Tegwen Wallace.
How to contact us
Scottish Christian Broadcast The Steeple, Nethergate Dundee DD1 4DG t: 07704773382 e: info@scottishchristianbroadcast.com w: scottishchristianbroadcast.com scottishchristianbroadcast ScotChristBCast scottishchristianbroadcast
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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.
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The theme of this new edition is Risk. Equipping a church to step out in faith and go for it! There are great stories in here to encourage and inspire. With staggering promises of everlasting joy, Jesus unleashed a movement of radical, loving risk-takers. My hope and prayer is that the stories, testimonies and reports in this edition of Broadcast will point you to God and act as touch paper igniting a passion for Jesus across Scotland and a new season of risk taking for Jesus! So imitate God— be Christ like - the biggest risk-taker of all! Take risks – for His Names sake and Glory! Risk it all for the one who gave it all. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 New International Version (NIV).
Follow Ian on twitter @iangblack
Ian Black
What Kind of Church? Fred Drummond
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Why are you even here?
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Something Stirring in the City
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Sowing Seeds For The Future
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Taking a Risk for those who Risk it all
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Equipping the MissIonal Church
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Sweet in the City
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The Rise and Rise of The Simon Kennedy Band
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RECOMMENDs
Natali McCleary interview by Cully Morphe Arts
The Story of Destiny Church, Edinburgh
Richard Tiplady
Ruth Donaldson
Alexander Jones
Ruth Donaldson
Interview by Lins Honeyman
SCB & EATACD Recommends Some of the best music coming out of Scotland 5
What Kind of Church?
A year ago the Evangelical Alliance in Scotland produced a document to provoke Christians in the nation to think about and discuss what kind of nation we should be working for. The response was hugely encouraging; we had to reprint the booklet and many people entered into the discussions concerning justice, relationships and the environment. Several times during these discussions I was approached by people who challenged me to a write a similar document about the kind of church that changes a nation. It was felt by some that while it was great to work and pray for a just nation, the primary question is actually whether our church is fit for purpose. In a time of rapid secularisation and declining church attendance across the nation, we need to ask questions about who we are as church and if we are fit for purpose. What Kind of Church is my attempt to stimulate that conversation. It is aimed at all of God's people with the intention to engage in a conversation that
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The primary question is actually whether our church is fit for purpose
What Kind of Church? is a booklet of about 20 pages, with discussion questions. It is free and will be followed by a tour. Please get engaged in the conversation. The intention is not to criticise the church but to ask serious questions about what we need to be and do if we want to see the nation changed. Some of the things that are not discussed are: style of worship; Powerpoint or hymnbook; denominations; titles; structures or type of building. Rather, the booklet concentrates on questions about our identity, our values, and our life in the world. There are two main sections about the church when we are gathered and when we are scattered and the connection between the two. I don't think we value the church enough. It is a miracle of grace. Jesus died for the church. He loves it and He builds it. One of the main sections looks at the description of the church found in Scripture.
The first church
Just after Pentecost the natural reaction for the people who had encountered Jesus, through the
The challenge is to find creative and engaging ways of helping people become open to the teaching hearing of the good news shared by Peter and in the power of the Holy Spirit, was to come together. Luke, when writing the book of Acts gives a picture of what was core to these gatherings.
The community shaped by the Word
It is interesting to reflect upon the fact that the first thing said about the first post-pentecost believers was that they were devoted to the apostles’ teaching (Acts 2:42) and they were passionate
leads to action in churches throughout the nation. You don't need any theological degrees to read it and to contribute to the conversation.
FRED DRUMMOND
Author, Speaker and Head of Evangelical Alliance in Scotland 7
about the story that the apostles were sharing. The church is clearly being shaped by the teaching of Scripture as shared by those who were called and travelled with Jesus. They were being shown that they were not some random group of punters who found themselves unexpectedly thrust into a story. They were being shown that they were part of God's wonderful redemptive story. From the very beginning, God had a plan and they were part of it. It is that wonderful God-breathed redemptive story that gives the church both its identity and destiny. In the discipleship process there is nothing more important than the teaching and living of Scripture. How and where we learn is not important. The point is that we are being shaped as Christians by our understanding of the story and its implications for our lives. This huge group, over 3000, were determined to learn and grapple with the teaching. John Stott gives a helpful picture, "The Holy Spirit opened a school in Jerusalem that day; its teachers were the apostles whom Jesus had appointed and there were 3000 pupils in the kindergarten! We note that those new converts were not enjoying a mystical experience which led them to despise their minds or disdain theology.” We know by the sermons in Acts and the letters in the New Testament what some of the content of the teaching must have included. The teaching included creation, sin, Jesus, redemption and new creation. It is in the midst of all of this that the first church found its identity. This is who they were and whose they were. It is in the teaching they found what they were called for and what their destiny was. Two quick things flow from this for me. Firstly how central is the teaching of the whole of Scripture to us as the gathered people of God? I do not mean we need to sit in pews and listen for hours (although that may work for you). However, as the people of God together, are we engaging with the teaching? It is not about how we do it, but about whether we see the value of it. We need to get beyond a few key favourite passages of
FRED DRUMMOND
What kind of church changes a nation? One that is confident in its story
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Scripture and learn to chew upon and grapple with the text and allow the Holy Spirit to shape us and mould us into culture makers. Secondly, increasingly, new converts to Christianity come with no knowledge of the apostles’ teaching. Even the most basic stories are new to many people. This is a challenge and a huge opportunity for us as the church. The challenge is to find creative and engaging ways of helping people become open to the teaching. We need to get beyond Christian cliché and trite responses and allow people to find an ever-more wonderful picture of the love and grace of God. When people discover the story for the first time there is a vitality and power. There will be freshness and insight as well as real questions and frustrations. What an amazing energy for a gathered congregation to have - people who are experiencing the Christian narrative for the first time.
What Kind of Church?
What kind of church changes a nation? One that is confident in its story. Those who have a growing love and sense of purpose through understanding the amazing mission story of God. Those who are secure in their identity in Christ because they understand who they belong to. Many things have undermined our confidence in scripture. My view is that we need to creatively unleash it into a world that knows very little of it anymore. Rather than continually undermining it or almost apologising for it, we need to delight and find joy in the wonderful story of the grace of God found in Jesus and taught by the apostles.
8 Author, Speaker and Head of Evangelical Alliance in Scotland
What kind of church will transform a nation? Join the conversation:
Follow Fred on twitter @fred_drummond
www.eauk.org/scotland
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Twitter: @EAScotland
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Facebook: EAScotland 9
Why Are You
Even Here?
It is important for Christians to know they belong in the corpus of the arts. They must be assured their presence is vital if they are to have any contribution to cultural developments. Natali McCleary is a dancer from Glasgow. She had recently joined a new dance company when I met her. She explained to me how on her first day each of the dancers shared personally their values, beliefs, sexuality etc. As they took turns it transpired that out of 26 dancers in the company, 22 were gay and most had a grievance of one kind or another with the church. When it came to Natali’s turn she shared that she was straight, a Christian who went to church and lived life following the teachings of the Bible. To this someone responded – “Why are you even here?” Antagonism and surprise are common reactions to Christians involved in the secular arts. It can be isolating for a Christian in this environment and I am convinced of the need to offer support. The following interview with Natali provides insight to
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the particulars of the dance world and enables you to know how to support in prayer.
When did you realize that you wanted to be a dancer?
I started dance late, not pursuing it properly until I was 21. There was no great revelation or sense of calling but once I’d attended my first audition I realised how much I enjoyed moving.
What are the general expectations required from a dancer auditioning/ applying for a part in a company or performance? There is an element of your validity being dependent on who you have worked with and what you have done. People you meet tend to ask questions like “who are you working with?” or “what are you doing just now?” The pressure to come up with something other than “I’ve been making coffee for people with real jobs” is strong. Fighting pride is a constant demand for me.
What other personal demands do you face?
The personal demands working within dance are constantly changing depending on the context of the work. Generally maintaining holiness and faith with integrity when what you believe is so counter to the culture you are immersed in. Remaining rooted and grounded in my faith without other Christians around and keeping an eternal perspective instead of being absorbed into the mini universe that
touring work can become. These demands are clearly not exclusive to someone working within the Arts, however there is the added pressure of working, living and socialising only with the people within your company.
How do you balance those demands with your Christian values and how do you cope in that particular environment?
There is a real freedom that comes with entrusting the outcome of auditions, the impact of training and the provision of opportunities to God’s direction and sovereignty. It’s not fatalist, I still have to apply, I still have to dance but to enter a room and know that I’m not actually competing with the people I see frees me from engaging my competitive nature which I know can be destructive to me and my reflection of Christ. I still want to do the best I can when I audition but I don’t believe it is up to fate and I don’t believe it defines me whether I get the job or not. That doesn’t stop disappointment but I take that to God.
Antagonism and surprise are common reactions to Christians involved in the secular arts 11
Are there ever opportunities to share your beliefs?
I’ve been fortunate to work with generous people who are genuinely curious about what I believe. It has led to discussions about identity, purpose of life, life-after-death, holiness and why I believe in Jesus. People involved in the Arts are generally more open to imagining a world-reality different to the one they already perceive and God has given me opportunities to share honestly and boldly in this.
What particular issues are currently being addressed in the world of dance?
There is a lot of work exploring sexuality and gender. Really this work is about identity at its heart, as I think most work ultimately is seeking to understand “self”. My identity is in Jesus and there is a tension for me in dance having a God-given identity within a context of self-declared and fluid identity.
Are there particular issues affecting Christians in the area of dance?
There is a reticence to truth, to having definitions that are absolute and unchanging and to be confident in belief in the unseen. Fluidity in identity, gender, sexuality, reality and self is a difficult world to place the idea of truth. It is generally seen as a patriarchal, close-minded, regressive, oppressive, repressive, prescribed, acceptance of conditioning disengaged from ‘free-thinking’. For me the irony is that I see bondage in this freedom of free-thinking and freedom in my bondage to truth.
What advice would you give to someone pursuing a career in dance?
identity isn’t wrapped up in being considered a great dancer or based on your work or who you work for.
How could the church support Christians in the world of dance?
I’m fortunate to be part of a church where I have fellowship that is genuinely invested in supporting me when I am away for work. It is important for dancers on tour to be prayed for. Having messages of encouragement through ‘mobile’ fellowship that meets them where they are. I believe working in dance is mission and the support required would be the same for any other missionary working in isolation. Cully co-founded the charity Morphe Arts in 2010 with the aim of mentoring recent art graduates as they integrate a Christian worldview with professional practice. In 2013 he co-founded gallery space Nomas*Projects which enables inclusion of an often unheard Christian voice in the arts and cultural developments happening in Dundee and beyond. Natali McCleary works in physical theatre, music videos and dance for film. She has performed for independent choreographers Gary Clarke and Mark Smith and with National Companies such as Matthew Bourne's New Adventures. As well as performing her roles include rehearsal director, assistant tour director, teacher and community arts facilitator. She was also a performance leader for the Commonwealth Games closing ceremony. Contact: cully@morphearts.org More info on morphearts.org nomas*projects.org
Do it like you should do everything else, prayerfully, in step with the Spirit and for Jesus. Work hard but trust in the sovereignty of God and rest in the knowledge that nothing is impossible for him - your
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Something Stirring in the City The Story of Destiny Church, Edinburgh Gavin Matthews spoke to its leader, Peter Anderson for Scottish Christian Broadcast.
