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
Tuesday, 22 May 2007
Stirling Area
Day 43 20th May
We started off with a prayer breakfast in Plean and met up with a group who had walked in from Larbert and we all had breakfast together before going to share in two churches in Bannockburn - the United Free and the Church of Scotland. Thanks Helen and Bob for a wonderful breakfast. It was then off to Dunblane for lunch and a time of sharing before going out in groups to prayer walk the town. Bridge of Allan was next and we stood in the rain with folks there and prayed for this town. Stilring was next after a couple of prayer stops along the way - the University and Cornton Vale Prison. There were ten prayer walks taking place in Stirling and we as a team walked in from Stirling Bridge before congregating in the centre of Stirling for a time of praise, praying and declaration. Again a beautiful meal was provided
for the team and a big thank you to all concerned. There was great expectation about the rally tonight - it will be on the esplanade of Stirling Castle where we shot our promotional video - there has d been a building up all day towards this rally. A crowd of well over a hundred turned out and we had a magnificant night of praise, declaration of the word by a local minister, sharing by the team and a joy to preach in the open air about freedom in Christ and there was many who took that step forward at the end in response to the word. After the blessing the crowd marched of the esplande to the sound of the pipes just as they had entered the castle earlier on - very emotional.
Bert
We started off with a prayer breakfast in Plean and met up with a group who had walked in from Larbert and we all had breakfast together before going to share in two churches in Bannockburn - the United Free and the Church of Scotland. Thanks Helen and Bob for a wonderful breakfast. It was then off to Dunblane for lunch and a time of sharing before going out in groups to prayer walk the town. Bridge of Allan was next and we stood in the rain with folks there and prayed for this town. Stilring was next after a couple of prayer stops along the way - the University and Cornton Vale Prison. There were ten prayer walks taking place in Stirling and we as a team walked in from Stirling Bridge before congregating in the centre of Stirling for a time of praise, praying and declaration. Again a beautiful meal was provided
for the team and a big thank you to all concerned. There was great expectation about the rally tonight - it will be on the esplanade of Stirling Castle where we shot our promotional video - there has d been a building up all day towards this rally. A crowd of well over a hundred turned out and we had a magnificant night of praise, declaration of the word by a local minister, sharing by the team and a joy to preach in the open air about freedom in Christ and there was many who took that step forward at the end in response to the word. After the blessing the crowd marched of the esplande to the sound of the pipes just as they had entered the castle earlier on - very emotional.
Bert
Glenrothes to Dunfermline
Day v42 19th May
The weather today was next and some outside events planned had to be kept indoors. Glenrothes was our first stop where a good numbered were gather in a local church and after a time of sharing by the team we went out on a prayer walk then coming back for sharing and a coffee break. Falkland Palace was our next stop where the team prayed and felt that we will need to come back for an extended prayer time in this place. Kinross had a outside prayer time organised but because of the weather stayed inside but we had a powerful praise time and sharing then they shared with us what is going on in Kinross which left the team excited and blessed. We will wait to see all that God will do in Kinross. There is a very Strong working together across the churches and where this is happening across the country we sense that God is about to do something in these areas. We stopped briefly in Kelty to pray before moving on to meet up with some folks in Cowdenbeath where we climbed to a vantage point and prayed over the town before driving on to Dunfermline. There was a prayer walk organised there and again what a wonderful witness to the town. There is the start of a united prayer time aging here and I'm sure this will become a place of 'commanded blessing.' The church was full for the evening rally and followed on from the pattern of other rallies and again a good response to the word of God.
The weather today was next and some outside events planned had to be kept indoors. Glenrothes was our first stop where a good numbered were gather in a local church and after a time of sharing by the team we went out on a prayer walk then coming back for sharing and a coffee break. Falkland Palace was our next stop where the team prayed and felt that we will need to come back for an extended prayer time in this place. Kinross had a outside prayer time organised but because of the weather stayed inside but we had a powerful praise time and sharing then they shared with us what is going on in Kinross which left the team excited and blessed. We will wait to see all that God will do in Kinross. There is a very Strong working together across the churches and where this is happening across the country we sense that God is about to do something in these areas. We stopped briefly in Kelty to pray before moving on to meet up with some folks in Cowdenbeath where we climbed to a vantage point and prayed over the town before driving on to Dunfermline. There was a prayer walk organised there and again what a wonderful witness to the town. There is the start of a united prayer time aging here and I'm sure this will become a place of 'commanded blessing.' The church was full for the evening rally and followed on from the pattern of other rallies and again a good response to the word of God.
The East Neuk of Fife
Day 41 18th May
Quite a lot of stops today and the first was a team coffee meeting at the clubhouse of a famous hotel after which it was off to Kingsbarns where quite a number of people had gathered outside to pray and some of them accompanied us for a large part of the day. Anstruther was next and we had a great time of sharing, praising and praying before having a famous 'Anstruther Fish Supper' for lunch. (all low fat!!!)The team then split into two with one team going to St Monans and the other to Pittenween. Unfortunately Jean got her finger caught in the car door and is in some considerable pain. We then met up again to go to Leven where even more folk were gathered to pray - what a blessing this has been on the whole journey - meeting up with so many of praying people. Methil and Buckhaven were next where more declarations were made before heading for our last stop of the day, Kirkcaldy. A major prayer walk was organised for the centre of the town and this was a terrific witness to the town. A beautiful meal was provided in the church hall before going in to the evneing rally. The church was pretty full and after a time of praise and sharing by the team before I shared to word of God and again there was a good repsonse to the word whith about half the congregation standing out in the aisles for prayer. God is stirring His People.
