The Secular Scotland

David Hume portrayed as a Greek Philosopher

Secular Scotland.  That's a label I've heard often in regards to Scotland's spiritual condition.  Is that a fair label? While I was standing in a paved parking lot in Edinburgh with only an unmarked small yellow square on the ground to mark where the Scottish reformer John Knox was buried, I thought it was fair.  Then I found out that his statue, which once stood proudly outdoors, was now hidden in St. Giles Cathedral. While I see David Hume, the Scottish philosopher, idolized on the Royal Mile with a great statue, I thought it was fair.   Is it true that there is a general disinterest in Christ throughout the country?  Yes.  So perhaps as a whole, the term "Secular Scotland" is warranted.  However, hope is not lost.

After a wonderful week with Rob Bell of the Herald's Trust in Scotland, week two continues to be a huge encouragement to me.  We are currently in a little town called Lossiemouth, a place where the architecture is declaring a rich history.  Not only was the scenery breathtaking on our journey to Lossiemouth Baptist Church, the congregation blew us away with their unending hospitality. 

These people have never met us before this trip and yet have bent over backwards for us time and again in our short stay.  I was overwhelmed with the feast prepared for us on the very day we arrived and we are still learning that that was only the tip of the iceberg.  Now before you begin thinking to yourself, "Hmmm, this sounds more like a vacation that a ministry trip," I need to clarify something.  While the countryside is beautiful, and the food is seemingly infinite, I have treasured ministering alongside our Scottish brethren.

The students performing at a community coffee time

The pastor is a young man by the name of Rae Mackenzie (I say young because he's my age).  He is a man of great vision and a huge heart for the lost.  Lossiemouth is not a financially poor community and yet there is great need.  Secular Scotland is a fair label even in areas that have rich Christian tradition.  Yet God is at work.  I cannot believe how many times we've been able to get in the public schools and preach the gospel.  We even had the opportunity to present in Gordonstoun school where Prince Charles and other members of the royal family were educated.  Even the youth group within the church is reaching the unchurched.  On Thursday we will be participating in 5-aside football outreach (translation: 5-on-5 soccer) which, like the U.S., is using sports ministry to reach the lost.


Is Scotland Secular? Perhaps, but God is not gone.  He is working through his people.  We keep hearing more reports of girls getting saved as a result of the first girl that was led to Christ by Vanessa.  There are now four total girls that have made profession of faith in Christ Jesus that we are aware of.  Is this beginning of a revival?  Why not?!  I consider myself a realist but unfortunately, I'm usually not.  A realist is somebody that believes that God can realistically do anything He pleases.

..From the Lossie Youth Cafe

Been having an incredible time with the Church family of the Lossiemouth Baptist Church. A lot of time with the Youth has been amazing... you know me and people.. Like Peanut Butter and Jelly, we just mesh. In any case, tonight is going to be time well earned hanging out at this awesome Youth Cafe! I only say earned because I see it more like a break from our regular schedule... even though we are technically "ministering" right now. I'm sure I can get some pics from Vanessa later to show you the sweet red couches, fusball table, pool tables, snack and soda bar, performance stage, and a great sound system! A great alternative for kids to hang out at. The story goes that a group of Churches got together and are funding this place. What a great thing. Looking forward to the chill time we get with the kids.

Cut the Apathy and Get with the Battle!

“Freedom!” I’ll just bet you know what that line’s from. Braveheart is a very popular movie here in Scotland, as well as in the States, as they call them here. Since one of our “clan” hadn’t yet seen it, we watched it at the Bell’s house, the family who is hosting a couple of us in their home during our missions trip. We gathered around the television to watch this movie which chronicles the life of one of Scotland’s heroes, William Wallace. This man was spurred to battle with the English by the murders of those closest to him and the persecution of his people. He fought many bloody battles, stirring the people to action by his cry of “Freedom,” exactly what he desired most for Scotland.

I guess I’m one of the few, the proud, the brave when it comes down to being a female watching an intensely gory war movie, but believe it or not, I actually got a lot out of it. Not only did I learn some historical face (and fiction…history books didn’t mention a love story, but they might be wrong), but God taught me about the work He’s given us as Christians to do.

I see each of us as kind of a William Wallace. God has given us the authority and the strength to speak His Word and fight for it. It is our duty to incite the troops, our fellow siblings in Christ, to fight with us against the enemy who is oppressing the people around us with a tyranny of lies, wanting to keep them in the dark, not knowing the freedom in Christ that we do. The Evil One is bearing down on us, intimidating us with troops too numerous to fathom. Our brothers and sisters in the faith are becoming disheartened by the probable outcome and start to turn back.

