APC NEWS

The Magazine of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in Scotland ISSUE No 144 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

The River Jordan One of the Biblical sites which the Editor saw on his trip to the Holy Land. “all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to Him and were being baptized by Him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins” [Mark 1:5]

Some local Christians baptizing at the supposed site where John baptized Jesus Subscriptions & Renewals Publication Details for APC News ‘The APC News’ is published 6 times per year on the The APC News is published first weekend of the second month 6 times per year, beginning with the January/February issue. The cost is January/February £10 per year including postage March/April May/June Note for Congregations July/August September/October Each congregation must contribute a minimum of £180 per annum towards November/December the APC News Fund as arranged with the treasurer Mr Donald M Fraser. This is to Copy deadline dates are the be considered as a donation towards the 1st day of the 1st month sustaining of the magazine. (eg for May/June magazine, Congregations can, if they so wish, last copy date, 1st May) charge for their own distribution of the magazine, or give them away free. All the views expressed in this Cheques should be made out to magazine are not necessary those of the ‘APC News’ editor or the denomination. and sent to the address below. The articles are meant to stimulate and Please state if acknowledgement of provoke a serious study of Holy donation is required. Scripture. All articles not attributed to an author are by the editor. Mr D M Fraser, Articles can be sent by email (preferable), Publications Treasurer, or on CD in Microsoft Word. ‘Stratharris’, Clearly printed manuscripts, double Daviot, by Inverness, IV2 5XQ spaced in one column is also acceptable. Telephone 01463-772253 Photographs can be sent Email: by post or by e-mail in .jpeg format. [email protected] There is no copyright on any of the articles that do not bear the author’s Name...... name, and such articles may therefore be reprinted, with or without credit. Address...... Other articles may require the ...... permission of the authors...... Editor: Postcode...... ……..... Revd Donald C Macaskill 238 Arbroath Road, Dundee DD4 7SB Tel No...... ………...... Tel 01382 451798 [email protected] Email…………………………………. EDITORIAL Preaching - The Method!

WE LIVE IN A high technology despite the many irritating world! It is God’s world - and all breakdowns connected with it. The technology is as a result of His internet with its different forms of wisdom and grace given to mankind. distributing data, has been a real Whether it is the earliest and boon to those who want to ‘advertise’ simplest form of communication, eg, and spread their word. Whatever we smoke signals, or whether it is the may think of the evils of the internet, most recent form, eg, Facebook or and it has many, it is just a method Twitter on the internet, it is all under of transferring thoughts and God’s sovereign control and has messages from one mind to another. come about through the ingenuity of The gospel is the most important man made in God’s image. message in all the world. Nothing Technology is meant to help us. needs to be more communicated But all technology has a ‘downside’. than the good news that Jesus died With every new technology, new for sinners and salvation is free. For problems arise that can make life the church the invention of the even more frustrating. The internet can do for the gospel what breakdown of electricity or the the printing press did for the breakdown of a car or the breakdown Reformation. of any machine, can add to the stress The Bible tells us that and frustration of life. But no one preaching is the means through today would say that life would be which the gospel is conveyed. Paul easier without electricity or motor reminded Titus God manifested “His vehicles or machines. Technology is word through the preaching good and a blessing to humanity. with which I have been entrusted by Computers are useful for the command of God our Savior” communicating thoughts and ideas, [Titus 1:3]. Preaching is explaining

APC News No 143 Page 3 September/October 2010 and teaching the word of God to an quite religious and I started to listen audience. But thanks to technology, to Anwar al-Awlaki lectures last year the preaching of the word can be and then I started to get really into it further communicated to other and I listened to everything that... audiences than the one to whom it like all of his recorded lectures that was originally preached. The he made’!! [See The Guardian 4 message can be written and November ’10]. published in books, another wonder- This girl became zealous and ful technology, which when first violent about her religion through invented was strongly opposed by the preaching of this Islamic the Greeks who maintained that scholar, replayed over the internet. writing would destroy our memories! Today, with modern technology A sermon can now be communi- almost anything can be heard and cated digitally and transmitted read via the internet. Satan makes around the world within an hour of use of every possible means available its proclamation in a host of ways. to spread his evil work. Praise be to God for the technology The very same means may be which can do this for the gospel. used to spread the gospel - and Those who say that preaching is praise be to God many Christians an old-fashioned method that has and Churches are doing just that. had its day, are greatly mistaken. With websites like sermonaudio.com Take the recent stabbing by a and others, more and more Christian Muslim on the MP Stephen Timms. preaching should be published. Roshanara Choudhry, a student at Preaching has content, and it is King’s College, London, made an the content that needs to be appointment with her MP at his replayed. Contrary to what McLuhan constituency surgery, with no other wrote about the ‘Medium Being the intention but of killing him. She Message’, we believe that the content hated his politics and his support of of a message is the important thing - the Iraq war. She was found guilty. and nothing has a more important When Choudhry was inter- content that the glorious gospel. viewed by the police she said ‘I No one can be saved without thought that it was not right that he hearing the gospel. The gospel must voted for the declaration of war in be preached. So, let us therefore Iraq.’ She said ‘I’ve been listening to make use of every method of lectures by Anwar al-Awlaki....He’s conveying the gospel message. Paul an Islamic scholar....Explaining said the Lord strengthened him so stories from the Koran and that “the message might be fully explaining about jihad....’ proclaimed and all the Gentiles She continued ‘I’ve always been might hear it” [2 Tim 4:17]. Ë