Bert
Quite a lot of stops today and the first was a team coffee meeting at the clubhouse of a famous hotel after which it was off to Kingsbarns where quite a number of people had gathered outside to pray and some of them accompanied us for a large part of the day. Anstruther was next and we had a great time of sharing, praising and praying before having a famous 'Anstruther Fish Supper' for lunch. (all low fat!!!)The team then split into two with one team going to St Monans and the other to Pittenween. Unfortunately Jean got her finger caught in the car door and is in some considerable pain. We then met up again to go to Leven where even more folk were gathered to pray - what a blessing this has been on the whole journey - meeting up with so many of praying people. Methil and Buckhaven were next where more declarations were made before heading for our last stop of the day, Kirkcaldy. A major prayer walk was organised for the centre of the town and this was a terrific witness to the town. A beautiful meal was provided in the church hall before going in to the evneing rally. The church was pretty full and after a time of praise and sharing by the team before I shared to word of God and again there was a good repsonse to the word whith about half the congregation standing out in the aisles for prayer. God is stirring His People.
Bert
Milnathort to St Andrews
Day 40 17th May
We started out in Milnathort this morning, meeting with a group outside the local church. gain it is good when local people take responsibility for praying for their own community. We then moved on to Cupar and stood and praised, prayed and declared the word of God on the steps of another local church. There appears to be a working together in this area between the churches. Next step was Crail where we first of all met with two ladies with a huge vision and as a team we prayed with them on site and prayed the fulfillment of all God had said. Can't wait to see the realisation of the dream. We then met up with some local people to pray for Crail. We then travelled to St Andrews where the team were able to have an hour of rest and relaxation and I was able to catch up with my wife who was staying in St Andrews with her sister. At 5.15pm we met in the Holy Trinity Church for evening prayers before going on a prayer pilgrimage around the historical Christian sites in St Andrews. There was no Rally tonight so the team enjoyed an evening meal together. Many thanks Bunny for all your hard work and providing for the team.
Bert
We started out in Milnathort this morning, meeting with a group outside the local church. gain it is good when local people take responsibility for praying for their own community. We then moved on to Cupar and stood and praised, prayed and declared the word of God on the steps of another local church. There appears to be a working together in this area between the churches. Next step was Crail where we first of all met with two ladies with a huge vision and as a team we prayed with them on site and prayed the fulfillment of all God had said. Can't wait to see the realisation of the dream. We then met up with some local people to pray for Crail. We then travelled to St Andrews where the team were able to have an hour of rest and relaxation and I was able to catch up with my wife who was staying in St Andrews with her sister. At 5.15pm we met in the Holy Trinity Church for evening prayers before going on a prayer pilgrimage around the historical Christian sites in St Andrews. There was no Rally tonight so the team enjoyed an evening meal together. Many thanks Bunny for all your hard work and providing for the team.
Bert
Auchterarder to Crieff
Day 39 Wednesday 16th May
After a good night’s sleep it was off on another journey and Auchterarder was our first place this morning. We were met by a group who would walk with us from the west to the east of the town – stopping at many locations on the walk. I have been unable to walk much these past couple of day because of a fairly swollen right knee and tendons which are tight and very sore. I would appreciate prayer for this as I want to finish in victory and not just limping home. Next it was Aberfeldy where we had a lunch break and then prayed at the geographical centre of Scotland. Suzanne Dougal and Chris McCrossan joined our team for today – and then we came over the ‘Sma Glen’ into Crieff. A good number were waiting in the Square we had a good time of praise, prayer and the proclamation of the Word, before moving up to the Logus Youth Centre and we all prayed in there and had a real sense of the Presence of God. Tea as next then off to the evening rally in the local Baptist Church – this was fairly well filled and the worship was special – the team shared – then I was able to preach from Acts Ch 1 and there was a good response at the end – most of the congregation took a step out on to the aisle to make a declaration of intent in response to the Word preached. This was a Holy Spirit charged night. Another amazing night with God. What will He do tomorrow????
Bert
After a good night’s sleep it was off on another journey and Auchterarder was our first place this morning. We were met by a group who would walk with us from the west to the east of the town – stopping at many locations on the walk. I have been unable to walk much these past couple of day because of a fairly swollen right knee and tendons which are tight and very sore. I would appreciate prayer for this as I want to finish in victory and not just limping home. Next it was Aberfeldy where we had a lunch break and then prayed at the geographical centre of Scotland. Suzanne Dougal and Chris McCrossan joined our team for today – and then we came over the ‘Sma Glen’ into Crieff. A good number were waiting in the Square we had a good time of praise, prayer and the proclamation of the Word, before moving up to the Logus Youth Centre and we all prayed in there and had a real sense of the Presence of God. Tea as next then off to the evening rally in the local Baptist Church – this was fairly well filled and the worship was special – the team shared – then I was able to preach from Acts Ch 1 and there was a good response at the end – most of the congregation took a step out on to the aisle to make a declaration of intent in response to the Word preached. This was a Holy Spirit charged night. Another amazing night with God. What will He do tomorrow????
Bert
Kilsyth to Callander
Day 38 Tuesday 15th May
Your own bed is always special and last night was no exception. It was a 6.00am rise and after doing a few things was on my way to Dunblane to pick up Kate before ending up in Kilsyth for a prayer walk and a prayer breakfast in a local church based café. This was an exciting start to the day and we walked down a concrete river – this pedestrianated High Street is shaped like a flowing river because of a burn that flows through Kilsyth. After breakfast if was then on to Fintry – a wonderful run over the Campsie Hills – most of the team had never been on this road before. We stopped in the layby up in the hills and a wonderful time of prayer together. After Fintry it was on to Balfron where we prayed at the new High School and then on our way to Aberfoyle. Duncan who is on the team from New Zealand is a Graham and asked if we would be going past Port of Menteith (Graham Territory) I said, no, not today’ how wrong can one be!!! When we tried to get to Aberfoyle the road was closed so we back tracked back the way but the diversion was still in place so we back tracked further until – you guessed it – we were at the Lake of Menteith. Duncan didn’t know where we were but the moment he put his feet on the ground he started to weep and had a great sense of belonging – isn’t God good and there’s more – Kate who was also on the team yesterday has a friend who teaches at Port of Menteith primary school – Kate sent her a text about the team praying at the school and the answer was ‘yes’. So we prayed with the head teacher and Kate’s friend at the school gates and a couple of the pupils came and stood with us as we prayed. God had plans for yesterday that we did not know anything about. We eventually arrived in Aberfoyle where we had a lunch break at the Woollen Mill. I have seen some wonderful scenes around Scotland but today I saw something that was sad and broke my heart as God showed me a spiritual picture from it. As we approached the Woollen Mill there was a booth where different kinds of eagles were on display – birds that were equipped to fly and soar and be free were all tied up and chained. God spoke very forcibly to me about this being a picture of His People in Scotland – equipped to be Kingdom Builders and they have become pew warmers – that has shaken me to my very foundations. Lord, please let me live to the fullness of the equipping you have so graciously given me. Amen. It was then on to Callander where there was a time for relaxation and a BBQ – thanks Sheena – it was a great BBQ – then off to the evening rally in Callander Parish Church. After a time of worship and the team sharing and because of time restrictions I had four minutes left in which to preach – The Holy Spirit used these four minutes to deliver a word which had an effect on so many of the people gathered. We are constantly amazed at what God is doing. The end of another wonderful adventure filled day with God.