Destiny Church is a well-known, large, vibrant Edinburgh congregation, but it is perhaps even more well-known as the church in the cinema. When Destiny bought the old Gorgie Cinema, its two giant, dusty, antique projectors were still in place. The old projector room is now the office of Destiny lead pastor, Peter Anderson. From there, the projection window looks down over an auditorium that fills every Sunday morning with enthusiastic worshippers. It’s a far cry from the days when the place was used as a bingo hall. “When God called me to come to Edinburgh to plant a church, everyone told me that no-one would listen to the gospel here, because this is a hard place”, Peter remembers. However, in 1998 he moved to the capital to start the church, working in an architect’s office by day and organising the church in his spare time. “We had no people, no money, no building, and no experience in church-planting!” he says. The task in front of Peter might have looked absurdly challenging, but he was driven forward by
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When you have risked everything, and it’s sink or swim, you just pray!
the clarity of the call he had received from God, and a burning conviction that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the answer to the needs of fallen humanity.
“I love the gospel”, Peter says with engaging passion. “I thrilled I’m going to heaven, and have been declared righteous. But you can’t read the Bible, and really believe what it says, and sleep well at night, knowing that there are multitudes of people who don’t know that - that’s the ache in my soul”, he says. “Historically Scotland loved the gospel. We don’t need a new idea, we need that gospel, but I think we need to see it afresh, feel it afresh and have fresh confidence in it,” he adds. Thousands of people have professed faith in Jesus through Destiny Church, with the congregation swelling to nearly a thousand people in their two locations in the city. With a steady stream of new believers, baptisms, multiplication of services, a strong social concern ministry, dramatic testimonies
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of healing and the use of all the spiritual gifts in large dynamic meetings, Destiny Church can seem a world away from much of Scottish church life. “It hasn’t always been like this”, Peter Anderson comments, “In the first five years we only grew to fifty people. I remember one outreach when the church was only twenty people. Four of us gave out 20,000 leaflets - it was hard graft and only three people came. We just tried stuff, and sometimes it worked.”
Like any church, Destiny has faced its difficulties “No-one ever says to a church planter, ‘have you thought of praying?’ because when you have risked everything, and it’s sink or swim, you just pray!” laughs Anderson, reflecting on the early days of Destiny. Determined prayer, he insists, has been critical at every stage of the church’s seventeen years of remarkable growth. It has been pivotal in the provision of the buildings in Leith and Gorgie, and for triggering unlikely encounters with key people who have first come to Christ and then unlocked whole communities for the gospel.
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It is perhaps a cliché that “God demands much from those He uses much”, but the Destiny story is an adventure of ongoing risk-taking for God. In 2003, Peter felt God’s call to give up architecture and work full-time for the church. It was a big financial risk, but it spurred the church into a period of growth which enabled them to pay him a salary. Just when it seemed that some comfortable stability was looming, they became convinced God was calling them to move the whole church to Leith. Peter remembers looking at their new building there and thinking, “What if we’ve got this wrong! What if nobody comes with us? I’ll have a huge empty building, no salary, and no career!” However it was this risky move that led to the most explosive season of growth in the church’s life, with exceptional numbers of people coming to Christ. It was God’s guidance in prayer which then led to the purchase of the Gorgie cinema and their second location. Like any church, Destiny has faced its difficulties. Maybe surprisingly, Peter Anderson is almost as keen to talk about these as he is of the successes they have enjoyed. He credits the mercy of God with bringing the church through some of his early leadership mistakes. The church experienced a crisis in 2011, which Peter describes as the hardest time of his life. A major re-organisation of the church from the top down was required. “We were brilliant
at reaching the un-churched, but rubbish at caring for our own folks”, says Anderson. People left the church, both from amongst the leadership and the membership. Andrew Owen, who leads the apostolic network to which Destiny belongs, helped them to rebuild. Peter credits him with building a leadership that was, “no longer the Pete-show” but a genuine team. They then set about restructuring the church so that pastoral care took its place alongside evangelism in church life. It has been a painful journey, but Destiny is a church which is not just growing, but growingup as a result. If Peter Anderson and his leadership team succeed, such maturity for Destiny Church will not mean a retreat into comfort. Every year they set aside times of prayer and fasting to discern what God’s will for them is. As a result of this, their 20/20 Vision has been born - to begin work in four new locations across Edinburgh in some of the city’s most practically and spiritually needy areas.
is confident that their strategy is from God, and the leadership has spent a lot of time sharing that vision with the church. “There are over 800,000 people in Edinburgh and the Lothians with no connection to a church, so even our ambitious vision is a tiny drop in an ocean of need”, Peter comments. Peter is convinced that local churches of all types are God’s method for reaching a lost world. However, he appears burdened by the observation that many Scottish Christians have fallen out of love with the church, and that we need to rekindle the kind of passion for it that Jesus still has. Peter Anderson believes that Jesus will “build His church” which is why the risks he continues to take for its growth don’t frighten him; he is convinced that the whole thing is underwritten by God’s will. “The best days for the local church in the UK are ahead of us. God’s going to build it, He’s not going to fail” says Peter. He believes it too.
“We’re taking bigger risks today than we ever have before”, Anderson says. This mammoth effort will require a massive mobilisation of their existing members, as people move on into these new ministries. Motivating people to give their time, money and gifts is a matter of vision, Peter insists. He
Interview by GAVIN MATTHEWS
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CLANWOMEN JANE HAMON Christian International
BARBARA JENKINSON Light & Life/ River Fellowship
HELEN BROUGH Forge Scotland
Schools: Calling a Nation to Life | Missional School Releasing Creativity | Relationship School
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RWANDA
LAND OF A THOUSAND HILLS The Bible is at the heart of forgiveness, reconciliation and hope for people in Rwanda. Book a speaker who will share their first-hand experience of inspiring and transformative Bible Society projects in Rwanda. Call 0131 347 9812 or email norman.liddle@scottishbiblesociety.org
Watch the video. Spread the Word.
scottishbiblesociety.org/transform
the BIBLE changes lives 20
Pray. Give.Volunteer.
The Scottish Bible Society, 7 Hampton Terrace, Edinburgh EH12 5XU, Tel: 0131 337 9701 – Scottish Charity No. SC010767
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Sowing Seeds For The Future The New Scottish School
SSCM will continue the excellent work of ICC in supporting youth worker training for churches and charities
of Christian Mission
“Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds” (John 12:24) As Principal of International Christian College, I sensed this verse being pressed very forcefully upon me by God in early 2012 as being of particular relevance to the future of the organisation. I didn’t have a clear idea of its full import at this time, but as our financial difficulties became more evident in the following two years, it was a verse to which I kept returning. When we made the decision early in 2014 not to accept further students and to close our
existing degree programmes after one further year, it became a promise to hold on to. Putting the same truth another way, Jesus tells us that those who wish to save their life will lose it, but those who are willing to lose their life for Him will gain. As we prayerfully contemplated and considered if there was a future for anything ICC provided to continue, lengthy consultations with a number of
different groups revealed that there were some elements thought to be extremely valuable and unique. So one year on, as our final 40 students graduate, the end of their studies not only marks the official end of ICC and celebrates their achievements, it’s also the birth of something new the Scottish School of Christian Mission. With a refined focus and a different way of operating, we will focus on helping the Scottish church respond to the mission challenges and opportunities of our day. We will not try to do everything we used to do, but will take our place alongside other colleges and training programmes here in Scotland, bringing our own distinct contribution to the churches as they seek to bring transformation and the good news of Jesus Christ to the towns, cities and communities of this country. SSCM will continue the excellent work of ICC in supporting youth worker training for churches and charities, with students in Scotland able to pursue a degree in theology, youth and community work. We will be continuing our urban ministry focus through an urban mission MA, and also plan to be part of the delivery of both undergraduate and postgraduate training in pioneer ministry and missional
leadership, for churches that want to explore new ways of reaching out into their communities, networks and neighbourhoods. These courses will be offered through our partnership with Nazarene Theological College, validated by the University of Manchester. Through this partnership, Scottish students will be able to access undergraduate student loans for fees and maintenance, something they were not previously able to do, despite our best efforts at lobbying the Scottish Government on their behalf. We also plan to offer part-time HNCs via SQA, for those working with young people or with children and families in our churches, most of whom will probably be volunteers rather than paid staff. We are grateful for the help and goodwill of many friends of ICC who have supported us during this final year of our current existence, and we are delighted that we have been able to see so many of our remaining students through to the completion of their studies. We will need the ongoing prayers and support of our friends if we are to see the fruit that Jesus promises.
Follow Richard on twitter @RichardTiplady1
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RICHARD TIPLADY
Principal of Scottish School of Christian Mission www.sscm.ac.uk23
The Workplace
Scotland
An Exciting Mission Field?
The workplace, a place where we spend most of our week, a place where as Christians can influence our co-workers, suppliers and customers with the Gospel. Or is it? Are we really showing God’s love in our attitudes, work ethics and conversations? Do we struggle to live by our Christian values when the boss asks us to lie to a customer or a co-worker upsets us? Work in Britain is getting tougher with record levels Scotland of stress, anxiety and low morale. However research reveals that most Christians in the workplace get little or no support from their church communities. To help combat this, CVM and CARE for Scotland have partnered to bring you a Workplace Integrity Conference on Saturday 19th September in Letham St Mark’s Church, Perth. We will tackle some of the major issues that Christians face in the workplace and you will leave refreshed and more confident to step back into you workplace on the Monday morning.
The keynote speaker is Mark Greene of LICC, a pioneer in workplace ministry for two decades and the author of several best selling books including “Thank God It’s Monday” and “Supporting Christians at Work (without going insane)”. Mark will be challenging us on the subjects “Does work matter to God?” and the “Folly of the sacred / secular divide”.
Saturday 19 September 2015 10am - 4pm Tickets: £7 (excl. lunch)
Also lined up is four challenging seminars brought to you from CVM, Care for Scotland, Transform Work UK and Mission Scotland. These seminars will help shape and encourage your faith to live as a Christian in the real world and face Monday with confidence.
