This past May we spent 3 weeks working in Scotland encouraging the pastors and churches. Three members of our team each wrote a piece about some of our activities there. We want to thank you so much for your support, prayer and encouragement; you are a part of this team!
Rick:
From May 21–23, we were blessed to participate in the Church of God Scotland National Convention. What a beautiful family in Christ they are!
I was deeply impacted by their passion for reaching souls in some of the most challenging areas in Europe. The international diversity represented from around the globe also stirred my heart and prompted thoughts of what Heaven must be like, with every tribe, kindred, tongue and nation worshiping God together in unity.
I thoroughly enjoyed the new relationships that God is forming and look forward to partnering together for the advancement of His Kingdom. Thank you, Dr. Sloop and Bishop Alao, for inviting us. Our lives have been greatly enriched by your friendship and by all the wonderful servants of God with whom we now have the privilege of sharing fellowship. We are truly grateful and excited for what God will continue to do through these connections in the days ahead.
Jackie:
We received an exciting invitation from Pastor Vincent, a Nigerian pastor in Scotland, to minister at his church. We were honored to be able to meet with his congregation. This same church had actually invited us before, and we were not able to make it because of time constraints. So, we definitely didn’t want to miss this opportunity.
The mission field in the UK is vast and has a very serious need for laborers. I am actually in shock by the lack of gospel knowledge at large in a place that seems to have such a profound Christian history. (It made me think of how serious the situation actually is even in our “Christian” nation.) And a chance to encourage or help carry the load of a local pastor is precious.
This kind of opportunity always makes me nervous; I know it’s going to be a new experience. And you don’t always know what will be expected of you.
The service was really two in one. The children had prepared a whole service of presentations for the congregation, focusing on the Christian’s need to shine into the darkness. It was beautiful and convicting. And when it came time for the second service, I saw Jesus cross all cultural boundaries and use our team and their team to minister together through prayer, worship and the Word. Jesus is relevant to every person no matter their culture or background. And His Spirit breaks through all boundaries. We saw varied service styles represented, and God used all those ministering that day as one body. His Word convicted, and His presence brought joy. It was encouraging and purposeful. And I know the Lord is bringing fruit from it. Thank you, Jesus!
Kim:
The Son is Rising
Malachi 4:2-3 (NASB)
2 But for you who [revere] fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and frolic like calves from the stall. 3 And you will crush the wicked underfoot, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day [when I act] that I am preparing,” says the Lord of armies.
What an interesting metaphor for such an important prophetic word. And what an image. Well fed calves frolicking about freely, glad to be out of the stalls and into the wide open spaces. It brings to mind breakdancing and just flip-flopping all over the place.
The second part of this text in Malachi 4 is just as compelling. Calves crushing and stamping out the dark forces as though they were mere ashes. Ashes will leave a soot mark of evidence that a divine war dance happened but no injuries were incurred.
That is the promise to those who revere the Lord. It is the promise of a bright day that is prepared and ready to go. In some places the darkness has rested over the land for a long time. But the Sonrise is coming!
Scotland is one such place. The vast majority do not know the Lord. They sit in darkness. Like in so many places that we visit, Jesus Christ is not known to this generation.
We have been going in to Scotland since 2019. And from the beginning the glimmer of hope was evident in a bleak and oftentimes dreary spiritual landscape. There are houses set apart for the Lord. There are people who revere the Lord, and I believe the Lord is going to let loose a stampede breakdance of sorts. The stalls are breaking open in Scotland and around the world. And the joy unspeakable and full of glory is going to break out in a breakdance calculus of unprecedented movements.
Matthew 4:16 (NASB)
The people who were sitting in darkness saw a great Light, And those who were sitting in the land and shadow of death, Upon them a Light dawned.”
Our recent visit in May was for 3 weeks. We were able to strengthen and expand our bonds of fellowship with believers and churches in Scotland. We witnessed a wonderful baptism service at Pastor Sherrie Hadden’s church in Edinburgh. Three young women made a public declaration of their faith in Christ.
1 Peter 1:8 (NASB) …you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,
Pastor Sherrie has become a good friend and like family to us. Remember to pray for her and the churches as she continues to pastor in two locations. Her ministry is in the process of making big changes which no doubt will be a catalyst for greater things in Christ Jesus.
Let’s be reminded that He who began the work will be faithful to complete it.
I look forward to the unprecedented measure described as… no eye has seen and no ear has heard…on that level of stampede I believe that the enemy is outmeasured. I pray those days are like seasons within extended seasons of greater glory and increasing greater victories.
I see a forecast of Sonshine in Scotland in the foreseeable future. Join us as we pray about all of the new things that God is doing. Thank you!
Plan for moving to Scotland:
We have prayed for several years about what the Lord would have us do to set up another base across the pond. We have been offered visa sponsorship for Scotland with the option to renew after the period ends. Rick and Kim plan to apply this Summer for their visas and move over in the Fall. They will be collaborating with the churches mentioned above along with some others. We will be doing a lot of driving between the churches.
If you want to support us with additional giving for our mission to Scotland, here is a breakdown of the initial expenses that we are raising funds for currently, in order to move in 2026. We are so grateful for any support that God may put on your heart to give, Thank you!
Airfare for flexible date tickets Total for 2 = $2,400
Housing and meals $1,500-$1,800 monthly Total for 2 mo. =$3,600
Transportation- purchase a vehicle Total $25,000 w/tax
Petrol Gas $200-$250 @ $9 per gallon Total for 2 mo. = $500
Misc. Drivers license required training course Total $2,000
Initial estimated expense goals for fund raising: Total: $46,500
Continued ongoing monthly support Total: $4,000
