Welcome to travelling together

Hi and thanks for taking the time to explore this new blog.

My intention is to use the blog on a weekly basis to pass on some of the encouraging things I have encountered in my work as General Director of the Baptist Union of Scotland.

So here goes. Below you will find two stories from my first couple of weeks in post. If you are able to register as a follower of the blog you will also be able to make comment on what is being said. At present you will only be able to register as a follower if you have google compatible email address (Click on "follow" and you'll find out). My apologies if you can't automatically follow at this time, I will be moving the blog onto our own website in the fullness of time which will resolve this issue. If you are unable to follow at the moment you might want to bookmark the location and visit each week for updates.

Sanctuary Pledge

Who will you vote for? I am finding it increasingly difficult to answer that question. As candidates canvas for my vote they seem to spend their time telling me how their policies will affect my life. How they think I will be better off financially with them in power. How I will be better off health wise with them in power and how my children will be safer, better educated and have a secure future with them in power.

But it's not all about me!

What about those who have nothing in our society? Those who have arrived from other nations seeking sanctuary. Those who have fled from religious intolerance or poltical oppression to our nation, "what will you do for them?" has become my reply.

I was introduced to the "Sanctuary Pledge" a couple of weeks ago as I met with some of Scotlands Church leaders. It is a way of saying that this election is not just about my well being but the well being of others. It is a challenge to politicians to be careful about the language that they use when speaking of imigration and a challenge from churches around the nations to maintain Britain's historic position as a safe haven from those fleeing persecution and tyranny.

Why not check it out in more detail
http://sanctuarypledge.org.uk/

First trip North

Sunday 18th April
What a great start to a new ministry. My first visit to a Baptist Church as a core leader was to Nairn Baptist Church, one of our grant supported churches. Rev Tim Power has been in post for 20 months now and the church is already showing signs of its future potential. 90 local believers and members gathered for both their 18th and 21st anniversaries. 21 years since the church was planted and 18 years as a member of the Baptist Union of Scotland. Nairn Baptist Church was truly "coming of age."
The joy of being together and the excitement of belonging to a fellowship that is experiencing a season of fruitfulness was evident from the moment I walked into the local community centre where they worship each week.
Pray for Tim and the leadership team in Nairn as they continue to give their time and energy in service of the King. http://www.nairnbaptistchurch.org.uk/