Day 50 Sunday 27th May
A real sense from this morning of anticipation and excitement and yet sadness as this was the completion of the 50 days - I'm feeling a bit emotional today. WE have hired a 17 seater mini-bus to transport us from Polmont into Edinburgh together as a team and at 12 noon it arrives and all the team members start to congregate - there is something special about this time as the team gathered might never be together as a team again. We praise all the way through to Edinburgh - will the rain stay away? - will many turn up for the walk? We arrive at the mound and already people are starting to gather - there is a real sense of celebration in the air. 1.45pm and the Connecting Scotland team are called to there place at the head of the march - others are brought up behind - the parliamentary prayer team and a large group of dancers - we then lose sight of the gathering crowd - It's nearly time to march - butterflies are flying in my tummy - I pick up the cross - the police start to move and at last we are underway. The Royal Mile is lined with tourist - cameras are flashing all the time - the pipers are piping - the teams are singing - the dancers are dancing and I can't sing for weeping thinking about the awesomeness of our God. As we turn round the roundabout at the bottom of the Royal Mile we are able to see back up the road and see the march filling the road behind us - awesome sight. The sun is shining and we have prayed at eight prayer stations on our way down and we are now entering Holyrood Park to the beat of the drums - everything is in place bringing Connecting Scotland into the Global Day of Prayer. We now know that over a thousand have joined in the march. Godfrey Birtill leads us in wonderful worship with the dancers doing some wonderful choreography then comes the Global Day of Prayer prayers and then it's time for me to preach for ten minutes - Psalm 126 is the final declaration 'from a place of dreaming to a time of harvest' Godfrey leads us in a final song which brings the day to a fitting end. The team then heads of for a final meal together and then it's time to say our 'goodbyes'
Thank you Lord for 50 days of adventure with you - for your faithfulness and rich provision and we pray an open heaven over Scotland which will will be a highway for you to come in and touch this nation so that its heart can be turned back to you. Awesome God, we worship and adore you Amen.
There will be more reflections posted at a later date - thank you for marching with us in prayer and for all your encouraging comments
This is Pastor Bert McKaig signing off and thanks again for your company over these past 50 Days.
Monday, 28 May 2007
Edinburgh Suburbs
Day 49 Saturday 26th May
This is the penultimate day - after all the planning and walking and driving we are nearly there. We are surrounding Edinburgh today in preparation of coming into the city centre tomorrow. South Queensferry is our first stop and a good number of people were waiting for us in a local episcopal church. After a time of sharing and praying we split into two teams and did two prayer walks before moving on to our next port of call - Leith. In Maderia Street Baptist Church many were gathered and we praised, proclaimed the word and prayed - real sense of the presence of God in the church. Moving south east we headed for New Craighall and a newly opened House of Prayer. We had a fantastic time of sharing, praising and praying before going out on four different prayer walks. We then had lunch - thanks David and Maggie - before moving round to Liberton and yet again a great number of people were waiting for us in a local church. Praising, sharing and praying again was the order of the day before going out again on another prayer walk - these are wonderful times of testimony in a local community. Wester Hailes was out last stop of the day where yet again a great number of folks were waiting for us. Four different prayer walks were arranged so the team spilt in to four and went walking with the locals. tea was provided at the Baptist Church - thanks to all concerned. Our last evening rally was held here and the church had a good number in it to praise, pray and proclaim the word of God. After worship the team again shared and the last preach of the 50 days was from some verses in 2 Corinthians and again there was a good response to the word preached.
Bert
This is the penultimate day - after all the planning and walking and driving we are nearly there. We are surrounding Edinburgh today in preparation of coming into the city centre tomorrow. South Queensferry is our first stop and a good number of people were waiting for us in a local episcopal church. After a time of sharing and praying we split into two teams and did two prayer walks before moving on to our next port of call - Leith. In Maderia Street Baptist Church many were gathered and we praised, proclaimed the word and prayed - real sense of the presence of God in the church. Moving south east we headed for New Craighall and a newly opened House of Prayer. We had a fantastic time of sharing, praising and praying before going out on four different prayer walks. We then had lunch - thanks David and Maggie - before moving round to Liberton and yet again a great number of people were waiting for us in a local church. Praising, sharing and praying again was the order of the day before going out again on another prayer walk - these are wonderful times of testimony in a local community. Wester Hailes was out last stop of the day where yet again a great number of folks were waiting for us. Four different prayer walks were arranged so the team spilt in to four and went walking with the locals. tea was provided at the Baptist Church - thanks to all concerned. Our last evening rally was held here and the church had a good number in it to praise, pray and proclaim the word of God. After worship the team again shared and the last preach of the 50 days was from some verses in 2 Corinthians and again there was a good response to the word preached.
