Lots more...

Thought I would add to the last entry a wee bit. I want you to know how excited I am regarding our classes. Our past couple of Friday nights have been outstanding. Last week we looked at excuses and why we use them. Ultimately we went to the words of Christ and His warning at the day we stand before God, "Not everyone who says to me Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven..." We discussed this hypathetical question - What will you say if God asks you, "Why should I let you into heaven?" We focused on the FACT that nothing but Christ will be good enough to get us into heaven! The week before we shared, possibly my favorite class ever, as far as the lesson goes. It was simply the right time and the right stage for the lesson. The truth is though, before the lesson I was not too sure whether I had the energy or the focus to get it across. With this in mind, I look back and know that it was God's timing once again and it was His power that worked for the good of all that night. The lesson was based on a movie that is about to be released called "Soul Surfer." The movie follows the challenge of a young competitive surfer who suffers a shark attack and looses her arm. The movie focuses on her faith and the faith of her family in helping her overcome the loss of her arm and eventually to her getting back on the board and competing again. The lesson hit home with the group in a way I was not quite ready for. One of the memorable moments was when I asked the question, "Are you surfing yet?" Of course this was in relation to their faith. Another moment was when we talked through the question, "Are you a surfer or are you paddling on the shore?" The responses were very real and honest to both these and gave the group opportunity to express where they are and how they are feeling about their faith. We then talked about where the power and momentum comes from. It does not come from the surfer, but from the wave! We talked about the work of the Spirit and God's desire for us to get up on our boards and get surfing. We talked about the FACT that every wave is not an easy one! Some will take every ounce of your effort and ability to get you to the

shore. At the end of the lesson I told the group I was going to show them a picture that was my vision for the group. I think back to when I was putting the lesson together and first saw the photo and when the concept hit me. The photo was of a group all surfing together on the crest of the wave! We talked about the reality of what they were creating as a group and the challenge to keep acknowledging that it is Christ who continues to bring about good things. Like I

mentioned at the begining, I was blown away at how God works in and through us, even when we don't think we have it in us! This is the reason it was one of my all time favorites, because I know it was not the result of my effort and I saw clearly the wind of the Spirit moving through the group.

Monday night are pretty healthy too. We have around 35 kids on the register and we have had as much as 27, but average around 22. I am sooo aware that ministry is not a numbers game! There are night when for whatever reason we may only have 15-18 kids and the opportunity is very different, as you can give much more attention to individual kids. We have a good group of teens helping out and they are taking much of the responsibility for the various phases of the class, from the prayer time, to the tuc shop, getting the task forms and pictures ready for the kids leaving and organizing the games time and fast pass challenge. There are normally between 5 and 8 teens helping me out. Donald was sharing his observation of the kids that come to Monday Night. He said he loved when the mums and dads drop the kids off and he watches the kids throw off their jackets and run through to the hall, barely saying bye to their parents! They just enjoy coming!

A couple of Sundays ago I was preaching on Sunday morning. I was touched with an overwhelming hatred towards an advert on the TV. It got to the stage that I would not watch it because it repulsed me so much. Lynx deodorant are now using angelic being falling from the sky and throwing their "Halo" to the ground in exchange for the irresistible scent of a man wearing Lynx! How man has cheapened the realm of the Spiritual! This along with an encounter involving a school child using God's name as if it were dirt shaped my thought to preaching on our lack of moral fiber and awareness of the "Holy." The challenge was to be Different, because a life focused on Jesus will mean separation from everything worldly! I used Luke's comments on David's life in Acts 13:36 where is says, "For when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep." I loved the idea of being remembered for having served God's purpose! We finished of with the idea of simply living lives "WORTHY" of our calling and the thought that "wholeness comes from holiness!"

I have to mention something about our lovely oboe player! Beth over the weekend was encouraged to take part in the Aberdeen young musician of the year in order to gain some experience. On the Saturday she impressed the judges so much that she advanced through to the final which was way beyond what was expected! Only 6 of the initial 22 gifted young musicians were selected to perform in the final. We rushed through to watch her perform on the Sunday afternoon. She was truly outstanding! The judges comments afterward was that her tone and control of the notes were beautiful! Although Beth didn't win, she was delighted with the way she played. Fenella and I could not have been more proud to see our beautiful girl play so beautifully! Amy was able to see her sister perform and it was heartwarming for Fenella and I to see the joy in Amy's eyes when Beth was performing :)

Friday marks the start of the easter break! We are so ready to wind down a little. On Saturday we have hired the local pool for an end of term treat for the youth group! It will be a fitting way for everyone to have a huge bit of fun before the break.