Bert
Your own bed is always special and last night was no exception. It was a 6.00am rise and after doing a few things was on my way to Dunblane to pick up Kate before ending up in Kilsyth for a prayer walk and a prayer breakfast in a local church based café. This was an exciting start to the day and we walked down a concrete river – this pedestrianated High Street is shaped like a flowing river because of a burn that flows through Kilsyth. After breakfast if was then on to Fintry – a wonderful run over the Campsie Hills – most of the team had never been on this road before. We stopped in the layby up in the hills and a wonderful time of prayer together. After Fintry it was on to Balfron where we prayed at the new High School and then on our way to Aberfoyle. Duncan who is on the team from New Zealand is a Graham and asked if we would be going past Port of Menteith (Graham Territory) I said, no, not today’ how wrong can one be!!! When we tried to get to Aberfoyle the road was closed so we back tracked back the way but the diversion was still in place so we back tracked further until – you guessed it – we were at the Lake of Menteith. Duncan didn’t know where we were but the moment he put his feet on the ground he started to weep and had a great sense of belonging – isn’t God good and there’s more – Kate who was also on the team yesterday has a friend who teaches at Port of Menteith primary school – Kate sent her a text about the team praying at the school and the answer was ‘yes’. So we prayed with the head teacher and Kate’s friend at the school gates and a couple of the pupils came and stood with us as we prayed. God had plans for yesterday that we did not know anything about. We eventually arrived in Aberfoyle where we had a lunch break at the Woollen Mill. I have seen some wonderful scenes around Scotland but today I saw something that was sad and broke my heart as God showed me a spiritual picture from it. As we approached the Woollen Mill there was a booth where different kinds of eagles were on display – birds that were equipped to fly and soar and be free were all tied up and chained. God spoke very forcibly to me about this being a picture of His People in Scotland – equipped to be Kingdom Builders and they have become pew warmers – that has shaken me to my very foundations. Lord, please let me live to the fullness of the equipping you have so graciously given me. Amen. It was then on to Callander where there was a time for relaxation and a BBQ – thanks Sheena – it was a great BBQ – then off to the evening rally in Callander Parish Church. After a time of worship and the team sharing and because of time restrictions I had four minutes left in which to preach – The Holy Spirit used these four minutes to deliver a word which had an effect on so many of the people gathered. We are constantly amazed at what God is doing. The end of another wonderful adventure filled day with God.
Bert
Monday, 14 May 2007
Cumbernauld
Day 37 Monday 14th May
Toay we started in Coatbridge where we stopped and prayed before moving on to Airdie where it was good to meet up with Rev Jim Martin and Ebeneezer Christian Fellowship where we had a great time of prayer with folks who all had a good story to tell before having a plate of soup at the outreach meeting - the team stayed on and shared with these folks and I moved on to the Revival Radio Studio for a live interview - Kate went with me then we met up with the rest of the team in the Tesco car park before splitting into five groups and praying at different sites around Cumbernauld. After tea we had an evening rally where we had just an amazing time of worship etc with the presence of God really present. The team ahared and |I preached from 1 Kings 17 - 'Now Elijah' The rest of the team are sleeping in Kilsyth tonight and I am home in my own bed posting the blog.
Bert
Toay we started in Coatbridge where we stopped and prayed before moving on to Airdie where it was good to meet up with Rev Jim Martin and Ebeneezer Christian Fellowship where we had a great time of prayer with folks who all had a good story to tell before having a plate of soup at the outreach meeting - the team stayed on and shared with these folks and I moved on to the Revival Radio Studio for a live interview - Kate went with me then we met up with the rest of the team in the Tesco car park before splitting into five groups and praying at different sites around Cumbernauld. After tea we had an evening rally where we had just an amazing time of worship etc with the presence of God really present. The team ahared and |I preached from 1 Kings 17 - 'Now Elijah' The rest of the team are sleeping in Kilsyth tonight and I am home in my own bed posting the blog.
Bert
Motherwell
Day 36 Sunday 13th May
It is Sunday again – the start of our 6th week – I can hardly believe I have been on the road for over 5 weeks. We are spending this morning in East Mains Baptist Church in East Kilbride and we arrived there after stopping and praying in Strathaven. The team were allowed to share in the morning service and the service was refreshing to us all. Blantyre was next before moving on to Uddingston where we were greatly surprised as 55 folks turned up to walk from Uddingston to Bothwell – this was a tremendous witness in both towns. Our last port of call today is Motherwell where again over 50 were waiting for us in a car park to march through the town to an afternoon rally in a local church. This was a good witness again to the town and the rally was good with worship, bring them up to date with the journey and open prayer for the nation and Motherwell. They also provided a meal for the team. Wow !!! we were finished for the day by 6.00pm. I am catching up writing the blog for the past 6 days while the team is in various states of comatose. We will all sleep well tonight and we have the luxury of a long lie tomorrow – breakfast not until 8.30am – must watch and not let the team get soft.
