Grace Extends in Strathmiglo

The example of Shamgar – start where you are, use what you have, do what you can do – has been formative in the story of Grace Baptist Partnership. Here is an account of grace extending in Strathmiglo, Scotland.

‘Start where you are and do what you can.’

‘Evangelise on the basis of responsibility, not resources.’

These have become maxims for Grace Baptist Partnership. Wherever we are supporting church planting or revitalisation work, faith is required: Faith that blessing will come on obedience; Faith that resources will come for sacrifice; Faith that energy will be supplied to the weary.

When Andrew Lolley approached the small and ageing work at Perth and suggested a new evangelistic venture in the village where he and Jill had gone to live, it was with such faith. The Howe of Fife is the northern plain of the county, through which the River Eden runs. Its many villages lie almost entirely unreached by evangelical churches. The parish churches have long since capitulated to apostasy and error.

When an initial evangelistic event was arranged in Strathmiglo village hall in 2017, some local Christians rejoiced ‘that a man had come to seek the well-being of the children of Israel.’ (Neh.2:10) Some confided that Andrew’s commencing a gospel work was an answer to seven years of prayer.

Since then, a monthly gospel service in the afternoon has continued. It has drawn regular believers and unbelievers alike. The fellowship is warm. The word is preached. Prayers are made.

Now, with uncertainty on many fronts, faith is required for that work to go forward into a weekly service of worship. Faith is required for unbelievers to be discipled, converted and added. Faith is required that God will act for the establishment of a church there.

Would you pray for the Lolleys and the church in Perth to continue this good work?

“For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:15