Keynote Speaker: Mark Greene, LICC
For more information and to buy tickets for this exciting new conference head to cvm.org.uk/workplace
Seminars:
Letham St. Mark’s Church of Scotland Rannoch Road, Letham, Perth PH1 2HH ‘Does Work Matter to God?’ ‘The Folly of the Sacred/Secular Divide’ Transforming structures - Stuart Weir, CARE for Scotland National Director Sexual purity in the workplace - Stephen McGuire, CVM Scotland Director How to grow an effective Christian workplace group - Ros Turner, Transform Work UK Praying into your workplace - Mission Scotland
Book online now at cvm.org.uk/workplace cvmScotland 24
cvm.scot
CVM is a registered charity no. 1071663, a company registered in England and Wales No. 3623498 and is a registered charity in Scotland no. SC043446 cvm.org.uk 25
Where do you read yours?
Following the issue of the Spring Summer 2015 edition of Broadcast we ran a fun wee challenge for folks to send in humorous or interesting pictures of them reading their copy. We named the challenge the #broadcastselfie We were literally deluged with pictures sent via email and across social media! Notable entries came in from YWAM Seamill, the Care for the Family team at Cardiff Airport and possibly our youngest reader little Mary MacIsaac from Ardnamurchan. We wanted to pick a winner and gave it over to an online vote! It was a tough one to call with little Mary and George from Out of the Box (Scotland) but our clear winner was Charlie and the CLAN Office team. Well done! Prize coming your way! We would love you to send in your entries for this new edition. You can do this either by email to ian@scottishchristianbroadcast.com or post on twitter or instagram using the #broadcastselfie hashtag
Edinburgh, Saturday 5th SEptEmbEr 2015 glaSgow, Saturday 3rd octobEr 2015 For morE inFo and tickEtS viSit kinsmen.scot 26
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OPEN DOORS
Every day, a new headline. Boko Haram’s seemingly relentless massacres in Nigeria. The outrageous cruelty of IS. Christians preferring to face the dangers of the Mediterranean Sea rather than stay in their home country.
OPEN DOORS INVITES YOU TO...
SECRET CHRISTIANS & SMUGGLED HOPE Celebrating 60 years of God’s faithfulness to the persecuted church
20 November, Glasgow
BOOK TODAY!
60 years of serving persecuted Christians
Violence towards Christians around the world is on the rise. Open Doors launched its annual World Watch List report in January, revealing that the persecution of Christians worldwide has increased in 2014, in more countries and with more intensity than ever before. Persecution has particularly hit the Middle East hard, threatening the demise of Christianity in the region as refugees continue to flee.
Wake Up
60 years ago, Brother Andrew responded to the call of God in Revelation 3:2 ‘Wake up! Strengthen what remains!’ Brother Andrew took action to strengthen the persecuted Church and Open Doors was born. His legacy lives on in the thousands of prayer warriors, fundraisers, advocators, and action-takers who have impacted millions. But, even after 60 years, there is more work than ever to be done. Lisa Pearce, CEO, comments “The World Watch List report portrays a devastating picture of what is happening to the church around the globe - the worst ever since this detailed research began…what will happen in the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa in the next 3-5 years will define the future shape of the
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church. Urgent action is now required by both the church and state in the UK and Ireland. We cannot afford to sleep through it."
Say Yes
Brother Andrew said 'yes' to God and risked everything to serve persecuted Christians. Will you consider saying ‘yes’? ‘Yes’ to walk with them. ‘Yes’ to pray. ‘Yes’ to give. ‘Yes to speak out. Email our office in Prestwick odscotland@ opendoorsuk.org, or call us on 08456 00498. We would love to hear from you. Join us at Trinity Church of the Nazarene in Perth on the 24 October to hear stories of hope and courage from a Christian in Egypt. There is no need to book, and entry is free. On 20 November at Findlay Church, Glasgow, New Scottish Arts will bring you a production of ‘God’s Smuggler’, and we will be welcoming a speaker from North Korea. Visit www.opendoorsuk.org to find out how you can buy tickets!
Book online at www.opendoorsuk.org or email odscotland@opendoorsuk.org or call the Scotland office 08456 004 198
ENCOUNTER the PERSECUTED CHURCH 24 October 2015 7.00 - 9.30pm Trinity Church of the Nazarene, York Place, Perth, PH2 8EP Join us in Perth on 24 October to hear stories of hope and courage from the persecuted church in Egypt brought by an international speaker. Find out how you and your church can get more involved. All welcome! No charge and no need to book – just turn up! CONTACT DETAILS Email: odscotland@opendoorsuk.org Telephone: 0845 6004198
60 years of serving persecuted Christians
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Courses Youth and Community Work Urban Mission Missional Leadership
Scottish School of Christian Mission
sscm.ac.uk
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25–27 September 2015 One weekend, one heart, one vision We’re asking individuals, churches and communities across the country to pray for their local communities. Central to this whole weekend is a heart to see people know and encounter God as their Father through the power of prayer.
How to get involved Sign up at www.national-prayer-weekend.com for updates and access to free material and resources.
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CWR is producing a booklet on the Lord’s Prayer, specially written by Rev Canon J.John, inviting people to pray and introducing them to a God who listens. We would encourage you to hand this out to people in your community.
DEEP IMPACT YOUTHWORK CONFERENCE Over 300 delegates arrived in a snowy and pictuesque Aviemore between the 16th and 18th January 2015 for this years Deep Impact conference at the MacDonald Highland Resort. Now in it's 17the year, the weekend is Scotland's premier conference for youth and children's workers and volunteers with content for those with years of experience and those just starting out. Deep Impact aims to create a community of mutual support. The conference provides a great networking opportunity and provides a space for youthworkers to rest and relax in beautiful surroundings. Each
year it offers quality Biblical input from skilled youth practitioners and theologians and this year was no exception with lead speaker Matt Summerfield from Urban Saints.
Date for your Diary Deep Impact 2016 is?
Using the resources available, start planning your local prayer weekend. Talk to other churches in your area and pray in the months leading up to the event. To find out more, visit www.national-prayer-weekend.com
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Taking a risk for those who risk it all...
My journey began when I was 14 and went to a Christian conference where I was privileged to meet Christians who faced greater danger for following their faith than I could ever have imagined. They inspired me to put my faith into action. My desire to serve them birthed a dream that one day I would be able to champion their cause in Scotland. Within four years, I had moved to Oxford and started working for an organisation supporting the persecuted church. Four years later I felt called back home. The UK was in the middle of a full-blown recession and yet the call to leave the job I loved and move home was more important. Now back in Scotland after taking a risk, or as what many know it as, a step of faith, I became a hairdresser - even in a recession everybody needs a haircut! Deep down I still wanted to serve those who were unable to practise their faith freely. Little did I know that God was about to bring someone across my path who would help take that dream further. I had a chance conversation with one of my hairdressing clients who was connected with Christian Solidarity Worldwide. This resulted in my appointment as CSW’s new Regional Development Co-ordinator in Scotland. Dream come true! And now here I am, six months into this incredible job, letting you know why we should be standing up for religious freedom for all.
It was at the Skye Bible Church that I first heard about the persecuted church. I had no idea that 77% of the world’s population live in countries with high restrictions on religion. I was shocked, and wanted to know more and do something for those who risk their lives to live out their faith, or even just talk about it. 3434
I’d love to share with you one of the stories that has touched me most since joining CSW. One Sunday in March two churches in Lahore, Pakistan, were bombed leaving 19 people dead and 70 injured. The devastating bombings, timed to coincide with Sunday services, rocked the entire Christian community and a tense two days of violent protests and clashes followed, which led to more deaths and injuries. “My father succumbed to his injuries while fighting for his life. I just pray that God gives Christians worldwide
the forbearance against persecution they have to face.” Adv. Adnan Shamim Bhatti, who lost his father. Months later, there’s been no real attempt to bring the perpetrators of the bombing to justice. It’s a sad example of how bad the situation in Pakistan has become - in fact, in the many years CSW has been working in Pakistan, this is the worst it’s been for Christians. “I am so sad about the death of my son. I cannot even curse those who killed him. I pray God be with those who killed my son and help them understand that what they are doing is wrong.” Mrs Tanveer, whose 7-year-old son was killed. “Today, we buried our dead - or what remained of them.” Michelle Chaudhry, one of our partners on the ground. Years of persistent preaching and teaching of hatred towards religious minorities by religious leaders in schools and through the media, have created a society filled with hatred towards religious minorities like Christians. That’s why we’ve launched our Retune campaign to challenge these voices and help end this kind of violence. Join us and take your stand at www.csw.org.uk/retune Now it’s your turn to be part of the story. I’d love to meet you. Join CSW in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth in November for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Find out more at www.csw.org.uk/idop Ruth Donaldson is based in Edinburgh and works for CSW, a Christian organisation working for religious freedom through advocacy and human rights in the pursuit of justice. Ruth would love to tell you how you and your church can get involved. Contact her at ruthdonaldson@csw.org.uk.
twitter @ruthdonaldson, @CSW_UK
RUTH DONALDSON
CSW, Spilt Milk Bookings, JustHair, Saltyard Sessions 35
take your stand against religious hatred in Pakistan. Sign the petition online www.csw.org.uk/retune
JACK KEELY Scottish Christian Broadcast wanted to know a little more about our cover model Jack so we put a few questions to him Name: Jack Keely
Age: 17
Church:
Central Dundee
When did you become a Christian? About 14, not sure exact date
Favourite Bible Verse?
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved� Romans 10:13
Favourite hobbies:
Skateboarding, hanging out with friends
Plans for the summer?
South Africa trip with CBC youth and Urban Saints - we will be building a house and running a kids club and then in August off to Nethy bridge to join an Abernethy gap year team
People from the Christian community attend a protest to condemn suicide bombings which took place outside two churches in Lahore, March 16, 2015. Suicide bombings outside two churches in Lahore killed 14 people and wounded nearly 80 others during services on Sunday in attacks claimed by a faction of the Pakistani Taliban. Photo: REUTERS/Mohsin Raza
Christian Solidarity Worldwide is an organisation working for religious freedom through advocacy and human rights, in the pursuit of justice. PO Box 99, New Malden, Surrey, KT3 3YF, United Kingdom T: +44 (0)845 456 5464 F: +44 (0)20 8942 8821 E: admin@csw.org.uk www.csw.org.uk www.facebook.com/cswuk @csw_uk Registered Charity No. 281836
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WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO
CHANGE A LIFE?
The short but profound answer to this question is an act of God.
While always miraculous, change is often one step at a time. The extraordinary act of God that we pray for more often than not requires something of us. Sometimes the church has just scratched the surface of mission, and surely if we’ve ever taken a long hard look at our broken world we come to the conclusion that sticking plaster solutions don’t exist. We can’t just sit on the side lines – we’ve got to go deeper. As we do so, we’re anticipating real change. “It’s a call that we have heard clearly from God” explains Grant Campbell, Chief Executive of Glasgow City Mission, a charity that’s been working with the city’s vulnerable and marginalised since 1826. “The bible is clear when Christ exclaims that he is here to preach good news to the poor. Jesus weeps for the lost. What’s also been clear are the doors that God has opened for us to reach more people and to be more effective in our work of meeting people’s immediate needs and addressing the root causes of poverty. “We’ve also heard a clear call from our supporters to go deeper – we’ve been hugely encouraged as people have given of themselves in prayer, finances and through volunteering because they too share Christ’s heart”. And so with a clear mandate from God and their supporters, Glasgow City Mission desires to go deeper than ever before with the people they serve in order that more lives are truly transformed.