God Bless!

Oh, What a Night!

Where to begin? Well, I will try and share how God has been working these past weeks, but I fear I will not be able to put in words just how powerfully and obviously His hand has been seen. I want to start off with a conversation I had with my dad. We went for a coffee last week and I think the essence of our time and conversation was that God's ways and timings are amazing, but at times near impossible for us to cope with. These past days especially I have been quite simply overwhelmed by God's power to bring about good things - in spite of my humanity. I have been hanging on by my finger nails as God has revealed a glimpse of His power. Sunday night shook me to my core and caused me to come face to face with the scale of opportunity God will at times put in front of us. I mentioned in my last post that Jordan Sutherland was close to the Kingdom, well Sunday was the night he committed his life to Christ! Donald, his dad came home from sea on the Saturday and after spending an evening in their home talking with the family, everything was set for the following night. On the Sunday morning after worship I asked Jordan, Thomas, Rachel and Shaun to help with setting up for the night's service. As we began setting out the chairs in the fellowship hall, Jordan commented that we need to put out more chairs. I said there was plenty, but he wasn't so sure. It later became obvious that he was right and we had to put out a bunch of extra chairs! Wendy, Jordan's mum, had been busy inviting family and friends to come and witness Jordan's baptism. I didn't count, but I am sure there were around 50 visitors that night! When I opened the building and the visitors began streaming in, I was all of a sudden aware that something very different was taking place. The challenge from scripture came to my mind about being prepared to give an account for the hope we have. However, it took on a whole new meaning to me that night! As we began the service and I looked out at the sea of visitors I couldn't help thinking, are any of them believers and how will they react to tonight's events? In the end I silently prayed for God's hand to still my fears and for His Word to take hold of my tongue and for Him to take control. We began with some singing and this set the right tone as it sounded great. I had prepared to use a short video clip to introduce the lesson (feel free to enjoy it), titled, "It's Friday, But Sunday's coming!" I have to say my fears did grip me for a second, because it was to be a pretty challenging lesson and in light of all the visitors I was doubting a little, but again with a time of prayer as the clip was running I was able to ask God to conquer my fears and again use me mightily for His purpose. The message was pretty pointed and asked whether you live as though it were Friday, when the world was winning and sin was overcoming and death is triumphant or on the other hand, as if it were Sunday! When God raises Christ and He is triumphant over death, sin and the powers of this world. We were challenged to ask if we live in hope as we anticipate something better or live in fear and darkness as this world drags us under. We then looked at Jordan and what this decision meant to his outlook on life and what God has in store for him as he commits his life to the safety of His hand and to the pattern of Christ's life. Shaun led a prayer before we went through to share in the beauty of Jordan's baptism. I wish you could have heard his prayer! We took a little time sharing Jordan's journey leading to this point and commitment. Jordan is 15 years old and his testimony is already impacting lives! After I had the joy of taking Jordan's confession we went down into the water and came up as brother's in Christ! We sang a song and Thomas led a closing prayer. Again, I wish you could have heard Thomas' prayer! Shaun commented to me that it's no longer the dynamic duo, but the Three musketeers! God is doing amazing things!

I have to mention something about Donald and Wendy. I love the fact that they are delighted for what Jordan has done, but quietly I think God is working in their lives too! I am prayerful that it will not be too long before there are more Sutherland's added to the Lord's family :) Wendy is one of a kind! I am always uplifted when I am in her company. She has a big heart. I can't think of many people who could have invited so many people to come to church and for them to have come!!! Wendy obviously has a great influence for good in many peoples lives. I am starting to get to know Donald and I consider him a friend. I love his love for the young! His influence, especially with the teens, is pretty special. This last trip was a pretty long one and he shared how getting a bunch of comments on his facebook from the youth group changed his mood to being one of loneliness to one of being blessed!

