Scotland 2009

The Nursing Home team has been assigned to one specific bus driver all week. He is a quiet and reserved Scottish man in his mid 50s. He was always with us during our outreaches, observing the group but not participating in the activities.

Today we went to Brisbane Evangelical Church where the group worshipped and shared testimonies. One of our team members shared her testimony on how she made a choice to obey the Lord in sharing the gospel despite her own struggles in life. After she shared, our driver told us that he was moved and challenged to share his testimony and the Gospel to people.

As the week went by, we saw a change in our driver. He used to be tired and quiet, but now he had boldness in him. He took a step of faith and shared his testimony on how God changed his life. He said, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind,” (2 Timothy 1:7). The locals were encouraged to hear him share and the team was blessed seeing how God gave him power and boldness. It showed us how God can transform Scotland to be covenants of God once again. 

This blog post was published on November 14, 2009

We left at 9:45am to go to Marchmont Care Home and we ministered to 16 residents ranging from ages 70 to 100 years old. As we walked in, I went directly to this elderly woman on a wheelchair. As I shook her hands, she commented that my hands were cold. I introduced myself and told her we came from Times Square Church in New York. I asked her if she knew Jesus as her Lord and Savior and she answered “no.” I wasn’t sure if she understood my questions, so I told her about Jesus and I asked her if she wanted to receive Christ again. This time, she said, “yes.” Praise and glory to His name!

In the afternoon, we went to another nursing home, Bellearie Care Home. There were 23 residents ranging from 48 to 102 years old. They were so gracious, delightful and loving. We met a lovely lady and asked her if she knew Jesus and if she has received Him into her life. She answered, “I don’t know.” We explained to her and asked her the same question again. This time she said, “yes”. We prayed with her and the team rejoiced. Praise God! 

This blog post was published on November 11, 2009

Our outreach group visited the Mariner’s Care Home today, a grand castle-like structure situated in the upper hillside, west end of Greenock. The home is a very old institution founded in 1850 as a legacy of Sir Gabriel Wood, a well-known and respected seafarer in Greenock. The home was created to meet the needs of elderly seafarers, but at present it also caters for alcoholic elderly seafarer’s.

As stoic as the building looks, so are the faces of these men, reserved and composed. However, there were some who were expressive with warm smiles and greetings. The team started praise and worship and shared a few testimonies. One of our team members shared a powerful testimony about her father being a hard core alcoholic and how he became a changed man as he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as His Lord and Savior. Upon hearing this, gradually you could see stern faces softening with eyes holding back tears. Then our team leader started sharing the gospel and asked the group if they wanted to accept the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We were amazed to see about 12 men raising their hands high. Our team leader then led them with the sinner’s prayer. What a day of rejoicing when the seafarer’s found the true anchor of their lives, our Lord Jesus Christ.

This blog post was published on November 10, 2009

Our group headed to the Marchmont Care Home this morning. The facility is a picture of affluence and class, previously owned by a rich shipbuilder. But more than the beauty and elegance of the surroundings, what caught our attention was the warmth of the staff and the sight of 15 to 20 elderly people gathered together with excitement and anticipation in their eyes.

The residents of the home have different physical conditions, some more aware, some not, others were verbally expressive and some were just quietly observing. The program started with an introduction of the team from our team leader. We sang praise songs and shared some testimonies to encourage and uplift their spirit. The residents got excited and joined us with singing and clapping of hands.

As we concluded the program, our team leader shared the Gospel and as she ended we heard a beautiful elderly voice singing an old hymm. Searching around we saw a petite, well-dressed lady with teary eyes sitting against the wall, singing on the top of her voice. The group started singing the praise song with her and tears were flowing in our eyes. The room was filled with the presence of God. The lady came to hug our team leader.

After that sweet fellowship, we heard that she is 92-years old and was a missionary to Jerusalem for almost 40 years. She was thankful for this moment because it was a precious day of remembrance for her, of God’s faithfulness and unwavering love for her in this late season of her life. It was truly a time of refreshing. 

This blog post was published on November 10, 2009