Day 5: Scotland

Ministry and Gospel hope

Day five began with Derek joining the West End team at their flat to prepare for the evening's “Songs & Stories of Faith” gathering. He also led a devotional from Acts 2:42, reminding the team of the early Church's devotion to God's Word, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. After praying together, Derek headed off to serve as chaplain for Hibernian (Hibs) Football Club.

With a little free time before the evening event, the team enjoyed exploring Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile and visiting St. Giles’ Cathedral, a wonderful opportunity to experience more of Scotland's rich history and culture.

Later that afternoon, Brett, David, and Parker returned to Hope Church Leith to prepare for the evening. The team was also delighted to welcome Carter, a young adult from our West End church family who is currently studying in Scotland. What a sweet opportunity to reconnect with someone from home!

“Songs & Stories of Faith” was a beautiful evening of music, personal testimonies, and fellowship. Brett, David, and their new Scottish friend John shared a mixture of original music and familiar songs. Lisa shared her personal testimony alongside a gentleman from Hope Church Leith who shared his own story of faith.

There was something especially meaningful about hearing voices and stories from Scotland and the United States come together around the same hope we share in Jesus Christ.

The evening drew a record turnout, and the Hope Church Leith family was deeply encouraged! What a gift to see music and personal stories create opportunities for people to gather, connect, and hear about the hope found in Jesus Christ.

One of the unexpected blessings of this trip has been the friendships developing within the seven-member West End team. While they came to Scotland to encourage their friends at Hope Church Leith, the Lord has also used this time to strengthen and encourage them.

Through shared meals, meaningful conversations, laughter, prayer, and serving alongside one another, the team has grown closer. A common theme in their conversations has been how personally touched they've been by the Lord's work in Scotland.

Sometimes we set out hoping to be a blessing to others, only to discover just how much the Lord intends to bless and shape us along the way.

As the team reflects on the week, Acts 2:42 seems especially fitting. We've seen glimpses of the same beautiful picture throughout our time in Scotland. We have different backgrounds, accents, and stories, but one Lord who brings his people together.

We came hoping to encourage a church family across the ocean and are returning with a deeper appreciation for the beauty of Christ's Church and the quiet, faithful work he continues to do through his people.

HOW WE’VE SEEN GOD AT WORK:

• A wonderful community gathering
  “Songs & Stories of Faith” drew a record turnout, bringing people together to hear testimonies, enjoy music, and experience Christian fellowship.

• The Gospel shared through personal stories
  Lisa and a member of Hope Church Leith shared how Jesus has been at work in their lives.

• Growing friendships
  The Lord is deepening relationships within the West End team and with the Hope Church Leith family.

• Mutual encouragement
  What began as a trip to encourage ministry partners has also become a meaningful time of spiritual refreshment and growth for the team.

prayer requests:

• Those who attended “Songs & Stories of Faith” - that the Lord would continue working in their hearts and draw them into meaningful relationships with Hope Church Leith

• For Carter - that she would build strong friendships, grow in her faith, and find a welcoming Christian community while studying in Scotland

• For Derek and Catriona - that God would bless their chaplaincy work with local football clubs, opening doors through their faithful presence, listening, and care for others

• For those walking through recovery - for strength, perseverance, healing, and a community that will faithfully walk alongside them

• For Hope Church Leith - that Derek and Catriona would find rest, encouragement, wisdom, and renewed joy amid the many demands of ministry