Bert
Balerno and Muirhouses
Day 48 Friday 25th May
Today is a little easier and the team is still going strong. We met up with some folks in Balerno to pray and this was very significant meeting as there were some prophetic words given to the minister and one of the elders who is leaving to take up a new post. We then had a team lunch together. We were then met by a young SU Urban Ministries Coordinator who live in Edinburgh she is keen to encourage prayer in Scotland for urban areas, and particularly to pray that churches would be equipped to reach out through clubs/community groups/schools work. 30% of Scottish children live in poverty, and many churches/groups are reaching vulnerable and marginalised young people and their families. However, the enemy has a stronghold in the areas of abuse, violence, drug addiction and social exclusion and we pray, for change in these areas, so that God's kingdom can reach and transform all people?. It was a joy for the team to meet and pray with her and to hear her and SU's vision for reaching the young folk of our nation. There was other people present at Muirhose including another SU worker, a minister and a minister from the Edinburgh City Mission. WE had a great time of prayer before going out on a prayer walk and the team visited an ECM house/church in the area. WE had an early stop today - around 4.30pm - it will allow us to rest up for the final part of the fifty days.
Bert
Today is a little easier and the team is still going strong. We met up with some folks in Balerno to pray and this was very significant meeting as there were some prophetic words given to the minister and one of the elders who is leaving to take up a new post. We then had a team lunch together. We were then met by a young SU Urban Ministries Coordinator who live in Edinburgh she is keen to encourage prayer in Scotland for urban areas, and particularly to pray that churches would be equipped to reach out through clubs/community groups/schools work. 30% of Scottish children live in poverty, and many churches/groups are reaching vulnerable and marginalised young people and their families. However, the enemy has a stronghold in the areas of abuse, violence, drug addiction and social exclusion and we pray, for change in these areas, so that God's kingdom can reach and transform all people?. It was a joy for the team to meet and pray with her and to hear her and SU's vision for reaching the young folk of our nation. There was other people present at Muirhose including another SU worker, a minister and a minister from the Edinburgh City Mission. WE had a great time of prayer before going out on a prayer walk and the team visited an ECM house/church in the area. WE had an early stop today - around 4.30pm - it will allow us to rest up for the final part of the fifty days.
Bert
West Lothian
Day 47 Thursday 24th May
Today is a busy day as we travel all around West Lothian. Our first stop today is Fauldhouse at 9.15am and we were blessed when around 20 people turned up to pray on the village green with the team. Armadale was next and we just stopped at the side of the road and prayed. We then travelled on to Bathgate where again a good number were waiting for us and we praised, prayed and proclaimed before going on a prayer walk on the town centre.During the walk we had a coffee stop in a local Christian Cafe/bookshop attached to a local church - thanks - this was a welcome stop. Over to Blackburn next where we stopped and prayed for the town before moving on to Livingston where the team prayed on a hill with a cross on it near to the main shopping centre. A beautiful lunch was provided for us by the Elim Church in Livingston - thanks - everything was delicious. We shared and prayed with them before moving through Dechmont to Uphall where we had a time of sharing and praying at the 'Open Doors' project in the town. Pray/driving through Uphall Station, Pumpherston and Mid Calder before arriving at East Calder where a number of folks were waiting to pray. West Calder was next and we stopped and prayed there. Whitburn was our last stop of the day and a prayer walk was arranged to walk from the west of the town to the town centre. There were a good number waiting to do this at the Whitburn Christian Fellowship and walking through the town to the St Mary's where tea was being provided - again an excellent 3 course meal and we pass on our grateful thanks to all who provided it. A little rest before the evening rally where the Hillcrost Hotel was very full of local folks from different towns and different denominations - truly a place of 'commanded blessing'. Good worship and a good time of sharing by the team and I brought the word from 1 Cor. ch 2 and there was an excellent response in people coming forward responding to the word of God.
