Over the past couple of weeks we have been non stop and I hate to think the miles we have covered getting to and from events and venues. I need to start off with the Aberdeen Youth Weekend! Alex, Angie and I took a group of 17 teens, all of whom have varying depths of faith and commitment to God, through to Aberdeen for the weekend. Before leaving with the group I had asked many to be praying for us and I myself had spent much time wrestling in prayer to determine whether it was wise and safe to be taking this group away and to be responsible for them. Most of the group I had zero concern, but there were a couple I had some worries about and thus the reason for wrestling in prayer. I need to say at this point how blessed we were and how well everyone responded to the tone of the weekend. It was great to be able to spend so much time and give so much more attention to relationship than we are accustomed to. I know everyone received their fill and some to overflowing with the living water. There was only the one occasion that I had reason to be concerned and in the end it was simply a cry for attention. There was one in the group that was obviously not ready to be in my care away from home and who gave reason for me not to trust him, but even he showed promise and evidence that the seed is taking root.

We had our traditional marathon football match and this year did not disappoint! Having such a big group through with us meant that from the beginning there was a great game going and as others arrived things just kept getting better till there was so many you didn't know who was on your team. I love Aberdeen Youth Weekend! There is something about this event and the anticipation of great things is so obvious! All the teens are together in one place the whole time and having the use of the YMCA building is brilliant! There are so many options and ways to create little fellowships, whether it's around the snooker tables or in the hall playing football or in the chill out rooms - there is just so much potential for good. Ian Cameron from East Kilbride took the lessons on the theme of "Heroes of the Faith" and did a fantastic job. My personal favorite was his exploration into Samson's life. I had the joy of leading one of the discussion groups. I had most of our older boys and Robert Philips too. Our group was amazing! It was so easy to get the guys to open up and share where they are in their "Faith" and the struggles they face as a result.

I know Angie and Alex were encouraged as a result of the weekend. It goes without saying that we were all exhausted from lack of sleep and abnormally high activity levels! In all the weekend gave us another pointer as to where some of the teens are in their journey to find God and to accept Christ. I have to say that I am hopeful and although the road is often times tough, there is evidence that, yes of course, God is active, but that the group are responding to His call.

This past week I have taken 5 school assemblies. What a JOY! We stumbled across a great lesson during our Monday night class with the younger kids. We were supposed to be talking about some of the things Jesus is, but for some reason the kids diverted the path and we had an amazing lesson talking about some evidences of God's design from the Giraffe and Bombardier Beetle. I had studied this stuff a few years ago in prep for teaching at camp Tayside and for some reason this was so relevant for this Monday night's class. When I saw how engrossed the group were on Monday I thought hmmm... So these past assemblies I have been sharing how amazing God's design is in His creation. I have loved presenting this stuff and the kids are responding sooo well, it's a great blessing all round!

School clubs are going really well too! Anna Ritchie on Friday Afternoon continues to inspire me. I have started teaching Volleyball at Central school and this too is going great. I have made the decision to have most of my school clubs at lunch times rather than after school. Crimond school on a Monday is the only "After School Club" I have. So it's Tuesday, Thursday and Friday lunch times and Monday and Friday Afternoons I get to play with the school kids! There is no doubt that God continues to bless me so that I in turn can bless many.

This past weekend we were up in Buckie to encourage the church there. The truth continues to be, however, that we are the ones being encouraged! We left the house in a frantic blur trying to leave in time to make the trip up in time for the worship. After being reminded that driving aggressively can be dangerous I resolved in my heart to drive safely and if God would make sure the roads were quiet - the deal was struck. Amazingly, no providentially, we arrived in Buckie at the appointed time. The roads were quiet and there was no need to push the limits! Anyway, I had the morning and evening meetings and preached two encouraging lessons. If I were a boxer Bill Pirrie would have to be in my corner with me! He is such an encourager! Both he and Elenor would have to be in my personal Hebrews 11. We spent the day with Hunter and Elaine, Louise and her twin girls Courtney and Teegan, Samantha, and Alan and Grace Johnstone. We had a great day - plenty fellowship and encouragement all round. We love going up to Buckie!

More soon - God bless!