Prosperity

I just wanted to share something that I thought was touching. As you all are probably aware I spent the last month over in America working on raising funds to continue ministering here in Peterhead. I was unpacking all my clothes and stuff from my case and something caught my eye. A small silver object fell to the floor as I was pulling out a bunch of t-shirts. It made me curious because I know I didn't pack anything like that before I left for America. I picked it up and was instantly humbled and touched as a result of what the object was. It was a silver "Charm" kinda thing that on one one side had an angel and the other was the inscription "Prosperity." I know that somewhere along my travels through the states someone cared enough to wish me prosperity for our ministry. I will treasure this always and remember the sentiments.

Mentioning this event reminded me of another "Gift" that was given to me and one to Fenella. I was visiting a couple, who will remain nameless, but will always be remembered! After spending a beautiful night with this lovely family, I was driven back to where I was staying and with tears in their eyes I was given two figurines. One was of a lady holding a teapot and was a gift for Fenella. The other figure was of a man holding a golden heart. I was told that my passion for the kingdom had been inspiring. It was a humbling moment for me, but so encouraging at the same time. Like with the "Prosperity" charm, I will never forget this kindness and the sentiments.

Just thought I would share this with you all to encourage you to know that the thread that unites us all in Christ is beautiful and that the memories we hold of godly men and women are precious!

God bless!

Like a Duck to Water

It is simply brilliant to be back and ministering here again. There has been much to be thankful about and one or two things to be diligent about. This past week I have been focused on getting things up and running, especially in the schools. I loved going around visiting with the schools and getting excited about the opportunities that I will have this term. Already I have had 3 school assemblies, another two this morning and one tomorrow morning. It has been the best way to get stuck in and to be assured that we are very much up and running again. The one area that caused me a little sorrow was our classes at church. I knew this would be the area that would suffer most by my absence. The first Thursday night class was an eye opener! There were only 13 teens there. At the end of last term we had regularly over 25 coming. I look forward to the coming weeks and encouraging the teens to encourage each other to get back into the groove and make Thursday nights the atmosphere that we had earlier in the year. The positive side is that of the 13 there this week the class was beautiful and I was so glad to be back and involved in their lives again. Monday night was great and for the first week back we had 18 there as well as 5 of our teens. It was so encouraging as I picked up Lewis Emslie and was approaching the church building, he let out a cheer and punched the air saying, "Yes, clubs started again!" I was almost in tears and was just so delighted that the class has so big an impact on his young life. We had 3 new kids there tonight and I have no doubt that things are fine for Monday nights. Wednesday night bible class was also encouraging. We had over 20 kids there, mostly the teenagers, but also 9 primary school age too. We had an open class and had a good time.

I am content and settled knowing that things are good here, since being out of touch for the month I had to be in the States. Yes, there is work to be done, but I am confident that with the aid of our Father that things will continue to grow. The assemblies I have taken so far since being home have been amazing. In the short time I have been home I have influenced 800+ children and know that the opportunities within the schools are there. I take great joy in knowing that.

Last weekend we held a "Social" here in Peterhead. Christians from all over Scotland make a trip up here to enjoy a weekend of fellowship and encouragement. The time was great and all, both local brethren and those travelling to be with us, were blessed as a result. We had Ian Starrs from Aberdeen and Jack Strachan from East Kilbride preach during the weekend and both did an outstanding job of encouraging the saints. We have had the "Sojourners" here with us over the last couple of weeks. I know they have done a fine job working around the building and in encouraging the brethren here. I have not had much time to spend with them since I have been focusing my time on getting things going with my school ministries and with getting the classes started at the building, but I know the congregation have been blessed by their efforts and service.

J.W. Lively is also here visiting the church from Lake Dallas. I had the joy of spending the day with him on Tuesday and getting to play a round of golf on Wednesday with him and James Butters. JW was able to come and see some of the schools I work with and see two assemblies with the Burnhaven and Clerkhill Schools. JW was "Honoured" to have coffee with me and my father and we were able to relax and talk for a while about the kingdom and culture stuff. We had a chance to have supper in the evening with my family and got to know and appreciate him as a friend in Christ.

I may be able to post a couple of photos which JW was able to take during our assemblies. It is not often I have the chance to show photos as I can't take photos of myself during the event, but I know JW took some and I will try to remember to ask him for a copy. I love when I am able to show these because the school assemblies are such a huge part of my work here and one of my most amazing opportunities for planting seeds.

Well the surface has been scratched again!
God bless

Home is where the Heart is!

I'm Home!!! I feel whole again. As I drew up to the house, having been picked up from the airport by my dad, I could see Fenella in the car about to take Holly and Hannah to Brownies. Everything came to a standstill though when they saw me walking toward them. I was so happy! I didn't know what to do first. Of course Fenella was my first target, but she was busy moving the car to a safe place and Holly and Hannah were right there in the back seat, excited to see me. Well, safe to say there was plenty of huggin' going on! Amy and Beth came home later after orchestra practice and again I was happy. It felt weird, part of me felt that I had never been away, yet another part of me was all to aware that I had been away for a while. I know I am a man richly blessed.