Bert
Today is a busy day as we travel all around West Lothian. Our first stop today is Fauldhouse at 9.15am and we were blessed when around 20 people turned up to pray on the village green with the team. Armadale was next and we just stopped at the side of the road and prayed. We then travelled on to Bathgate where again a good number were waiting for us and we praised, prayed and proclaimed before going on a prayer walk on the town centre.During the walk we had a coffee stop in a local Christian Cafe/bookshop attached to a local church - thanks - this was a welcome stop. Over to Blackburn next where we stopped and prayed for the town before moving on to Livingston where the team prayed on a hill with a cross on it near to the main shopping centre. A beautiful lunch was provided for us by the Elim Church in Livingston - thanks - everything was delicious. We shared and prayed with them before moving through Dechmont to Uphall where we had a time of sharing and praying at the 'Open Doors' project in the town. Pray/driving through Uphall Station, Pumpherston and Mid Calder before arriving at East Calder where a number of folks were waiting to pray. West Calder was next and we stopped and prayed there. Whitburn was our last stop of the day and a prayer walk was arranged to walk from the west of the town to the town centre. There were a good number waiting to do this at the Whitburn Christian Fellowship and walking through the town to the St Mary's where tea was being provided - again an excellent 3 course meal and we pass on our grateful thanks to all who provided it. A little rest before the evening rally where the Hillcrost Hotel was very full of local folks from different towns and different denominations - truly a place of 'commanded blessing'. Good worship and a good time of sharing by the team and I brought the word from 1 Cor. ch 2 and there was an excellent response in people coming forward responding to the word of God.
Bert
Saturday, 26 May 2007
Bo'ness, Kirkliston and Linlithgow
Day 46 Wednesday 23rd May
This is quite an emotional day for me as our first stop is the town of my birth, Bo'ness. I was born there in 1945 and lived there until 1966 then for two/three years later on.There were people to meet us and to stand in the Market Square and praise, pray and proclaim the word brought back myriads of different memories - I declared Psalm 126 and there was something birthed there which we believe will mark the next wave of God - a time of deep joy after the times of weeping as the harvest is brought in. We stood and heard testimonies of healing and we had a wonderful time of rejoicing. We will revisit Bo'ness later on this afternoon to hear more about what God is doing. Next stop was Kirkliston where again a number of people were gathered to prayer walk from the leisure centre to the cross and the local Church of Scotland manse. We had a time of prayer and declaration before we started then another time of prayer at Kirkliston Cross and a welcome cup of coffee.. Another of God's surprises was waiting for me - I remarked how I used to come to Kirkliston and take children's meetings when I was in my teens in a local school and mentioned the guy who ran them to be informed he still lived in the village and I had the joy of meeting up with him after all those years (40 years)- Thank you, Father. Next it was on Linlithgow, a place where I spent a few years in fellowship with a local church and the place where all I am doing today was birthed - leading prayer events and prayer walking. God is giving me such a wonderful day and the team are enjoying sharing these joyful memories with me. St John's provided lunch for us before we prayer walked up to Linlithgow Palace grounds for a time of praise, prayer and the proclamation of the Word. Back to Bo'ness for another hour before heading to Polmont for tea at my home - Thank you Jenny not only for providing tea but releasing me to do what God has called me to do. Then on to the rally in St John's Church in Linlithgow where we had a time of worship, the team sharing, the preaching of the Word where there was a good response to it. Thank you, Father for allowing me to experience so much joy and relive so many happy memories today and for allowing the Team to share them with me. Amen.
This is quite an emotional day for me as our first stop is the town of my birth, Bo'ness. I was born there in 1945 and lived there until 1966 then for two/three years later on.There were people to meet us and to stand in the Market Square and praise, pray and proclaim the word brought back myriads of different memories - I declared Psalm 126 and there was something birthed there which we believe will mark the next wave of God - a time of deep joy after the times of weeping as the harvest is brought in. We stood and heard testimonies of healing and we had a wonderful time of rejoicing. We will revisit Bo'ness later on this afternoon to hear more about what God is doing. Next stop was Kirkliston where again a number of people were gathered to prayer walk from the leisure centre to the cross and the local Church of Scotland manse. We had a time of prayer and declaration before we started then another time of prayer at Kirkliston Cross and a welcome cup of coffee.. Another of God's surprises was waiting for me - I remarked how I used to come to Kirkliston and take children's meetings when I was in my teens in a local school and mentioned the guy who ran them to be informed he still lived in the village and I had the joy of meeting up with him after all those years (40 years)- Thank you, Father. Next it was on Linlithgow, a place where I spent a few years in fellowship with a local church and the place where all I am doing today was birthed - leading prayer events and prayer walking. God is giving me such a wonderful day and the team are enjoying sharing these joyful memories with me. St John's provided lunch for us before we prayer walked up to Linlithgow Palace grounds for a time of praise, prayer and the proclamation of the Word. Back to Bo'ness for another hour before heading to Polmont for tea at my home - Thank you Jenny not only for providing tea but releasing me to do what God has called me to do. Then on to the rally in St John's Church in Linlithgow where we had a time of worship, the team sharing, the preaching of the Word where there was a good response to it. Thank you, Father for allowing me to experience so much joy and relive so many happy memories today and for allowing the Team to share them with me. Amen.