APC News No 143 Page 4 September/October 2010 News for Prayer and Praise

OPERATION NEHEMIAH conviction that as a nation Britain Patrick Sookhdeo of Barnabas Fund has largely forgotten the Christian is often asked ‘What about Britain?’ faith - the core truths and basic regarding persecution. In an article principles of the Bible that have in ‘Evangelical Times’ he begins by shaped our national life. The saying it is surprising that campaign aspires to the spiritual persecution and discrimination transformation of the UK. exists at all in the UK. This is Operation Nehemiah will because the UK is a signatory to the address issues that affect the whole ‘United Nations Declaration of country, and will counter opposition Human Rights’ and the ‘European to the Christian faith from whatever Convention on Human Rights’. this source comes. We trust, that Both these documents affirm with the Lord’s help, it will be that the right to ‘freedom of delivered by a coalition of Christian thought, conscience and religion’, organisations, churches and including the freedom to manifest individuals. Like those listed in one’s religion in teaching, practice, Nehemiah chapter 3, who rebuilt worship and observance, and also the wall of Jerusalem, we can ‘freedom of expression’. Discrimi- achieve a greater result by co- nation on the grounds of religion is operating than we could in isolation. illegal in British law. A free introductory booklet can However, there have been many be had at [email protected] or cases in the UK of Christians being write Operation Nehemiah, victimised and marginalised and Barnabas Fund, The Old Rectory, even imprisoned for preaching and River Street, Pewsey, SN9 5DB. stating their belief in the Bible’s teaching. PAKISTAN Barnabas Fund are launching On 19 July two Christians accused Operation Nehemiah on the firm of blasphemy were shot dead as they

APC News No 143 Page 5 September/October 2010 left court in Faisalabad, Pakistan. escapes from the oppressive regime. Rashid Emmanuel a pastor, and his we can be sure that there are many brother Sajjid a student, were Christians suffering immeasurable making their first court appearance hardship today in brutal labour after being detained earlier that camps, on starvation rations. The month. They were accused of Lord knows each one. Please lift producing handwritten pamphlets them up in your prayers. defiling Muhammad, but a report from a handwritten expert found NIGERIA that the writing did not match theirs. More Christians were killed in two A week earlier a mob of thousands of Nigerian states in early July. On the Muslim protestors had demanded night of Saturday the 3rd, several the death sentence for the brothers, Muslims attacked Kizachi village in forcing many families to flee for their Kaduna State and killed five safety. Please pray for the Emmanuel Christians, including a primary family as they grieve the loss of school teacher and mother of six Rashid and Sajjid, and that the Lord children.. They also burned down will protect believers in Faisalabad in five Christian homes. The next night this latest wave of anti-Christian two hundred Muslims armed with violence. guns and machetes invaded the Ganawuri community, near Jos, IRAN SERVICE MEN Plateau State, which was the scene of Pray for Iranian Christians doing horrific anti-Christian violence their military service, which is earlier this year. Pray for those compulsory for every able-bodied bereaved and made homeless in man over 19. During this service these attacks and that the authorities there is a strong emphasis on Islam will provide better security for and teaching the values of the Christians in these two states. Iranian Islamic revolution of 1979, as well as the Islamic prayer five times CHRISTIANS AGAINST a day. This is very hard for Christians POVERTY (CAP) from a Muslim background in Hundreds of churches are reacting to particular. Pray that they will have the financial squeeze by reaching out grace and wisdom and the Lord’s to their communities with advice protection over them. about money management. A course has been designed to help churches NORTH KOREA provide a service to those in their North Korea is one of the most area who have debt problems. A dangerous places in the world to be a Christian Charity, ‘CAP Money’, Christian. Although little news started 14 years ago by one man with

APC News No 143 Page 6 September/October 2010 a £10 donation and huge desire to can act as a conversation starter. put his financial experiences to good Andrea Williams, Director of CCfON, use. It is now a national operation said ‘While the initiative is in part a handling £64m of client’s debt at any response to the increasing one time. marginalising of the church, we do Financial experts at the charity not invisage it as a defensive have partnered with a 131 churches campaign to safeguard the ‘rights’ of to open localised centres from Christians...However, we do so out of Aberdeen to Truro and another 30 a desire that our nation would not churches are expected to open their reject the hope and life that is found own centres in the next few weeks. only in Jesus Christ. In providing an The service does not pay off opportunity for the church to stand debts but helps clients to organise together, we pray that God will use their own debts and makes contacts this initiative to help his church with banks and loan agencies to grasp and exercise her role with provide cheaper interest rates and renewed confidence, namely as encourages them to be patient with herald of judgment and hope in their clients and have been the Christ Jesus.’ means of helping a great many Further information can be had people come out of debt respectably. www.ccfon.org or at 020 7935 1488 Further information can be found at or [email protected]. www.capuk.org. OPEN DOORS NOT ASHAMED Our Lord stated that those who Christian Concern For Our Nation suffer and are persecuted for (CCfON) have launched an initiative righteousness sake are blessed. But to encourage Christians to witness they also need our prayers. God for Jesus Christ and stand up for the delivers His people from oppression gospel. ‘Not Ashamed’ was set in by answering the prayers of those motion because of a widespread who remember His suffering people. concern about the lapse of Christian ‘Open Doors’ is calling on more influence in the public square. Christians to join its ‘Right to Another reason was the collapse of believe’ campaign, to support confidence by Christians and the persecuted Christians denied their church in the positive message of the basic right to religious liberty. To gospel for our society. date more than 2,000 people have Christians are encouraged to added their support. To add your wear a symbol - there are a number signature to the petition or download of items on CCfON’s website that resources for the international day of bear the words ‘Not Ashamed’ which prayer go to www.opendoors.org Ë

