by A message from Pastor Jimmy Botha
As we glance again over 2022 within the Scottish Goal
The Scottish Mission has misplaced two of our good pastors this 12 months on account of their relocation to Newbold School in the summertime. Pastors Rory and Ivana Mendez accepted two totally different roles, Ivana as a lecturer at Newbold, and Rory because the Director of the Ellen G. White Centre positioned inside the Newbold School perimeter. Now we have fond recollections of their time right here, 9 years in whole, and had been sorry to see them go.
The lack of this couple meant a change in our employees and the primary new worker to reach was Priest Wilfred Masih. Priest Masih arrived in Scotland on the first of September having answered a name for a World Goal Pioneer. The purpose was to deliver pastoral presence to the north of Scotland and to plant a church within the Inverness space the place a small group of individuals have been assembly for a number of years.
As a part of our strategic pondering, we need to deliver a few everlasting presence of our church within the northern a part of Scotland, the place we can finally have a sustainable manner of reaching out to the islands within the north of mainland Scotland. We want Pastor Wil and his household God’s richest blessings as they proceed to work within the new space and endeavour to plant a brand new church.
The second new arrival is Pastor Ratko Risteski. Pastor Ratko successfully replaces Pastors Rory and Ivana Mendez who moved to England in June. Pastor Ratko is working within the west of Scotland, particularly in Irvine, Faifley, and Paisley district of church buildings. Pastor Ratko arrived alongside together with his household on the twenty fifth November 2022. This brings the staffing of Scotland to the identical degree because it was earlier than the summer time. Going ahead we want to see at the very least another individual be part of the group.
Many conversations are taking place presently as we’ve our eyes on the far south-west of the nation, a big space, the place we’ve no presence both. We look ahead to sharing extra on this with you as soon as these plans begin taking form.
The Scottish Goal has actually been blessed by the generosity of our members all through the pandemic. The faithfulness of our members meant that our tithe figures stayed kind of on the right track, just like pre-pandemic figures. Nevertheless, as we enter the final quarter of 2022, it has turn out to be evident that our members are being affected by the sudden rise in vitality costs and residing prices typically. In our conversations in regards to the 2023 funds for the Scottish Mission and in addition the British Union, provision should be made for an adjustment in vitality bills by our members and church buildings alike.
With many uncertainties forward of us we imagine the Lord will present as He has at all times executed. In the mean time, the membership of the mission stands at 732, nevertheless I’m assured that we are going to see this quantity develop all through 2023.
Our pastors work exhausting and it’s good to get constructive studies of discipleship, Bible research, and prayer teams assembly commonly. A few of our church buildings are additionally closely concerned of their native communities. One effort price mentioning is that 2 of our church buildings have put themselves ahead to take part within the ‘Heat Areas’ initiative. Which means that as soon as per week the church buildings are used as a ‘heat area’ and are open to anybody who want to save on heating payments or discover some firm. Heat drinks and snacks are offered.
We even have many members who’ve welcomed Ukrainian refugees into their properties and are actively serving to them discover their toes once more after fleeing the struggle in Ukraine. An inflow of refugees signifies that our church buildings are actually working in direction of with the ability to present translation and it appears like translation is quick changing into a everlasting a part of our expertise.
As we close to the tip of the 12 months, it was excellent to have met with all of our Pastors and most of our voluntary departmental leaders in Stirling on the eleventh December for our annual festive lunch. The group has not met like this for 2 years and everyone actually loved this get-together. A group effort led by Hellevi Walker, our administrative secretary, meant that every one youngsters obtained a vibrant reward and all group members obtained a present from somebody inside the group anonymously. With occasions as such we create area for the group to pause for a second from the exhausting work of ministry and to snicker collectively as we take time to worth friendships and household.
Myself and Hellevi want all our members a really blessed festive time as you are taking time, this Christmas to be with household and associates. Might the blessings of Jesus in our lives make for a beautiful expertise of pleasure and fulfilment.
Now we have many thrilling issues deliberate for 2023 and we look ahead to it. It’s our prayer that the Lord will carry the Scottish Mission by means of this coming twelve month as well as that by His grace we’ll see many souls come to know as well as enjoy Him!