I had a bag with some gifts for the girls and to my surprise I think I got it all right. Everyone was impressed with my choices and put it down to listening to their years of educating me about taste and fashion - remember I am surrounded by girls! I felt pretty proud that I had done a good job, but in my heart I was filling up the months worth of family drought. Watching their expressions, listening to their excitement and feeling content that I was home again.

Yes, jet lag has a hold on me and I have the niggling worry in the back of my mind about the trip and whether enough was done to make sure we are safe financially, but in everything for the moment I am able to rest in the ability of our Father and pray that He will bring everything to fruition. For all the people I was blessed to meet, all the Missions committees and leadership meetings where I was able to present what God is doing here, thank you all for your encouragement and responsiveness. I earnestly pray that we can be involved together in something amazing for the kingdom here in Peterhead, Scotland.

God bless!

That's a Wrap!

Time's up here in the USA. Tomorrow I leave at lunch time for Memphis airport and begin the journey home. These past days I've been watching the storms with great interest to see if they will cause problems for my homeward bound flight - thankfully I think they have all past and the weather tomorrow is nice.

Today was busy and I'm mentally spent. This morning I was able to talk to George and Donna's class at College Church. I was very well received and had a great response to the presentation. They are a good bunch of people. In the afternoon I met with the College Church missions committee. They were great and a little relieved at the report hinting that additional churches were getting involved in our support and therefore freeing up some funds they were holding in reserve. They were VERY encouraging and in turn were encouraged by my report of what thing were like back home. I left there in time to get to Foothills Church where I was invited to share and preach. From the moment I stepped inside the Foothills Church building I felt at ease! They are a great family. I was very well received and generated a lot of interest in our work. It was especially good to see Paul and Sharron Pitt and Jim and Nellie Hardin who are good friends from our time at the Bethel Grove Church. L.V. Pfieffer was hugely encouraging to me and I was sad to say goodbye.

I now rest in the fact that I have poured my heart out to so many individuals and churches and can now leave everything in God's hands. I feel, going by the responses, that God will see us through this sticky time and provide the needed funds to allow us to continue planting the seeds for His kingdom. I am weary, but satisfied, that I have given a good account of our work and that many have been supportive and inspired. Although I am weary this side, I know that all it will take to revive me will be five gorgeous smiles waiting for me on the other side.

Thanks for all your prayers - God bless!

Hole in one!!

Well, I hope you don't get the wrong idea here, but this afternoon I had the chance to play some golf with Colin and Alistair Ferry and Alex Swango. I hit a beauty on the 5th and would you believe it I got a hole in one! This is my second in my lifetime, the first was in Peterhead playing with Alex Ritchie around 20 years ago. I was so chuffed and can now boast having a hole in one in two different countries.

Apart from the golfing I did get some more important things done and made a second visit LV Pfieffer's to confirm everything for Sunday night when I have the opportunity to present the work in Peterhead to the Foothills Church. It was also good to spend a good part of the day with Alex Swango. He is still very actively trying to get his support worked out and is hoping to be with us in January 09.

I had the joy of being at HSBS chapel this morning and was given the floor to share what God is doing in Peterhead. It was good to meet so many great people and I got a surprise to see Ricky there. Ricky was an AIM worker with the West Mains church in East Kilbride, Scotland and I had the pleasure of spending some time with him at an Aberdeen youth weekend last year. It really is a small world!

Last night I spent the night with Dwight and Caroline Smith and was delighted to see that Desirae was there to for supper. Desirae is a one in a million girl! We had the joy of having her stay with our family during a previous Harding campaign and got to know and love her. I slept in Dwight and Caroline's 'Australia' room. It was good to have this time with then and they continue to be great encourager's and have a great heart for the kingdom and missions.

Well, I now only have 2 days till I fly out. I can't believe that the time has almost come. I remember thinking at various times in the trip that leaving for home seemed so far in the distance, but now the time has almost come! I must be truthful and say that I am glad it is almost over, but I also must say that I have been blessed during my ventures here. I know there are five girls who have been gracious enough to share me with the church in America for a time, but they are ready for their dad and husband to get home - only 2 more days!

I would ask that all who visit this blog keep us in your prayers. I ask that you petition our Father that He blesses all the efforts I have made for the good of the kingdom while I have been over here and that what's needed is supplied.

God bless!

