PHOTO & INFO:
Tillicoultry Baptist Church

28 October 2001

		I was invited by Rev. Jamie Wilson to perform my testimony at his morning service on 28 October 2001. This is a routine I do whilst juggling (as this is how I grew close to God). After I performed the juggling testimony routine, I was asked to join the Operation Mobilisation (OM France) people who are at the Church for a week to do some work. They led the Sunday School this week, and this included a reading of the Good Samaritan, and lots of puppetry and singing of songs. I then invited all the children (and adults alike) to have a play with my juggling equipment, and a good time was had by all!!

I would like to thank the whole congregation for making me feel so welcome, especially seeing as my face was swollen having woken up that morning with toothache! This is the main reason why I am in no photographs on this page!

This page is dedicated to my new friends at Tillicoultry Baptist Church. Please click on any photo below to enlarge it, or point the mouse over the photo for a description. Please read on after the photographs, for more information on what the OM Team got up to for their week in Tillicoultry (written by Catriona McKechnie).

Global Challenge -
"...in every time zone, throughout the year, across the whole calendar."

This motto comes to mind as I reflect on our recent mission trip to Scotland with a French team. Indeed our short-term campaigns need not be restricted to traditional sunshine periods!

A double-edged mission

Our aim was not only to introduce the French to the LOGOS II berthed in Glasgow, but also to assist a local church in Tillicoultry, Central Scotland, with its ministry and outreach to the local community.

An all-French team

Unlike the classic international team model where English predominates, our French-speaking team enjoyed the luxury of bible studies and prayers in their native tongue. For those coming from the more isolated regions of France where evangelical churches are few and far between, this proved to be a source of blessing and encouragement. Hailing from every corner of France, a variety of ages and occupations - pupils, students, professionals, and missionaries whose shared a common desire to share Christ in a new culture and taste haggis of course!

LOGOS II in Glasgow

The team enjoyed a youth evening on board the LOGOS II, with a warm welcome from a compatriot who is into her second year on the boat. There followed a day visit when the team enjoyed a tour of the boat, making the most of their bargain bookshop. This bird's eye view of life on board was an important preview for those considering a long-term commitment with the ships ministry.

Community Evangelism & Open Doors

Taking the lead from our partner church, we took on a packed programme of events, communicating the gospel using various forms of creative evangelism: puppetry, sketchboard, mime, music, ropes, break dance, etc. There was a particular emphasis on children and youth work. During a morning service a resident juggler who shares his testimony in a most original fashion joined us and thereafter let the kids discover for themselves. Visit his Web site with photos of our mission in Tillicoultry at - http://www.jugglingworld.biz

We also joined church members on their monthly visit to the elderly in the village.

Doors opened to two secondary schools. In the first instance we gave a Scripture Union group some tips on how they could make Christ known in their school. In the second we presented the Gospel message to around 80 pupils in a 25-minute programme of dance, testimonies, music, drama and sketchboard. On their way out, pupils received a tract explaining 'How to become a Christian'. Please pray for the Christian teachers who continue to take a stand for Christ in their workplace. They are seeking new ways of reaching out to the many pupils attending their weekly Scripture Union meeting. The team also helped out at the church youth club. Every week 'The Gate' opens its doors to the local youth who otherwise spend their evenings hanging around the streets. We wanted to break down the 'boring' image many young people have of Christianity by 'hanging out'- pinball, snooker, break dance, music, chatting etc. Pray for wisdom for the leaders on how to continue showing the love of God to this 'churchless' generation.

Sweet fellowship

We were touched by the warm hospitality and welcome accorded by the church in Tillicoultry. The team took part in a ladies meeting and were particularly grateful to be given a full evening to present the work of OM and pray for France as a needy mission field. We were also blessed to share a meal with the team at a nearby Scripture Union Outdoor Centre.

Broadening our vision

"…that day I danced, just danced for God. I learned to dance for myself, not to glorify God. But this was my chance to dance for the glory of God. Many non-Christian youth have encouraged me to develop and use this gift in the future to communicate the Gospel and break down the false image people have of Christians." Kash

"…God has given us all different gifts so we compliment one another and together, can bring much to those who do not know the Lord". Miriam

"I discovered a whole new style of Church life and new ways of doing evangelism. My world has opened up. Thank you." Valérie

Finally, may we thank you for your prayer covering during this week in Scotland. For the team this campaign was a time of discovery and freedom to share the gospel in a context which is simply not possible in France. Sharing the burden of the local church and reaching youth with the Good News of Jesus Christ made the visit seem so very worthwhile.
Please pray for the church in Tillicoultry as it looks to extend its building in the near future to welcome in new disciples!

Catriona McKechnie
OM France

BACK TO PHOTO PAGES INDEX