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." – John 16:33

That is what has happened here is Scotland. The church is dying, but not because of persecution from the outside, but rather apathy and dissention from the inside. I have witnessed this in churches I used to be a part of until they fizzled or took up a false gospel which confused their ranks so the Enemy could march right in and take over. It seems hopeless, but we don’t have to sit back and make it easy for them. We can stand up against our common enemy who keeps trying to buy us off with promises of peace just like the English king tried to do with Wallace. Fortunately, Wallace realized that was merely a distraction that would take his eyes off of the main goal of bringing his people to complete freedom. We too need to realize that the comforts of this world will not last and are only a distraction from our real goal – to reach as many as we can with the Gospel of the freedom of peace which comes through Christ our Saviour.

Ephesians 6 talks about the battle we are actually fighting at this moment. “The battle we fight is not against flesh and blood, but against demons, against powers, against the Devil himself.” I’m glad the places I’ve been in haven’t been so hostile to the Gospel that they actually torture people, but there ARE still countries that do that today. A pastor in one such country is awaiting death for preaching about Jesus. Our team went on a Reformation tour in Edinburgh early this week and learned about the Scottish martyrs. These early Christians went by the thousands to their deaths, but literally singing praise songs because they were honored to die for the One they had lived for and proclaimed with their lives. We should have such passion! William Wallace did in his campaign for Scottish freedom. We should be so passionate in our campaign for freedom through Christ. Who knows how many people would come if only they saw that passion!

There were several scenes in the movie where Wallace came against extreme hardships. The first was when he lost his father and his wife on separate occasions. Those losses made the war personal to him and drove him to fight. Before they died, he knew there was a battle raging, but focused rather on his life and interests. It seems that, as Christians, we don’t get involved in the war being fought for the possession of souls until the Enemy has affected us personally by attacking someone we love. Honestly, we should wait for the battle to come to us to engage the Enemy.

“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” – 1 Timothy 6:12

We need to be out on the front lines in whatever capacity God has placed us, whether it be your neighbor who doesn’t yet know about Christ, or the man in your workplace who spend his lunch breaks alone, or the classmate at school who tried to commit suicide recently. They are in your life and have crossed your path for a reason. God doesn’t set those situations up for nothing. Don’t ignore that opportunity!

Just the other night actually, our team went to a student talent show at the school here. We met many students and saw some we had befriended a couple of days ago. I was having a very interesting conversation about agnosticism with a guy there and, feeling I wasn’t getting anywhere, decided to pray for him and let the Lord work. After I finished praying for him, a girl who was getting to know our group asked what it was we had done and I told her we had prayed. She lit up like a firefly and asked, “Really?” I could feel the Lord nudging me to pray with her and when I offered, she jumped at the chance and gave me her life story and told me how empty she had felt. We went off to the side so we wouldn’t have to yell above the din inside the auditorium.
The Lord brought to my mind the idea of a donut having a hole in the middle and our trying to find other things to fill it. None of them would work and would eventually break the donut. We couldn’t fill that void with ourselves either because it was like turning that donut inside out. No matter how you rolled it, the hole could never be filled. But God, Who was the donut Maker (wink, wink), was the only One Who could fill us perfectly without ruining us. It encouraged her and when asked if she wanted to accept Jesus’ gift on the cross, she said yes! That very first prayer was simple and from her heart…the very best kind. Rejoice! For we now have a new sister in Christ!!!

Walking back to our host family’s home with us, she practically shook with excitement and so did all of us, I think. Please pray that God would send new Christian friends her way who would bolster her new faith and guide her as she seeks after God. God totally set up tat entire situation and the result was all to His glory. He used us to get his message across and is even now doing a remarkable work in a young life because someone took that opportunity to share. It’s our lives’ mission to point others to Him.

Now back to my original illustration if you haven’t already forgotten. Another hardship Wallace faced was betrayal by his friend, Robert the Bruce, who agreed to unite to clans against their common enemy so they would have more strength to fight against the opposing armies. At the key moment when reinforcements were so desperately needed and Wallace looked to them for help, they simply turned and rode away, leaving him and his men in the thick of a hopeless battle. To top it off, Wallace found out who ordered the abandonment – his trusted friend.

