We had a beautiful day to get out and do flyers. Don and Chris Dillman came over today. Don and I put out flyers this morning for a couple hours in Loanhead. This afternoon we went to Eddleston, a village just over twenty minutes from Loanhead. It was a dual purpose trip. We have been praying and looking for larger housing. There is a potential rental home in that village. So, we were going to put flyers through the neighborhood to get a feel for the area.

But, the current renter was outside the home and he invited us in. We chatted with he and his wife for an hour. We were able to briefly speak about what we believe. They also filled us in on the home. It is a beautiful 4 bedroom home with a large garden. Please pray that we'll have wisdom about the Lord's will. We are viewing the property tomorrow morning with a letting agent. It will go quickly at the price it is offered. So, we'll need to make a decision to move or not move. Thanks for your prayers for our housing need. The distance is our greatest "concern."

Tonight we had a great turnout. We had 6 adults and 16 kids. It was a really fun evening. Thursday nights are a special blessing. Thanks for your prayers.

The last three days have been mandatory office days. I couldn't get out if I wanted to....and I don't.  We have had a brake away low pressure system from a hurricane sitting over us. It's brought flooding and high winds. This is not really uncommon here. We've had many storms with gusts into the 70's since we've been here. (One storm had a gust over a hundred measured in Edinburgh.) So, hopefully that explains my lack of updates this week. I'm sure you don't want to read about what it's like to sit in my office and stair out the window.

Meanwhile, art class with Mr. Alec has begun again. Most of you know that I also get to participate. I've found out that I enjoy painting. This is my 6th or 7th painting and it's my favorite.  Hope you enjoy it. It is a castle in Scotland.

The Lord gave us a sweet day in His house. Our church is becoming more and more of a family.  We had a good group out this morning. Two of our visitors were back with us. I preached on "Those Who Carried Things to Jesus."  If you have time, I think the notes would be a blessing to you. I quoted a lot of biographies this morning.  www.freebaptistchurch.org (Look at the page Sundays Sermon)

This afternoon I collected Emmanuel and we hosted him at our home.  He joined us for church this evening. Lord willing, we will start collecting him each Sunday. (They don't say "picked up" here.  It kind of makes sense if you think about the word picture of picking somebody up.)

Christine and her boys also joined us this evening.  God's good.  He is answering your prayers.  Please keep praying as we keep plowing in hope.

We had our first frost today.  It was 32 degrees when I looked at the current temp this morning. It's nice to feel the fresh crisp air of this season. When we get frost we also get sunshine. So, that was a big blessing.  The last two days we have seen a lot of sunshine.

The Lord gave a few witnessing opportunities yesterday.  It's encouraging to see doors open to speak about God and His Word.

After lunch I took my children walking along the coast. Keith was on his lunch break.  His grandmother was catholic but he isn't religious.  He asked some great questions and chatted for about 10 minutes. We started chatting on a wooden footbridge that crosses a tidal river. It was a gorgeous day and you could see Edinburgh in the distance across the inlet from the sea.

Last night two Mormon missionaries knocked on our door. I don't think I encouraged them much but I hope I gave them some godly sorrow.

Afterwards I ran to a mobile phone store to get a monthly deal they were offering. The manager remembered me from a previous time. We were able to talk about the signs of the times supporting God's Word.

This morning I visited Timothy's family. I was able to share the Gospel a bit with them. Please pray that God will work in their hearts. They've invited us to "tea" supper on Friday.  Thanks for your prayers.

I put out a couple hundred flyers this morning in Loanhead. I stopped to chat with Alec as well. Please continue to pray for Alec. Elizabeth is currently in the States for a holiday. Thanks for praying.

The Lord held off the rain and I was able to get into Edinburgh this morning. I had a great opportunity as soon as I got off of the bus on the Royal Mile. Steph and her family used to attend a Baptist church.  She is an atheist but thanked me for our conversation this morning.  Please pray for God to a good work in her heart.  She said, "You won't convince me. But, it may cause me to think about it in the future." We talked for at least 20 minutes.

Michael (19) is an atheist but invited me to sit down and chat with him. He was very antagonistic.  But, I was able to show him some verses before he asked me to stop.

Issin is a non devout muslim.  He and his friend were suffering the effects of a hangover. But, we were able to look at God's Word despite Issin's blasphemy. God's hand was evident in the conversation. We spoke for nearly half an hour.

Adam isn't sure what he believes.  But he recently bought a Bible because he thought everyone should have one.  He was my "best" opportunity.  He really listened as I shared the Gospel with him.

Sandy is a shop keeper who is a Seik.  I started talking with her because of an accident nearby.  I didn't see it happen but came just afterwards. A double decker bus hit a man. There was blood on the road and I asked Sandy what had happened. We talked for 5-10 minutes.

The rain is coming now. So, praise the Lord for the time He gave me to get into the city.  Thanks for praying.

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!