Breaking The Silence

My time in Scotland is rapidly coming to an end. This is a bitter-sweet time to say the least. My emotions are torn between melancholy and joy. On one hand, I will be returning to my family and my home; Not just my blood family, but my Christian family and friends. On the other hand, I will be saying goodbye to the family and home I’ve made here in East Kilbride. I have been blessed. There is no other word with which to describe the circumstances God has found to fit to place me. I am loved. On one side of the pond there are those who cannot wait to see me (and believe me, I can hardly wait to see them) and on this side there are those who do not yet want to let me go (nor do I want to let them go). I am overwhelmed with love for all of these people. I have seen and done things I never would have expected to. I have met people who have changed my life. I truly, truly thank God for the family he’s given me.

As I ponder the love God has for me and the love I have for my family, I wonder, how is it our family finds itself torn asunder time and again? How is it the people who bring tears of joy to our eyes and wipe away our tears of sadness can find themselves on the wrong side of our anger? What happens?

The night I was placed on a team with 5 of my brothers and sisters (Ricky Harrington, Kyle Holcomb, Candace Mitchell, Stefanie Black, and Emily Cargill) I took part in a team prayer. We each prayed for the journey ahead of us. We also each shared our hopes and goals for our team. I said from that moment on we were family. We were brothers and sisters. As brothers and sisters we were going to fight, but we were going to love one another above all else. We had a battle ahead of us.

For the first few months as a team, our relationships were somewhat frosty. We didn’t quite get along. We were six different people with different backgrounds and different opinions. Ricky, Kyle, and I gelled quite well. As did Candace, Stefanie, and Emily. Our struggle manifested itself in the time-honored tradition of a battle of the sexes. We were stubborn and when we argued we found our differences nearly insurmountable. But yet, here I am, well over a year later, with nothing but love in my heart for Ricky, Kyle, Candace, Stefanie, and Emily. How did we manage to stay together as a team and love one another despite bullheadedness and quarrels?

For each of us cutting and running simply was not an option. We were brothers and sisters and we had made the conscious decision to love one another regardless of our differences or shortcomings. We chose to stubbornly love each other. The decision to love is the key to the continued success of our family (I speak broadly of the Christian family as a whole). Unfortunately, we do not always choose to love unconditionally.

Love does not always win over our hearts and minds. When we fail to make decisions with love in our hearts we allow lines to drawn in the sand. On one side of the line we place ourselves and on the other the people with whom we disagree. The longer we fail to allow love to dictate our actions the further we step away from the line and our brothers and sisters on the other side. When love is not in our hearts something else creeps in; Hatred.

Whether we care to admit it we have, each of us, chosen to act on feelings of hate in regard to those we once called brothers and sisters. Eventually hatred fosters an ideology of us-and-them that blinds us from the love we once felt. This newfound mentality makes it not only easy to cut and run, but also makes it seem as though cutting and running is the only option. We forget there is no us-and them. There is only us. We did not forge this family. God did. This is God’s family and he has invited us into it by way of His Son. It is not our place to tear it apart.

Why then? Why do we tear it apart? Because we do not choose to love those whom we have been told to love. We forget the greatest command. We allow our outstanding debt of love to one another to go unpaid. People get hurt and we hurt ourselves. We temporarily seem to pay no heed to the scriptures and what life should have taught us by now; Family is about disagreeing and choosing to stay together.

Time and again I’ve found myself at odds with my Mom, my Dad, or my brother. After 21 years of fighting, however, they are still my Mom, my Dad, and my brother and I am their son and brother and I love them. Our disputes may be inconsequential but generally so are the things that allow us to draw the line in the sand with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Cutting and running simply is not an option.

I know I will not put a stop to church disputes with this one blog. I will personally forget my own words one day, probably sooner then I care to admit, and choose to not a love a brother or sister. It is my profound hope, however, that my words have an impact on those who read them. I pray that my family in Scotland and my family in America will choose to love one another til Kingdom come. It is my profound hope that far above my words, we would choose to heed those of Christ; “I give you a new commandment: That you should love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another.” Paul put it well when he wrote, “Keep out of debt and owe no man anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor [who practices loving others] has fulfilled the Law [relating to one’s fellowmen, meeting all its requirements]”.

I love my family. I love God. If ever I fail to live up to this love I implore any of you to rebuke me long before I have the opportunity to draw a line in the sand. I hope this has been more than the stream of consciousness ramblings of a man whose heart is currently torn between two families and two countries. This is a sentiment that’s been on my mind as of late and I’ve felt compelled to share it with those whom I love.