Wednesday, 23 May 2007
Falkirk
Day 45 Tuesday 22nd May
Today we were moving around Falkirk District and visited Denny, Bonnybridge, Larbert/Stenhousemuir, Falkirk, Grangemouth and Polmont. There were not many people there to meet with us but the team had a great time praising, praying and declaring God's word out into the district. Thanks Pastor Rollo for your encouragement at Larbert. There were quite a number waiting for us at Polmont and we spent a good hour sharing and praying there. The rally tonight was in the Grange Manor Hotel - Ann Mackie - a CS core team member put the day and the rally together - the worship took us right into the throne room of God - thanks Chris and Tony - the team shared -the Holy Spirit was at work again tonight and after the preach everyone in the room was under His power as he did a mighty work in people's lives. God is doing something wonderful in the lives of His people at this time across this nation - we wait with excited expectation to see the outcome.
Bert
Today we were moving around Falkirk District and visited Denny, Bonnybridge, Larbert/Stenhousemuir, Falkirk, Grangemouth and Polmont. There were not many people there to meet with us but the team had a great time praising, praying and declaring God's word out into the district. Thanks Pastor Rollo for your encouragement at Larbert. There were quite a number waiting for us at Polmont and we spent a good hour sharing and praying there. The rally tonight was in the Grange Manor Hotel - Ann Mackie - a CS core team member put the day and the rally together - the worship took us right into the throne room of God - thanks Chris and Tony - the team shared -the Holy Spirit was at work again tonight and after the preach everyone in the room was under His power as he did a mighty work in people's lives. God is doing something wonderful in the lives of His people at this time across this nation - we wait with excited expectation to see the outcome.
Bert
Clackmannanshire
Day 44 Monday 21st May
Clackmannanshire is a place where there has been a strong prayer network in place for 5 years and every place we visited today there were groups of people waiting to pray. They had already done prayer walks across the county including walking/driving the boundary. Clackmannanshire United Prayer(CUP)meets regularly and has a celebration every month in a different church - all this to say that the spiritual atmosphere was one of expectation and excitement about all that God is doing and will do in days to come. The places we met in today were Tullibody, Menstrie, Alva, Tillicoultry (thanks for the great lunch), Dollar, Coalsnaughton, Fishcross, Sauchie (thanks for our tea), Clackmannan and finally Alloa. This was a full day but very rewarding and a joy to meet with so many of God's people. Thanks Anne for putting this altogether. The rally was held in Alloa Town Hall and was also the fifth anniversary of CUP and always a their hope of having one of their celebrations in the Town Hall - tonight it came to fruition. We had a great night - the Town Hall was fairly full - mixing Connecting Scotland with CUP, great worship, the CS team did sharing and I preached and 95% of the congregation responded to the word at the end - the Holy Spirit was moving in this place tonight - wow!!!! what a night.
Bert
Clackmannanshire is a place where there has been a strong prayer network in place for 5 years and every place we visited today there were groups of people waiting to pray. They had already done prayer walks across the county including walking/driving the boundary. Clackmannanshire United Prayer(CUP)meets regularly and has a celebration every month in a different church - all this to say that the spiritual atmosphere was one of expectation and excitement about all that God is doing and will do in days to come. The places we met in today were Tullibody, Menstrie, Alva, Tillicoultry (thanks for the great lunch), Dollar, Coalsnaughton, Fishcross, Sauchie (thanks for our tea), Clackmannan and finally Alloa. This was a full day but very rewarding and a joy to meet with so many of God's people. Thanks Anne for putting this altogether. The rally was held in Alloa Town Hall and was also the fifth anniversary of CUP and always a their hope of having one of their celebrations in the Town Hall - tonight it came to fruition. We had a great night - the Town Hall was fairly full - mixing Connecting Scotland with CUP, great worship, the CS team did sharing and I preached and 95% of the congregation responded to the word at the end - the Holy Spirit was moving in this place tonight - wow!!!! what a night.
Bert
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