Missions Trip to the Hibredes   (Gavin & Desiree Campbell - 'Rose of Sharon')

This update comes to you from the Isles of Lewis and Harris. We completed our time of preaching and meetings on North Uist, Berneray and Benbecula.  We had another huge setback when our car blew a cylinder head gasket and we were told that the cost of repairs to the car would be far more than the value of the car and was not worth repairing it.  It had to be replaced - easier said than done for the likes of us  -  until we prayed. 

It would take three weeks to do the repairs, if we decided to go that route, by which time we were required to have left North Uist and on the Isles of Lewis and Harris. Once again we praise the Lord for his generous and faithful people and their love, concern and support for us.  They rallied around and helped us to buy another car. This time we opted for a diesel engine, which hopefully will hold up better and be much more economical in terms of fuel consumption. God is so good and faithfully sustains that which he ordains. 

We've had two wonderful mid week meetings on the Isle of Lewis on the Wednesday and Thursday and again received a warm, enthusiastic welcome, firstly at the Church of Scotland up in Ness, at the northern tip of Lewis, and again at the APC Church (Association of Presbyterian Churches) in the town of Stornoway.  On the Sunday we had another blessed time of ministry and meetings, this time firstly in the Church of Scotland in Leverburgh on the Isle of Harris at the morning service. I preached to a jam packed church, there was not a spare seat to be had, on the theme of Revival from Ezekiel 37:1-14. Folks’ response to the message was yet again quite amazing and most encouraging and the feedback from them at the door rather humbling. Des did the children's address in the service and also took the Sunday School class. We were not due to take an evening service on this particular Sunday, but the congregation enjoyed the morning service so much that they asked if I would preach at their evening service, which was held in the Church of Scotland in the town of Scarista on the Isle of Harris.  They also asked if we would hold an after service missions meeting to give them feedback about our work in South Africa. They have supported Rose of Sharon and us for a good many years. I preached from Philippians 4:4-7, 'Rejoice in the Lord always', part of this year's UK and Ireland series on revival. We then had our missions meeting at which we showed a video clip about our children's ministry and did a full one hour Power Point presentation on our work at home. Judging by the response, by the grace of God, I don't know who was more blessed, the congregation or ourselves. By the time we arrived home at midnight, (we'd left our home base in Ness at 8 am) having driven the two hour distance from Scarista on Harris, over some very high mountain passes and narrow roads in bucketing rain and gale force winds, we fell into bed exhausted but exhilarated and with a deep sense of God's peace and joy. 

We see God moving on the hearts and in the lives of this Hebridean Island people whom it has been our honour and privilege to minister to through the power of his word, quickened to their hearts and understanding by the Holy Spirit. May all who have and will yet sit under the preaching of God's mighty word while we are here, that may have left their first love, Jesus, return to His fold and those whom he calls who have never bowed the knee to the Saviour do so now and may those who do love and serve him faithfully receive a bountiful portion of his blessing as they honour their Lord.

Please continue to pray for us and the Lord's work here through Rose of Sharon, even as we continue to pray for his ministry at Bethany through Jonathan and Chris, the leadership and through you.