I feel there are two lessons to be learned here. First of all, too often we tell our brothers and sisters we have their backs in prayer or in helping to support them in some way, and during a key hardship in their lives, we welch on our promise, leaving them to fend for themselves. If anything, we need to follow through with our promises and prove that our word is good and love of Christ is in us, not just to win others to Christ by our example, but also to encourage those already in the faith to do the same. If the Lord can have our backs (Isaiah 58:8), we can most certainly stand in the gap for our siblings in Christ. Secondly, we need to understand and expect opposition to our message. Satan isn’t only plaguing the unsaved, with pushing them closer to the edge of the cliff. He’s also causing dissention within the ranks, turning brother against brother. Abraham Lincoln always gets the credit for stating the verse from Proverbs, “A kingdom divided against itself will fall.”

Paul knew this when he wrote his letter to the Corinthians. (1 Corinthians 6:1-10) He warned them not to take each other to court because people who didn’t know Christ would see in them just as much anger and bitterness in them as the rest of the world. Where would their witness be then? What hope of love and forgiveness would anyone see in that? I love the way Wallace reacted in the movie. He mourned over the betrayal, but did not stop fighting, and when Robert the Bruce finally determined to do right, Wallace came back to give him another chance, forgiving him for such a low blow that cost Scotland many men in that battle. We need to forgive our brothers and sisters in Christ because we are just as fallible as they were.

“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13

At the end of the movie, Wallace died a terrible torturous death, but in his last breath he screamed what his mission had been, almost handing it over to his men. Just like Wallace, our lives will come to an end, whether it be a quiet natural death or suffering in a similar way. We too need to hold on to our mission to the very last breath, passing the torch as it were to the next generation as the world continues to grow darker.

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 labor in the Lord is not in vain.” - 1 Corinthians 15:58

Wallace may not have shown his fear, but no person can go into that hoard without at least some amount of fear. But the key is that Wallace didn’t allow his fear to keep him from doing what he knew he had to do. We in our Christian walk will face odds in the spiritual realm that would surpass that of any war that has ever occurred on this planet. We, if anybody, have a reason to fear, but we need to remember that the One Who is on our side is infinitely stronger than any foe we could face.

“That is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.” – 2 Timothy 1:12

He knows we fear, but He gives us everything we need to fight. We fight for freedom in Christ.

I can’t promise you I will paint my face blue, but I will scream the words of William Wallace,




“They can take our lives,
and they can take our land,
but they can’t take our freedom!”

“For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” - 2 Corinthians 3:17

Cheers from Scotland!

~Vanessa ;) <><

Where the Streets Have No Shame

Every city, it seems has its deep dark secrets.  Edinburgh is no exception.  Our team spent Friday morning storming the castle... well, more like walking around taking pictures in the rain.  The castle is filled with such history.  What an amazing site.

The streets are filled with tourists eager to experience Scotland. Little shops line the Royal Mile selling all types of Scottish souvenirs as the aroma of Fish 'n' Chips fills the streets. That's Edinburgh by day.  Edinburgh on a Friday night is quite different.

Dr. Jekyll goes to the sleep after sunset and Mr. Hyde emerges. Yet once again, the light of Christ shines in even the darkest of places. We teamed up with some believers passionate about sharing the love of Christ and we hit the streets in the night club district of Edinburgh.

People lining up to enter "Sin"

We tend to think of spiritual oppression as an African or South Asian problem and yet Satan's strongholds are all too visible in Scotland's nightlife.  Witch congregations walk the streets amist the loud drunken young people.  A lady, too incoherent to find her way, is guided by a friend.  Satan enjoys a small victory as he claims a church-converted-to-nightclub called "Sin."  The stain glass is replaced with the silhouette of Satan falling from heaven.  The chaotic streets, loud with wild yelling and singing, expose a deep desire for purpose and meaning.  And still, there is hope.

We set up tables on this cold, wet night offering free hot drinks to anybody who would accept the gesture.  Many stop for tea, coffee, or hot chocolate and we are able to have meaningful Christ-centered discussions. I find myself speaking with people from Scotland, Poland, Ireland, and Spain.  A common theme I hear is that they believe in God but aren't sure if they can ever have the eternal security of heaven with Christ.  I ask them why?  They  cannot be certain because of their past offenses in God's eyes.  One after another feels unworthy of God's love.  I remember some of their names: Krystan, Leo, Holly, and there are some others.