Bert
It is Sunday again – the start of our 6th week – I can hardly believe I have been on the road for over 5 weeks. We are spending this morning in East Mains Baptist Church in East Kilbride and we arrived there after stopping and praying in Strathaven. The team were allowed to share in the morning service and the service was refreshing to us all. Blantyre was next before moving on to Uddingston where we were greatly surprised as 55 folks turned up to walk from Uddingston to Bothwell – this was a tremendous witness in both towns. Our last port of call today is Motherwell where again over 50 were waiting for us in a car park to march through the town to an afternoon rally in a local church. This was a good witness again to the town and the rally was good with worship, bring them up to date with the journey and open prayer for the nation and Motherwell. They also provided a meal for the team. Wow !!! we were finished for the day by 6.00pm. I am catching up writing the blog for the past 6 days while the team is in various states of comatose. We will all sleep well tonight and we have the luxury of a long lie tomorrow – breakfast not until 8.30am – must watch and not let the team get soft.
Bert
Lanark
Day 35 Saturday 12th May
After a good nights sleep we travelled to Biggar to meet some folks in a local church and we prayed with them before moving on to Lesmahagow where we stood and prayed in the rain with a group in a bank car park – this was a special time. Hamilton was next and we prayed in a local church then moved on to another church in Quarter for more prayer and refreshments. The schedule said Wishaw was next and so we duly arrived and a renovated church building where lunch was waiting for us and we had a great time of praise and prayer. Carluke was next on our journey where a large group were waiting in the local square. We had an encouraging time of praise and prayer and declared the word over Carluke. Our last port of call for the day was Lanark where four prayer walks were done before congregating and doing a declaration in the centre of the town at the Tolbooth. CVCC provided our evening meal and then we moved over to a supermarket car park for an outside rally. MacJudah led the worship and it was great to catch up with old friends – In fact I met up with a great number of old friend today as I have preached in Carluke and Lanark on may occasions. After the team shared I preached on Isa 64. It was a great night and there was an open prayer time at the end. And so to our B&B for a good nights sleep
Bert
After a good nights sleep we travelled to Biggar to meet some folks in a local church and we prayed with them before moving on to Lesmahagow where we stood and prayed in the rain with a group in a bank car park – this was a special time. Hamilton was next and we prayed in a local church then moved on to another church in Quarter for more prayer and refreshments. The schedule said Wishaw was next and so we duly arrived and a renovated church building where lunch was waiting for us and we had a great time of praise and prayer. Carluke was next on our journey where a large group were waiting in the local square. We had an encouraging time of praise and prayer and declared the word over Carluke. Our last port of call for the day was Lanark where four prayer walks were done before congregating and doing a declaration in the centre of the town at the Tolbooth. CVCC provided our evening meal and then we moved over to a supermarket car park for an outside rally. MacJudah led the worship and it was great to catch up with old friends – In fact I met up with a great number of old friend today as I have preached in Carluke and Lanark on may occasions. After the team shared I preached on Isa 64. It was a great night and there was an open prayer time at the end. And so to our B&B for a good nights sleep
Bert
Peebles
Day 34 Friday 11th May
Jenny had the house all neat and tidy until I emptied the motor home – where had all this stuff been packed – sorry Jenny. Mari picked me up about midday to bring me back to Polmont to pick up my car and then catch up with the team in Peebles. We were not meeting up with anybody that day until Peebles so the team had a great time praying in Dalkeith, Newtongrange, Bonnyrigg, Loanhead, Roslin and Penicuik. We prayer walked in Peebles before going for a meal (Thanks Margaret – the Lasagne was great) The Rally was in a church hall and the team shared after a time of worship.
Bert
Jenny had the house all neat and tidy until I emptied the motor home – where had all this stuff been packed – sorry Jenny. Mari picked me up about midday to bring me back to Polmont to pick up my car and then catch up with the team in Peebles. We were not meeting up with anybody that day until Peebles so the team had a great time praying in Dalkeith, Newtongrange, Bonnyrigg, Loanhead, Roslin and Penicuik. We prayer walked in Peebles before going for a meal (Thanks Margaret – the Lasagne was great) The Rally was in a church hall and the team shared after a time of worship.
Bert
The East Coast
Day 33 Thursday 10th May
After a good nights sleep and a great breakfast in Duns (Thanks Alison and Bill) we set off on our travels once again and we set our compass for Eyemouth where we met a lovely group in a car park and we had a great time of prayer before moving off to Dunbar where we met a group to pray in a local church. I happened to mention Jock Troup the great Scottish evangelist of the 1920’s and a lady came up and said that she had been great friends of the Troups and knew the family well. Next is was North Berwick and by this time we were behind schedule and trying hard to make up time. We eventually reach the church hall and had a great time of sharing, praising, praying and declaring, I also had the privilege to meet Duncan Campbell’s son. Prestonpans was our next port of call where Margo Cunningham – a member of the Pray for Scotland Core Group had arranged a programme for us there. Prayer walking round the local churches etc., then back to the church hall for lunch. Musselburgh next and met some Christians in a car park and after some declaring and praying in the rain we took shelter in the local church where we continued for some time. We moved on to Tranent and met in an old cinema now belonging to a local church – this is used mainly as an outreach and we had such a marvellous time of open and vibrant prayer as we marched and declared and praised and prayed for about 30 mins. It was then off to out final port of call for the day, Haddington. We met at the manse for tea and coffee (Thanks Cammy and Delma) before prayer walking in the town after which we had a meal before the evening rally. This was a great time of worship and sharing by the team before I shared from Psalm 126. I then drove home as I was returning the motor home the next day for repair. My own bed was as sweet as ever. The team stayed on in Haddington.
