Encouraging and fulfilling moments in Scotland…

The journey from Edinburgh to Kilmarnock and Inverness by train was enjoyable – seeing dramatic hills, green vegetation, flowing springs and amazing landscapes. I enjoyed meeting Church of Scotland congregations at Crosshouse, John Knox, St Andrews St.Columbus, St Kentigern’s, Fullarton, Ness Bank, Petty, Ardersier, Kirkhill, Crown, Barn, Drumnadrochit and Tomatin Breakfast Club. It was encouraging to share the progress of the Mission work including HIV and AIDS in Nepal.

My visit to schools and other community projects were encouraging and I enjoyed Alistair McDonald’s concert in John Knox Church, meeting with local voluntary groups’ representatives, talks with children in Schools and a football match between Scotland and Serbia (0-0).

I visited Blythswood Care at Evanton, spoke to staff and was impressed to learn how the organization mobilizes local resources to support physically and spiritually the needy people in Scotland and developing countries.

There was a Sexual Health Update day at Council Chambers Glenurquhart Road that was attended by Health Professionals and I had opportunity to share about the work supported by Church of Scotland in Nepal. According to the statistical data provided during the conference, UK has about 91,500 people living with HIV and AIDS.

I thank Ness Bank Guild, World Mission Council, Parish Ministers and the members of the church who provided accommodation, refreshments and vehicular facilitation.

It was exciting sailing to Loch Ness, a home of the ‘monster!’

Deputation was a wonderful experience for me! It was a time of great growth in my life. I thank God for the congregations’ prayers and support. Also, we want to thank the many faithful churches who have partnered with us so that we may move on to the next step of our ministry ensuring fullness of life in a transformed Nepali society.

 

Thank you and we wish you every blessing. 

By Joel, Agnes, Grace and Francis

Back to Nepal!

My family arrived in Edinburgh on 3rd May 2010, and I attended the International Christian College for training on Mission, children at Risk and Leadership. The Church of Scotland supported me during the training which was useful as it reinforced my knowledge and skill to work with the poor and the marginalized.

My family have enjoyed - and we thank everyone who supported and encouraged us during - our stay in Scotland. Thanks to all Church of Scotland congregations in Kilmanock, Irvine and Inverness Presbyteries for welcoming and being with us.

Farewell at Barclay's

My commissioning service was at Barclay View Forth Church and was attended by Members, Church of Scotland World Mission Council staff and others.

We are now packing and leaving for Nepal.

Our August vist to Inverness Presbytery

At the Palace Hotel, Inverness for High Tea!

We arrived at Inverness on Friday 20 August and Mrs Issy Freudenthal from the World Mission Committee met us at Inverness Station. She took us to High Tea at the Palace Hotel, along with Rev Bart Buell and Mrs Heather Beck. It was a lovely opportunity to meet them, and afterwards Issy took us to Beauly where we spent with Reverend Edgar and Jean, where we enjoyed being with the family.

On Saturday, we visited the Church of Scotland congregation at Ness Bank Church Inverness. Rev Fiona and the members spent time with us informally. It was an opportunity to interact and for the congregation to learn about the work we are doing in Nepal. The members were encouraged and they committed to pray for my family. They requested us to send updates on our progress. Rev Fiona Smith, minister of Ness Bank, provided lunch for us and we enjoyed being with Andrew, Katie and Liza.

On Sunday, I also visited Kilmorack and Erchless Parish and met Church of Scotland congregation in Struy about ten miles from Beauly. We all then visited Beauly Church where there were more than 100 members. We were happy to meet the people, and shared about our work in Nepal using PowerPoint presentation and a 3- minute Video to show the challenges that women and children infected and affected by HIV face in Nepal.

Then we also visited Alan and Pamela Lemon, at Ardendrain. It was a good opportunity to meet the family and to learn about their experiences and their link with needy people in Kolcatta, India.

We went on to Drumnadrochit - 12 miles south of Beauly beside Loch Ness where we met the Congregation members from Urquhart and Glenmoriston. The members encouraged and prayed for us. I thank Rev Hugh Watt for praying and meeting us. Our appreciation also goes to Andy Fothergill for taking us back to Beauly. On Monday 23 August we left Inverness and returned to Edinburgh

It was a successful visit and we thank the Church of Scotland for giving us the opportunity to visit such a wonderful and beautiful area. The congregations were welcoming and we were so much touched by their love. We thank World Mission Council staff for linking my family with these congregations and also Rev Edgar Ogston and Jean for hosting us.