I love you

Peace
God Bless

Merry Christmas

Howdy everybody. It's been a very busy month around here. The centre has become increasingly mobbed with people and everybody everywhere have been getting ready for Christmas. I myself am personally more excited about Boxing Day (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxing_day) than Christmas for that is the day my brother and parents will be arriving in Scotland. I've missed them a great deal and it will be awesome to show them around the place I've been living in for nearly 7 months. Ricky and I are going to cook a Christmas feast tomorrow night for Christmas Eve. Christmas day each of the Americans will be having Christmas dinner with a different family in the congregation. I'm looking forward to having a traditional Scottish Christmas dinner.
Last month as some of you may realize I went to Italy. I stayed with friends from AIM in Prato, Italy. While there I was able to see Pisa and Florence. I absolutely loved Italy. The food was delicious, the country was beautiful, and everything was drastically cheaper than Scotland! I hope I get the opportunity to go back and see Venice and Rome before leaving Scotland. When I went to catch my plane back to Scotland I found myself once again longing for my car. I had stayed up all night assuming I was catching an early plane out and would be able to sleep on the flight. When I got to the airport around 6:00 am I learned that my 7:40 am flight had been pushed back to 2:45 pm. Fortunately this gave me plenty of time to hang out with my friends and see Pisa but I was absolutely exhausted that day. I'd take a road trip over flying any day.
Since I last post one more missionary has gone home and one is on the way. Alaina Church went home to Houston, Texas last Monday and Iain Lee will be heading home to Michigan tomorrow. Keep them in your prayers as they make the transition and decide what to do next in their lives.
We've learned who the next AIM team to Scotland will be. It is a team of 6; 3 guys and 3 girls. I cannot remember their names at this moment in time but I will try to keep you updating as the days get closer to their arrival. Please keep the new team in your prayers as well as the other teams AIM will be sending through out the world.
I would like to ask that you all keep Paula Burgess in your prayers. Her husband, a service user of Shopmobility, passed away unexpectedly this past Thursday night. Tommy was a kind and well-liked man. He will be missed by all of us at Shopmobility. I ask that you would remember Paula and her family in your prayers.
That is all for the latest edition of my blog. Thanks for reading.

Peace
God Bless
Merry Christmas

PS: If you would check out this blog a friend made. I think it is very funny and I hope you will enjoy it. http://savethetodds.blogspot.com/

Five People

This morning during church I started thinking about how much I would have loved to be able to sit down to dinner with Jesus and pick his brain. As I thought of this I began to think about what five deceased people I would like to have the opportunity to talk with. I made a list.

1) Jesus
2) Shakyamuni Buddha (founder of Buddhism)
3) Akira Kurusawa (Japanese film director)
4) Johnny Cash (surely you've heard of him)
5) Madeline Kahn (the funniest woman ever to have lived)

Who are your five?

Table Talk

While reading recent news articles I happened upon this Sunday's table talk. I thought I would share with you what I talked about this morning.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/julians-mythbuster-moment/2007/11/08/1194329387281.html

I thought this article was interesting because as Mr. O'Dwyer said teenagers don't get much good publicity these days. At one time or another most have complained about the amount of sensationalized, negative, and often violent news stories that flood the news stations, tv, and newspapers. The sad fact is that we are bombarded by these stories because we are morbidly curious; we will watch them and read them. To some degree I imagine hearing about the terrible things going on in the world makes us feel good about how we have it. We should never turn a blind eye to bad news but we should also pay attention to good news. More importantly we should be creating and spreading good news. Many of you may be aware that the word gospel translates as "good news" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gospel#Etymology). We have good news to share with people. We shouldn't become complacent with the fact that we aren't committing the atrocities we see on tv and read about in the paper. One of my greatest areas of contention with modern Christianity is that we evaluate our spirituality (and that of others) on the things we do not do. I say this knowing full well that I do it too. It is all too easy to pat myself on the back when I spot sin in someone's life, momentarily disregarding the sin in my life (Matt 7:3). Being that I may be the only Bible any particular person I meet has ever seen, I should focus on being and example to them through my actions rather than simply not making the headlines in their own mind's sensationalized news station. Perhaps by seeing Jesus in my they will care to know more about the good news I have (Rom 10:17). Now, what a man did over 2,000 years ago may not exactly register as news per say but the difference he can make in one's life certainly is news. This is where I must ask myself how much I truly believe the Christian way of life is better than a life without God. What difference does God make in my life? What difference will people see? What good news can be seen in my life? (Gal 5:22, 23)
I challenge everyone who reads this to let others see Jesus in them. Bring good news to people through your actions. Don't allow your inaction to speak for you because it will have very little to say. Merely avoiding the tabloid headlines simply isn't good enough.

Matthew 7:3-Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? (ESV)

Romans 10:17-So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (ESV)
The point is: Before you trust, you have to listen. But unless Christ's Word is preached, there's nothing to listen to. (The Message)

Galatians 5:22, 23-But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Thanks for reading.