Bert
After a good nights sleep and a great breakfast in Duns (Thanks Alison and Bill) we set off on our travels once again and we set our compass for Eyemouth where we met a lovely group in a car park and we had a great time of prayer before moving off to Dunbar where we met a group to pray in a local church. I happened to mention Jock Troup the great Scottish evangelist of the 1920’s and a lady came up and said that she had been great friends of the Troups and knew the family well. Next is was North Berwick and by this time we were behind schedule and trying hard to make up time. We eventually reach the church hall and had a great time of sharing, praising, praying and declaring, I also had the privilege to meet Duncan Campbell’s son. Prestonpans was our next port of call where Margo Cunningham – a member of the Pray for Scotland Core Group had arranged a programme for us there. Prayer walking round the local churches etc., then back to the church hall for lunch. Musselburgh next and met some Christians in a car park and after some declaring and praying in the rain we took shelter in the local church where we continued for some time. We moved on to Tranent and met in an old cinema now belonging to a local church – this is used mainly as an outreach and we had such a marvellous time of open and vibrant prayer as we marched and declared and praised and prayed for about 30 mins. It was then off to out final port of call for the day, Haddington. We met at the manse for tea and coffee (Thanks Cammy and Delma) before prayer walking in the town after which we had a meal before the evening rally. This was a great time of worship and sharing by the team before I shared from Psalm 126. I then drove home as I was returning the motor home the next day for repair. My own bed was as sweet as ever. The team stayed on in Haddington.
Bert
Into England
Day 32 Wednesday 9th May
We met a group in Coldstream first today and after praying in a local park before making our way down to the Scottish Border where we had a good time of prayer. Next it was Swinton where we prayed in the local square. It was then off to Duns where we broke into four groups and walked into the centre of the town where we had a good time of praise, prayer and proclamation and after having a coffee break moved on to Chirnside for a prayer walk then lunch. It as Good to catch up with Ken and Norma – I haven’t seen them for about twenty years. Next we made for Berwick upon Tweed but before we got there we stopped at the border and broke bread and scattered it along the border along with 12 bottles of wine – very significant. We then drove up Halledon Hill in Berwick where a good number of people were there and we all climbed to the top of the hill where we had a dance from the Northumbria Community – very emotional then a historic communion service – 5 local ministers – never happened before as far as we know – this was real Connecting Scotland. It was then prayer walking around the walls and gates and with some dancing and prophetic words and the team were welcomed in through one of the gates. After tea it was an evening rally in the Town Hall – this was a different type of rally with dancing, praise and feet washing – Scotland washing the English feet and England washing the Scots feet then England and Scotland washing the Berwick Feet and the team shared and I preached. A great day – very significant and historic. And so back to Duns for bed and Breakfast.
Bert
We met a group in Coldstream first today and after praying in a local park before making our way down to the Scottish Border where we had a good time of prayer. Next it was Swinton where we prayed in the local square. It was then off to Duns where we broke into four groups and walked into the centre of the town where we had a good time of praise, prayer and proclamation and after having a coffee break moved on to Chirnside for a prayer walk then lunch. It as Good to catch up with Ken and Norma – I haven’t seen them for about twenty years. Next we made for Berwick upon Tweed but before we got there we stopped at the border and broke bread and scattered it along the border along with 12 bottles of wine – very significant. We then drove up Halledon Hill in Berwick where a good number of people were there and we all climbed to the top of the hill where we had a dance from the Northumbria Community – very emotional then a historic communion service – 5 local ministers – never happened before as far as we know – this was real Connecting Scotland. It was then prayer walking around the walls and gates and with some dancing and prophetic words and the team were welcomed in through one of the gates. After tea it was an evening rally in the Town Hall – this was a different type of rally with dancing, praise and feet washing – Scotland washing the English feet and England washing the Scots feet then England and Scotland washing the Berwick Feet and the team shared and I preached. A great day – very significant and historic. And so back to Duns for bed and Breakfast.
Bert
Still in the Borders
Day 31 Tuesday 8th May
We started off this morning with a prayer breakfast in Selkirk followed with a prayer walk around the town – including visiting a Dry Bar for the young folks. Next it was Galashiels where a good number was waiting for us in the Square and we had a wonderful time of praise and prayer including a proclamation of the Word. Melrose was our next stop and after proclaiming the Word in a car park with a good number of prayer warriors before going for lunch then it was a visit to the Abbey where we had the most amazing time of worship and prayer. We then moved on to Newton St Boswells where we prayed outside the Scottish Borders Council Headquarters. Our last place today is Kelso. We did a prayer walk including a visit to the Abbey where again we had a wonderful time of worship including singing Amazing Grace and the Lord’s My Shepherd – all the team sing in four part harmony – amazing sound. After a meal we had an open air rally from the back of a 40’ trailer – around 60 people stood in sunshine although it was a bit cold.
Bert
We started off this morning with a prayer breakfast in Selkirk followed with a prayer walk around the town – including visiting a Dry Bar for the young folks. Next it was Galashiels where a good number was waiting for us in the Square and we had a wonderful time of praise and prayer including a proclamation of the Word. Melrose was our next stop and after proclaiming the Word in a car park with a good number of prayer warriors before going for lunch then it was a visit to the Abbey where we had the most amazing time of worship and prayer. We then moved on to Newton St Boswells where we prayed outside the Scottish Borders Council Headquarters. Our last place today is Kelso. We did a prayer walk including a visit to the Abbey where again we had a wonderful time of worship including singing Amazing Grace and the Lord’s My Shepherd – all the team sing in four part harmony – amazing sound. After a meal we had an open air rally from the back of a 40’ trailer – around 60 people stood in sunshine although it was a bit cold.
Bert
Tuesday, 8 May 2007
Border Country
Day 30 Monday 7th May
Breakfast this morning was at 7.30am as we had to be in Eskdalemuir for 9.15am to meet up with a lady who would be joining us to pray around the European Headquarters of the Tibetian Society. Our mandate in this nation at this time is to lift up again the name of our God and this we did – we praised and we worshipped and declared the word of God. A very powerful time. Next it was over to Langholm to meet up with Richard and Nannette Gee and Alison Landale who were joining the team for the next few days. It was good also to welcome John whom they had brought along. After praying we moved on to Newcastleton where a good number were waiting to meet up with us – we retired to a local hotel (15 of us) for morning coffee then back out to the square to pray, praise and declare the word. Jedburgh was our next stop and it always blesses our heart to turn into a car park and see a good number of folks waiting to pray. We stood and declared the word of God then went over to a local church hall for lunch. After lunch we went into the ruins of Jedburgh Abbey and had a wonderful time of praise and prayer and building on past Christian heritage. It was then time to leave for Hawick where yet again a large group standing in the car park waiting for us – we split into four groups and went to the four high spots around he town and prayed over Hawick. We then went to the local Catholic Church hall where they had kindly prepared us a three course meal – it was delicious – thank you Father Jeremy and all your staff. It was then off to Selkirk for our evening rally. This was well attended with more chairs having to be brought in and there was a great freedom to worship and share and I spoke from 1 Corinthians Ch. 2. The Holy Spirit was moving greatly in the meeting and many lives were touched and I believe changed. All glory to God. The end of another wonderful, blessed, busy day. The Lord just keeps on blessing us day by day.