APC News No 143 Page 7 September/October 2010 Moments in Malawi?

by Hector Mackenzie, Aberdeen

IN NOVEMBER 2005 His of Dugald and Morag MacPherson Excellency Dr Bingu Wa and Una Fraser (all of whom have Muthorika,the president of Malawi strong APC connections) to offer the and the Right Honourable Jack training. McConnell,the then First Minister of the Scottish Parliament signed a The People and The Place! covenant of co - operation between Malawi was wonderful,the beauty of the two nations, the aim being to the people and the place moved me develop collaborative partnerships profoundly, the simplicity of the between the two countries across a lifestyle attracted me and the hunger number of public sectors including for knowledge and understanding education. I was privileged to have impressed me. The warmth and been involved in the educational friendliness of the people, despite aspect of the partnership until I blatant poverty and deprivation,was retired from the teaching profession exceptional and the Malawian in 2007. instinct for traditional beliefs, values and attitudes was heartwarming. I have rarely experienced such The Opportunity! hospitality, generosity and Earlier this year I was delighted to helpfulness anywhere. My primary receive an invitation from the contribution was to teach the skills Aberdeen based Dòchas Education of Biblical Interpretation and the Trust to visit the Nsanje district and effective communication of the Word provide in-service training to Village of God to two groups of 40 Churches. Headmen and Church Pastors there. Pastors and their enthusiastic The term Dòchas is Gaelic for hope acceptance and appreciation of my and I was thrilled to accept the modest contributions was very invitation and travelled to Malawi moving. My colleagues taught a with an impressive team consisting number of other complimentary

APC News No 143 Page 8 September/October 2010 skills including health issues, about the excess weight she asked to children’s rights and parenting with have a look at the knitted garments similar appreciation. and she thought they were so I recall reading a book some wonderful she said she couldn't have years ago entitled ‘Surprised by the it on her conscious to ask me to pay Voice of God’ by Jack Deere.I found anything at all so all my extra the book challenging and inspiring luggage was transported free of and it encouraged me to discern the charge. Both ladies have since Lord's voice in the very minutest of received photographs of the clothes matters. During our trip I was having been presented to children in frequently surprised by the loving- Malawi. kindness of the Lord and I trust 2) We flew overnight to readers will enjoy the following Johannesburg on our outward examples of this. journey where we arrived tired and 1) I have an elderly friend from weary. We were thrilled and Newtonhill who has been knitting surprised to meet the Minister of the children’s clothes for me for the last APC Vanvouver congregation Revd twenty years, to date she has Fletcher Matandika, he was on route completed almost two thousand to his homeland of Malawi where he garments. I distribute the clothing all would act as host to a conference over the world through a small entitled 'Thy Kingdom Come'. The Humanitarian Aid organisation I run guest speakers at the conference in partnership with Blythswood Care were also to be APC ministers Revds and other similair organisations. George and Donald Macaskill. I was Shortly before our departure my tremendously impressed by friend provided me with yet another Fletchers personality and batch of beautifully knitted garments enthusiasm, I enjoyed hearing about and as the timing seemed his hopes not only for the conference providential to me I decided to take but also about his own Malawian the clothing with me despite the risk charity ‘Joy to the World’. Our of my luggage being considerably in discussions about topics like excess. The delightful lady at the Covenant Theology and Supralapsar- airport check-in looked at my ticket ianism were stimulating and and informed me with a twinkle in refreshing and our tiredness and her eye, that she had been brought weariness soon evaporated. up in Blantyre in Lanarkshire and 3) I had been advised to expect she knew there was no airport there. chaos and confusion on arrival at It transpired that her family had Blantyre Airport, however, I was often visited the David Livingstone delighted when the customs official Museum there and when I explained looked at my passport,welcomed me

APC News No 143 Page 9 September/October 2010 with a huge grin and said 'you are grave in 1863 and erected a one of us '. I felt adopted by the memorial cross over it.The country immediately. My entry was International School in the capital so uncomplicated compared to my city of Lilongwe and a number of fellow passengers who were all other institutions in Malawi are having their bags and luggage called after him. searched.I did wonder why I had 4) I have taught and preached in been so favoured and it transpired many nations around the world that along with the names of David using an interpreter. Those who have Livingstone and Robert Laws the experienced this know that using a name Mackenzie is very highly translator is a very uncertain science. respected in Malawi. It takes a lot of trust and Bishop Charles Mackenzie was a understanding to feel confident that celebrated Anglican missionary who not only the words but also that the died in 1862 having made a emotional tone and the spiritual considerable spiritual, educational sentiments of a topic are being and social impact in the country.He conveyed. My interpreter was a local was born in Peebleshire in 1825 Pastor named Rodgers, he was and I heard many warm and fantastic! Dugald described us as complimentary references to him being joined at the hip and there during the trip. were many moments when I felt that David Livingstone visited his not only was he translating my

Whole group at Nyachilenda, Nsanje after attending Dochas Education Trust Bible School with Hector MacKenzie and Dugald MacPherson