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“We’re increasing our 1-2-1 work by adding additional project workers to our team, extending our opening hours and being more intentional about moving people forwards in their lives” says Grant. “As well as our City Centre work, we’re committing to the community of Govan for the long-term through our Child & Family Centre and are seeking to add to our services there to impact more vulnerable families. “We also want to go deeper with our volunteers by creating more intentional discipleship opportunities. In doing so, this not only impacts the volunteer, but also the wider church and of course the people we seek to serve.” It’s an exciting time at Glasgow City Mission. Find out more and get involved at www.glasgowcitymission.com or call 0141 221 2630.
Scan me
Going deeper anticipating real change in Glasgow God is impacting Glasgow’s broken and marginalised with His love and it is the generosity of our supporters that is allowing us to go deeper with those we serve. If you join us, we’ll be able to do even more. Join us in Going Deeper with the people we serve to see lasting change.
Giving 3 hours a week to volunteer with us could mean someone coming to realise God’s love
Praying for those we serve will have a deeper impact than any of us can imagine
Getting involved in one of our fundraising events, or organising your own, means we can continue to be there for people
Donating £12 a month will pay for coffee and a listening ear to help someone in crisis
Visit www.glasgowcitymission.com or call 0141 221 2630.
Glasgow City Mission, 20 Crimea St, G2 8PW. Tel 0141 221 2630. Reg. Charity SC001499
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EQUIPPING the missional
CHURCH
The Forge Scotland training course is equipping the missional church in Scotland as it develops new expressions. The year long ‘spare time’ course combines teaching, practical placements, mentoring and assignments. Alexander Jones spoke to two people who have been through the course and hears what they have gone on to do. one natural connection was to hang out with the toddlers group. “I got to know a couple of girls who came around church. As they came to faith my question was how to disciple them as their backgrounds were very different to most of the people in the church. I could see the potential they had to impact people where they lived.
Helen Brough - Dundee
“We moved to Dundee in 2002 when my husband became minister of Fintry Parish Church. We wanted to invest and build relationships within the community. I had small kids at that time so
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“God spoke very clearly to me at the CLAN gathering in 2009. I suddenly realised I should be doing the Forge course. It has helped to give me vocabulary for what I was instinctively doing and opened my eyes to new opportunities and ways to move forward. “I'm exploring what the body of Christ would look like outside the walls of what we know as established church; to enable people to understand
The Forge course has…opened my eyes to new opportunities and ways to move forward fully who they are and step into the places God has for them - engaging with what discipleship looks like in this context and culture. It’s a holistic thing and I’m trying to be more intentional in mentoring the women I am alongside and helping them to understand that there is hope that they can then share with their friends.
“The Forge course explored what it meant to be church and to look at God’s calling; that was back in 2010. I could see there was a community of people that ordinary church wouldn’t reach. What does it look like to have church for this community? Where are the other places this community gathers? How do you connect with them?
“At the point of going on to the Forge course I wouldn’t have seen that this was ground-breaking work. I wouldn’t have seen how valuable it was missionally. Forge was a huge catalyst and a time of equipping for me in understanding the potential of what I was doing.
“It was always a low key, high relationship way of working - we didn’t do events. I went to those in the community and immersed myself in their culture. Jesus went to people’s houses, wherever they were.
“Some have come to faith, others are still exploring. People talk about having hope where there wasn’t any before. These things are worth their weight in gold. For me, as part of the church, it’s about seeking to live missionally in the context God has given me. “It’s very organic - not a project - it’s just part of the way I live my life. Anybody can do this in whatever context God has put them. Prayerfully engaging with the questions of ‘What does hope look like in this context?’ and ‘What does the Kingdom look like in this context?’ is a great way to start.”
Gill Wilson - snowboarding
“I was challenged to go places when people asked me. I ended up carrying people out of a nightclub or standing with others who were smoking joints, and through that I started to build relationships with them. It became really natural to share my faith. “Last winter I was called to give up my well-paid job in IT to go to America as an instructor. Things didn’t turnout as planned, but through that I saw God work in miraculous ways. I am praying and developing new ideas for how to connect with the snow community. I’m working part-time as a disability snowboard instructor. It feels like a good place to be from a Kingdom perspective.
“I was brought to the Forge course initially by a dissatisfaction with how what I was reading in the Bible related to what I was seeing as general life. I just thought - there must be more to this.
“Forge had given me the tools to hold on to what was most important when things went wrong, to go back to what I am called to do. My calling is simply to love people in the mountain community.”
“I was encouraged to explore my God-given passions and to see what He could do with them. My passion was snow sports, but I didn’t know what God wanted to do with it.
You can find out more about Forge Scotland at forgescotland.com.
Interview by ALEXANDER JONES
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No Child Taken
It’s January and I’m walking through Kamathipura, the oldest red-light district in Mumbai, accompanied by a group of Tearfund Scotland volunteers and staff. It’s reassuring to be escorted by staff from Oasis India – one of Tearfund’s partners here. The shocking things we see we will never forget. I’ve never experienced a place that feels so spiritually dark. Eyes watch us from every angle, tracking our path. As we pass, heavily made-up women whisper to each other. They occasionally call to us, in case we might be interested in their trade. It’s a relief to get to the end of this horrific journey. Our guide says, ‘We’re out.’ I feel like we’ve escaped from a corner of hell. Our journey through Kamathipura lasted minutes. I ponder what it would be like to spend a lifetime there with little hope of escape. From Ana, a trafficked survivor who now lives in a rehabilitation home, I learn the full extent of the horror of life in the red-light district.
42Corner photo by Mark Lang/Tearfund
Tortured and abused
As a teenager, Ana left her home with the promise of a job in Mumbai to provide an income for her very poor family. She was taken to Kamathipura where she was tortured and abused. For six months Ana was moved from one location to another before being forced to work as a prostitute. Many men took advantage of her. One of them offered Ana affection and promised to marry her. He abandoned her when he found out she was pregnant, and Ana moved to the Turbe red-light district. The birth of her daughter offered an opportunity for another Tearfund partner, Sahaara, to reach out to Ana. Sahaara runs a childcare service in Turbe, where Ana would leave her daughter while she worked.
Photo by Peter Caton/Tearfund At first, feeling dejected and hopeless, Ana resisted offers of help from Sahaara’s staff.
it would have been so much better for Ana if she’d never had those terrible experiences at all.
Then a drug-fuelled man who was using Ana beat her badly. When Lani, a worker from Sahaara, came to visit Ana in the brothel – as she lay ill in bed – Ana finally agreed to come and live in a rehabilitation home.
These precious women pay a huge price personally for the trauma they experience, and their rescue and rehabilitation take a great deal of time and money – even though they are worth every penny. It would be so much better to stop trafficking from happening in the first place. No woman or child should go through what Ana has had to endure.
Enjoying life for the first time
That’s where I meet Ana. She’s started to heal in body and spirit – experiencing and enjoying life for the first time. ‘The love I receive from Lani and the home is something I’ve never experienced before,’ says Ana. ‘I feel secure and protected.’ She’s been at the home for five months when I visit – learning to cook, clean, shop, use public transport, read and write. She’s gained work experience at a local bakery, making cakes and biscuits. Ana’s dream is to open her own bakery. The most inspiring part of Ana’s story is the difference that God has made in her life. ‘He is my healer and deliverer,’ she says. ‘God has reached down and lifted me and my daughter out of the depths of darkness. I know now that Jesus loves me.’
Preventing trafficking before it happens
That’s why Tearfund is working with partners across the world to educate and empower families to prevent children from being trafficked in the first place. We give them the knowledge they need to see through the trafficker’s lies. Tearfund supports families to generate their own income in the communities where they live. That way the temptation to take up work in the city is reduced, as families have enough money to feed and support themselves at home.
No Child Taken
On average it costs £36 to prevent a child from being trafficked. This year in Scotland, we want to help protect 3000 vulnerable children from the dangers of trafficking, disease and disaster. Please stand with us today to ensure No Child is Taken www.tearfund.org/ nochildtakenscotland
We leave Ana safely at the home, taking with us her prayer requests. Ana wants to learn fast so she can make more progress. It was such an encouragement to meet Ana and know that she and many others are being rescued, restored and transformed. But
RUTH JACK
Tearfund43
Many churches are using the opportunity to develop their own pop-up coffee houses as a means of outreach to bring people hope, community, and a sense of worth
SWEET in the CITY
In a world where more and more people are meeting friends for coffee, building professional networking relationships, or seeking out places to work between home and the office, independent artisan coffee houses are becoming a key location to satisfying this need. Many churches are noticing this and are using the opportunity to develop their own pop-up coffee houses as a means of outreach to bring people hope, community, and a sense of worth. I once read that the definition of church hospitality is the willingness to share, with discernment, what God has given us, including our family, home, finances
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and food. Enter Carrubbers Christian Centre’s newly refurbished coffee house in the heart of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. As usual, I was working with my CSW hat on and wanted to get out of the house and find a place where I could work. I had heard that Carrubbers had recently
refurbished their cafe and so I went to check it out in the hope that I might find my ‘office’ for the day. Upon entering the cafe I thought I had just walked into what could be the Royal Mile’s best-kept secret. I was first welcomed by very friendly staff who were a mix of Carrubbers’ members and volunteers some of whom have been on difficult life journeys and working at the cafe is helping them get back on their feet by giving them a sense of hope and empowerment in a non-hostile work environment. I arrived just as the cafe had opened and while I was busy working, every now and again I peered over my laptop to see a community of people grow all around the coffee house creating a lovely homely, friendly atmosphere. During this pleasant experience one of the staff caught my eye and came over offering a top-up of coffee on the house. WIN!! I have found myself returning to Carrubbers Cafe on many occasions and it’s been a joy getting to
hear the stories of the lives of the people who both work and meet there. Not only that, to see how the church itself is reaching out to those roaming around Edinburgh. I would highly recommend checking out Carrubbers Cafe and their amazing range of cakes - white chocolate and orange cream sponge, apple crumble, and more. While I am out and about working in and around Scotland, I will be making a few church coffee houses my ‘office’ for the day and will share their stories over a series of articles telling you why you should come and visit. Watch this space! Carrubbers Cafe 65 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SR Open Mon-Fri, 10.30am- 2.30pm carrubbers.org facebook.com/carrubberscafe
Follow Ruth on twitter @RuthDonaldson
RUTH DONALDSON
CSW, Spilt Milk Bookings, JustHair, Saltyard Sessions45
Community
enables CMAS to reach areas of the country that have little or no debt advice services; work has already begun in West Lothian, Edinburgh and Aberdeen. Through the efforts of trained volunteers people are helped to honestly review their situation and, where necessary, are supported through a process of restructuring of their finances. This can at times be a long and stressful process but practical and pastoral support is given for as long as it takes.