Peace
God Bless

Five Months In

Well, I've been living in Scotland for five months now. It's hard to believe it's been that long since I've seen the motherland (Oklahoma). My time here is flying by. The sun is setting much sooner (around 4:30) and all the leaves have changed. The Befriend programme is in full swing, Alex is wrapping up his tour of the states, and the holidays are upon us.

I have been working with a boy named Brian through the Befriend programme for the past month. The Befriend programme is more or less like Big Brother in the states. For confidentiality reasons I'm not able to say much about Brian. I'm sure though I can tell you things are going pretty well. I ask that you would please continue to keep him and the programme in your prayers.

Alex has been touring the states for the past month and half raising support and recruiting missionaries. He will be back in Scotland this Friday. I am sure Alex will be glad to be home again. Pray that he has a safe trip back.

Much as it did in the states, Halloween has come and gone. I stayed in Halloween night, carved up a pumpkin, and roasted some seeds. As some of you may know shortly after Halloween came Guy Fawkes Day (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Fawkes_Day). From around 4:30 pm to midnight the night sky was lit up by fireworks. It was fairly amazing. There were even more fireworks than on the 4th of July. Apparently there aren't any laws restricting where fireworks can be set off in Scotland.

The shopping centre has been given a Christmas makeover. The entire centre is decorated with giant wreaths, Christmas lights, and Christmas trees. Santa arrived to the centre yesterday in a parade. These people mean business when it comes to Christmas. It's a little odd to think there won't be a Thanksgiving between now and Christmas.

Marissa, one of the missionaries here, will be going back to the states next Monday (the 19th). Keep her in your prayers as she makes this transition.

Thanks for reading.

Peace
God Bless

London

I would like to apologize for the serious delay in posting this blog. I know it has been far too long since I've last posted something.

A good bit has happened in the last month. As discussed in my previous post I've turned 21. I've begun visiting with a member of the congregation every week. I've visited London for the first time in my life. One of the missionaries has headed home. Last but certainly not least, my work with the Befriend will truly begin today.

A member of our congregation, Jonathon, is often confined to his house due to health reasons. Four weeks ago I went to visit him and have since made it a weekly event. Jonathon is generally in good spirits and has plenty of stories to share. He and I share similar taste in movies and I've begun lending him a few of mine. Jonathon will be leading our team meetings for the next month because Alex and Gilian have take a trip to the States in order to raise support and recruit new missionaries. The good people at Shopmobility will be going by Jonathon's house every Tuesday morning, picking him, and giving him a scooter so we can continue our meetings at the usual place in the shopping centre, Muffin Break. Jonathon is a strong, Christian man and I look forward to the discussions we'll be having with him as a team.

My trip to London was a great experience. I stayed in a village just outside of London and journeyed into the heart of London every day to spend time with a friend from home who is going through a study abroad programme with Notre Dame. While there I managed to see King's Cross, Portobello Road, the London Eye, Big Ben, The National Gallery, The British Museum, The Manhattan Short Film Festival, and Emma Thompson. Unfortunately the day I saw Emma Thompson my camera was no where near me. While I greatly enjoyed my time in London I must confess that it was a good bit more crowded and fast-paced than I care for and certainly more expensive. I have to say, I honestly prefer Glasgow to London. I would love to visit again. I spent an hour and a half in The British Museum and that wasn't nearly enough time.

One of the missionaries here, Lydia, headed back home this morning. Please keep her in your prayers as I can only imagine how difficult it must be to leave. The congregation had a going away party for her last Tuesday (because it was the last service Alex would be at before she left). I'm sure it is a bittersweet experience; on one hand she'll enjoying seeing her friends and family back home and on the other she'll miss the friends and family she's made here. I've only been here four months and I don't care to think about the day I'll be leaving. Scotland is my home away from home.

Today I will be meeting with the boy I'll be working with through the Befriend programme. At this time I don't know much about him but I'm sure that will change soon. As I've mentioned before I am very excited about starting this. This is something I've been excited about doing since shortly after arriving here. Pray that all goes well.

I would like to leave you with a few thoughts and scriptures. From time to time I think a lot about contentment. It seems to me as though contentment is a very important element in our lives and yet so few of us are content or even really understands what it means to be content. It seems to me that contentment can be stated most simply by saying it is to want what you have and not want what you do not have. While this is a simple phrase it is not as simply executed. We all fall victim to materialism and consumerism; these are powerful tools of evil that divert our attention from the things God has given us and the things we should be striving for. God has given me friends, family, food, clothes, shelter, a purpose, and many other things. So often I allow myself to dwell on the future, the past, and things I do not have rather than being appreciative of things I do have. God has blessed me. I can honestly say, were it not for Him I would not be typing this blog in Scotland at this very moment.
I want to keep this thought short and write a few scriptures. I earnestly want to hear your thoughts on contentment so please feel free to start a discussion in the comments or send me an e-mail.

