Urray & Kilchrist Church of Scotland

Muir of Ord

Church Magazine Winter 2011-12

The Church’s Mission Statement Our purpose is to bring glory to God through Jesus Christ by committing ourselves to regular worship, prayer and Bible study. We offer a warm welcome to all and

aim to reach out to each other, our community and the world with the love of Christ.

Enjoying the Church Christmas Meal

Charity Ref No SCO 09902 Congregation Ref No 392220

Christmas

with the kids from the Renewal Care

Home, Mariupol

Church Christmas Meal

MINISTER’S LETTER You might not have heard the news, but 2012 is the year the world ends! The 21st December is the exact date..... or so the story goes. You see, according to the theory, that date is remarkable since it is regarded as the end-date of a 5125-year-long cycle in the calendar of the ancient Mayan civilisation. So the logic is that they must have known something that we don't about that date, and therefore we had all better enjoy these last 11 months! This is of course the latest in a long line of weird and wonderful predictions and theories about the end of the world as we know it, and of time running out. Well of course time will run out for us all. By our very nature, we are all time-limited here on earth, and that fact seems to preoccupy us terribly. But the truth is this; it is God who holds the future. He was the one who created the universe and it is for Him alone to determine what lies ahead. What the Bible tells us is that God sent His son Jesus, to save us. He died for our sin so we might, by the grace of God, know forgiveness and salvation. We also know that, on the third day, God raised Jesus Christ from the grave and that He lives, reassuring His people of their eternal future and promising them that He will come again and that they will be forever with Him. I love the words which make up the chorus of the praise song Because He Lives, written by Bill Gaither, Because He lives, I can face tomorrow Because He lives, all fear is gone, Because I know he holds the future, And life is worth the living Just because He lives.

So true. And because that is the case, we need not worry about what lies ahead this year, indeed this very day, if we put our trust in Him. For there is nothing that can separate His people from the love of God, the Apostle Paul tells us that, (Please make time and read the wonderful words of Romans 8:35-39.) Therefore, the end of the world is for others to worry about. For us who love Him, the coming of the Lord and His kingdom is a day we await with fear and trembling, for sure, but also with a great hope and anticipation. And since there is not much, if anything, we can do about what tomorrow will bring, in the meantime, we focus on obeying and serving our Lord in His grace and mercy, and by our lives, pointing others towards the Lord Jesus Christ, the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Rev.22:13.

Blessings Scott

CHURCH FAMILY NEWS

Church Register Deaths 30/10/11 Helen Skinner 8 Logan Way, Muir of Ord 08/11/11 Ian Mackay Station House, Corry Rd, Muir of Ord 02/12/11 Andrew Fraser Hawthorn Park, Muir of Ord 07/12/11 Elsie Ross Highview House, Inverness. Weddings 03/12/11 Alix Maclean and Ernst Robberts (Bunchrew House) Baptisms 18/12/11 William Mackenzie Simeon and Asia Ewing As many already know, Simeon and Asia hosted a group of children from the Renewal Children’s Home in Mariupol (where Simeon used

to work) for a Christmas holiday. The event was very successful, and below are letters of appreciation from Simeon and from Olya. You can see some photos on the cover page. Dear friends, Attached is a hand-made thank you from the children of Renewal Children’s Home, Mariupol, and one from the supervisor who came with them, Olya Victorovna. You can see how much this holiday meant to them, and along with the kids we are truly grateful for your help in making it happen. Your response was incredible, way more than we anticipated. That always seems to be the way when God is at work, but I am pleased to say it still surprises and delights every time! Indeed, we received so much in the end that the ‘leftovers’ have been enough to cover the train fares all the way from and back to Mariupol, 18 hours east of here! This was a real last-minute blessing to them, as usually children from the home don’t have to pay to travel, but when they arrived at the train station to come here, they were told “We don’t do that anymore” – and I think they almost cancelled the trip because of it! The home has on-going building projects and other big financial needs, so to not have to spend a penny on this holiday has been a truly great blessing for them. On a personal note, it was a wonderful experience for us, a small taste of things to come, and a reminder of the value of this work. The home in Mariupol is run by a church, and it is so much more than putting a roof over some heads, clothes on some backs and food on the table. These kids were so well behaved, kind and friendly, helpful and disciplined. They always helped at mealtimes and washing up, and kept the place clean and tidy. And, just as I remember from when I was working there, it seems everyone who passes through there develops a natural love for and reliance upon God, and the majority of the kids give Him their lives and carry on walking with Him. May God use the house He has blessed us with in the same way! Many thanks again, and may God bless you right back - richly. With much love, Simeon, Asia, Amelia, bump.

