Gleanings from the Pastor's Perspective: Short Term Mission Report from Scotland

The Pastor’s Perspective

“Short Term Mission Report from Scotland”
First Published, August 18, 2000

Just the other day I received an email report from Dr. Bob Ackroyd (the Associate Minister of Buccleuch and Greyfriars Free Church of Scotland in Edinburgh, the church with whom our summer missions team is working) recounting some of the work they’ve done so far. By the way, Buccleuch is pronounced “Buh-clue.” I’ve also spoken with Don Breazeale, our Ruling Elder who, along with Duncan Rankin, is leading the team. I thought you’d be interested to hear what they’ve been up to.

“Day 4 – Thursday, August 10, 2000, Edinburgh, Scotland
Greetings to Friends in Jackson. We have been very encouraged by the mission so far. The team
from Jackson and the team from Edinburgh have worked very well together and much has been accomplished!

“Children’s Club: We have run a children’s club every morning and we have attracted between 20 and 30 children between the ages of 3 and 11. Every one now has a North Jackson
League Baseball shirt! There is a family evening planned on Friday to highlight what the children have been doing (including an episode of the drama which has been enjoyed by one and all!) and we hope that many parents will come along. Please pray that this would go well and that the Gospel message would be well received.

“Outreach Café: In the afternoon and evening we run an outreach Café at St. Columba’s church, which is on the Royal mile just a few hundred yards from the castle. Every day thousands of people pass by and we are there serving tea and coffee and distributing tracts and other Christian literature. At most times our café is standing room only. Several interesting conversations have already occurred and through the literature we hope and pray that seeds
will be sown. Also, every day a tour of Edinburgh’s Christian heritage sites is given by Mr Anderson – an expert on Church history and able to answer any question about Scotland. We are also donating all money received through the tour and café to the Bethany Christian Trust which helps the homeless in Edinburgh and beyond.

“Door–to–Door Visitation: Also in the afternoon and evening, the team from Jackson and the team from Buccleuch are paired up for door to door visitation. We have covered quite a wide
area. Our primary objective is to let people know about our church and invite them to special services which are to be held on Sunday. On Sunday morning there is a family service and in the evening is a guest service for visitors and friends of the congregation. The title of the evening service is “One man came in the name of love” and I will preach on John 3:16. Please pray for this service that those who have been invited will come and hear the good news about Jesus. There have been many good contacts made through this visitation and some conversations have lasted almost 2 hours! We in Buccleuch are very encouraged by these visits.

“With warmest greetings and wishing you every blessing in Christ. Thank you for your prayerful support.” - Bob Akroyd.

I Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.”
Let’s continue to pray for the work of our summer missions teams and give thanks for the witness that they have borne to Christ.

Your friend,

Ligon Duncan


[editorial note: for information about this year’s STM opportunities, email Pete Whitney, peterw@fpcjackson.org]