No Room

Been reflecting over the past month and have to be honest, in all the carolling and community programme at Gorgie SA that I've been involved with, there has been no room for family stuff. Thankfully we are now off for a few days and I plan to totally relax and chill.

Had a lovely time yesterday with a corps community lunch which followed the Christmas Day Meeting. Good to see a great crowd that gathered for that. This was followed by time with corps family where we enjoyed a 4 course meal (thank you Alan and Jean) and then some crazy games (OK Sharon the second one made up for the first!) Arrived home totally blessed but tired.

Interested to hear the Quuen's Christmas Day Message followed along the lines of my thought this year. Making room for the Christ Child in all the hustle and bustle. The preacher here needs to listen to his own message.

Ruby Gems

Mrs Brigadier Ruby Sloan
A gracious, sincere, loved, respected and cheerful lady, a lover of parties and someone who practised Christian hospitality. A lady who with her husband ministered the Christian gospel through Salvation Army Officership for nearly 70 years. She exemplified God's love to thousands of people, young and old alike, she influenced many to follow in her footsteps as a minister of God's grace. Latterly her intercessions for younger people were greatly valued. How we will all miss her. Physically a small lady, spiritually a lady whose heart was huge. Who will step into her shoes? Servant of God well done.

Totally Blessed

Totally blessed today by the commitment of Gorgie young people and their workers. Just witnessed what happens when God's people work together. A packed hall of parents, grandparents, and other relatives gathered for the annual Childrens Carol and Toy Service. Dividing the two halves of the evening was refreshment. In the 1st half, dance routine from the Telfer School of Dance, music provided by our YP Band and Singing Company and items by the Kidz Clubs were indispersed by congregational carol singing. The 2nd half comprised the "Hosanna Rock" musical produced by Sharon Bell and Karen Telfer. The kids from all aspects of the children's ministry took part.

Well done Kevin and Paul and your team ministries.

Sainsbury Murrayfield New Opening

I've been asked to do some strange things in my time as a corps officer of 13 years, but last thursday was a first for me and Alison when we were asked to officiate at the opening of a new supermarket. Our new Sainsbury's supermarket was opened and the manager, Callum Nicolson, is really keen to develop links with the local community of which the corps is ideally placed and a significant mover. Contained in a goody bag for Alison and me was a specially labelled bottle of whisky for each of us! We're looking for two homes who would welcome this gift.

Our band have been invited to play carols in the store, our Christmas community food parcel distribution has been assisted with the donation of a large amount of food and it seems we will be looking forward to a great partnership in the future with our new neighbours.

Prison Visitor's Centre Partnership

Just had a really interesting meeting about how our corps, in particular our Children's community work, may be able to work in a partnership with The Salvation Army's Prison Visitor's Centre. Kerry Watson, our visitor's centre community worker and Alan Montgomery our divisional director for social services are keen to maximise the resources and commitment at the corps in terms of the West Hall building and the expertise we have gained from our work in the community around the hall, to operate a kind of 'place to be' for children of prisoners. The idea would be to offer a counselling/education safe environment where the children may be invited to talk through issues about having a family member in prison.

With my passion for working in the prison, together with the passion and current successes of Kevin Avis, our children's development worker for reaching out to children in our community, this would be an amazing development for the corps. Lots more discussions and ideas to work through, but a great potential opportunity lies ahead.

Teddy Bears

I've just had an interesting conversation with my colleague chaplain in prison today. Yasim visits the prison as a Muslim man to chaplain Muslim prisoners. When I asked him about the news of the UK teacher being released, his comment was so refreshing. "Most Muslims around the world are so embarrassed at the Sudanese authorities response at jailing this woman. It's an utter disgrace. Most Muslim's are God fearing peaceable men and women. This news paints Muslim's in such a bad light."

Gillian Gibbons, who has been the victim of misunderstanding. Her crime was to be naive at cultural differences. As I meet and welcome strangers who are different from me over the next wee while, I hope I can show the same care, understanding and loving kindness that she displayed to the children she taught. "love our enemies and pray for those who persecute you." we're commanded by the man who was the baby we celebrate coming into our world at this time of year. I guess I'll be encountering over the next few weeks those who are different from me and I hope I can show Christ-like attitudes.

Destiny Church moving into Gorgie

Had a meeting with Peter Anderson, of Destiny Church, Edinburgh who wanted to speak about their church moving into the Gorgie Area.

I listened to Peter's story and to the story of the church who are currently based in Leith but who in the New Year are planning on acquiring the old Bingo Hall at the other end of Gorgie as their current church premises are too small for their growing congregation. They plan on retaining their base in Leith and running the two churches.

Peter was interested to hear about the Salvation Army's work in Gorgie and was anxious that their move wasn't viewed as a threat. He re-iterated their mission is to seek the lost. A large part of their congregational demography is in the Gorgie area. The church is raising funds to pay the deposit of £350,000 for a £900,000 purchase price. So far it has managed £160,000 as donations from its members.