Olya Victorovna (supervisor).Olya 18, Vika 15, Alina 14, Masha 14, Anya 12, Lera 8, Nazar 13 and Vladik 12.

Dear friends! I want to thank you on behalf of all the children and the workers at Renewal care centre in Mariupol for the finances that you gave for our stay at Simeon and Asia’s place. It was a very nice time for the children full of fun, new experiences of living in a family. It was the first time we went out from Mariupol to stay in a family, and this is so nice that the children who all have wrong painful experience in the past could see the proper relationship and learn some good things about a family, they felt loved and got warm hospitality at Simeon’s home. And this is the most precious thing which can impact their future. The children visited Kiev, went bowling, ice-skating, played billiard and table tennis at the pastor’s house. Apart from that Simeon and Asia spoiled us with nice food and cakes. The children didn’t want to leave and they all want to stay in Rzhischiv forever☺. Thank you for having made this holiday possible and we appreciate your Christmas gift! May God bless you, your families and your church!

Olya Belyakova, worker at Renewal centre, Mariupol, 10.01.12

Sunday School Christmas Party Although the Sunday school Christmas party may seem like a long time ago now, it will stick in the minds of those who were there for a much longer time than you may imagine. We all had so much fun that it’s imposable to put it into words. We played loads of great games like pass-the-parcel; musical statues and many, many more. At 3:30 we sang jingle bells so that Santa would come to give out great Christmas gifts to all who had been good (or I could just say to all of us!) We also had a fabulous meal, just to make everything even better than it had been before (which wasn’t easy I can tell you) and also to give us all some more energy after running around as much as we did. Now you’ve heard all about the party I’m sure you’ll all want to come along next time and join the fun, so see you there next time!

By Eilidh Mackenzie

Church Christmas Meal Our church Christmas meal was once again held in the Priory Hotel Beauly, and attended by a lively group of young, quite young and not so young members of the church family. We enjoyed a delicious meal of very generous portions, and, judging by the animated chatter, congenial fellowship was enjoyed by all. The tables were festive, crackers were pulled, hats were donned and there was much fun and laughter reading the jokes and sayings in the crackers. Scott gave thanks for our many blessings, our food, the opportunity to socialise freely in our faith and share a meal by way of celebrating Christ’s birth and His coming into our lives. Wendy organised a quiz for our further entertainment, and again, much fun was had digging into our collective knowledge to find the answers. Thank you, Wendy, for your efforts. Thank you too, to Sheena, for organising the event and to Sheena and Frank for dealing with the money and paying on the night. There are some photos on the cover page.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS The Church of Scotland’s Enquirers’ Conference at Scottish Police

College, Tulliallan, 3-4 February 2012. If you are interested, there may be some last minute/cancellation places available. Phone Suzanne Brown or Carol-Anne Frame on 0131 225 5722

THE GUILD The Church of Scotland Guild celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2012, and the January edition of Life & Work carries a series of articles to mark this event. To quote from Life & Work’s editor, Lynne McNeil: “Life & Work and the Guild share the same founder, the visionary Victorian, the Rev Professor Archibald Charteris, who launched the Guild eight years after the aforesaid journal. Initially founded to bring more women into the church, the Guild has proved to be an enduring conscience and backbone. It has stood the test of time – embracing social change and simply doing what it does best: actively working and campaigning for a better world in Christ’s name – effectively captured in the Guild’s motto: Whose we are and Whom we serve.” Below is the timeline page which appeared in the January edition of Life & Work and which gives an interesting skeleton history of the Guild. If you’d like to read the Guild articles, ask Aileen to lend you a copy.