Bert
Breakfast this morning was at 7.30am as we had to be in Eskdalemuir for 9.15am to meet up with a lady who would be joining us to pray around the European Headquarters of the Tibetian Society. Our mandate in this nation at this time is to lift up again the name of our God and this we did – we praised and we worshipped and declared the word of God. A very powerful time. Next it was over to Langholm to meet up with Richard and Nannette Gee and Alison Landale who were joining the team for the next few days. It was good also to welcome John whom they had brought along. After praying we moved on to Newcastleton where a good number were waiting to meet up with us – we retired to a local hotel (15 of us) for morning coffee then back out to the square to pray, praise and declare the word. Jedburgh was our next stop and it always blesses our heart to turn into a car park and see a good number of folks waiting to pray. We stood and declared the word of God then went over to a local church hall for lunch. After lunch we went into the ruins of Jedburgh Abbey and had a wonderful time of praise and prayer and building on past Christian heritage. It was then time to leave for Hawick where yet again a large group standing in the car park waiting for us – we split into four groups and went to the four high spots around he town and prayed over Hawick. We then went to the local Catholic Church hall where they had kindly prepared us a three course meal – it was delicious – thank you Father Jeremy and all your staff. It was then off to Selkirk for our evening rally. This was well attended with more chairs having to be brought in and there was a great freedom to worship and share and I spoke from 1 Corinthians Ch. 2. The Holy Spirit was moving greatly in the meeting and many lives were touched and I believe changed. All glory to God. The end of another wonderful, blessed, busy day. The Lord just keeps on blessing us day by day.
Bert
An Easier Day
Day 29 Sunday 6th May
We had a reasonably long lie as we were going to River of Life Church in Dumfries which had a 10.30am start time. This was a very lively church and we had a wonderful time of worship. I was allowed to share for a short time before Mark Smith – the Pastor brought the Word. It was then off to Annan where a number of believers were waiting for us in a local church to pray. People came in during the prayer time and eventually had a large prayer circle and again it is great when the local people pray for their own community. Next stop was Gretna where we prayed and then passed on to Lockerbie where a small group of Christians were waiting to meet up with us. This was in a Brethren Assemble Hall and we had a wonderful time of sharing and prayer. It was then off the our ‘digs’ for the night and an evening meal together. We were joined by Mari and Duncan Graham from New Zealand who will be with us for the rest of the trip. After dinner Mari and I sat and worked on the rest of the programme as far as we could. Thanks again Mari for all your hard work. And then off to bed – this had been an easier day but still delighted to go to bed.
Bert
We had a reasonably long lie as we were going to River of Life Church in Dumfries which had a 10.30am start time. This was a very lively church and we had a wonderful time of worship. I was allowed to share for a short time before Mark Smith – the Pastor brought the Word. It was then off to Annan where a number of believers were waiting for us in a local church to pray. People came in during the prayer time and eventually had a large prayer circle and again it is great when the local people pray for their own community. Next stop was Gretna where we prayed and then passed on to Lockerbie where a small group of Christians were waiting to meet up with us. This was in a Brethren Assemble Hall and we had a wonderful time of sharing and prayer. It was then off the our ‘digs’ for the night and an evening meal together. We were joined by Mari and Duncan Graham from New Zealand who will be with us for the rest of the trip. After dinner Mari and I sat and worked on the rest of the programme as far as we could. Thanks again Mari for all your hard work. And then off to bed – this had been an easier day but still delighted to go to bed.
Bert
Dumfries
Day 28 Saturday 5th May
I woke this morning with no pain in my knee – thank you, Lord. We can hardly believe this is the end of the fourth week on the road. Newton Stewart was our first port of call where we met a number of local Christians in the centre of town and prayed, praised and proclaimed the Word of God. It is good when local Christians do ost of the praying. Next it was Creetown where again we stood with local people calling out for God to move in their community. Gatehouse of Fleet came next and we prayer walked with them up through the town before moving on to Kirkcudbright where we met local people in a church, shared a bit about the vision and prayed with them. Two ladies have been prayer walking the town and God has said to do it seven times then they will see a change in their community – they are now on their seventh time – we wait to hear. On then to Castle Douglas where the locals had began their prayer walk which ended on a grassy patch at the car park. They had set up a small stage and after worship, and locals declaring the word of \god and local prayers I was able to share a word from Isa.42. I am getting the feel again for open air preaching – I cut my preaching teeth when I was 16 on open air preaching. Dalbeattie was next where we prayer walked with local Christians before going on to Dumfries to another open air rally in the late afternoon. This time from a band stand in the local park. After worship the whole team shared and there were prayers for Dumfries and I finished by sharing from Psalm 66. Another wonderful day meeting up with so many of God’s dear people.
Bert
I woke this morning with no pain in my knee – thank you, Lord. We can hardly believe this is the end of the fourth week on the road. Newton Stewart was our first port of call where we met a number of local Christians in the centre of town and prayed, praised and proclaimed the Word of God. It is good when local Christians do ost of the praying. Next it was Creetown where again we stood with local people calling out for God to move in their community. Gatehouse of Fleet came next and we prayer walked with them up through the town before moving on to Kirkcudbright where we met local people in a church, shared a bit about the vision and prayed with them. Two ladies have been prayer walking the town and God has said to do it seven times then they will see a change in their community – they are now on their seventh time – we wait to hear. On then to Castle Douglas where the locals had began their prayer walk which ended on a grassy patch at the car park. They had set up a small stage and after worship, and locals declaring the word of \god and local prayers I was able to share a word from Isa.42. I am getting the feel again for open air preaching – I cut my preaching teeth when I was 16 on open air preaching. Dalbeattie was next where we prayer walked with local Christians before going on to Dumfries to another open air rally in the late afternoon. This time from a band stand in the local park. After worship the whole team shared and there were prayers for Dumfries and I finished by sharing from Psalm 66. Another wonderful day meeting up with so many of God’s dear people.
