2 minute read
Cairn Brae
from Generous Portions
by Young Life
CAIRN BRAE — 2008
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it ...” (Psalm 24:1).
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Decades ago, an area director in Texas reached out to two girls who ended up meeting Christ through Young Life. Little did this area director know that many years later, God would translate these efforts into new connections and a Young Life camp in Scotland. The two girls were the daughters of Don Stephens, founder and president of Mercy Ships. In 2008, Young Life Area Director Randy Nickel met Don, who declared Young Life was his favorite organization in America and both of his daughters had been involved. In the midst of their conversation, Nickel mentioned he was moving to Scotland, and Stephens insisted Nickel connect with the chair of their board, Ann Gloag, who lived in Scotland. Nickel did connect with Gloag, a Susan B. Anthony Humanitarian Award recipient, who longed for her grandkids and nephew to experience Young Life too. Incredibly, the very next summer they were among a group of eight kids from Perth, Scotland, who spent a week at Lake Champion. Following his time at Lake Champion, Gloag’s nephew, Calum Souter, learned that 30 acres of lakefront property, which sat next to their estate, was up for sale. Calum told his dad the property reminded him of Lake Champion and that their family should “buy this so it can be a Young Life camp.” The Souter Charitable Trust purchased the property with the plan to lease it to Young Life for one pound a year. If this was not enough, Gloag told Nickel she wanted to help with the cost of renovating the property. Young Life’s camp in Scotland opened in 2015. (MFT, p. 175)
Crieff, Scotland
Sometimes simply doing the right thing — providing for a need, inviting two girls to Young Life — can open the door to divine appointments and God’s generous portions. Whether you are in a position to extend a humble invitation, make a random introduction or provide a grand gift, you are a part of God’s ongoing redemptive plan. Spend some time today considering the many people and circumstances God has knit together to influence you. Now, ask God to help you to see the opportunities He is putting in front of you today to be a part of His generous portions.
