It is hard for me to believe that I am coming up on the end of my first year here in St Fergus.
I arrived back in Scotland on June 6 of last year. I was eager to get back into full time ministry
after having spent nearly sixteen months waiting for a visa to re-enter Scotland. I enjoyed be-
ing back home in the Longview/Kelso area, but God had called me to pastoral ministry at St
Fergus Parish Church in Scotland. Because I was going to a church in an area of Scotland
that I didn't know, I really didn't know what to expect. But I have been truly blessed by be-
ing here.
I enjoy living here among the people of North-East Scotland. When I arrived, I was immedi-
ately challenged by the Doric Tongue. Although I still have a long way to go in understand-
ing the dialect, I am feeling more comfortable hearing people speak it. I have not been enjoy-
ing the weather of North-East Scotland: rain, rain, and more rain, and very little in the way
of sun. But despite that, I have managed quite well. Agnes, my next door neighbour, often
learns me the Doric as we almost daily meet out back to chat and catch up on the latest news
of people in the village. I have been blessed by frequent helpings of her Scottish broth, fish
cakes, and mince and tatties.
I have been with the good people of St Fergus Parish Church for almost a year. I have be-
come increasingly fond of them as my time goes on with them. I enjoy preaching each Sun-
day at the church and at other churches in the area. I have been listening to the people here
and to the Holy Spirit, seeking to be sensitive to how God has been at work in the lives of
the people. I had intended to lay low for the first two years at the church, but I found that I
was quickly swept up into the congregation and the village straight away. I came through
the first year doing quite well and I am eager to get on with the second year. I enjoy being
here because the Lord has sent me here to pastor God's people at St Fergus Parish Church.
Blessings to you and yours,
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