I want to share another sunny story and again express my pride in how God is bringing about good in lives that draw near to Him. This has not been Rachel's best season in life these past months. She has had to deal with some tough circumstances and although there are times she has struggled I am delighted with the way she has made wise choices these past weeks. Her heart is eager to learn and she is genuinely considering the commitment of her life to Christ. I continue to pray that Thomas, Rachel's boyfriend, will continue to be the example he is to her and that they might share the joy of walking the same path in their journey through this life.

There is so much more! God is Great!

Expressions of faith

This past while has been strewn with a proper mix of ups and downs. I want to start this out with the good news that we have finally been approved by the UK borders Agency to be sponsors for religious workers coming into the UK. This means that we are able to have JR and Daisha Sheets with their children Gideon and Naomi here in May to work with the congregation for 3 months. This will give us a good indication if there will, God willing, be the possibility of them coming for a longer term in the near future. They are a beautiful family and we are praying that we as a church and they as a family can work together to further the kingdom here in Peterhead. Please keep the Sheets family in your prayers as they make the final arrangements to visit with us. If you are in a position to help with their efforts and would like to give some funds you can do that via their web page: http://www.sheetstoscotland.blogspot.com/


I want to mention a couple of big things, expressions of faith, that has crossed my path this week. The first is a little snippet from Monday night with the primary school class. I came home pretty tired, because there had been a big group of kids and there were a group of 4 boys who were a handful and needed a firm hand. Fenella was asking me how it went and I started off telling her about the issues I had with these 4 boys and not long into the conversation it struck me, I had missed something huge that had happened during the class. When everyone was lined up ready for our prayer time Paul McLean motioned to catch my attention. Normally in the class Paul brings some DVD's that he thinks are good and we either give then a thumbs up or down (always ends up with thumbs up). This Monday was different. Paul didn't have DVD's, but he brought his new bible. He expressed that he wanted to read a bit before our prayer. So, he started reading. What you have to understand is that Paul doesn't form his words like we do and it can be a challenge to know what he is saying some times, but on Monday night there was complete silence as Paul "Read" from his bible and even though the children didn't know what Paul was saying they could understand that it meant a lot to him. When Paul had finished there was a big round of applause, spontaneously started by the kids. I now know that we had witnessed something pretty special and I am blessed, along with 30 others to have been there to hear Paul's expression of faith. My heart is full just recounting the story. I was so caught up in other issues during the class that I almost missed one of the most beautiful things of my week.

The second came about Last night. I got to the building at 10 past 6 to get our group underway. At 6.30 Jordan and CJ came to me and I heard those lovely words, "Billy can I talk to you?" You may not get the significance of what lies behind this simple question, but every time I hear those words and see the focused look in the eyes of the one asking, I know what is coming. We found a relatively quiet place and I listened to Jordan share how he is considering the commitment of his life to Christ! I am always humbled by the fact that I get to see and listen to a heart share how they have come to find their way back to God! Life does not get any better than that :) Our journey begins and God willing, Jordan can follow through with his commitment as we begin exploring what his commitment needs to be. I must share another angle to this chapter that is truly great. I mentioned that CJ came with Jordan to find me. Jordan is getting together with Shaun on Friday to study together. Shaun will share his journey to finding God with Jordan and help him make sense of his journey! That is AMAZING! CJ and Megan along with JP have all been instrumental in taking the opportunity to guide Jordan closer to finding God. I can only hold my hands up and say with all certainty that God is doing some pretty big things through the lives of these young, willing people who want to share what they know to be good. With all this in mind I must tell you of part of our class last night. I shared something that hit me last week with the group. I asked them if they were aware that if it were not for Christ, I wouldn't know any of them? They looked with questioning expressions at first, but then the penny dropped and they understood. I even went a bit further and asked what they thought it was that motivated me to persevere with some of them who, in the past, had been hard to work with. Again I was able to share that it was Christ in me. I put a comment on our youth facebook page last night in response to all that has gone on this week, "I look forward to seeing what the next "Ripple" of influence brings." It is truly inspiring when you see Christ being shared and shared again!


I mentioned that there are some downs at the beginning of this entry, but now all of a sudden they seem so insignificant I don't know that I even want to mention them :)


Let me finish by exalting God and again reminding us that, "He is Worthy!"