Church of Scotland Guild Timeline

1858 Archibald Charteris licensed as a minister 1863 Charteris marries Catherine Anderson 1880 Charteris founds Young Men’s Guild 1885 Dr Charteris appeals to women of the church through

Life & Work to find out more about women’s work 1885 Charteris appeals to Assembly for permission to

investigate and report on the work of women and the possibility of organising an official unit

1886 Women allowed to become doctors in Scotland 1887 Charteris reports back to Assembly. C of S Woman’s

Guild formed. Deaconess House opened.

1891 First Guild conference. Guild launches Mother’s Union movement.

1892 Charteris elected Moderator of the General Assembly 1893 Guild builds hospital next to school in Kalimpong.

Guild launches scheme to bring country produce to poor of Edinburgh. Second Guild conference.

1894 Guild-funded Kalimpong hospital opens. Guild “marriages” link started between branches.

1898 Charteris retires 1904 Guild Cottage opens for “women fallen victim to

intemperance”. 1905 Emmeline Pankhurst founds Suffragette movement 1908 Charteris dies and is buried in Wamphray 1912 Guild raises money to buy pulpit and falls for

Charteris Memorial Church (Kirk o’Fields, Edinburgh). Biography of Charteris published

1913 Kalimpong school expansion continues 1918 Girls’ guild started. Mrs Charteris dies and is buried

with her husband. Guild cottage closed. 1919 Guild funds two hostels for women and girls – one in

Glasgow and one in Edinburgh. 1926 General Strike and start of great Depression 1928 Guild begin to train members in public speaking 1932 Mass AGM held at Usher Hall, Edinburgh. Request

for Guild Representative to be Corresponding Member at General Assembly turned down

1935 BBC broadcasts part of annual meeting 1937 Jubilee Year – additional funds sent to Kalimpong.

7,000 members want to attend annual meeting, so venue moved to accommodate numbers.

1939 Annual meeting held in McEwan Hall. Guild given responsibility for own finances. Presidents limited to 4-year office. Board of Trade authorised Guild members to get special coupons to obtain wool to knit for the troops

1943 Ernest Bevin invites 90 Guild members to his conference of women to discuss new welfare state.

1947 Guild sends 3,000 layettes to German mothers as reconciliation.

1953 Guild President invited to Queen’s coronation 1956 First theme launched. Guild church at Barlanark

dedicated. 1957 70th anniversary of the Guild 1959 Guild magazine Bulletin started 1966 First women elders. Magazine Spotlight started. 1969 Annual projects started following Elizabeth

Anderson’s trip to World Council of churches conference. First women ministers ordained.

1974 Guild Representative finally invited to be Corresponding Member at General Assembly

1977 Queen attends Guild’s 90th anniversary AGM 1982 Anne Hepburn, National President, opens Annual

Meeting with “God, our Mother” prayer, sparking controversy and debate at General Assembly. Guild campaigns to boycott South African oranges in protest against apartheid.

1987 Guild Centenary celebrations. Discussion topics launched. Guild hymn written by Betty Ewart.

1996 First information officer appointed. 1997 Church of Scotland Woman’s Guild becomes Church

of Scotland Guild. Three year strategies launched. 2000 Millennium banner exhibition tour 2002 Thanks a Million campaign to mark project

Partnership Scheme raising £1 million since 1997 2004 First Annual Guild Week (last week in November) 2007 “The Extra Mile” launched. Guild members address

MSPs on the issue of people trafficking. 2008 Guild Week marked by Chain of Peace 2009 First Regional Annual Meeting held in Castle