Pete has already met with Peter Barber of Gorgie parish church.

It is hoped as ministers together we can meet together and pray together as we seek to "reclaim the land" for God in this part of our city.

I've posted the link to destiny church for you to read about our possible new neighbours.

Identity Theft

The latest 'worry' to hit the media is the loss of two data discs containing an estimated 15-25 million personal records. Heads have rolled as the media has been full of speculation that the data will be sought after by fraudsters, misused and the innocent people’s identity will be stolen. It's horrible when personal space is violated whether that be through a burglary or someone pretending to be me and using my financial details to get goods and services. It's never happened yet, but with all this computer data floating around on the super highway, I guess it will only be a matter of time.

Spiritually it’s even more frightening when the devil tries to steal our identity in Christ! Unlike my personal space, this has happened in the past. In Paul's epistles, his favourite catchphrase is "being in Christ". It's good to know and take comfort from the fact that my identity is secure through the blood shed at Calvary. That's how I'm viewed according to Colossians 3. That's an amazing thought - no reality! And what a hope.

So if someone wants to steal my personal details and get things by deception, so be it. They will never steal my identity in Christ, unless I let them through fear and moving away from Christ. I read today “we are intermingled with Christ!” and I’ll settle for that! What an awesome reality! Be well, be encouraged.

Quote of the day.

"Before we complain too loudly about a world of disposable relationships and short term policies, a world of fracturing and insecure international bonds and the decline of trust, we should remember today we have cause for thanksgiving." (Dr Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury) Quite a thought really. Said at the 60 year wedding anniversary celebrations in Westminister Abbey for our Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Relating to marriage it also could apply to the marriage of Christ and the Church. I'm immensely privileged to be part of His Church, despite issues of relationships, short term thinking, fracturing society and a lack of trust.

General Shaw

We need to pray for Shaw Clifton, General of The Salvation Army.

As a result of recent medical tests a cancer has been diagnosed. The doctors believe that it has been found early and is operable. They therefore wish the General to undergo further tests, then some courses of chemotherapy, and eventual surgery.All of this will take several months. The doctors have advised the General to remain within the United Kingdom between now and the middle of next year in order to complete all aspects of testing and treatment, including the surgery and recovery period.It follows that all overseas travel commitments made by the General and Commissioner Clifton between now and the end of June 2008 are cancelled. Apart from international travel, the General will continue to carry out all the normal functions of his office.

He's in the master's hands. Let's keep him there by our prayers.

Sunday Ministry

Isn't it great when God takes over and takes control. That just happened today at Gorgie. He had it all planned and Garry Brotherston spoke powerfully this morning resulting in God being heard by many people and the mercy seat being lined as people responded. "Counting the cost of being a Christian" was the theme. "It cost God loads for us, what's it costing you?" was the challenge Garry gave. As we sung "I surrender all" many responded under conviction by the Holy Spirit. Earlier Garry shared his testimony and gave a powerful message at Edinburgh Prison to commence the Prisoner's Week Campaign. I felt very much as if God was saying "Hey, move over, I'm happy to take control here." God give us more of you in our midst. All in all a great day and plenty more please God. God's anointing is certainly on this young man. It was a shame all our young folk were at councils retreat, but I think they had an equally challenging, if exhausting time.

West End War Cry

Just been out selling Salvation Army papers again today. It's amazing who you can get talking to. Met Mavis today. She's a Zimbabwean Salvationist over visiting family in Edinburgh until 5th December. Invited her to the meetings at Gorgie. Told her we have quite a growing contingent of Zimbabwean's worshipping with us at present.

I've only been standing on a Friday for a few weeks and have met a Swedish Salvationist who was invited to join with us for worship at Gorgie. Then there was Andrew, a former YP Band member of Gorgie. I met an elderly Penicuik Salvationist along with a former Singing Company member the same day.

Also have been struck by the number personal stereos that are used these days by shoppers and workers travelling to the office. All are oblivious to the noises and distractions around them including my salutory "Good Morning" aimed at getting their attention.

Been thinking how many of us salvationists go around with our spiritual ears plugged up, not listening to God's voice, missing those God given opportunities?

Just last week there were workmen digging up part of the road where I was standing. I started engaging one of the workman who informed me they were testing to see if there were pipes under the concrete as the area would be covered with tramlines eventually. "Didn't the council have plans to locate utility pipes?" "Yes", came the reply, "but they were old plans and couldn't be trusted." So the entire main shopping street of Edinburgh is being tested as we approach the busiest time of the year. Brilliant!!