APC News No 143 Page 10 September/October 2010 message accurately but that he was awesome! I imagined David enriching and enhancing it through Livingstone sailing up the Shire the life and power of the Holy Spirit River and recording seeing the within him. smoke from the fires of a thousand I recall attempting to describe native homes and I pondered that the nature of God's covenantal and probably not all that much had fatherly heart, and by way of changed since his time there. illustration took a photo of my own The magnificence of the scenery family from the back of my bible to was breathtaking! It seems visitors to then witness him doing precisely the Africa have only one of two reactions same thing. This moment gave me to the continent, they either love it or deep personal pleasure and hate it. My own reaction is one of satisfaction. Rodgers was an amazing deep affection, I was delighted to be blessing to me and to the gatherings there and felt safe, secure, comfort- I taught and preached to. able, and welcomed wherever I 5) I had been invited to preach travelled. in a local church on the Lord’s day. I There were churches and was contemplating my sermon on communities of believers the saturday evening as I was everywhere. Many local buses and cooking 'eggy' bread for our group taxis displayed gospel texts, families members when the electricity supply could be seen and heard worshipping went off. I continued cooking under outdoors and there seemed to be no candlelight using a charcoal fire. foothold for western secularism. I remembered Jesus using, what On a personal note I found the might have been a similar fire in congregational expressions of praise John 21, and when He cooked a unforgettable. The unaccompanied, breakfast of bread and fish for his spontaneous,harmonious and disciples on the shores of Lake powerful praise songs frequently Tiberias. stirred and refreshed my soul. The The sermon outline fell into freedom and passion with which place instantly and I enjoyed a people expressed their worship was measure of authentic understanding inspiring. and blessed liberty as I shared the word the following day to a very The future ! lively and loving congregation the I would welcome future association following day. with Malawi. I received many Stimulated by the experience! requests to return and to engage in There were many enriching and further teaching and preaching stimulating experienced forged by opportunities there. the trip. The sense of history was Whereas I was delighted to

APC News No 143 Page 11 September/October 2010 The women at Nyachilenda, Nsanje after attending the Dochas Education Trust Bible School with Una Fraser and Morag MacPherson

receive the invitations it will The Sena and Chichawa require a certain level of discernment languages are the ones spoken in within me to ascertain whether Nsanje and in the south of the future visits would be helpful or not. country near the Mozambique I will need to be convinced that the border. I also received a number of church in Malawi has needs that I requests for educational resources can meet successfully. and I was happy to refer these Meantime there were many requests to the Rhynie based other requests that I need to pray organisation ‘Books Abroad’ who about and also consider. I was often specialise in providing learning and asked for Bibles and I am delighted teaching resources to developing to learn that The National Bible of nations. Malawi prints Bibles in both the The requests for food, clothing Sena and Chichawa languages and and shoes were frequent and after meeting so many church overwhelming. I feel helpless to meet Pastors who don’t have their own these needs but somewhat copies of the scriptures I feel a encouraged that there are many burden to do what I can to meet this Humanitarian Aid agencies listed on provision for them. the Scottish-Malawi partnership

APC News No 143 Page 12 September/October 2010 website and that I can refer to them will not rest until the painful gap in for support. provisions I witnessed is faced up to Recalling these requests reminds by those with the power and me of the only negative emotion I felt authority to do so. I simply want to during the trip, at times I was ensure that the abundance of embarrassed to be Scottish! If our goodwill and generosity generated by nation is genuinely committed to the the people of Scotland to the nation development and improvement of of Malawi will be distributed in a conditions in Malawi and in the fairer, more balanced and inclusive name of the people of Scotland have way in the future.I have asked our made considerable investments of local MSP to ask questions in the money, time and talents in the Scottish Parliament about the country, why is it that I met so many matter. children and others who were Please remember Malawi in your starving and some with the evident prayers. symptoms of malnutrition? It was acutely apparent that any Hector I Mackenzie of the intended benefits of the Ministry Team; St Marys Church partnership have not yet reached the Cove Bay, Aberdeen Nsanje area so my prayer and resolve www.dochaseducation.org.uk Ë

JOHN G PATON’s ‘Introductory Note’ to his Autobiography ‘Missionary to The New Hebrides’

WHAT I WRITE HERE is for the glory of God. For more than twenty years have I been urged to record my story as a Missionary of the Cross; but always until now, in my sixty-fourth year, my heart has shrunk from the task, as savouring too much of self. Latterly the conviction has been borne home to me that if there be much in my experience which the Church of God ought to know, it would be pride on my part, and not humility, to let it die with me. I lift my pen, therefore, with that motive supreme in my heart; and so far as memories and entries in my notebooks and letters of my own and of other friends serve to help my sincere desire to be truthful and fair, the following chapters will present a faithful picture of the life through which the Lord has led me. If it bows any of my readers under as deep and certain a confidence as mine, that in “God’s hand our breath is, and His are all our ways,” my task will not be fruitless in the Great Day. Ë

APC News No 143 Page 13 September/October 2010 Presbytery and Congregational News

