The Lord gave us encouragement today.  The services went well and were well attended.  Brian( 70's) visited today. He is a believer who felt like the Lord wanted him to attend our church this morning. Please pray that God will encourage him and that we can be a blessing in his life.

This morning I preached on Ezekiel 3:1-11, "Go, Speak My Word."  There are many similarities between Ezekiel's call and our call to evangelize a sin hardened world. It is perfect instruction for us in our witnessing.  My main points were, "Go, but eat (of God's Word) first."  "Go where God sends you." and, "Go in God's Strength."

Tonight we looked at Honesty.  Please pray for Emanuel.  He tried to come today but got lost and couldn't find bus #37.  Please pray for wisdom for us as we seek to get him to church.  Thanks for praying. God's good to hear and answer our prayers.

We actually didn't knock on very many doors.  When we got out of our van we saw a girl who attends our kid's club.  She was with 4 of her cousins and we chatted with them for about 15 minutes.  The oldest was 13 and the youngest was 3.  Please pray that they'll visit the church.  

We witnessed to Emma (80) at her door for about 15 minutes as well. Please pray for this sweet lady that God would do a good work in her heart.

Tonight after church I stopped by a university to meet a Christian young man who is studying there.  His pastor contacted me this past week with his information.  

It was a joy to meet him.  Please pray for God's grace for this young man that he would have a good testimony for the Lord.  Lord willing, he will be with us on Sunday.  Although the school is only about 7 miles from our church, the bussing to get to our ministry will take him an hour and a half. I told him he needs to win someone to the Lord who has a vehicle.  Please pray for God's provision of a better way for him to get to church in His timing.

I was able to get out this morning and put out flyers for close to 3 hours. It was a gorgeous day.  I had 4 divine appointments. 2 were witnessing opportunities. Ryan was a very good listener and agreed with me as I shared Biblical and physical proofs for creation. We were also able to get into the Gospel.  2 of the divine appointments were follow up opportunities.  One was just an opportunity to say hi.  The other was with Michael.  He walked up to the same door I was heading to at the same time.  God's timing is impeccable.  Please keep praying for him.  "He that hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Christ." I believe the Lord is still at work.

Here us some of the more humorous signs I see while out walking:  The unwelcome doormat that says, "You again?"  Or the grouchy looking man statue that says, "Never mind the dog, beware of the owner."  I also like the little sign that says, "My dog can make the gate in 3 seconds, how fast can you?"

The funniest part is that you really wonder if these sign are to be taken seriously!

I took the bus into Edinburgh this morning and had a good day of evangelism.  My devotions were appropriate for the day as I read this morning in Ezekiel 1-2. There is much in this passage that applies to street ministry but one verse in particular is appropriate in chapter 2:6.  "And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house."

Today really began last night.  If you think about people in ministry (including your pastor) it's probably a good idea to pray for their Saturday nights.  Last night was a bit unusual for us and, although life is like that at times, you are reminded that you are in a spiritual battle.  None of these things that I'll share are a big deal but they made for a rough nights sleep.  One child was crying around 11:30 with leg pains and needed medication.  At midnight the youngest was crying because he was cold. At 1:00 another child insisted on sleeping with us because of a bad dream.  At 3:00 I had to put him back in bed. (Parents, I know you are nodding your head in sympathy saying, "One of those nights.")  It's amazing for us how often those nights come before ministry days. So, we appreciate your prayers for God's extra grace when preparing for ministry.

God did give us a good day today.  We knew last night that the Hikins would be unable to attend church because Mark is ill.  Margaret who visited two weeks ago returned.  She is a sweet Christian lady who lives about 15 miles away.  The Hughes family also visited today.  They've just moved about a half hour away.  Josh visited by himself a couple months ago.  It was good to meet the family.

Just before our evening service I enjoyed skyping with a supporting church in Geneseo, Illinois.  I'm glad they included us in their service. Afterwards it was just our family for church.  So, we had a prayer and praise service.  The Lord really encouraged my heart through that time. When you can have a good service with just your family you know the Lord is at work.  That's all we need. Thanks for participating in what God is doing in Scotland.

I enjoyed doing door to door this morning. I was out for close to two hours but it went very quickly. Please pray for Elizabeth.  I was able to show her Romans 1.  I'm glad the Lord gave us Romans chapter 1.  It has become a key focal point of attacks against the authority of the Word of God.  Politically correct religious organizations have to defy God's Word (Romans 1) to defend their views on "marriage". 

Please also pray for Audrey.  She is a new mother. I was able to share the Gospel with her this morning. 

God was good to give me other small opportunities as well.  I trust there are some people thinking about God, His Word and the Gospel because I knocked on their door this morning. Thanks for praying for open doors.

PS.  I just remembered something the Lord brought to my mind this morning.  I had more than one person today say, "If there is a God why does he let babies die.  They didn't do anything." I've often heard that. I shared with them that God created without death but that death is a result of man's sin.  I also shared that it is God's mercy if those children die and go to Heaven.  But here is what I didn't expect to say, "Many of those people who blame God for taking a child defend the right to kill babies in the womb." It turned the conversation in the right direction and took the wind out of the sails of defying God.

The breeze had a hint of a coming winter in it this morning.  I was surprised by how cool it was.  The wind was in the 20mph, so that didn't make me feel any warmer.  I've started putting out our new flyers in Loanhead.  Yesterday I had one brief witnessing opportunity with Ewan (18 or so).  He said that he has thought about visiting our church. I hope he'll pop in some time.  Today I chatted with Graeme (Jordan's step dad) and gave him our new flyers.  

We had a good service tonight.  God's really given us uplifting Thursday night meetings. Mark, Laura, Alec and Christine were with me.  Katie said the kids did very well.  There are 13 of them in her classroom.  Praise the Lord Mazie is a very good baby and happily plays in her little playpen.

Thanks for praying for our church.

Mark Hikin and I enjoyed getting out this morning to put out flyers.  We put out around 400. The Lord gave one divine appointment with Connor (17).  He said what I often hear, "I guess I don't really believe in anything." He had a little puppy that I pointed at and said, "He doesnt look like he just happened.  He looks designed."  We had a good chat.  Please pray for Connor.  

I forgot to share a story with you from yesterday.  I set a goal for our church to start supporting the Kelly's.  So, on Sunday we had our first opportunity to participate in that.  I was glad that my two oldest did so without me saying anything.  Benson came running up to me yesterday and said, "Dad, look what I found.  (50 pence)  He said, "I put 10p in the offering and 40p for the Kelly's and God gave me back my pound."  (They get a pound every week.) Isn't God good to encourage the faith of children (and us?)

The school year has begun.  The kids are excited and I think Katie is as well. They have been at it since 8:00.  I'm taking the two oldest boys to shop class with Mr. Alec after lunch.  Thanks for your prayers.

Today our first born turned 10! Yikes! She's had a great birthday. (Thanks for the many birthday cards.  Our kids always love them.)

We had a "big day" planned and it went fabulously.  We went to "Build-a-Bear" and she got Rainbow. (You'll understand when you see the pictures.)  Then we toured the Royal Yacht Britannia. This was the Royal Families' yacht until it was decommissioned.  Afterwards we went to a playground for a picnic.  Tonight a couple of our neighbors will be joining us for Cake.  Katie made a waterfall cake.  You'll see it in the pictures below. (I'll put more pictures in a photo album.)

About the house: The landlord thanked us for our interest but declined our offer.  Please pray for continued wisdom as we seek the Lord's guidance.