A couple of thoughts came to me. The workmen were really struggling to dig up the hard concrete surface in order to get the softer earth underneath. Sometimes it's like that in my witnessing. I feel that the impact I'm having for God in this ministry is still cracking the hard surface - it's early days for me. I'm not giving up and I know that my prayers and efforts in sharing my story (witnessing) and sharing the gospel will eventually bring people into a saving relationship with God. And what lies buried within such people? I guess when I do 'get through' I might find hurting, abused, anxious and depressed people. Hopefully some joy-filled, positive, educated people also.

And secondly, how often are we using outdated plans and procedures in our attempts to share the gospel. Open airs aren't done anymore in the form of the band standing in the street playing tunes and someone shouting down a megaphone. We live in a post modern world and whilst we have changed our methods vastly over the last two decades, The Salvation Army is still set up with its militaristic methods preaching to post modern people using modernistic ideals.

In other words, we still use the line, either verbally or by our actions "We're saved, come and join us!"

Shouldn't it rather be, "We're journeying on the road, met with God, haven't got life sorted, finding all sorts of issues to deal with. How about you? Can we help each other?" So much more engaging, don't you think?

I love the opportunities and witnessing literature selling affords. Anymore people out there? If so I'd be pleased to hear from you as to what God is doing through you.

Blocking God's Healing

Just been reflecting on last Saturday and the Healing Seminar at Gorgie. It was a really mind blowing time for some who attended. It was good to be part of the day that saw us pray for each other to receive healing from God - and He is true to His Word. Praise God.

But one of the blocks to God's healing is the unforgiving heart and really been challenged again by reading Phil Yancy's "What so Amazing ..." and the story of Daisy who couldn't forgive her abusive father and so carried bitterness all her days.

As a corps we are starting to believe in God's healing power and starting to see evidence that He wants to use us to bring His healing on His people. I hope I never get so proud and confident that I think of people with such hatred and unforgiveness and therefore block God out from using me to bring healing power into my ministry. Lord, help me.

Generosity

Am I generous in the time I give to my family, my friends? My son has just presented me with a Red Card! "Too much time spent on the computer Dad - come through and watch TV with mum and us". Just been reading about generous giving and the blessings that follow. Am I content with my lot? Do I 'covet', am I envious of others? No, I've got to say, I count myself to be a content chap with a lovely family and a brilliant church to lead that has it's challenges but is rich in diversity in ministry. And no I'm not one of those who says “If only I had a better house, a bigger car, more money … then I would be content”

I've realised in this life that for me, everything I have I've been gifted by God.

Hudson Taylor, is a man whose name I share, founded the China Inland Mission. Thousands were converted through his ministry. I read this account of his early life before China. It really challenged me. Do I share anything in common with Hudson Taylor apart from his name - his generosity perhaps?

At the age of 27 he was preparing to go to China and was working hard during the week and then ministering at weekends. He lived a frugal life and ate a bowl of porridge in the morning and a bowl of gruel on alternate nights. One day he was asked to go and pray for a poor man and his wife, who was dying. The only money he possessed in the world was his week’s wages of half a crown. When he saw their poverty, he wanted to give. He said that if he had two shillings and a sixpence he would have given the shilling. When he saw the poverty of the mother and the five children, he felt he would gladly have given one shilling and sixpence. As he talked about the love of the heavenly Father he felt a hypocrite as he was not prepared to trust God without two shillings and sixpence. He would gladly have given two shilling and kept sixpence. Eventually he responded to their request for prayer and started to pray “Our Father … “ He struggled through the Lord’s Prayer. The husband said “If you can help us, for God’s sake, do!” After an immense struggle, he gave them the only money he possessed in the world, half a crown. Joy flooded his heart. He sang all the way home. The next morning he received an unexpected letter, which also contained with it a pair of gloves and half a sovereign. He had received a 400% return on his investment in twelve hours. And the incident was a turning point in his life. He had learned to trust God in little things.

It's a thought! Whatever we can give, God multiplies. I've become sidetracked and need to remind myself I'm best contented when I'm in the business of investing in people’s lives. My motivation - to see lives changed, people accepting the kingdom of God as their value system, drug addicts set free, marriages restored and the sick healed. Isn't it great though to get occasional glimpses of God's power at work through His people? And it all begins when I give generously in time, talent and treasure. God let me be generous in all things today.

Remembrance Sunday

Hey just has a really encouraging email from Jack Alexander who thanked me for all the Salvation Army Band have done to 'resurrect' the remembrance ceremony at the Haymarket last Sunday. It seems there's been a lot of positive feedback with most old hands seeming to agree that it was the best Remembrance ceremony in forty years. "Without the support of the Salvation Army the whole event would have died. Now, suddenly, there's a context and a content and a passion about it again. And you've played an important part in that."

Well done Keith and the band for being faithful in the 'lean years'. Apparently we featured on the TV before the live HeartsvAberdeen match on Sunday afternoon.

Reminded me of the value of positive encouragement.

Some pictures have been posted that were taken on the day.http://www.flickr.com/photos/56701337@N00/sets/72157603080293628/