Bert
Heading into Dumfries and Galloway
Day 27 Friday 4th May
It was through Maybole, Turnbery to Girvan where we met in a local church to pray before moving on to Ballantrae where yet again local people were waiting to pray with us in a local church. You never know what God has in store for you when we started out for Wigtown. We arrived and prayed with people in the square before walking down to the Martyr’s Stake. (I didn’t walk again as my knee is still very painful) We all walked to the memorial stake and as we did there came upon us a real sense of the Presence of God. When we stood we could only look and weep. Two women were drowned at the stake for their unwavering faith. The stakes were set at different heights that would allow the younger woman to see the older woman drown. As we stood there you could sense their courage and faith and I week as I write this. We prayed amongst the tears and I read Hebrews Ch 12 – we were indeed surrounded by such a cloud of witnesses whose focus had been solely on Jesus the Author and Finisher of their faith. O, God I cry to have such a faith as this and to have the courage they had. And to be so completely focussed on the Lord as they were. We honour these women and all such like who have laid down their lives for the Gospel and indeed in some parts of the world today are stilling doing this. This was one of the most moving experiences of my life and one I shall never forget. But God had still more in store for us – we then travelled to Whithorn and the Isle of Whithorn where we set up a table in the ruins of St Ninians Chapel and had the most beautiful communion service – we were lost in wonder as we remembered our Lord Jesus Christ. The team then prayed for my knee which was getting worse and I took authority over the pain myself and declared my body to be Kingdom Territory and this pain had no right to be present and commanded it to go in the Name of Jesus. Another moving experience. Then Stranraer and a meal then bed. An unforgettable day. Thank you, Lord.
Bert
It was through Maybole, Turnbery to Girvan where we met in a local church to pray before moving on to Ballantrae where yet again local people were waiting to pray with us in a local church. You never know what God has in store for you when we started out for Wigtown. We arrived and prayed with people in the square before walking down to the Martyr’s Stake. (I didn’t walk again as my knee is still very painful) We all walked to the memorial stake and as we did there came upon us a real sense of the Presence of God. When we stood we could only look and weep. Two women were drowned at the stake for their unwavering faith. The stakes were set at different heights that would allow the younger woman to see the older woman drown. As we stood there you could sense their courage and faith and I week as I write this. We prayed amongst the tears and I read Hebrews Ch 12 – we were indeed surrounded by such a cloud of witnesses whose focus had been solely on Jesus the Author and Finisher of their faith. O, God I cry to have such a faith as this and to have the courage they had. And to be so completely focussed on the Lord as they were. We honour these women and all such like who have laid down their lives for the Gospel and indeed in some parts of the world today are stilling doing this. This was one of the most moving experiences of my life and one I shall never forget. But God had still more in store for us – we then travelled to Whithorn and the Isle of Whithorn where we set up a table in the ruins of St Ninians Chapel and had the most beautiful communion service – we were lost in wonder as we remembered our Lord Jesus Christ. The team then prayed for my knee which was getting worse and I took authority over the pain myself and declared my body to be Kingdom Territory and this pain had no right to be present and commanded it to go in the Name of Jesus. Another moving experience. Then Stranraer and a meal then bed. An unforgettable day. Thank you, Lord.
Bert
Troon
Day 26 Thursday 3rd May
Another early rise – 6.00am to catch the 7.15am ferry to Arran. On arrival there we met two Christian ladies and we stood and declared the word and prayed together before boarding the same boat back to the mainland. We then drove to the Immanuel Christian Centre in Irvine where we had the most amazing powerful prayer meeting in which the Holy Spirit just took over and of course we were running late the rest of the day – who was watching the clock at such a time as this. We then travelled to Mauchline where there were again people waiting to pray in the local church. We then drove to Monkton outside Prestwick and we prayed over an outreach project from a church in Prestwick. We met with the minister and had a lovely lunch in this beautiful outreach café before a time of prayer and a prayer walk. After this went to the church in Prestwick where a number of folks were waiting for us and after a short sharing of the vision had a time of praise and prayer. The Father’s Love letters are being so well received down through the nation with many churches taking a box (1600) at a time. It was then off down to Troon. When we arrived at Troon there were many already gathered for a prayer walk (I could not go as I had developed a very swollen and painful knee) This was a fairly long prayer walk and most of Troon was covered. Tea was next on the agenda then back in to Seagate Evangelical Church for an evening rally. This was well attended and the church was pretty full and the worship was again inspiring and the presence of God was there. The team shared about the Father’s Love Letter and I shared about Jehoshophat. Those at the rally didn’t want to go home as God was working away in people’s lives. And so to bed after being 16 hours on the go. We were just a bit tired but always elated with what God is continuing to do.
Bert
Another early rise – 6.00am to catch the 7.15am ferry to Arran. On arrival there we met two Christian ladies and we stood and declared the word and prayed together before boarding the same boat back to the mainland. We then drove to the Immanuel Christian Centre in Irvine where we had the most amazing powerful prayer meeting in which the Holy Spirit just took over and of course we were running late the rest of the day – who was watching the clock at such a time as this. We then travelled to Mauchline where there were again people waiting to pray in the local church. We then drove to Monkton outside Prestwick and we prayed over an outreach project from a church in Prestwick. We met with the minister and had a lovely lunch in this beautiful outreach café before a time of prayer and a prayer walk. After this went to the church in Prestwick where a number of folks were waiting for us and after a short sharing of the vision had a time of praise and prayer. The Father’s Love letters are being so well received down through the nation with many churches taking a box (1600) at a time. It was then off down to Troon. When we arrived at Troon there were many already gathered for a prayer walk (I could not go as I had developed a very swollen and painful knee) This was a fairly long prayer walk and most of Troon was covered. Tea was next on the agenda then back in to Seagate Evangelical Church for an evening rally. This was well attended and the church was pretty full and the worship was again inspiring and the presence of God was there. The team shared about the Father’s Love Letter and I shared about Jehoshophat. Those at the rally didn’t want to go home as God was working away in people’s lives. And so to bed after being 16 hours on the go. We were just a bit tired but always elated with what God is continuing to do.