STORNOWAY congregation hold a Communion on the first Lord's day of December and The congregation was pleased to join the traditional island Thanksgiving other congregations on the island at Service on the last Thursday of a combined mid-week meeting in the November. A Ladies' Meeting is held Free Church Seminary on 03 most of the winter months and we November when there was a real host the Annual Gideons' Rally as effort to get churches in Scotland to usual. The congregation look support their persecuted brothers forward to a visit from Lachie and sisters in Sudan. The particular Macleod of 'Something from focus of the meeting was the Romania' and a Romanian 'Palliative upcoming referendum on 09 Care' worker come to tell us of the January 2011 when an election is to ongoing work in the former take place over Southern Sudan communist country. becoming independent from the Islamic North Sudan. The fear is EDINBURGH that if Independence is granted for Very sincere thanks to all who Southern Sudan, war will break out support the work here. We certainly and the lives of 2 million Christians are very indebted to you. May God living in the main city of Khartoum bless you according to His abundant (including the speaker that evening) grace and may, "The joy of the Lord will be in great danger. Please pray be your strength." that God will intervene and prevent We continue to feel privileged to more bloodshed. Amongst all the be serving here, especially when we oppression of Christians in Sudan remember that our times and the gospel is flourishing and many circumstances are in God's hands, are being converted. and it is only by His grace that we The winter programme of are saved and that we serve. events have re-commenced. Bible The Council have begun Studies are held every fortnight as significant improvements to the area are the Fellowship meetings after the outside the shop, which we have Sunday evening service. The little doubt, will make the building

APC News No 143 Page 14 September/October 2010 more attractive and welcoming. The attending are below average but we contractors, and workers, must have are still, quite frankly, encouraged their patience severely tried by the and humbled. Pray we assess the vandalism that is part of the ongoing situation wisely and don't take false scene. It is good to remember that encouragement or discouragement. such situations of vandalism, could Pray for those who do profess be much worse, and that God's faith in Christ here that they would restraining grace is operating all the be strong in the face of local time. ungodliness, personal trials and The Burdiehouse School is well unusually severe difficulties. Then nigh demolished now. Imagine how for some, very threatening and people feel when such a vital hub of constant opposition, not to mention the community is flattened before cunning schemes to entangle them in their eyes and gone "forever." very bad company. At the suggestion of Blythswood, Pray that the children would be we are looking at helping to run a brought into the kingdom of God. foodbank like the Blythswood What a blessing to be converted at a Highland Foodbank which is very young age. We believe we met connected with the Trussell Trust . more than one example of this when For a number of reasons, we believe we were at Keswick Convention this this is part of God's leading and will year. We were greatly helped and help the gospel to penetrate this dark encouraged by one preacher after corner and perhaps further afield. another and not least by Paul A mature Christian worker who Mallard who was then a minister of very kindly visited us recently, wrote the gospel in Worcester and is afterwards regarding his visit, " It currently among other things, gives me a much clearer picture of Director of Training and your ministry which will help inform Development for the Midlands our prayers for you and the people of Gospel Partnership. Paul was from a Southhouse. You are, perhaps, family in Birmingham that were not working in a stony field, though I church goers. As a young boy, he fell suspect there is much to give thanks in with other children who were for, even in such a needy area. But I following a music band as it walked know...... that labour in the Lord around the housing scheme on its is never fruitless. It was lovely to see way to a small local church where a the children coming into the Christaian holiday club was taking shop...... " We say amen to all of that place. Eventually Paul as a young boy and a warm welcome to any who are was converted. His interest minded to visit us. continued, and as a teenager he went The work continues. Numbers of to Cambridge University to study

APC News No 143 Page 15 September/October 2010 theology and by God's grace minister and his wife were away on continued with his belief in the their Biblical tour in October. gospel of Christ and the bible. He has They were able first to visit a passion for teaching the bible so Athens and Ephesus before they that it is readily understood and reached Israel. Particularly enjoyable applied to life today. He is a former were Capernaum in Galilee and the President of the Fellowship of Mount of Beatitudes. In Jerusalem Independent Churches. there were so many historical places God can do the same with it was difficult to say which one was children where you live and work, the most impressive. and here also. Truly a wonderful Ian and Carol Taylor, a young blessing to be converted as a child couple in the congregation had their and to go on and serve the Lord 90 year old mother up in the whether as a preacher or in whatever autumn, so the congregation walk of life God leads one into. Never provided a nice cake and small listen to satan suggesting otherwise. celebration. Although Marion It was very moving, when Paul Peacock is blind, she has come up Mallard told the congregation, how from England often to worship with after many prayers over decades for us over the years, so it was good we his mother's conversion, at long last, were able to show our appreciation one day he had the joy of taking the of her visits. Lord's Supper with his mother in that same little church where he was converted as a child. Who has kept those who have been following Christ for scores of years? No doubt they would say, ‘Since He can keep me from falling, He can keep anyone, and He can keep all the children and teenagers in 2010 who put their trust in Him and present them “faultless before His throne" ‘. Pray for, an ingather- A small group with Marion ing of young people up and down the land and around the world. We are in constant need of John Ross prayer for God to work deeply in our own hearts as well as in the hearts of DUNDEE those around us at Dens Road. We We are most grateful to Revd Calum specially ask that we would all be MacInnes for his ministry when our good witnesses to Christ. Ë

APC News No 143 Page 16 September|October 2010 A decade of rendering praise by Jane Graham