Douglas 2010 Second Regional Annual Meeting in Fort William

IT’S GOOD TO SMILE…. The Sheik & the Scotsman A wealthy sheik was admitted to St Vincents Hospital for heart surgery, but prior to the surgery, the doctors needed to store his blood in case it was found to be required during the procedure. As the gentleman had a rare type of blood, it couldn't be found locally, so, the call went out to other hospitals. Finally a Scot was located who had a similar blood type. The Scot willingly donated his blood for the sheik. After the surgery, the sheik sent the Scotsman as appreciation for giving his blood, a new BMW, diamonds & US dollars. A couple of days later the sheik had to go through a corrective surgery. His doctor telephoned the Scotsman who was more than happy to donate his blood again. After the second surgery, the sheik sent the Scotsman a thank-you card & a jar of candies. The Scotsman was shocked that the sheik this time did not reciprocate his gesture as he had anticipated. He phoned the sheik and asked him: "I thought you would be generous again, that you would give me a BMW, diamonds & money... but you only gave me a thank-you card & a jar of candies". To this the sheik replied: "Aye, but I’ve good Scottish blood in ma veins noo". The Lord’s Prayer There was a traveller man, walking in the north of Scotland. He was starving with hunger for he hadn’t eaten for a few days; the soles of his shoes were worn down to the road, and the blisters on his feet were the size of eggs. He was in a terrible state. He was walking up a glen when he saw another traveller coming towards him. He was so glad to see somebody else. He shook hands with him and bade him good day. “It’s good to meet you my friend,” he said, “you wouldn’t have anything to eat in your pocket, would you – or a cigarette? I haven’t eaten for a few days and my belly is sore with hunger”. “No, I’m sorry, I’m hungry too. I haven’t eaten either”.

Well, are there any houses up here? I could beg for a sandwich, or something else?” “Yes, there’s a manse no more than half a mile up the road, but for goodness sake don’t go there. He’s a beast of a man and he’ll set the dog on you.” “I’ll have to try it – must is a hard master – thank you,” the first traveller replied and walked on up the hill. Eventually he came to the house, with two big gates and the sign “Manse”. He entered and knocked on the door. A butler answered and asked bluntly “What do you want?” Well”, replied the traveller, “I’ve come to see the minister – not to beg. I was told he’s the best minister in Scotland and I’ve come to ask him to teach me something.” So the butler fetched the minister. “Well”, the minister said warily, “I hear you want to see me.” “Oh yes, your reverence, I’ve heard you’re the best minister in Scotland and I’ve travelled for days to come to see you so as you can teach me something.” The minister threw out his chest a bit at the compliment. “What do you want me to teach you, my man?” “I want you to teach me the Lord’s Prayer” said the traveller. “Don’t you know the Lord’s Prayer, my man”? “No sir, I never learned it.” “Very well,” said the minister “I’ll teach you”, and he began “Our Father…” “Hold on a minute” said the traveller man, “Did you say Our Father?” “Yes, I did” said the minister. “So that means to say he’s your father?” “Yes, he is.” Well, if he’s your father, he must be my father”. “Of course he is.” “Well, if he’s your father and he’s my father, we must be brothers.” “Yes, putting it that way, we are.” “Well, would you see your brother go with an empty belly, and me that has not eaten for days?”

The minister gave a wee smile. “Very well, I’ll take you round the back and ask the cook to feed you.” The cook put out a big plate of meat for him and he tucked into it, putting what was left over into his handkerchief for later. “Well” said the traveller man “you’re a great cook, thank you, but I must see the minister again.” Off goes the cook and comes back with the minister. “Have you had a good feed, my man?” he asked. “A wonderful feed your reverence, thank you, but you still haven’t taught me the Lord’s Prayer. “No, I haven’t had a chance, so shall we start again?” The traveller man nodded, and the minister began “Our Father….” The traveller man put his hand up to stop the minister from saying anything more and said “Excuse me, your reverence, but is he still your father?” “But of course.” “And is he still my father?” “Yes.” “So we’re still brothers then?” “Yes.” “Well, would you see your brother going with a pair of boots like these, no soles on them and blisters the size of eggs on his feet and the blood running out of them?” Again the minister gave a wee smile. “All right then, but looking at your feet, my shoes wouldn’t fit you, so take this note down to John, the cobbler in the village, and get a pair of boots, and tell him I’ll be down in a few days to pay for them.” So off goes the traveller man, happy as a lark. He went to the cobbler and chose the best leather boots he had in the shop, and away he went. Now, a few days later, when the minister was having his afternoon tea, a thought came to him –“I must go and pay for the traveller man’s boots – I forgot all about it.” He put on his coat and hurried away to the cobbler. The cobbler looked up when the small bell above the door rang. When he saw it was the minister, he stopped what he was doing and said “Good afternoon your reverence, I haven’t seen you in a long time.”