The Road to El-Derado

I can't help it, but I simply have more people to comment on these past 3 days. On Tuesday night I travelled up to Little Rock to spend the evening with our good friends Nicky and Tanya Valls. It is amazing, but just simply seeing them face to face meant so much. We have known them for over 10 years now and they are simply two of the most supportive and exemplary people Fenella and I know. I had the joy of sharing a home cooked meal! I have been eating out sooo much that sitting round a home dinner table was lovely! It was good simply to catch up and talk for a while.

I left the next morning and headed south to El-Dorado. My first time there, but I pray not my last. They are a beautiful bunch of people. I had the joy to spend an evening in the home of Jack and Jeri McNutt. I know I seem to be repeating myself a lot in these past few blogs, but I have simply met some of the best people alive. Jack and Jeri are certainly no exception. I had the opportunity to meet some of the elders and deacons from the church and we spent some time talking about the work in Peterhead. I was encouraged greatly with the whole visit and before leaving I was treated to breakfast before hitting the road again back to Searcy.

Before leaving to go to El-Dorado I nipped in past to see one of my personal "Giants" in the faith, L.V.Pfeiffer. I always make a point, when I am in Searcy, to go round and visit. Maxine was poorly and I didn't get to visit with her, but spent a wee while with L.V. I was encouraged to hear that he is still preaching and sharing the depths of his years study with a church. I was even more encouraged to hear back from L.V. this morning that he had talked with his elders at the church and they have invited me to talk about the ministry this coming Sunday night. Again, I have an opportunity and I am delighted. That will be my last meeting before flying out the next day back home.

I am sooo ready to walk through my front door and be smothered by my family. Just thinking about that moment is causing my heart and eyes to fill up, but it is all that I think about when I get a chance like this to be alone.

Tonight I get to spend some time with Dwight and Caroline Smith. I am looking forward.

Well, again, that's it for now!
God bless!

The home stretch!

Ever since last Sunday when I was missing home and had a pretty bad day, things have only got better. I have spoken to Fenella and the girls often and the hospitality and support I have received here in Manchester has been outstanding! I am now in a fantastic frame of mind and am excited to be going back down to Searcy for the last spurt of meetings and presentations before saying bye to the States and hello to Scotland again.

I have been thoroughly built up during my stay here and had two great opportunities yesterday with the Waterbury and Wallingford Churches. They were both very receptive to the presentation of our work in Scotland and both had plenty of questions about the work. I was encouraged greatly by both churches receptiveness. I met some neat people and now have fond memories of two churches that before this trip I didn't even know existed. Isn't being in Christ amazing! I have little idea what the outcome of these encounters will provide as far as the financial side goes, but I know I have been blessed richly in having spent some time with them. It would be fantastic if they decided to get involved with our ministry.

I got some great news yesterday when we got back to Manchester. Taylor, a lovely young girl I got the joy to meet and visit with her family a couple of nights ago, became a Child of God's that morning. I was so delighted for her. Beth, Scott and Amy are doing a fine job! I suppose the fact that there is a strong Scottish connection with Scott's family has something to do with it all.

This morning I went for breakfast with Arnie, the preacher here. Again, I was blessed! He is a remarkable man. I loved his gentleness and found that I could talk at ease and can truly say I have a friend. He was very encouraging and had an obvious wealth of experience and insight. It was a morning well spent.

I will leave here in a wee while, to fly down to Little Rock, and can leave with a calm soul. I have loved being with the church here and know that our relationship has been strengthened.

I ask for your prayers that the people I have met and who are considering our ministry can be moved to get involved with us. Please keep Fenella and my girls in your prayers and that I can be safely united with them soon. I also ask that you keep in your prayers this coming weeks opportunities. I don't know how things will look in the end, but I do know that it is essential to my families well being that this trip is successful financially. So please keep me in your prayers that I can effectively, with passion, present the truth about what God is doing through His church in Peterhead - thank you!

God bless!

I'm a "Red Sox" fan

I know the title may put some of you who may not be Red Sox fans off this blog, but I have been hooked on baseball! I went for lunch with Anthony, the outreach minister here in Manchester, and afterward I had an urge to buy a "Red Sox" T-shirt. I suppose there is a little more to it and the fact that it is so easy to unwind watching a game is more to the point, but there it is I like baseball. Before any one gets carried away though, Football (soccer) is still my No1.

Just a "By the way" sort of thing. I am getting all these weird lumps on my hands and arm. I think I am getting bitten by something at night time. I have a huge lump on my forearm and two smaller lumps on my knuckles. Only seems to have been since since I've been up north. I don't suppose there is any reason to be worried. I'm guessing this sort of thing is common?

Last night I was with another lovely family here in Manchester - the Stafords. As with everyone I have spent time with here, the hospitality was amazing! Peter had done some kebabs on the grill and Sue had complimented with a variety of other dishes and the desert was especially good - Peach and berry pie with ice cream. I told them my wife is going to see a BIG change in me when I get home. We were instantly connected because "football" is big in the family. I am indebted to all the neat people I have met here and am blessed to have made so many connections and friendships. It really is great to be a part of the Kingdom of God. His children stand out and truly reflect the Son.