ON ONE OF these rare September to a greater appreciation of the Autumn afternoons, with the sun wealth of meaning contained in the glinting on the River Ness, a steady words. The contrast of tempo and flow of more than 450 people was sound volume synchronising with seen to be heading for the Church words of joy and sorrow was very with the highest spire in Inverness special. and hopefully a warm welcome! The The congregation enjoyed the singers and the congregation had opportunity on four occasions to join travelled from many parts of the with the choir, and for those who Highlands and Skye and were from a understood the Gaelic language they variety of denominations. The venue were also able to join in when the was the Free North Church. Highland Harmony’s Chairman, Inside the church the profes- Kenny MacLean, ably precented sional filmmakers were going about from Psalms 103 and 84. their tasks very quietly and had set A Bible reading by Rev Calum up a wonderful array of cables, audio MacInnes, Inverness and a message, equipment and cameras to record given by Rev Iain MacAskill, this special event - the 10th Rosskeen were also part of the Anniversary of the Highland programme. Mr MacAskill’s message Harmony Singers – on DVD and CD. centred on Ecclesiastes 3:11: “God The eighty-strong choir, in four-part has put eternity in the heart of every harmony, began with a rousing man.” rendition of parts of Psalm 105 and He pointed out that Solomon’s Psalm 9. reference to God setting eternity in Rev Douglas Horne then our hearts meant that God has in welcomed everybody and opened the mind the idea of giving humanity the afternoon of praise with prayer. capacity to see beyond today. He The choir’s repertoire was full of makes us curious about what’s variety: psalms set to tunes, both coming round the corner. However traditional and new, were sung, and, the ability to see beyond the present competently led by the two has not been given to any other conductors, raising the congregation creature. In the course of preaching,

APC News No 143 Page 17 September/October 2010 Mr MacAskill told the amazing story throne and to the Lamb be praise of Arthur Stace who lived in Sydney, and honour and glory and power, a story designed to etch the word forever and ever” ’. Eternity in many minds that The final Psalm of praise, in afternoon. Arthur had been brought which the congregation joined in, up by abusive alcoholic parents who was part of the well known beat him and abandoned him when traditional Psalm 63. Rev John de la he was twelve years old. He drifted Haye, a choir member, pronounced on a squalid course that seemed the benediction and the choir certain to end in a lonely meths- completed this spiritually uplifting induced death in some filthy and challenging afternoon with the doorway. rousing Psalm 117. But then his own life changed for all eternity. He staggered into a Postscript - One surprising City Mission for some free bread and comment from a musical friend: he was converted! Two years later he "Well that was a treat this afternoon! was listening to a fiery Baptist When I saw the programme and that Minister. “Eternity – Eternity”, the the words were all Psalms I preacher cried, “I wish everyone here wondered how it would go! However, could go out and write the word the choir sang so well with great ‘Eternity’ for all to see”. And that’s harmonies and perfect timings. The what Arthur Stace did - it is words came alive when new and reckoned some 500,000 times. different tunes were used - a real The latter part of Mr MacAskill’s feast of praise and worship. The message challenged his audience as Gaelic singings were also very to what was their perspective on life moving with the congregation – ‘Where will you spend eternity? joining in… the way Gaelic Psalm God has planted eternity in the heart singing ought to sound!” of every person alive so we can never The offering that afternoon was be completely satisfied with earthly £1,032 – shared equally between pleasures and pursuits. We have Alternatives (Inverness Crisis eternal value and nothing but the Pregnancy Centre) and KatieKares eternal God can satisfy us. When we ( Special Care for Special Kids). trust in God we have a new mind-set; Note: The recordings will be our security is in eternity and we will available on CD and DVD at £10 and then praise Him, on earth and in £15 respectively (incl P & P). These heaven. What a choir that will be – should be ordered from Mrs Dorothy singing new songs, and praising God Hannan, Dunvournie, CULBOKIE, with a multitude that no one can By Dingwall, IV7 8JB – Tel number, “To Him who sits on the 01349-877455. Ë

APC News No 143 Page 18 September/October 2010 Evangelism by Gordon Murray

IT IS A GREAT comfort to the ‘whoever calls on the name of the Reformed Christian that in every LORD shall be saved.’ How then work of salvation it is the grace of shall they call on Him in whom they God that does the saving. This have not believed? And how shall means that every church can look to they believe in Him of whom they God to do a work in the lives of the have not heard? And how shall they people round about. hear without a preacher?” [Romans The Bible however doesn’t leave 10:13, 14]. us with a message of God saving and We are constantly reminded in the Church having no involvement the scriptures that God is sovereign whatsoever. In fact the opposite is but we are also responsible. And the the case. Paul says in Romans, “For Church is not only responsible for

People at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem where Jews come to mourn the destruction of their Temple. But it is the Lord of the Temple we all need.

APC News No 143 Page 19 September/October 2010 herself and her well-being but also They are ignorant of the influence of for the world perishing around her. the Church throughout world We have good news for a lost world history. But most alarmingly they and it is our duty to get it out there. are completely ignorant of the worth, If we have a right view of Christ then work and word of our Lord Jesus it will not only be our duty to tell Christ. others about him but our delight. What is the Church’s response to We would all love to see Jesus this? We believe we have good news glorified and praised by more and for this dark and dying society. We more people in our communities. have confidence – not in the flesh In Sandy Finlayson’s new book and in our own ability to convince ‘Unity and Diversity’ it is striking the world of sin, righteousness and how often the word evangelism judgement to come but in the Holy appears. Here were men in a day Spirit’s ability to convict and to where the Church was strong and convert by the preaching of the had much influence in the world and gospel. yet they saw an urgent need to That is all we can do. It may evangelise the cities and towns of sound foolish to the world. We may Scotland and even to traverse the look and sound foolish as we rely world with the message of Christ. upon God and his word and speak We cannot honestly call ourselves the truth. But the foolishness of God Evangelicals if we do not have this is wiser than the wisdom of men. passion and this vision. The word We stand on a firm rock. comes from the Greek word for the We have a message of hope and gospel – euangelion. heaven through the crucified Son of Scotland today is a land in God. God can make them believe. darkness. Hedonism is the cry of the Let us fulfill our commission. Let us day. Our land is ignorant of the evangelise our local communities gospel. People are ignorant of the and, if God calls us to it, the rest of history of the Church in Scotland. the world. Ë