Money Advice Scotland
Walking by on the other side of the road for the Christian is not an option.
Being in debt can have all sorts of practical and emotional consequences. Making painstaking decisions about whether you feed yourself or pay the mortgage/rent are heavily compounded by feelings of personal guilt and shame. It is important that Christians are aware of the pressures facing our families, friends and neighbours so that we can respond pastorally and practically where we can when the need arises.
We plan for so much as individuals and families but there is always the possibility that just around the corner lies something that has the potential to change everything. Every day people face the reality of crises such as redundancy, ill health and relationship breakdown. The consequences of such life events are many and varied but finding yourself in financial difficulty can be one of the hardest to deal with. There are, of course, many reasons why people end up in debt. For some it is external circumstances,
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for others it may be poor budgeting skills, but the sense of despair when your life has to be put on hold applies whatever the reasons. Research tells us that debt is no respecter of postcodes and there is, unfortunately, no shortage of lenders looking to exploit your plight with eye-wateringly high interest rates, whatever your background.
The voice of the Old Testament prophets (Isaiah 58:6-12, Amos 5:21-24 and Amos 8:4-6) still carries for us a powerful challenge when it comes to the care of those around us who find themselves in difficult circumstances, and the condemnation of those who seek to exploit such circumstances.
In recognition of the need to work in partnership CMAS is developing strong links nationally with The Trussell Trust and The Salvation Army in order to bring about transformation in the lives of people in our churches and communities. One client recently commented on the service provided in a CMAS centre, "Thank you very much for your service. At a time when I was facing so many changes in my life, including the loss of my husband’s income I was incredibly grateful for your help and support. Your professionalism, non judgemental, positive advice gave me hope to move on...� More information about the work of CMAS can be obtained from www.communitymoneyadvice.com/ scotland or by contacting the CMAS Ambassador Alan Davidson on 07976144720.
The ministry of Jesus confirms for us the challenge to respond to need with a heart of compassion and a helping hand that seeks to bring about transformation. Walking by on the other side of the road for the Christian is not an option. Community Money Advice Scotland (CMAS) was established in June 2011 with a view to inspiring and supporting Scottish churches and community groups to enhance the national coverage of free face-to-face debt advice, helping to reach areas and people who don’t currently have access to a free service. The simple and cost-effective structure
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THe RISE and Rise of the Simon Kennedy Band
Since the release of the Simon Kennedy Band’s debut album Make Up Your Mind at the tail end of last year, the Dundee-based blues outfit’s trajectory from anonymity to becoming one of the most talked about new blues acts in the UK has been a remarkable one, as Lins Honeyman investigates. Deservedly receiving almost universally positive acclaim, the Simon Kennedy Band’s debut album with its mix of expertly executed funk-tinged blues, underpinned by the gospel message, has seen the Independent Blues Broadcasters choose it as their album of the month, whilst getting the thumbs up from a host of revered blues publications has given rise to a number of radio shows, including Paul Jones’ blues show on BBC Radio 2, playing tracks from it. “Since the album came out we’ve been getting some really good reviews from the Christian press as well as mainstream magazines like Blues Matters and Blues In Britain and we’re really pleased with that,” confirms lead guitarist and vocalist Simon Kennedy in a break from his busy schedule. “We’ve also had a Kickstarter campaign to help launch Make Up Your Mind in America,” Simon continues.“The
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Combining the blues and sharing the gospel is a dream come true and it always amazes me that we can go into secular places, sing the gospel and people applaud support has been unbelievable, we not only met our target but exceeded it which we weren’t expecting at all. Very soon we’ll start promoting the album in the States by getting CDs out to radio stations plus we’ll be pushing for gigs over there.” Part of the reason for the band’s success has been Simon’s commitment to playing live as often as possible. “We’ve quite a number of gigs coming up with festivals and such like,” he confirms. “We’ve just done the Thornhill Blues Festival and then we’re up to Orkney in September and we hope to appear at the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival this summer. We’re also playing the Southern Fried Festival in Perth in July which will be a lot of fun.”
I ask him how it felt to hear one of his songs on Paul Jones’ Radio 2 blues show. “I didn’t even know we were going to be on until a friend phoned me up to say that our name was on the Paul Jones’ show page,” admits Simon. “A few other people had heard our name mentioned on Radio 2 during the day and it turns out that Steve Wright and Jo Whiley had mentioned that we were going to be played on Paul’s show which was fantastic!” In addition to radio play and live appearances, a recent personnel change following the departure of founder member Carl Taylor has seen in-demand Edinburgh drummer Brian MacLeod occupy the drum stool. “Brian joining the band was a real coup for us,” says Simon. “We’d put the word out about needing a new drummer and everyone was telling us we should check out Brian. At the same time, Brian was being told about us! Brian did his first gig with us a couple of weeks back and he was spot on. He’s just 25 but he’s got a mature head on his shoulders. It’s really good to have him on board and he’s definitely an asset to the band.” With everything that has happened since the release of Make Up Your Mind, I wonder if Simon is still enjoying the ride. “I love it,” he says without hesitation. “It’s what I’ve always wanted - I couldn’t ask for a better job. Combining the blues and sharing the gospel is a dream come true and it always amazes me that we can go into secular places, sing the gospel and people applaud. And long may it continue.”
Interview by Lins Honeyman
Perthshire-based singer/songwriter/performer. www.linshoneyman.com49
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It is fantastic to look at a map of Scotland and know that in every region, from tiny villages to large cities, there are people praying for their local schools! Great things are happening, with new SU Groups starting up, young people coming to faith, committing to pray and growing in leadership. There are also great challenges; there are areas where the church is weak, where few, if any, children or young people have the opportunity to explore Christianity at school, as part of a church fellowship, or through a school SU Group.
PRAYER MATTERS APPEAL
Prayer makes a difference. Prayer can change a nation. All of us live, work, or worship near a school. May God open our eyes to the need! Elizabeth McDowall Prayer Coordinator, SU Scotland
Could you pray for your local school? suscotland.org.uk/pfss Could you give to enable more young people to meet with God in prayer through SU Scotland events? suscotland.org.uk/give 52
“Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit.� Ephesians 6:18 Registered charity no. SC011222
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A THANKFUL PASSIONATE PEOPLE
BETEL SOON TO BE IN SCOTLAND!
Believing expectantly for the very best that God has for the lost and broken of Scotland, a Betel team are preparing to open a centre between Glasgow and Edinburgh. Who are Betel?
Betel (Spanish for “Bethel”) are a group of caring Christian residential communities run mainly by former addicts, helping people with long term addiction find hope through sharing about Jesus and modelling freedom. If you know someone in need, they can enter our residences quickly and free of charge. Our charitable businesses train up our men and women in skills and develop a work ethic to help them grow, whilst enabling them to regain ownership of their lives as well as help pay for their own recovery.
Reg. Charity No. 1081462
Betel International started in Madrid in 1985 by WEC missionaries helping one addict desperate for a new start. 30 years later, Betel is now in 24 countries in over 100 cities and continues to grow. Betel of Britain started in Birmingham in 1996 and now has 7 centres around England helping over 350 people at a time, having saved society over £80 million.
What do we do?
BETELUKFURNITURE 54
The heart of Betel is for men and women to find lifelong recovery through their identity in Christ. Over the years many have come to us from extremely chaotic lifestyles. Through the resurrection power of Christ and the Holy Spirit, unemployable people, written off by society, have been transformed into business leaders, mentors, preachers and respected family members; spreading hope to customers , in prisons , in churches and on the streets.
How can you help us reach Scotland?
We are currently looking for a property between Edinburgh and Glasgow, which would house around 30 men and 2 families together with space to run our restoration business, store gardening equipment and park our business vehicles and cars. The deadline is to be moved into the new premises by the end of August 2015. Should you know of any properties or like to find out more about Betel in Scotland, please contact maria@betel.uk.
How can a person join?
A person can apply to join by completing a phone interview. Subject to the outcome of the interview, we can generally offer a place within 24 hours.
Why Scotland?
The need for long term support for addicts in Scotland is clearly evident. Around 600 men and women have come to Betel centres in England. More would come if it was closer to home.
Relationship and Teamwork
Vision to follow Christ’s calling in Scotland requires unity and partnership with other believers. We are keen to continue connecting with churches and organizations who are ministering to the lost and broken and need a variety of referral options to find the best fit for each individual.
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Ambassadors for the Poor
MISSION INTERNATIONAL “Will you become an ambassador for the poor when you go back to Scotland”? the request made by a young man in Lugazi, Uganda in October 1989 was to become a life-changing question for Mission International CEO Hugh Henderson as his first trip to the war weary country drew to a close. The implications of this question were to inspire mission work in the ensuing years and which resulted in the establishment of Mission International, an organisation set up by Hugh and others in 2006. An ambassador represents those who have no opportunity to represent themselves, and that is what has become intrinsic to the work of Mission International. The organisation set up to preach the Gospel, make disciples and teach God’s Word as well as support those who are in need. Mission International seeks to partner with those who endeavour to help their communities by working together on projects ranging from evangelism and teaching and training church leaders to providing funding , resources and personnel to develop sustainable projects which will allow needy individuals, families and communities to become self sufficient.