God's grace is a hard concept to comprehend.  We feel so unworthy and yet that is the point of God's grace.  He loves us regardless of our deeds.  The past is behind us.  The question is, how will we live in light of God's grace moving forward?  I know there is a fear that people will abuse God's grace once they discover it.  I fear some may never discover it.

Kinda behind on blogging...

Well, I know I haven't been really good about blogging these last few days (I've been kinda worn out!), but here's the most recent blog I've written, and I may or may not tack another post up this evening. Anyway, here's the link, hope it's an encouragement. Cheers! http://kennysking.wordpress.com/2012/03/14/catching-up-praying-up/

Haggis, Tatties, and Neeps... but wait! It gets so much better!

Dinner at the Bells

On Wednesday, our team experienced an authentic and traditional Scottish meal with our team leader Rob Bell from the Heralds Trust in Scotland and his family.  This meal included Haggis, tatties and neeps.  I don't remember fully what the tatties and neeps were but they're harmless anyway.  Haggis, now that's another topic altogether.

According to the all-knowing Wikipedia, "Haggis is a kind of savoury pudding containing sheep's pluck (heart, liver and lungs - see Offal); minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, mixed with stock, and traditionally encased in the animal's stomach and simmered for approximately three hours. Most modern commercial haggis is prepared in a sausage casing rather than an actual stomach."  Mmmmm... good mood food :)

Haggis, the dark savory meat on the plate

Okay, when you put it that way, it doesn't sound that delicious (or slightly appealing for that matter).  However, at least I know what I'm eating unlike eating a hot dog (and I have nothing against hot dogs either).  But honestly, it is a delicious meal.  Still, there was something lacking from this traditional Scottish experience.  We were lacking... FREEDOM! so we popped in Braveheart and now feel the need to engage in some sort of celtic revolution... or just visit Edinburgh Castle (more on that another day).

Back to School

For the second time this week, we were given the opportunity to minister in the local public high school! I find this to be incredible considering the secular temperature of the culture.  This Thursday morning began with a challenging training in apologetics led by Moody Bible Institute's 2011 Alumnus of the Year, Ian Leitch.  He was preparing us for a unique opportunity we were embarking in.

Norman Murphy(right), Ian Leitch (middle), Rob Bell (left)

We were invited into upperclassman religion classes to talk about the Christian perspective on things like the origin of the universe, evolution, euthanasia, the problem of sin, etc.  This was particularly interesting for them because many of them do not interact with "real-life Christians" on a regular basis.  These youth asked very difficult and thought out questions.  God's grace was upon the whole day.  We had more time to interact with the youth in the cafeteria during their lunch hour.  I, of course, busted out the Connect Four and showed the kids (junior high-aged) the meaning of domination, but I digress.

We returned that night to support some of the youth in their talent show.  After the talent show, I noticed one of my group members in a deep conversation with one of the young girls.  Vanessa was sharing the gospel with one of the girls and God opened the eyes of the heart of this girl.  The angels rejoiced as this girl gave her life to Christ. Kenny and others were able to encourage the girl.  The event was electrifying.  A good day ended in a great way.  We have at least one more sister in our family tonight. Amen... FREEDOM!

Beautiful :D

Scotland is BEAUTIFUL! What an amazing day! Today we got to go to church and worship with our brothers and sistes here in Scotland. They gave us 20 minutes during the service to introduce ourselves, play a song, and Nate and Kenny shared how God was faithful in bringing them on this trip. Everyone was so nice to us, and very hospitable! This afternoon, after a great late-lunch, I got to chat with my host family: Rob, Louise and Jodie. We definitely laughed a lot and had a good time :) I'm definitely praising God for the unity and bond we have as the body of Christ. This afternoon, we held a youth service at the church, and about 30 kids came. We led in musical worship, Nate and I shared our testimonies, and Norman gave a message. Afterwards, we were able to play a few games with the kids and get to know them a little. It was a lot of fun, and overall, I thought it went really well. This morning, I read in Colossians about how we need to be seeking the things above if we are raised up in Christ, and that's something God challenged me all throughout the day with Pastor John's and Norman's messages. God is faithful, and definitely giving us many opportunities to share about Him and what He's done in our lives. Can't wait to see what adventures will be tomorrow!!!

There's a Puerto Rican Loose in Scotland!

"There's a Puerto Rican on the loose!  There's a Puerto Rican on the loose!" is what the people of Scotland are yelling in the streets.  Yeah right, as if anybody here ever heard of a Puerto Rican.  Nevertheless, I have arrived safely in Scotland with my team but not without a little drama.