“SIT DOWN YOUNG MAN! When God pleases to convert the heathen, He’ll do it without consulting you or me.’ Doctor John C Ryland, a senior Baptist minister in the 1780s in England, glared at the young man before him, William Carey. Doctor Ryland was annoyed at the presumption of this unlettered Christian. What was the cause of the offence? Carey had suggested that the Great Commission, the mandate of Jesus Christ to go to the ends of the earth so that every man and woman might have a chance to hear the gospel, was binding not just on the Acts of the Apostles, but also upon every succeeding generation of Christians - including their own”. Ross Paterson, from ‘The Antioch Factor’

APC News No 143 Page 20 September/October 2010 BOOK REVIEW

Putting Amazing Back but stop short of it in certain into Grace circumstances - unintentionally of course. But Horton shows how free Embracing the Heart of the Gospel grace is just that - free grace - no by Michael Horton one, but no -one, earns salvation. Baker Books, 280pp £10.99 Horton shows the importance of ISBN 978-0-8010-6400-5 doctrine and that it unites ‘How else could the early church hold together THIS BOOK IS a ‘must’ for those those who had come from a variety of who believe in the doctrine of divine ethnic, socioeconomic, and cultural election but have difficulty with some backgrounds?’ It was a common aspects about it. Michael Horton creed that united the early church, carries the doctrine to its logical not a common culture or political conclusion, and in doing so ideology. challenges many who profess to Doctrine of course does separate believe in 100% grace! us from those who deny the clear Some people boast of free grace teaching regarding the gospel and the doctrine of God and Jesus Christ. The Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses are sometimes classified as Christians, but their doctrine regarding the Personhood of God and Jesus Christ is not orthodox. We can have friendship with such people, but not fellowship, for they know not the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. The saying from Ben Franklin’s ‘Almanac’, ‘God helps those who help themselves’ is seen to be untrue, for “anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own works” [Heb 4:10]. This book strengthens faith and reaffirms the orthodox doctrines found in the early Confessions. Ë

APC News No 143 Page 21 September/October 2010 Ravi Zacharias in Dundee The well-known Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias ministered in Dundee in November. He spoke at the Solas Centre for Public Christianity in St Peter’s Free Church at a day Conference, with John Lennox, Stuart McAllister, David Robertson. He also spoke at the Dundee Evangelical Christian Alliance’s (DECA) Annual Joint Service. Picture: Ravi and Lord Provost and Councillor McCready at the DECA meeting. Also pictured a section of the 600 folk at Solas.

APC News No 143 Page 22 September/October 2010 Congregational Details

DUNDEE LAIRG & ROGART Revd Donald C Macaskill, BA APC Manse, Saval Road, Lairg, IV27 4EH, 238 Arbroath Road, Dundee DD4 7SB, Tel 01549 402176 Tel Home 01382 451798, Mobile 07792 545 243 Lairg Church - 6pm, 1st, 3rd, 5th Weds 7pm; Email: [email protected] Rogart Church - 11.30am. 2nd, 4th Weds 7pm. www.apcdundee.org.uk Dens Road Church - 11 Treasurer: Mrs Alison Mackenzie, Birchgrove, Bonar Dens Road - 11am & 6.30pm, usually Wed 7pm Bridge, Sutherland, IV24 3AR. Tel. 01863 766251. (confirm on website). Treasurer: Mrs Isabella Communions: Lairg: First in June. Rogart: Third in Scrimgeour, 7 Kintail Place, Broughty Ferry, Dundee September. DD5 3TA. Tel 01382 477 623 Communions: Last in March, June, September, December LOCHCARRON (Lochcarron-Lochalsh Congregation) Services held EDINBURGH jointly with Free Church, 11am & 6pm, Wed 7.30pm, Revd John Ross, 6 Frogston Grove, Edinburgh, EH10 2nd & 3rd Lord’s Day Kishorn 3pm. Treasurer: Mrs 7AG Tel 0131 466 6247 [email protected] Alison Stewart, 13 Kirkton Gardens, Lochcarron IV54 Sundays - Services at 11.30am and 5pm and Bible 8UQ, Tel 01520 722239 Study Wed 7.30pm at 47 Southhouse Broadway, Email: [email protected] EH17 8AS. All welcome