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Currently Mission International serves in twelve countries predominantly in Africa but also in Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. Partnering with churches and Christian organisations who have a similar ethos to Mission International allows the work to develop well. From micro-finance projects in Burundi to a multi-purpose centre in Haiti many lives are changed in simple but effective ways. Mission International’s involvement in Haiti began not long before the huge earthquake of 12th January 2010 which left up to 200,000 people dead and over one million homeless. Our partner in Ouanaminthe, Pastor Rolex Poisson, saw many people leaving the capital Port au Prince where their homes, livelihoods and families had been devastated, and move to his city to find relatives as well as a means to survive the ‘quakes far reaching effects. The result is that many remain homeless, many children have turned to crime as they try to survive on the streets, also the increase in the
number of ‘Restavecs’ (indentured children sold into slavery by their families in order to find a means to survive). There are around 300,000 Restavecs in Haiti today. Hugh Henderson with two Mission International trustees Richard Woods and Crawford Mackenzie (also an architect), travelled to Haiti in December 2014. “Its just like a piece of Africa has been lifted from the African continent and dropped in the Caribbean” he says, “the culture and the people are amazingly similar even after generations have passed." January 12th 2010, It was just another day in Haiti. The day began early before the searing heat of the sun and sweltering humidity swamped the atmosphere. Just like any other hungry, hot day when the people arose from their shanty homes to start the search for food and fuel and work. Haiti was poor, the poorest country in the western hemisphere, it had been this way for many long decades. The poverty exacerbated by the corruption at the rich top levels of society and accepted as unchangeable by the masses. Suddenly without warning at 16:53 hrs local time vibrations which turned into swaying and crashing ripped homes, roads and infrastructure apart. What took less than a minute to complete would change the course of many people’s lives forever. What was already a dreadfully poor country was dropped into
the abyss of loss. Loss of loved ones, livelihoods, homes and the very clothes and goods on which they had relied for their daily lives. Their water carriers, their plastic plates and their cooking pots and stoves, their small stores of food; everything was now under the rubble, or in a place to which it was unsafe to go to retrieve it. The £100,000 Centre which is Mission International’s Haiti Project comprises a church, a school and a community centre in the heart of Ouanaminthe. Hundreds of children will have the chance of education escaping the risk of becoming Restavecs. A congregation of over 700 people will have a safe, clean and comfortable environment to worship and the community will be able to enjoy adult education classes, and self help community initiatives based in the centre. We hope that in years to come we will be able to make a huge impact in the lives of children and adults in the community through child sponsorship to be able to attend school and through micro-finance projects which will allow adults the dignity of being able to provide for their own children as they become self sufficient. To find out more visit Mission International’s website www.mission-international.org where under current projects you will find information on the Haiti project.
Report by Hugh Henderson
Director of Mission International59
futuremakers
Give hope and a future to vulnerable and disadvantaged people in the Middle East.
ADVERTORIAL
Restoring the lives of children scarred by war that, they need education; they need psychological support to overcome their traumatic experiences; they need access to good healthcare, sanitary living conditions and enough food.
Give. Pray. Love.
Become a futuremaker today.
For most nine year olds, the future is an exciting prospect. Becoming an astronaut, a famous actor, a fire fighter... at that age, it feels as though nothing stands in the way of your dreams. Unless, that is, you live in Gaza, or you’ve fled the war in Syria, or you’re growing up in a Cairo slum. Muhammad is nine, and his only dream is that one day he will get his home back. During one of the devastating Gaza conflicts of recent years, a bombing raid destroyed his family’s house, killing ten people. The television cameras that recorded the devastation are now long gone and Muhammad’s community is once more forgotten. Yet, underneath the rubble of despair, a remnant of hope survives, and the development organisation Embrace the Middle East is calling upon British Christians to help their Palestinian brothers and sisters nurture it. Muhammad and his friends know that when they grow up, they could be the generation to achieve peace. To do
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Embrace works in partnership with the Christians of the Middle East to tackle poverty and injustice among those of all faiths. As well as Gaza, the charity works in Palestine’s West Bank and in Israel, Lebanon, Egypt and Syria, where the issues of poverty and conflict permanently simmer. Whether they’re distributing food parcels for refugees, providing educational opportunities for disadvantaged women or taking healthcare into isolated villages, Embrace’s Christian partners work tirelessly to channel Christ’s love into practical action. Embrace could not support these projects without its growing community of futuremakers – people who have made a commitment to donating £10 a month or more and to upholding the work in their prayers. Thanks to futuremakers, Muhammad will get the years of professional psychological support and education that he needs, and his family will get practical assistance with rebuilding their lives. To become part of Embrace’s family of futuremakers and take a stand against poverty and injustice, visit www.embrace.org/futuremaker or call 01494 897950. 61
glasgow prophetic centre’s popular 5-day intensive is back! are you ready to take your
faith
to the next level?
SCHOOL OF MINISTRY 2015
mon. 31 aug. - fri. 4 sep. 2015 | 5 days | 9.30am-5.00pm get equipped, receive, be activated & learn Join us for a week-long school of the prophetic that will revolutionise how you live and minister - in whatever situation or circumstance that God calls you to! We’ll journey deep into the revelatory gifts so that you can be the best you can be at giving, interpreting and applying prophecy. You’ll also receive some personal ministry and will gain a better sense of who you can be in the midst of it all. For more info and to book visit:
www.inopc.org/school-of-ministry 62
£150
EARLY BIRD P RICe book online BY 1 AUGust 63
THE WORD OF GOD IS
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We know Christian books CHANGE lives! For this reason, CLC has been making Christian literature available for over 70 years to people around the world so that they may come to faith and maturity in the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for your support - it will transform lives! 64
CLC is a registered charity: England & Wales (1015793) / Scotland (SCO37939)
65
SAT-7: On the
frontline in the Middle East
An Arab child prays…
“Lord, stretch out your hand towards my nation. May peace return so that children will feel safe again
Amen.”
The media is an increasingly important weapon in the battle for hearts and minds that is raging in the Middle East and beyond. Groups with evil agendas, such as Islamic State, recognise the power of the media to spread fear and radicalise individuals.
In total contrast, Middle Eastern Christian TV broadcaster SAT-7 is combatting violence and hatred by presenting the Gospel in an attractive and winsome way in the principle languages of the region - Arabic, Turkish and Farsi. Its five channels each broadcast 24 hours a day on satellite and the internet, reaching countries like Syria, Iran, Iraq and Libya. Programmes are bright and colourful, attracting viewers of all ages with engaging content and promoting goodwill, tolerance and understanding. This approach works! As Proverbs 10:12 encourages us, “Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”
had been taught...and so my journey in search of Christ began.”
Please help change the future by building a generation of peace makers across the Middle East.
Akram went on to give his life to Christ. His story is just one of the thousands upon thousands of supportive messages SAT-7 receives from viewers every year. Broadcasting from studios in Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey, London and Cyprus, SAT-7 has a regular audience of millions, the vast majority (more than 80%) are not from a Christian background.
£6 NOW will provide six
Middle Eastern children with Christian programmes for a whole year!
For more information about SAT-7’s television ministry across the Middle East or to support their work visit their website www.sat7uk.org
*Name changed for security reasons Akram* a ‘very fanatical’ but ‘tired and desperate’ Arabic speaker was flicking through TV channels SAT-7’s programmes and came across SAT-7 KIDS. He told SAT-7, “It attract viewers of all was a competition programme and there was a ages with engaging question about Noah, (on the screen) so in my mind content I answered the question…and I waited to see if my answer was right or wrong…Then I was shocked to see the programme was presented by a lady with her hair loose! So I wondered, ‘What is her religion?’ Then I found out she is a Christian and I was shocked that Christians pray for (followers of other religions) I was shocked that and wish us good. This was the opposite of what I Christians pray for us 66
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SAT-7 broadcasts the gospel by satellite television to over 9 million* children across the troubled Middle East, teaching love, forgiveness and peace through Jesus Christ.
Visit: SAT7UK.org/peace to donate or call: 01249 765865
Change a generation. Change the future. and for the Christian Satellite Television by h Africa Nort and East le Midd the of People
Chippenham SN15 SAT-7 Trust UK, 2nd floor, 3-4 New Road, .org Tel: 01249 765865 Email: respond@sat7uk *2011 independent survey of viewership of SAT-7 KIDS channel by Intermedia IHH Relief. Mustafa Öztürk
1EJ
SAT7UK.org/peace
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Christian Schools (Scotland) Limited is a registered charity trading as Hamilton College - SC006206
What is a Christian School?
When I’m asked to describe Hamilton College, I usually describe us as a non-denominational Christian independent school for 3-18 year olds, highlighting the four major advantages an independent education offers families: academic excellence, top quality pastoral care, smaller class sizes, and a broad extracurricular programme. The next question tends to be; ‘You’re a Christian school. What does that mean?’ Good question! Many schools have ‘Christian foundations’, but being a ‘Christian School’ is something else. Yes, we have regular Christian assemblies, bible readings and prayers, but a Christian school is something more. What distinguishes us stems from our values. We have pupils from various backgrounds, representing a variety of denominations, and many pupils come from no faith background at all. However, our ethos is centred on principles which are important to Christians, but do apply to everyone. Grace. Jesus gives willingly, without expecting anything in return, and so should we. Pupils’ are aware of their own actions, trust one another and participate enthusiastically in community activities.
See Lachlan’s story at hamiltoncollege.co.uk principal@hamiltoncollege.co.uk 68
01698 282700
Confidence. Teachers give willingly of their time to help develop pupils’ self-belief. There are regular celebrations of achievement, and pupils feel part of a community whose confidence is founded in the Lord. Wisdom. Pupils are principled and balanced, able to make responsible decisions and express themselves assuredly.
Innovation. If anyone ever introduced innovative revolution of thought, it was Jesus! New ideas come from posing difficult questions and coming to conclusions. Compassion. Rather than fuzzy ‘caring’, compassion is about empathising, and understanding our local, national and international communities. Reflection. Knowing ourselves, and asking the Lord to open our eyes, is vital to improving ourselves. This is about being able to step back, pray, and consider where we are and where we’re going. Proverbs 3: 5-6 tells us to ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take’. For us, Christian values create the tangible, distinctive difference from other schools. For our pupils, positive Christian values make their Hamilton College experience memorable and, in some cases, life-changing. Contact me on principal@hamiltoncollege.co.uk and arrange to come and visit us to see how this is expressed in reality.
John J Taylor
69 Principal Hamilton College
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MERCY SHIPS
Christian charity Mercy Ships brings life-saving medical care to the world’s forgotten poor through the use of its hospital ship, the Africa Mercy. The ship is currently docked in Madagascar, where over 90% of the population live on less than 75p a day. Patricia Eadie is a 61 year old outpatient nurse from Perth and Kinross, Scotland, who has recently returned home after volunteering for the first time on the charity hospital ship. Reflecting on her experience, Patricia said: “Volunteering for Mercy Ships was so incredible. Each and every volunteer is there for the same goal - to bring hope and healing to those less fortunate in the world. “Due to the life-saving medical care carried out, the volunteers on board are able to give their patients hope for a brighter future. The overall appreciation and joy of patients is truly amazing - it really is an inspirational charity to be a part of.” “I would return to the ship in a heartbeat, the experience exceeded my expectations in so many
ways. The standard of medical care, the types of surgery being performed, the love and compassion shared with the people of Madagascar, as well as the Christian fellowship on board, is something that is so unique.” Judy Polkinhorn, Executive Director of Mercy Ships UK: “Mercy Ships is only able to operate and provide the wonderful service that it does because of the volunteers who generously give their time, skills and most importantly their compassion to the cause of helping others.” For more information, to donate or to find out how you can volunteer with Mercy Ships, please visit: www.mercyships.org.uk
Bring Hope and Healing Will your church help our patients? Can you help others like Sambany who suffered a growing tumour for 19 years. This courageous man visited 10 local hospitals. None could help. The tumour grew and grew, and Sambany stayed in his house, knowing that he would die from it.The radio was his companion – and brought good news. The arrival of our hospital-ship, Africa Mercy. At last, Sambany received the help, needed for so l ong – a 12 hour surgery, and much love and prayer for his recovery! Join the vital work † Request charity information or invite a speaker † Make us your charity and mission partner † Join our Sea Harvest of Healing, and collect this Autumn † Give for Mercy!
e: info@mercyships.org.uk • t: 01438 727800 • www.mercyships.org.uk Mercy Ships UK, 12 Meadway Court, Stevenage SG1 2EF
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Registered Charity Numbers 1053055 and SCO39743 (Scotland) Company No. 3147724 (England & Wales)
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SCOTTISH CHRISTIAN BROADCAST
RECOMMENDS...
tracks. Fans will still want to purchase this well produced studio album.