“No and I haven’t seen you in a long time either, John.” “Ah well, I haven’t managed to church as I’ve been so busy making boots and shoes for the people in the village and the big house.” “Ah but you must make time to come to church, you know, John.” The cobbler hung his head. “Now” said the minister, “with your not coming to church lately, do you still remember the Lord’s Prayer?” “Of course I do” said the cobbler. “Well would you mind quoting to me?” “Of course, your reverence, everyone knows the Lord’s Prayer, and he started “Our Father…” “Hold on a minute” said the minister, “Did you say Our Father?” “Yes, I did” said the cobbler. “So that means to say he’s your father?” “Yes, he is.” Well, if he’s your father, he must be my father”. “Yes.” “Well, if he’s your father and he’s my father, he must be that traveller man’s father as well.” “Yes, putting it that way your reverence, yes he is.” “So if he’s your father, and my father and the traveller man’s father, we must all be brothers.” “Yes, I suppose we are.” “Well, you pay one half of your brother’s boots and I’ll pay the other!!!!”

Sent in by Willie MacKenzie

A WALK THROUGH THE BIBLE – NEHEMIAH

Nehemiah is the last of the Old Testament historical books. It records the history of the third return to Jerusalem after captivity, telling how the walls were rebuilt and the people renewed in their faith. As the story begins, Nehemiah was talking with fellow Jews who reported that the walls and gates of Jerusalem were in disrepair, and rebuilding them became Nehemiah’s burden. Armed with royal letters from King Artaxerxes, Nehemiah travelled to Jerusalem. He

organised the people into groups and assigned them to specific sections of the wall. The construction project was not without opposition however. Sanballat, Tobiah and others tried to halt the work with insults, ridicule, threats and sabotage. Some of the workers became fearful, others weary. In each case, Nehemiah employed a strategy to frustrate the enemies: prayer, encouragement, guard duty, consolidation. Then a different problem arose, an internal one. Rich Jews were profiteering off their working countrymen. Hearing of the Jews’ oppression and greed, Nehemiah confronted usurers and forced them to discontinue their exploitation. Then, with the walls almost complete, Sanballat, Tobiah and company tried one last time to stop Nehemiah. But Nehemiah stood firm and the work was finished in just 52 days. What a tremendous monument to God’s love and faithfulness. Enemies and friends alike know that God had helped. Then Ezra reappears and reads the law and the Levites explain it to an attentive audience. This leads to repentance, a reaffirmation of faith and religious revival, culminating in a signing up, by Nehemiah, the priests, Levites and leaders on behalf of all the people, to the covenant agreement with God. The book closes with the records of the people and their villages, dedication of the new walls and the purging of sin from the land. CrossReach The January CrossReach mailing contained the Circle of Care newsletter and the February to May prayer letter, and there are copies of both available on the pamphlet table in the church hall for anyone who is interested. This quarter, Circle of Care focuses on the work CrossReach does through its substance misuse services which have been offered now for over 50 years. Initially, this was by means of a number of residential rehabilitation services allowing people to leave behind their local environment and enter a protected and often remote environment in order to work on their addictions and begin their recovery. It makes for sobering reading, reminding us that such addiction affects not only the sufferers but many, many more innocent people in the family, workplace and community in direct and indirect ways. It and challenges us as Christians, and, to quote from the

leading article: “As the social care department of the Church, CrossReach must be the hands of Christ to do His work, the feet to run His errands and the voice to speak for Him (Lewis Cameron, The Challenge of Need, 1971)”. The article goes on to describe work in some of the many projects around Scotland: Whiteinch “Move On” project, The Bridge project in the Western Isles, Simpson House, Edinburgh and closer to home, in Inverness, the Beechwood House “recovery tree”. Alice Cowie writes: “It was felt there was nothing that reflected that we are a recovery unit, so from this small seed the idea grew of a recovery tree. The tree is in the main entrance, so all ….who enter can see it….. It symbolises the journey from the root of addiction through to the canopy of recovery. Anyone can add a leaf to the tree…made of any material. A word is then selected which has significance for that individual…and is affixed to a leaf which the individual places on the tree. .” A user remarked: “when I first walked into Beechwood House, I noticed the tree, so went over to read it. It kind of gave me a feeling of support knowing I was not the only one feeling the way I felt”. Remember you can support the work of CrossReach by giving a donation and/or shopping in its web shop, shop.crossreach.org.uk/ There is still time to enter the 2012 Design a Christmas card competition 2012. You design must be original and not copied from an existing copyright card or clip art. Send your entry to: Christmas Card competition, CrossReach, 47 Milton Road East, EDINBURGH, EH 15 2SR