FORT WILLIAM LOCHINVER & STOER & DRUMBEG Services held jointly with the Free Church, Services held jointly with Free Church of Scotland High Street, 11am & 6.30pm, Wednesday 7.30pm. Morning services alternating between Stoer Free Contact: Donald MacNicol, 14 Altour Road, Spean Church & Drumbeg APC - 11am. Evening service Bridge, Inverness-shire PH34 4EZ, Tel 01397 712405. Lochinver Free Church at 6pm. Contacts: Mrs E. MacKenzie, Church Road, Stoer, Sutherland, IV27 HARRIS 4SE, Tel 01571 855279. Mrs I Macauley, Ard Na Contact: Mr Finlay Maclennan, Tel 01859 550252. Mara, Stoer, Sutherland Tel 01571 855214 Seilabost School - 12 noon & 6pm Treasurer: Mr Finlay Maclennan, 3 Seilabost, Isle of OBAN Harris HS3 3HP Tel 01859 550252. Revd Archibald McPhail, MA, MTh Communions: As intimated. Fernhill, Polvinister Road, Oban PA34 5TN, Tel 01631 567076 Email: INVERNESS [email protected] Interim Moderator: Revd Donald C Macaskill, Campbell Street Church - 11am & 6.30pm, Wed 238 Arbroath Road, Dundee DD4 7SB, 7.30pm Treasurer: N Matheson, Carnish, Glenmore Tel Home 01382 451798, Road, Oban PA34 4PG, Tel 01631 566259 Email: [email protected] Communions: First in May and November Manse: 16 Drummond Road, Inverness IV2 4NB, Tel 01463 223983 Fax 01463 226939 PLOCKTON & KYLE Kingsview Christian Centre, Balnafettack Road, (Lochcarron-Lochalsh congregation) Contact: Donald 11.30am & 6pm, Wed 7.30pm. Tel 01463 716843. Stewart, 13 Kirkton Gardens, Lochcarron IV54 8UQ, Treasurer: Mr Kenneth Macdonald, ‘Arnish‘, 16 Tel 01520 722239. Email: [email protected] Drumdevan Place, Inverness IV2 4DQ, Plockton: No services at present Tel 01463 231364. www.sermonaudio.com/kingsview Communions: Fourth in January, April, June, POOLEWE September Services meantime Inverasdale 10.30am (with KINLOCHBERVIE Sunday School); Aultbea 12 noon (with Sunday Kinlochbervie: Day Care Centre, Main Street, School); Poolewe 6pm Treasurer/Contact: K 11.30am; Treasurer: W D MacLeod, 114 Inshegra, MacLean, Dunedin, 42 Strath, Gairloch IV21 2DB, Tel Rhiconich, by Lairg IV27 4RH Tel 01971 521388. 01445 712050. Email: [email protected] Communion: Third in August Communion: As arranged locally SKYE ABROAD Revd Dr Wayne Pearce, Bruach Taibh, 2 Borve, Arnisort,Portree,Skye, IV51 9PS VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA Tel 01470 582421 Revd F Matandika, 405-425 Twelfth Street, New Email: wayne,[email protected] Westminster, BC, V3M 4H7, Canada. Portree APC Church, Staffin Road - 12 noon & 6.30pm, Tel 1-778-397-1568. Worshipping at 203-204 Sixth Thu fortnightly 3pm; C of S, Dunvegan - 12.15 & 5pm. Street, corner of Queens Avenue and Sixth Street, Contact: Malcolm G Fawkes, 9a Fasach, Glendale, Isle New Westminster, BC, V3L 3A1. of Skye IV55 9WR Tel 01470 511368. Lord’s Day: Sunday School 10am, Services 11am, and Communions: Portree: third in March and September, 6.30pm, Prayer meeting Wednesday 7.30pm. Dunvegan: first in June Contact Hugh Fraser 604 526 0431 www.apcvan.ca ------STORNOWAY CLERK of PRESBYTERY Revd George I Macaskill, BA Revd A N McPhail, MA. MTh, ‘The Glebe’, Stoneyfield, Sandwick, APC Manse, Polvinister Road, Oban PA34 5TN Isle of Lewis, HS2 0AP, Tel 01631-567076 Tel 01851 703217, (Church 07733425498) Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] 72 Keith Street - 11am & 6.30pm, Thu 7.30pm. ASSISTANT CLERK Treasurer: Mr W K Macleod, 3 Oliver’s Brae, Stornoway Revd G I Macaskill, BA HS1 2SS, Tel 01851 703796. ‘The Glebe’, Stoneyfield, Sandwick, Email: [email protected] Isle of Lewis, HS2 0AP www.apcstornoway.com Tel 01851-703217 Communions: third in February, last in August Fax 01851 703775 Email: [email protected]

GENERAL TREASURER of PRESBYTERY TAIN & FEARN Mr R W M MacKenzie, APC General Treasurer Revd John van Eyk Geanies House, Fearn, by Tain APC Manse, 2 Cameron Gardens, Tain IV19 1NT, IV20 1TW Tel 01862 871450 Tel 01862 892199. Email: [email protected] Tain Email: [email protected] Church, Upper King Street - 11.30am; Hilton Church 10am, Wed 7.30pm. Joint evening services, 1st, 3rd, PUBLICATIONS TREASURER 5th Lord’s Day Hilton, 2nd, 4th in Tain. Treasurer: Mr D M Fraser, Roderick Mackenzie, Geanies House, Fearn, by Tain ‘Stratharris’, Daviot, IV20 1TW, Tel 01862 871000. by Inverness, IV2 5XQ Tel 01463 772253 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.sermonaudio.com/tainfearnapc EDITOR of ‘APC NEWS’ Revd Donald C Macaskill, BA 238 Arbroath Road, Dundee DD4 7SB WICK & STRATHY Tel 01382 451798 Email: [email protected] Wick Church, Breadalbane Crescent - 11a.m, Strathy Church - 3pm Interim Moderator: Revd D Ross ______McFarlane, 01349 862420, [email protected] Treasurer: Wick: Mrs Mary Taylor, Dixonfield, Thurso, KW14 8YN Our Scottish Charity No is: Tel 01847 892005. Treasurer: Strathy: Mrs J Jappy, 113 Strathy Point, by Thurso KW14 7RY, Tel 01641 541316. SC 02313 Communions: Wick: last in April, Strathy: second in APC website address is: September www.apchurches.org