Philippians 4:11-13 (ESV) Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
(The Message) Actually, I don't have a sense of needing anything personally. I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, where I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.

Matthew 6:21 (ESV) For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
(The Message) The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.

Peace
God Bless

My Scottish Birthday

Tonight was a real treat. Shortly before the Tuesday night Bible study began Alex walked into the main room of the building, holding a cake, and singing happy birthday. The cake was adorned with several birthday candles, chocolate stars, and two number candles; 2 and 1. I was also given a card the members of the church had a signed. One of the women in church said she hoped I would have a happy birthday even though I was in another country. I told her, "I know I will. How many people can say they celebrated their 21st birthday in Scotland?" Meaning of course, how many Americans can say they spent their 21st in Scotland. I imagine most Scots spend their 21st here.
The past couple of weeks have been a blast. The AIM team from Italy has come to visit, I've finished training for the Befriend programme, and I've begun working at the Glasgow City Mission. Being able to show the AIM team around our little corner of Scotland was brilliant. While they were here they helped out at several of places we volunteer. It is so encouraging to spend time with friends who are devoting themselves to mission work. To some degree I was able to see the Italy team in action; we ate at an Italian restaurant (virtually every Italian restaurant in Scotland is owned and operated by Italians) and the team spoke only Italian to the waiter and waitress. Now that my training for the Befriend programme is complete I am simply awaiting the return of my background check. Having already sent off and received 2 background checks I imagine their will be no problems. For the past several weeks I have been helping with the IT programme at the City Mission on Tuesday afternoons. I prepare food and talk with the people who come to the IT programme. The IT programme is designed to help people acquire copmputer skills.
I would now like to share with you a verse that someone was recently kind enough to share with me.
Numbers 6:24-26
The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. (ESV)
GOD bless you and keep you, GOD smile on you and gift you, GOD look you full in the face and make you prosper. (The Message)
Thank you, Sue Farris.
I pray this blog finds you all doing well. Thank you for reading.

Peace
God Bless

Scotland

Photobucket Album

Life In Scotland

First things first; I know some of you have asked either mom or dad whether the attempted bombing at the Glasgow airport affected me. The answer is, not really. News stations have been saturated with news about the attempted bombing and ensuing attempted bombings at a hospital but other than that life is the same as per usual. Quite a lot has happened since the last time I've updated my blog. For starters, the latest Harry Potter book and movie was released. As you might imagine, Harry Potter is HUGE here. Even bigger than in the states. Candace and I waited in line for the book, starting around 9:15 and ending around 12:20 when we received our respective copies of the book. Nearly half of the church (I am not exaggerating) was waiting for the midnight release of the book. Candace and I met two girls in line that we are planning to hang out with as soon as our schedules will permit it. In the last two weeks I have gone to Ayr and Edinburgh. Both were great experiences. I went to Ayr with Shopmobility (one of the organizations I volunteer for) for an employee appreciation dinner. Ayr was a very nice little town on the seashore. It was beautiful. I really like the people at Shopmobility too. It was a very fun time. This past Thursday several of the AIMers went to Edinburgh. Edinburgh is an incredibly beautiful, interesting city. Ricky, Kyle and I had the opportunity to see the Edinburgh, Castle. All three of us enjoyed it and took several pictures. I'm thinking about getting a photobucket account so I can share all of my pictures with you. While in Edinburgh I tried haggis for the first time. I know that haggis is (technically) a meat but I figured I wasn't stepping too far outside of my vegetarian boundaries (at least not with my expressed purpose of becoming one) to try it. In my personal opinion it tasted very much like sausage. I've recently met twice with the head of a programme called Befriend; it's more or less like Big Brother programmes. Hopefully within the next two weeks I will be working with a child between the ages of seven and seventeen. Today was my first day to officially work with the Glasgow City Mission. I am really excited to begin working with these two programmes. I have been interested in both of these programmes since I've arrived here. Volunteer work in Scotland is surrounded in red tape. It can take a long time to get through all of the paperwork involved in volunteering. Oddly enough, it seems as though far more people volunteer in this country than in the states. This upcoming Friday those of us who work at Shopmobility will be interviewed by the local newspaper and have our pictures taken for an article. Candace and Stefanie have both appeared in the newspaper already for working at OxFam (a second hand store). This is very exciting!
Well, I hope you enjoy the pictures. Sorry there aren't more but this blog isn't particularly well suited to uploading pictures. I will be better about posting pictures to that I can spread them out over time. The pictures you see are of a road sign by our flat, our apartment building, some buildings in our neighborhood, and the view from my bedroom.

Peace
God Bless