Aileen Nicholson Urray and Kilchrist Church has been granted Eco-Congregation status

by Eco-Congregation Scotland.

As such, we are committed to caring for creation; we make the link between environmental issues and our Christian faith; we will respond with practical action in the church and the wider community. Some 13 modules are available for congregations ranging from “Christianity and Creation” – some green theological perspectives to “Acorns to Oaks” – ideas and activities for children’s work. The module adopted to date at Urray is “Greening the Cornerstone” – guidelines on caring for church premises. Much of the work has taken place with respect to improving the hall. Several grants were received from bodies with an eco ethos in mind. Last winter we received a grant from Community Energy Scotland (CARES). This was used to insulate the suspended ceiling of the main hall with an increase from 15o mm to 300 mm of the glass wool quilt. The area over the kitchen and toilets was also covered. This is the maximum required by Building Regulations. Energy efficient lighting was then fitted throughout the hall. A total of 78 tubes were replaced. Cleaning of the diffusers was long overdue and the result obvious. This reduced the electrical power used by 25% and increased the luminosity by 33%. This benefited our electricity consumption and reduced the hall’s carbon footprint. All doors were draught-proofed at the same time. In addition solar panels were installed above the kitchen and toilets. The panels will provide hot water to supplement the existing electrical immersion element system.

Additional work was funded by the Scottish Community Foundation from Fairburn Wind Farm / Scottish and Southern Energy Community Benefit Fund.

Under floor heating from a gas boiler source was installed in the main hall. Previously, the hall was heated by inefficient wall heaters that had been largely responsible for our 8 tonne carbon footprint. Only those positioned in the arc of the beam received any heat. Ultimately, the aim is to provide heating water from a ground source system thus adopting renewable principles. Already community groups have found the hall very cosy and comfortable. Most hall users like having heat at their feet, especially the children and senior citizens. One brownie will not get up from the floor at the end of the night. Dingwall and Seaforth Ward Discretionary Budget was tapped into, and this assisted greatly with the new heating system in terms of floor insulation, plumbing and electrical works. Grateful thanks to Margaret Patterson, Councillor and Liz Cowie, Ward Manager for helpful advice. The Project was Part-Financed by the Scottish Government and the European Community Highland LEADER 2007-2013 Programme. LEADER funding match funds grants from other parties to the tune of 39% inclusive of our own contribution of 5% and Project Management costs. Further insulation to the hall was carried out to the external walls which were increased in width by 150 mm. This enhanced the U-value to 0.15 w/0C/m2 A thick insulation board called Ecotherm was inserted behind the plasterboard to achieve this . All the work was

done by local contractors so supporting the LEADER ethos of using local resources. This also embraces eco thinking in that less carbon is produced over short transport distances. LEADER conditions encourage sharing with the local community and this was satisfied since half of our hall organisations are not church related. Grateful thanks to Liz Whiteford, Highland LEADER project manager for guiding us through the complicated application and claim process.