Had the privilege to watch another Red Sox game last night and can inform everyone that since I have been a fan they have never lost a game! Well, up until now that is, I may just have jinxed their run of wins :)

I am getting more excited as this trip goes on and can now see the end in sight. Only 9 days till I get to be with my family again!

God bless!

Picking Peaches

Had the neatest experience the other day - went to an orchard to pick some peaches! This was a first and it was rather enjoyable. Yesterday I went on a trek up a mountain where at the top there was a tower that gave the most amazing views.

I have to confess though that the most inspiring time I have spent here has been with the people! I have been blessed big time by spending time with some amazing, godly people. On Wednesday night I had the joy of being with Tim and Christi Garcia, who we have known for a while now but did not know they were back at Manchester. We enjoyed talking about the kingdom and their passion was obvious and contagious. Yesterday I met Brian, who is Manchester's Youth minister. We had a great time - although I had to put in a shift lifting and helping move some BIG stuff. I was delighted to be able to help out and actually do some physical work for a change. It was again a joy to get to know Brian and spend time talking about the church and again I was encouraged by his appetite for the kingdom. Last night I had supper with an amazing bunch of people all living in the same house, but with various connections and ties. Scott and Beth were a lovely couple and pretty much spoiled me all night, but the hospitality I was shown while with them was truly sweet. I left there built up and inspired. The discussion and shared vision for the kingdom we shared was obvious. I met Greg, who was visiting from Austin, TX and I am continually amazed at how the right people are in the right places at the right time with timely wisdom and insight and that was Greg. I have so much to praise God for in these past few days and I am even more convinced that this trip had God written all over it - I am humbled and overjoyed to have been in the presence of so many good and Christ centered servants of our Fathers.

I am also thankful to "Net 10!" I bought a phone card with 300 minutes and got a free phone. This has proved to be the most precious blessing of the entire trip. I have a direct link to my family and have felt so much closer and connected than on any previous trip. I will sometimes be at the laptop and the phone will ring and there will be a voice on my phone, usually Holly's voice! I am just so happy that my girls can get hold of me pretty much any time. Fenella calls when I log into our AOL account, because she knows I am able to talk when she hears the PC in the dining room say "Goodbye" and she knows I have just logged onto our account. I have so much to be thankful for and know that it won't be too much longer now before I get to be with them again.

Got a note from Mel Duthie in Dundee letting me know that she has committed her life to Christ. I am so glad for her and have had the joy of helping a wee bit in her journey to crowning Him King.

Well, stay focused and God bless!

Next stage

I have got to begin this blog with the highest of praise for Fenella! It has weighed heavy on my heart the whole time I've been over here the fact that I will miss the first four weeks of the new school term. I was scared that I would be out of the loop as far as Assemblies and school clubs. My beautiful P.A. has contacted all the schools to explain my absence and has filled my diary, so that when I get home I can slip right into the schools and minister. I am soooo thrilled and am at peace knowing that the schools are sorted.

Yesterday I arrived in Manchester, Connecticut. Took the whole day travelling to get there. As soon as I got off the plane there were two friendly faces there to greet me. I am always humbled when I think of the connections and extended family we have as a result of Christ. Here I am half way across the world and there are friends who are hospitable and extend Christ's love - it is truly lovely. I am looking forward to my time here in the North and pray our ministry will again be well received.

I have to admit that this past Sunday I was on a downer. I was missing Fenella and the girls and everywhere I turned there were families! So, on the Monday I cleared out and went to Little Rock to do some shopping for the family. It was exactly what I needed - to be by myself for a while and just thinking about my family. Even though I was standing in Old Navy with clothes all around me I had no idea what to pick out!

The last few days when I was in Searcy were good. I met up with a bunch of people. Had coffee one night with Jenny, who spent the summer with us, and Hannah Valls who spent the summer in Zambia. We talked about the kingdom and being able to see with a different perspective having experienced different cultures and stuff. I had an evening with Dwight and Caroline, who had invited a house full of people. It was at Dwight and Caroline's that one of the most memorable things happened. I got to meet Lachlan, who is also from Scotland. Dwight met him on a flight and started to study with him and invited him to stay a while until on Saturday night he was baptized into Christ. It was good to be in Lachlan's company and be inspired by his passion for the kingdom. It was a neat evening. Funnily enough Adam and Melonie Barr from Cumbernauld, Scotland were there getting Nicole settled into Harding.

I am now past the half way point of the trip and know things will fly from this point on. I am beginning to let myself think about being with Fenella and my girls knowing that there are less than two weeks to go.

I ask again for your prayers that the rest of my trip can be fruitful as I present the work in Peterhead and try to gain the support of people who are excited about the kingdom.

God bless!