Bert
Ayrshire
Day 25 Wednesday 2nd May
We were amazed when we arrived at the village hall in West Kilbride and around 50 people were waiting to worship and pray. After this we went out and prayer walked. We left and drove to Stevenston where we met a group of people and we prayer walked the town with them handing out the Father’s Love Letter on the way. We then drove to Kilwinning where we met with a group in a local church. I had a wonderful half hour with the pastor and one of his elders while the team had a time of prayer with the others gathered in the church. We then drove on to Stewarton via Dalry, Beith and Lugton. We were met with a group of about thirty and we proceeded to walk up the High Street, praising, praying and proclaiming. We stopped outside John Knox Church and had a good time of prayer before going in for some refreshments. It was thento Kilmarnock via Kilmaurs where we were met and taken out to tea with a lovely family – thanks Nicola before going to an evening rally in a local church. Quite a few were gathered and after some beautiful worship which took us into the presence of God, the team shared and I an encouraging word about prayer. We stayed that night in a local Holiday Inn. The end of another wonderful day of meeting so many of God’s people.
Bert
We were amazed when we arrived at the village hall in West Kilbride and around 50 people were waiting to worship and pray. After this we went out and prayer walked. We left and drove to Stevenston where we met a group of people and we prayer walked the town with them handing out the Father’s Love Letter on the way. We then drove to Kilwinning where we met with a group in a local church. I had a wonderful half hour with the pastor and one of his elders while the team had a time of prayer with the others gathered in the church. We then drove on to Stewarton via Dalry, Beith and Lugton. We were met with a group of about thirty and we proceeded to walk up the High Street, praising, praying and proclaiming. We stopped outside John Knox Church and had a good time of prayer before going in for some refreshments. It was thento Kilmarnock via Kilmaurs where we were met and taken out to tea with a lovely family – thanks Nicola before going to an evening rally in a local church. Quite a few were gathered and after some beautiful worship which took us into the presence of God, the team shared and I an encouraging word about prayer. We stayed that night in a local Holiday Inn. The end of another wonderful day of meeting so many of God’s people.
Bert
Wednesday, 2 May 2007
Heading for the Coast
Day 24 Tuesday 1st May
After an early rise - it was great to sleep in my own bed again - another three weeks and I'll be back in again. Jenny appreciates all your prayers for her and I thank God for a wife who has been able to release me to this vision. It is also good to welcome Jean Black back on the team. Clydebank was our first port of call and after finding the place was delighted to see so many gathered from different churches. Churches who had never done anything together before. Praise God - this is what Connecting Scot;land is all about. We were able to share about our journey and distributed the 'Father's Love Letter' and one church took away a full box. There has been a good uptake of this letter down through the nation. After this we drove through Bishopton then Langbank and into Port Glasgow where we met up with some folks in Coronation Park. I left Jean and the team there and I motored on to Wemyss Bay to catch the ferry to Rothesay. A lady had called in yesterday and because of spinal difficulties could not get across to the mainland so I decided to go across to her. It was great sailing 'doon the water' again and was wonderfully surprised when then were about a dozen people waiting to pray. We had a great hour standimg praying in the square and the local press man come across and took pictures - he had already written about the 50 days in last weeks edition. Largs was my next stop and be able to meet back up with the team There were a number of folks gathered for prayer then some went out on the streets to pray. After tea there was a rally where some YWAM people led the worship. I was able to share on some things the Lord had been downloading into my mind that day about the early church. We all then went on a prayer walk = splitting into 5 groups and eventually congregated on the sea front where the word of God was declared over Largs - we prayed and praised and declared. We believe these thing change things in the heavenlies. It is great how God works out things in advance - the is a new YWAM sailing ship about to sail up the Ayrshire coast next week and we felt we are praying in advance for its arrival in Troon, Ardrossan and Largs. And so to a different bed again. ZZZzzz
Bert
After an early rise - it was great to sleep in my own bed again - another three weeks and I'll be back in again. Jenny appreciates all your prayers for her and I thank God for a wife who has been able to release me to this vision. It is also good to welcome Jean Black back on the team. Clydebank was our first port of call and after finding the place was delighted to see so many gathered from different churches. Churches who had never done anything together before. Praise God - this is what Connecting Scot;land is all about. We were able to share about our journey and distributed the 'Father's Love Letter' and one church took away a full box. There has been a good uptake of this letter down through the nation. After this we drove through Bishopton then Langbank and into Port Glasgow where we met up with some folks in Coronation Park. I left Jean and the team there and I motored on to Wemyss Bay to catch the ferry to Rothesay. A lady had called in yesterday and because of spinal difficulties could not get across to the mainland so I decided to go across to her. It was great sailing 'doon the water' again and was wonderfully surprised when then were about a dozen people waiting to pray. We had a great hour standimg praying in the square and the local press man come across and took pictures - he had already written about the 50 days in last weeks edition. Largs was my next stop and be able to meet back up with the team There were a number of folks gathered for prayer then some went out on the streets to pray. After tea there was a rally where some YWAM people led the worship. I was able to share on some things the Lord had been downloading into my mind that day about the early church. We all then went on a prayer walk = splitting into 5 groups and eventually congregated on the sea front where the word of God was declared over Largs - we prayed and praised and declared. We believe these thing change things in the heavenlies. It is great how God works out things in advance - the is a new YWAM sailing ship about to sail up the Ayrshire coast next week and we felt we are praying in advance for its arrival in Troon, Ardrossan and Largs. And so to a different bed again. ZZZzzz
Bert
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