We boarded a flight in Amsterdam at around 9:30am local time.  Our plane was on the runway and began excellerating.  At the moment when we expected the plane to take off, the brakes of the plane jerked us forward several times before officially stopping.  Our pilot explained that while there was no indication from his instruments that anything was wrong, he felt that something was a little off with the nose gear and as it was affecting his steering.  He pulled the plane around and after a short delay, our flight was canceled.  Wow, I don't even want to imagine what might have occurred if we took off.  But we didn't and God has his fingerprints all over this trip.

So we rebooked a flight for a time twelve hours later and arrived in Scotland late Saturday night.  This morning, we had the opportunity to share who we are in the morning service along with singing a song and sharing some testimonies.  After a nice service, we returned to our host families.

My host family is great.  Their hospitality is amazing and it was fun watching the England vs. France rugby match all the way through with them this afternoon.  I look forward to spending a week with them. 

This evening we returned to the church for a youth service led by the Moody Students.  They did an excellent job leading the music, sharing their hearts, and teaching the lesson.  The youth responded well to it.  Though the Moody students were still tired, they were instantly energized by the youth.  It was a good time.

Home Sweet Edinburgh

Safe and sound... and surprisingly awake! My piece of the adventure during our time in the Amsterdam airport consisted of sleeping between two bronze statues that made something of a tent for me to take shelter under, since I was sprawled on the floor. I think it helped though, in the transition to Scottish early daylight hours (compared to Chicago that is). My host family, the Smiths, were gracious enough to wake Norman and I up this morning in time to get to church on time. I am really grateful for the chance to be getting to know this great family more over the week's time. The two boys, Sam and Ben, are in what would be the equivalence to our  7th and 9th grades. Pray I can just be an encouragement to them and have fun while being a blessing to the family that has already been such a blessing to me.

Updates from Amsterdam! God is Sovereign and we are safe.

Here is an update from Amsterdam! Please continue to pray for us, but praise God that He has protected us and all those that were aboard our would be flight. http://kennysking.wordpress.com/2012/03/10/journeys-mercies/

Kenny's Scotland Blog

Hello all!

I believe that most if not all of the members of the Scotland Trip will be keeping a daily/regular blog about what we are experiencing "across the pond", and my blog can be found at http://kennysking.wordpress.com/. I'll be posting updates from my perspective of things, and also be putting up different prayer requests from myself and the team. If you feel like it, check it out. God will be doing some great things in Scotland, and I cannot wait to see what they are. Grace and Peace!

~Kenny
  S.D.G.

The Spring Break Buzz is Back

It's not even close.  What's my favorite aspect of working for Moody Bible Institute? Spring Break!  But it may not be for the reasons you think.

You can feel it in our department the moment that we flip our calendars from February to March.  There is a buzz of anticipation and excitement as our staff members put the finishing touches on their upcoming trips.  The realization that we are only days away from leaving Chicago begins to sink in.  The stress and anxiety dissipates when we see the excitement in the eyes of our team members.  The excitement is contagious and the possibilities seem endless.

The component I love most about the Spring Break trips is working alongside Moody students.  These aren't any ordinary students.  Most students see Spring Break as a time to vacation and/or party.  The students that serve with us on these teams not only give up their Spring Break to serve, they have to raise financial support to do so.  I have been blessed time and again as I observe these students interact and minister across the globe.  I am equally blessed when I sit and listen to the future ministry goals of these ambitious ministers.  They are young.  They are passionate.  And if you're not careful, their unfiltered zeal may end up rubbing off on you.

So where am I leading these students to?  This year, I have the privilege of leading another Moody team to Scotland. If working with students is my favorite aspect of these trips, then working cross-culturally and internationally is my second favorite aspect.  Over the years I've been to several countries.  Each trip has challenged my mind and my worldview and my Christianity.  I witnessed firsthand that God is so much bigger than the United States of America.  It gives me a better mental image of Revelation seven where people from every nation, from all tribes and languages, stand before the throne of God in great adoration. Each trip is stored away in my heart as a small piece of the grand picture of God's people in eternity.

Finally, I love Spring Break at Moody because.... well, it's two weeks long!  The longer the break, the more ministry we can be involved in.  The more relationships we can build.  It's more opportunity to see God at work and we are anxious to see God at work.

Please keep my team members in prayer. Their names are: Norman Murphy, Nate Parker, Vanessa Criswell, Becca Lufkin, and Kenny King.  We will keep you posted!!!!