Do yourself a favour and buy this CD, find somewhere you can play it loud, and enjoy.
Those new to the Royal Foundlings need to hear this CD, as the live and acoustic sound is this band at their best - a different pace that engages listeners of all ages and makes it impossible not to sing along. There is a great balance across the spectrum of songs, from the rockier Run and Give it Up through to the faster paced Rise Up and Fix Me to the balladduet Excuses.
Reviewed by: Iain Craig
The Narrow Road Shona Brown
In God We Trust Music For Mission
Former BBC Young Musician of the Year semi-finalist Shona Brown is a classically trained flautist who has recently ventured down a more electronic, loop-based road and this three track EP sees the Glasgow-based musician begin a quest to turn out ten releases in as many months.
Back in the day, when I first started listening to Christian music with the intention of reviewing it, I was advised to always find something positive to say even if the album wasn’t that great. Sometimes that can prove a very difficult thing to do, however I have no such problems with this particular offering.
Naturally, the flute forms the basis of much of this release with the instrumental title track soaring and swooping evocatively on account of Brown’s exquisite playing whilst a gentle drum loop, some piano work and vocal harmonies add depth to what is presumably a reflection on the Christian walk. Tall Trees sees Brown in contemplative mood as she turns in a tender vocal performance on an Eastern-tinged piece that showcases her inventive song-writing skills, whilst The Language Of Birds complete with backward loops, intermittent dance rhythms, beautiful Celtic flute runs and spoken word segments - is arguably the most experimental of all the tracks on this impressive release.
In God We Trust has all the components needed to encourage us to lift our voices, stomp our feet, sing along to great lyrics, and generally get closer to God as we worship him. With many worship albums starting to sound the same, it’s incredibly refreshing to hear so many different styles of music on one album. If I’m asked to choose a favourite track it would have to be There’s no place but all the other tracks are equally enriching and enjoyable to listen to. Usually what happens if I enjoy a CD I try to see the band live. In this case the live experience happened first and this set me up nicely to enjoy the CD.
Reviewed by: Lins Honeyman for Cross Rhythms
74
Excellent
Very good
The clarity of the message throughout the songs is beautifully carried by Dave Brackenridge’s gifted voice blended with those of the rest of the band and well-balanced, creative musical input. Eternal Life and At the Foot of the Cross particularly, thrive on lyrics that are emotionally engaging, carrying a clear consistent message about why this band exists, first and foremost, to tell people the world over that Jesus changes lives. We Are All Foundlings and We Believe are surely new Christian anthems.
Walk Royal Foundlings They say you should walk before you run. Royal Foundlings - the biggest Christian rock band based in the UK - are not ones for following convention as we see this talented and experienced group of musicians release their third album, Walk, a collection of eleven acoustic tracks after their electrified Run CD. Those who know and love Royal Foundlings, if they have purchased the previous CDs, albums and EP, will already have versions of nine of the eleven
The title track, Walk, a ballad with delicate guitar and strings work, is kept to the last on the CD. This is the most vocally challenging track for the band and along with He is Here will take several listens through before you are walking the walk and singing with the band. Available from www.eatacd.com
Reviewed by: Stuart A. Watson Director and Presenter - 100.8 Revival FM
Scottish Christian Broadcast album recommendations in partnership with:
Good
eatacd.com
Average
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RECOMMENDS continued...
Amazed At Your Love The Esther Company Very much a team effort, the debut single from Scottish music ministry The Esther Company (TEC) comes from the pen of Nigerian-born songwriter/ worship leader Ola Olaleye and features Glasgowbased singer Pauline Phisso on lead vocals under the production auspices of in-demand Scots producer Sam Gallagher. Whilst the song itself may not be breaking new ground stylistically with its feet planted firmly in modern worship mode, the overriding theme of amazement at God choosing to use us with all our faults and flaws is communicated with lyrics firmly rooted in scripture and, together with a strong vocal performance from Phisso, a message of affirmation is successfully put across. Gallagher’s multi-instrumental skills and production values give Olaleye’s song the boost it needs and thanks to a couple of slow build crescendos there is enough light and shade to keep things interesting.
HOME FOR GOOD Amie Aitken
THE CITY AT NIGHT Scott Nicol
Motherwell-based rapper Aaron Mkd’s single is very much an international affair with French vocalist Jessica Nzau and Congolese singer Aime Nkanu joining Aaron on this bright and breezy request for Jesus’ help through daily life. Set to a gentle Africantinged rhythm, the song floats between French and English lyrics courtesy of Nzau and Nkanu, whilst Aaron checks in and out with some skilful rapping that declares his Saviour’s glory and ceaseless love and exudes infectious positivity at every turn. Whilst perhaps lacking a sense of edge musically, this is nonetheless a perfect antidote to the more lascivious hip-hop chart fodder out there in today’s mainstream music scene and most certainly worth checking out.
Scottish singer/songwriter Amie Aitken’s latest single sees the Glasgow songstress and her band team up with the renowned Foundry Music Lab production team of Sandy Jones and Graeme Duffin (of Wet Wet Wet fame) to offer up a slice of easy-going pop that aims to promote the work of adoption and fostering charity Home For Good. Benefitting greatly from the musical fairy dust that the Duffin/Jones partnership seems to sprinkle on any release they’re involved in, as well as Aitken using a familiar and recognisable chord sequence, this self-penned song immediately catches the ear and succeeds in communicating the dual message of God’s unconditional love for us and the desire that every lost child finds a safe and secure home - a theme evidently very close to Aitken’s heart. Aitken’s vocal performance continues to grow in strength with each release and, together with a gently upbeat backing featuring handclaps, piano, violin and some expertly measured guitar-work from Duffin, she ensures that this is a warm and enjoyable piece of work that will hopefully provide hope to many as well as raising funds and awareness for a worthwhile cause.
Prestwick-based singer/songwriter Scott Nicol has teamed up with in-demand Scottish producer Samuel Gallagher in a single release that sees the experienced performer in fine form. Containing arguably Nicol’s fullest and most cohesive sound to date, his collaboration with Gallagher is evidently a successful one with the track in question playing to all of Nicol’s strengths and one that will hopefully spawn a full album at a later date. For instance, Nicol’s penchant for writing songs with the kind of passionate urgency of Bruce Springsteen has never been keener whilst the full sound fashioned by his producer allows his trademark gravelly tones to shine - and soar at points - like they’ve never done before.
Reviewed by: Lins Honeyman for Cross Rhythms
Reviewed by: Lins Honeyman for Cross Rhythms
HOLD MY HAND Aaron Mkd (featuring Aime Nkanu)
Reviewed by: Lins Honeyman for Cross Rhythms Available to download:eatacd.com
The theme of the song is one that has often been visited by Nicol - one of dangerous streets, broken people and ultimately God’s unfailing love - but the poetic imagery of the lyrics and the quality of the vocal performance coupled with Gallagher’s deft production ensure that this is a welcome return to old territory. In contrast to the blood and thunder of the ‘A’ side, the slower stripped back version contained within this release using just vocals, acoustic guitar and some keys is truly poignant and showcases the strength of Nicol’s work even when all the bells and whistles have been removed.
Reviewed by: Lins Honeyman for Cross Rhythms
Over the last few months there have been several single releases by Scottish Christian artists. These are all available to download at : 76
Excellent
Very good
Good
Average
eatacd.com Poor77
RECOMMENDS continued...
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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I heard these words, ‘Now is the winter of our discontent’, but they were like the last reverberations of an echo. And I saw on the horizon a light appearing and cutting through the darkness, growing ever so brighter and ever so larger. you have reached the end of a winter season in your life... a season of little growth; a season of pressure on all sides, spiritually and naturally; a season in which vision grew dim or even died. and the question that has most been on your lips is, ‘what am I supposed to do?’
But God says, have been found ‘that season has now ended and you melting away and zon hori the faithful. the sun is rising over spring can of ts shoo new the that the ice and the hardness so to run tite you and an appe appear. I am restoring vision to ght brou even on seas e the last through what I have shown you.Wher g orin rest days e thes in am I a physical hardness and fatigue away melt ical ailments will your strength and vitality, and phys will again have a passion you . ence pres my of t under the ligh mplish much in you. for my Word, and that Word will acco
the sun is rising upon you!’ Malachi 4:2 But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall.
for daily encouragement SubScribe to our free lion biteS prophetic wordS
www.glasgow-prophetic-centre.org.uk 79
HEAVEN, HOW I GOT HERE
The Story of the Thief on the Cross Colin S. Smith
What if you woke up one morning knowing that it was your last day on earth? That’s what happened to the thief on the cross, who died a few feet from Jesus. Heaven, How I Got Here is his story, told in his own words, as he looks back from Heaven on the day that changed his eternity, and the faith that can change yours. Colin S. Smith, who hails from Edinburgh, is Senior Pastor of The Orchard Evangelical Free Church in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. His preaching ministry is shared through the daily radio program, Unlocking the Bible and through his website, UnlockingtheBible.org. “...fuses together profound theology, historical “Here is a gripping account of God’s amazing veracity and gospel integrity with a vivid and grace that comes alive as recounted from this dramatic writing style which is compelling on unusual and really helpful perspective.” Alistair Begg, Senior Pastor, Parkside Church, every page. This book is genre defying.” David Meredith, Minister, Smithton Free Chagrin Falls, Ohio Church of Scotland, Inverness 978-1-78191-558-5 | £5.99
CONFIDENT
Why we can trust the Bible Daniel Strange & Michael Ovey
Let’s face some uncomfortable facts: many Christians can struggle with exactly the same issues about the Bible as their non-Christian friends. Is God in control? Can he be trusted? Is he moral? Does he care and can he speak into my life and my struggles? Daniel Strange and Michael Ovey set out how we can we place our complete trust in Scripture, challenging both Christian’s and those outside the church.
Daniel Strange is the Academic Vice Principal at Oakhill Theological College in London. He lectures on Culture, Religion and Public Theology. Michael Ovey is the Principal of Oak Hill Theological College in London and teaches on Doctrine, Apologetics and Liturgy.
