Page 14 - Contact Winter 2017

Looking back
on 27 years
Back in 1985, I was settled in my job as a
Chemistry teacher, expecting to be there for the
rest of my career. I was fully involved in my home
church and had no desire to go back to full-time
study, and definitely not to pull up roots and move
to England! However, God had other plans and
studying at London Bible College was a great
preparation for coming to High Kirk in
September1990.
I still remember that initial overwhelming feeling
when I realised how many people were associated
with High Kirk back then – nearly 2000 from the
smallest baby to our eldest member. How was I
ever going to learn all their names? and knowing
names is only the first stage in knowing people at
a deeper level. Often it has been in the times of
trouble and difficulty that I have come closest to
individuals and families, as they have shared their
heartbreak.
Someone asked me how many visits I’ve made or
long phone conversations I’ve had! – I’ve no idea
but I know that my petrol and phone bills have
been large! But cost isn’t the issue in the face of
the horrendous emotional and physical pain that
so many have had to face and in some cases
continue to do so.
It has been my privilege to sit alongside hurting
people, bringing the caring presence of Christ’s
Spirit within me, yet so often I’ve been the one
receiving the greater blessing as I’ve watched
the Lord at work, giving someone the grace and
strength they need to keep going in the face of
adversity.
It has been humbling to remember those who
have become Christ’s followers and professed
faith publicly. Christ calls us to be involved in a
local church so receiving new members is always
special - seeing many more people become active
communicant members and serving the Lord here
has been immensely rewarding. I long for every
member to feel valued and know that they have a
vital role to play in our congregational life and in
living for Christ in this community.
One of my great passions has been to see more
and more people benefit from being active in a
small group so it has been wonderful to watch the
numbers involved in laser groups increase fivefold
– but there’s always room for more! Jesus’
ministry put great emphasis on that group of
twelve who heard his teaching but also learnt by
putting it into practice. Christian character and
behaviour are best developed in community as we
relate to one another. I believe that the two things
investing time in are God’s Word and people – and
a laser group combines both.
There have been many special occasions and
big events – the 1991 mission, the two 40 Days
programmes, new buildings, the opening of Hope
House, new staff members and plenty more. But
for me the greatest highlights have been seeing
God’s Word coming alive in someone’s life and
that life being changed and transformed by God’s
Spirit.