Sunday lunch around a Scottish table!

8-23-15

Lunch with Kate & Marcus.

   I was thrilled that Kate right after hearing my testimony about fiery darts, ordered a Kindle copy of my book, Fiery Darts: Satan's Weapon of Choice,  as did a few others at Larkhall. My heart's desire is that God will place this book in the hands of other's who like me have allowed negative thoughts to rule their thinking. The following verse explains my motivation:

He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:4 HCSB

Lunch with Kate and Marcos was the icing on the cake for me after visiting Larkhall. My family, the Wadsworths, and Ms. Dorothy, Kate's 91 year old mum gathered around this lovely table for the sweetest of fellowship and a delicious meal. 

Ham, roast beef, couscous, potato salad, lettuce salad, natural beats, lemon cream cheese, a trifle, and mixed fruit graced the table before us. I ate and enjoyed every dish.! And I wasn't the only one. Kate is a fabulous cook!

Kate's mum, Ms Dorothy, was a delightful lady. She encouraged my heart as she shared her travels with me. I was encouraged because she, like me, followed her son to another continent in some of those travels. And also like me, she was in her golden years as she trotted around the globe. Knowing she accomplished all this traveling as an older lady, gives me much cause to hope that I can do the same. 

After a brisk and lively time of fellowship, Sarah invited me to visit her mum's grave. I was deeply touched to be asked.

Sarah and Rachel's brother, Matthew, had been working on Bobby's computer and drove us over to the cemetery. On the way we stopped at the Coop (a grocery store) to pick up some flowers.

We stood there in silence for awhile, each lost in our own memories of this beautiful lady. This was not how I wanted to greet Ruth. Being here at this spot for this reason was the only part of my dream that wasn't fulfilled. Sometimes God's will is beyond our understanding. In those times we just have to accept it! This was one of those times for me. 

Sarah and I joined in prayer, thanking God for the friendship I shared with Ruth and for the wonderful wife, mother, and friend she was to so many.

We walked back to the Manse and prepared for evening services. Bobby and Maridith were to be sharing their experience on the mission field. 

Speaking at Larkhall

8-23-15

audio of my interview with Stuart at Larkhall

   There I was sitting in the church with all that was familiar to Ruth about me. I was a bit overwhelmed by the reality of it all. Ruth had described this church to me on several occasions via her email and later by her Fb posts. I was a contradiction of emotions! Happy beyond words to be there, but feeling a deep sadness because Ruth wasn't. (If you remember, Ruth had passed away from cancer in the fall of 2014. We had been e-pal friends for about 10 years)

   Bobby (who everyone there called Robert) spoke first. He directed his words to the children and afterwards showed a video of their work in S. Sudan. He did an excellent job, very engaging. 

   Then as is the custom at Larkhall, the children were dismissed to their own worship service. I felt very comfortable for they conducted their service much as Faith did back home. Contemporary choruses  were sung, being read from words placed on the big screen (you can see the screen behind me in the above photo) I can't say I was familiar with the songs but they were beautiful. 

                 

interview

       
                    

sermon

   

The order of service for that day was to conduct a brief interview with Bob and I, then Bob would speak. Bob spoke for 15 minutes! Don't remember him ever being that brief😄

   Stuart introduced me as the only friend of Ruth's that he had never met. But Ruth had told him about me and of my dream to come to Scotland. 

   I have included the audio of that interview. I was pleased to be able to share how Ruth and I became friends, and of my family, and about my book, Fiery Darts. (Please let me know if you are not able to open the audio link above)

   After the worship service, we gathered in the fellowship hall for tea and coffee with cookies. Just like the previous churches we had visited. The fellowship was warm and friendly. Because of the bond we share in Christ, we felt like lifelong friends immediately. No matter where I have gone in the world, this is the way it goes when I meet fellow brother's and sister's in Christ.