“...here’s a great book to insert vertebra into our elastic spine! In an accessible but robust way, it strengthens our confidence in scripture, builds a compelling apologetic for our conversations with non-Christians, and urges us to follow Jesus’ example by living wholeheartedly by that transforming Word.” Jonathan Lamb, Keswick Ministries, CEO and minister-at-large
LAND OF MANY REVIVALS
Scotland’s Extraordinary Legacy of Christian Revivals Over Four Centuries (1527–1857) Tom Lennie Scotland has arguably the most varied, colourful and longstanding history of evangelical revivals in the world. Focusing on the period between 1527-1857 Tom Lennie provides an illuminating account of many an exciting time. Scotland’s true revival legacy is wide and varied and Lennie draws on a variety of sources to bring together this comprehensive resource. Land of Many Revivals examines how revival happened in different ways across Scotland and looks at the legacy left in these communities. Tom Lennie, a native of Orkney, has long held a passion for spiritual revivals worldwide, and owns one of the largest private libraries of revival literature in the UK. He currently resides in Edinburgh, where he is working on the next volume of his trilogy on Scottish revival movements. “This volume amply fulfils the promise of its title by surveying the vast range of religious revivals enjoyed in Scotland down to 1857. Tom Lennie has identified them with care and chronicled them with great sympathy. “ David Bebbington, Professor of History, University of Stirling, Stirling 978-1-78191-520-2 | Hardback | introductory price £14.99
The popular Little Lights series written by Catherine Mackenzie has now grown to 14 titles! Featuring much loved heroes such as John Knox, Eric Liddell and Mary Slessor, the series introduces children to these inspirational characters. £4.99 each Catherine MacKenzie is the CF4K editor at Christian Focus Publications and has now authored nearly 100 titles. She lives in Scotland and has several nieces and nephews - a perfect practice audience!
JOHN KNOX Who Will Save You? John Knox was a bright young lad grew up to be a strong fighter for freedom and liberty. This fiery Scot refused to give in to religion or royalty - it was the Bible, the Word of God that was his standard. 978-1-78191-587-5
MARY SLESSOR What is it like? Mary Slessor lead a tough life. But it helped her when she went to be a missionary amongst warrior tribes in Africa. 978-1-84550-791-6
978-1-78191-554-7 | £7.99
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www.christianfocus.com 01862 871011
www.christianfocus.com 01862 871011
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So many opportunities!
There has never been a better time to start a new mission project or new church plant than now! That may seem to be absolutely the opposite of everything that the church stats are saying, but bear with me a moment. Every questionnaire/survey/opinion poll that has been done in the last 10 years has said this: Scots are more interested now in God, spirituality, and Jesus than they have been in a very long time. There is a spiritual hunger out there. Genuinely the harvest is white. So, once again, there has never been a better time to start reaching out.
So that is what we need to do here in Scotland. We are the mission field now. The missionary journey used to be crossing the world, now it is crossing the street.
The thing that we need to do is to learn how to be missionaries right here in Scotland. Imagine you were being called by the Lord to go to a far off country where you were to share the gospel. What would you do to get ready? Learn the language and customs of the community so that you could discover how to communicate the good news with the locals. Perhaps you would gather a team who would be able to do this with you. You would certainly get your home church praying for you and supporting you in any way possible.
He is looking for those who are willing to learn how to do mission and church planting here at home. At Forge Scotland this is exactly what we do - we train ordinary Christians to do this extraordinary thing, reaching a spiritually hungry country with the good news of Jesus. We are looking for mechanics, mums, students, and to be honest, anyone who is up for this challenge. These are exciting times for the church in Scotland. Come and be part of the adventure.
Alan McWilliam
82Director of Forge Scotland
So it is time to learn how to be a missionary here in Scotland, and the Lord IS calling you!
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We are very excited to have a 3.5 day LAM intensive workshop coming from Bethel Church to Glasgow this Autumn. This workshop is organised by LAM in partnership with Hope Church Glasgow and is being held in the superb facilities of Bearsden Baptist Church on the northern edge of the city. We are expecting this to be a very popular workshop so please apply early since places are limited.
Your participation in this workshop will give you:
Fresh, bold teaching about spiritual, emotional and sexual oneness
Tools to take your marriage to a higher level of intimacy, communication and enjoyment
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Breakthrough for marriages, helping you to overcome your relational strongholds
Bearsden Baptist Church, 14 Roman Road, Glasgow, G61 2SL
F a c i l i t a t o r s Andy & Yvonne Hall
An opportunity to practice these tools in a safe and secure small group environment
Venue
Date rd
23 -26th September 2015
Cost £180
Keys for healthy marriages to go even deeper
To download an an application application and and information information pack pack go go to to To download www.loveaftermarriage.org.uk or foror more emailemail http://www.loveaftermarriage.org.uk/ for minformation ore information Beth B Bradnum Beth radnum at at admin@hopechurchglasgow.org admin@hopechurchglasgow.org 85
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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Its 7am in the small village of Thungururu, Kenya… Thungururu is 60 kilometres along a dusty, potholestricken road from the nearest town of Thika and the journey there costs more than most of the villagers earn a day. With physical isolation also comes financial isolation. The nearest bank is in Thika meaning the villagers have nowhere safe to keep the paltry money they earn, no protection against high inflation and no prospect of growing the businesses they rely on. That was until Five Talents and its partner, the Anglican Church of Kenya, offered an alternative.
The hustle and bustle of the small local market has already begun. Standing at one corner is Eunice who is carefully pouring petrol into the tank of the local motorbike taxi. She runs her business attentively, chatting to one driver as she gives change to another. Eunice’s business might seem unremarkable, but nothing is further from the truth. 88 88
Eunice was one of a hundred people keen to join a savings and loan group as soon as it began at her church. Eunice was a subsistence farmer. She and her four children lived an uncertain life, there was not enough money for food, let alone enough to pay school or doctors fees. However, Eunice saw an opportunity to open a small petrol business as the nearest petrol station was many hours away. Joining the group gave Eunice the first chance she’d ever had to safely save, borrow and even earn interest. Eunice and her group saved together until there was enough to borrow and pay back with a small amount of interest to grow the fund. This transformed her life. She is now able to travel the 60 kilometres once a week to buy the petrol which she sells in Thungururu to make a healthy profit. All of her children go to school and Eunice’s confidence is visible to see - she is finally able to provide for her family.
It is entrepreneurs just like Eunice that Five Talents, in partnership with the church, supports across East Africa providing innovative savings and loans schemes to the active poor. Please visit our website fivetalents.org.uk/donate to transform more lives through enterprise.
Photos by adamdickens.com
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CENTRE FOR MINISTRY STUDIES SUMMER SCHOOL 2015
PARTICIPATING IN THE MINISTRY OF CHRIST August 16th – 21st 2015, Kings College, Old Aberdeen For anyone involved in Christian leadership and service, lay or ordained, from all traditions of the church, the Summer School offers a safe and stimulating space where ministries are refreshed and re-centred on Jesus Christ. Full programme, full catering, full accommodation - £520 (early booking rate £495 before 1st May) Presenters: Canon Nick Cuthbert Professor Tom Greggs Very Rev John Miller Rev Peter Neilson Rev Alison Wilkinson Bible Studies Visits
Talks Seminars
Worship Fellowship
For more details: www.abdn.ac.uk/sdhp/centreministrystudies/events Email: clare.davidson@abdn.ac.uk Telephone: 01224 272138 ‘A centre of excellence that provides world class education and training for people involved in Christian ministry at home and abroad.’ www.abdn.ac.uk/sdhp/centreministrystudies 90
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Saltmine Theatre Company presents
Saltmine Trust - Faith Motivated Arts
15th - 22nd August Palmerston Place Church and Central Hall
www.saltminetrust.org.uk
Darkness Falls-John’s Gospel Dreamkeepers www.edfringe.com
Lifestyle & wedding photography vintage, candid and creative
The Faith Mission Bible College FULL TIME Diploma in Applied Theology 2 year full time study with opt in 3rd year ministry apprenticeship
PART TIME Certificate in Biblical Studies
Essential truth and skills for those who want to dig deeper – Tuesdays
Social Media training and visual content
eilidhsutherland.com hello@eilidhsutherland.com
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www.fmbc.ac 0131 664-4336 2 Drum Street, Edinburgh EH17 8QG
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Week, Day, Evening & Camping tickets available online or on the door Great programme for all ages in a beautiful holiday setting
www.clangathering.org.uk
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come to CLAN Gathering by Frances Young
www.fmbookshops.com
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‘Come to CLAN,’ a friend said to me several years ago. I envisaged some kind of re-enactment of Culloden. It turned out to be as life-changing for me as Culloden was for the clans – but happily not so disastrous! It was not without challenge, however. CLAN (Christians Linked Across the Nation) brings together people from churches and fellowships all over Scotland, all denominations and none. People with an easy, relaxed relationship with God and people with a fierce, passionate one; old folks who have seen it all and miraculously still want to see more; harassed parents struggling to bring up their children in today’s desperately secular and self-focused world; striving young professionals and angstridden teenagers; energy-pumped children and exhausting toddlers. And the odd newborn creating an admiring centre of attention. Sounds like a recipe for chaos? Well, think again. We serve a God who delights in our diversity and loves to come into it and to work in all our hearts. Over the years, I have been to several CLAN Gatherings (week-long summer festivals), a couple of local CLAN weekends and, my personal favourite, CLAN Women, two days of seeing women freed up to meet with God in a way they never knew was possible. If you have never been to a CLAN event – and you cannot be more unsure than I was at the beginning – I urge you to give it a try. Not only has it deepened and enlivened my own faith, it has had a startling effect on the small, traditional C of S that I attend. Last year, no less than 14 of us went to CLAN Women. Step by step, we are changing our church, raising ‘the faith temperature’ and bringing new life to its services and structures. We are even hosting a Streams Ministries’ ‘Art of Hearing God’ course in June. Miracles do happen! Thank you, CLAN.
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it’s a journey
www.clangathering.org.uk
Books & Bibles, Commentaries, Church Resources, Children’s Materials Gifts and Cards, Multi-Media & Music, Coffee Shops*
Dunfermline - Edinburgh* - Glasgow* - Perth* - Peterhead - Stirling
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Do you struggle to raise funds for your church? We can help! Got a great idea but struggling to make it happen? So too are the people we work with in East Africa! At Five Talents we live the parable of the talents by providing: Innovative savings and loans schemes to people who would otherwise struggle to meet their most basic needs Financial and business training to make their ideas a reality
Now we want to give you
the opportunity to help both your church and the people we work with. To find out how to receive a FREE investment from us to generate money for Five Talents and your Church call Hannah on 020 332 60426 or email: hannah.wichmann@fivetalents.org.uk. 98
fivetalents.org.uk | Twitter: @five_talents | Facebook: FiveTalentsUK A registered charity in England and Wales No. 1113969 and a limited company in England and Wales No. 5641704 99
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.
COMPASSION UK CHRISTIAN CHILD DEVELOPMENT 43 High Street, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 8BB Registered Charity No. 1077216 Registered in England No. 3719092
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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.