The Persecuted Church In December, 2011, I enrolled as the Open Doors Church representative for Urray and Kilchrist congregation. Open Doors is an evangelical Christian ministry that serves persecuted Christians worldwide. If you have internet access they can be accessed at www.opendoorsuk.org. If you do not, information on Open Doors and other organisations serving the persecuted Church is available on the notice board in our Church hall. I update the display often, and I would please ask you to read the available information and take leaflets from there at any time. My key roles will be:

Drip feeding information and prayer requests throughout the year, as well as finding opportunities for a special focus on persecuted Christians;

Sharing Open Doors’ ministry in a variety of ways, for example; International Day of Prayer for persecuted Christians (November);

Bible study and prayer groups; Encouraging you to receive the monthly magazine and prayer diary;

Encouraging you to add your voice to critical advocacy campaigns;

Encouraging prayer and introducing the stories of persecuted Christians;

There are many examples of Christians being persecuted and I share one of the latest:

“Ugandan Girl Tortured for Christ Regaining Use of Legs

BWERA, Uganda, January 17 (CDN) — A 15-year-old Christian girl in western Uganda who lost the use of her legs after her father locked

her in a room for six months for leaving Islam has begun to take tentative steps. Susan Ithungu of Isango village, Kasese district, had been hospitalized since September 2010 after neighbours along with police rescued her from her father, Beya Baluku, who had given her

hardly any food or water. He was arrested shortly afterwards but quickly released. She and her younger brother, Mbusa Baluku, lived

alone with their father, who was divorced from their mother. In March 2010, Susan had trusted Christ for her salvation – prompting her father to threaten to slaughter her publicly with a knife. Pastor

Joseph Baluku of Bwera Full Gospel Church in Kasese, said neighbours who discovered that the girl was locked in a room with almost no food or water notified authorities. After her release, they

took her to a hospital”.

In countries where faith costs the most, persecuted believers depend on our prayers and support.

A Bible verse to remember “we are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

John MacDonald

New Year Resolutions Question: "What sort of New Year’s Resolution should a Christian make?" Answer: The practice of making New Year’s resolutions goes back over 3,000 years to the ancient Babylonians. There is just something about the start of a new year that gives us the feeling of a fresh start and a new beginning. In reality, there is no difference between December 31 and January 1. Nothing mystical occurs at midnight on December 31. The Bible does not speak for or against the concept of New Year’s resolutions. However, if a Christian determines to make a New Year’s resolution, what kind of resolution should he or she make? Common New Year’s resolutions are commitments to quit smoking, to stop drinking, to manage money more wisely, and to spend more time with family. By far, the most common New Year’s resolution is to lose weight, in conjunction with exercising more and eating more healthily. These are all good goals to set. However, 1 Timothy 4:8 instructs us to keep exercise in perspective: “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” The vast majority of New Year’s resolutions, even among Christians, are in relation to physical things. This should not be. Many Christians make New Year’s resolutions to pray more, to read the Bible every day, and to attend church more regularly. These are fantastic goals. However, these New Year’s resolutions fail just as often as the non-spiritual resolutions, because there is no power in a New Year’s resolution. Resolving to start or stop doing a certain activity has no value unless you have the proper motivation for stopping or starting that activity. For example, why do you want to read the Bible every day? Is it to honour God and grow spiritually, or is it because you have just heard that it is a good thing to do? Why do you want to lose weight? Is it to honour God with your body, or is it for vanity, to honour yourself?

Philippians 4:13 tells us, “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” John 15:5 declares, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” If God is the centre of your New Year’s resolution, it has chance for success, depending on your commitment to it. If it is God’s will for something to be fulfilled, He will enable you to fulfil it. If a resolution is not God honouring and/or is not in agreement in God’s Word, we will not receive God’s help in fulfilling the resolution. So, what sort of New Year’s resolution should a Christian make? Here are some suggestions: (1) pray to the Lord for wisdom (James 1:5) in regards to what resolutions, if any, He would have you make; (2) pray for wisdom as to how to fulfil the goals God gives you; (3) rely on God’s strength to help you; (4) find an accountability partner who will help you and encourage you; (5) don’t become discouraged with occasional failures; instead, allow them to motivate you further; (6) don’t become proud or vain, but give God the glory. Psalm 37:5-6 says, “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.”

Frosty morning on the back road to Urray Church

Minister: Scott Polworth Tel: 01463 870259 E-mail: scottpolworth@btinternet.com

Session Clerk: Duncan Cromb Tel: 01463 870860 E-mail: dcromb@btinternet.com

Magazine editor: Aileen Nicholson Tel:01463 870030 E-mail:aileen@braemhor.co.uk