News & Events

Overtures

1) From Western Isles
2) From Edinburgh Presbytery

With regard to office bearers who have difficulty with the form of sung praise agreed upon last November which gives liberty to congregations to choose hymns if they wish, there is a composite motion before the Assembly to give opportunity to office-bearers to intimate their own personal conviction with regard to sung praise and thus clear their conscience.

A second motion has been circulated (proposed by Mr D. Jack), which delineates when ‘purity of worship’ should be observed.

Ruling from Chair is that the two motions should be set against each other.
Q. Rev. Dr Ian D. Campbell - Doesn’t Mr Jack’s motion involve the repeal of the findings of the Plenary Assembly?
A. Donald Jack - Yes

(1) Western Isles Presbytery Overture (presented by Rev. Dr Ian D. Campbell)
This overture is not intended to overturn the finality or authority of the Plenary Assembly. The overture is not intended to obviate the conscience issue or the possibility for dissent. Nor is it intended to provide continued agitation. The crave of this overture is simply the logical outcome of the Act of 2010, which was carefully framed to allow relief of conscience, namely that no minister would be required to conduct a service of worship which contents he considered unbiblical. The overture recognises the following: not all the office-bearers (real or potential) were present at the Plenary Assembly to register a dissent. This is not to create a 2-tier office - every office-bearer is bound to obey the Higher Court. This overture is recognising the Biblical Principles regarding Conscience and for mutual respect.

Q. Daniel Sladek - Why is it necessary to state our position on worship?
A. Iain D. Campbell - It is not obligatory to do so, but it is charitable and gives an opportunity, if necessary, to state one’s own position.

2) Overture from Edinburgh and Perth Presbytery (Alex MacDonald)
Overture removed and motion of Western Isles Presbytery supported. *Applause*

Dr Campbell moves the motion of the Western Isles Presbytery. Motion seconded.

Donald Jack moves his motion. The issue is the question of ordination vows. This motion is attempting to be fair to everyone. The object of this motion is that if you want to adhere to the psalms-only position, you can do it, but if you want to do other, it allows for that also. The motion is trying to put clothes on ‘the purity of worship as presently practised in this church’. If a congregation wishes to use hymns and musical instruments, then it can have another service on the Lord’s Day, which isn’t covered by ‘the purity of worship as presently practised in this church’. Mr Jack explains that his motive is the unity of the Church.

Q. Duncan Peters - If hymns are used, is the service ‘public worship’?
A. Donald Jack - It’s up to the congregation what they call their services.

Dr Campbell pleads to Mr Jack to withdraw his motion.
Mr Jack is not willing.

Q. Dr Iain D. Campbell - Will the passing of your motion involve dismissing the motion of the Western Isles Presbytery?
A. Donald Jack - No intention of doing so.

Dr Campbell pleads with Mr Jack to withdraw his motion.
Mr Jack not willing to.

Speakers
Rev. Donald MacDonald - The ordination vows are very important to me and should be to us all. The motion by Dr Campbell affects the meaning of the vows and formula. Dr Campbell’s motion is pick and mix, creating a mythical unity. Part of the speech of the Lord Chancellor from 1900 read, suggesting that Dr Campbell’s motion is an impediment to true Christian unity.

Rev. W. Underhay - Worship includes more than the singing of psalms - it includes all aspects. We have to agree there are some things we may differ on. Someone once said to a young Spurgeon, “whatever your doctrine is, I agree with it”. Dr Campbell’s motion doesn’t satisfy because it can be extended to the doctrine of the Trinity. Couldn’t a footnote be put in connection with the formula, detailing what worship is and that it is the singing of psalms? The Church should not divide over the question of psalms and hymns.

Rev. Prof. Donald Macleod - Weariness with the debate. A 3rd re-run of the debate. An act has been passed bringing closure. Fear also. If we don’t accept Dr Campbell’s motion, we must accept Mr Jack’s. Mr Jack’s motion is Jesuistical Casuistry. Benediction is an irrelevant issue. Is this not public worship? Mr Jack’s motion would plunge the Church into untold confusion.

Vote between two motions: Dr Campbell’s motion carries. To this decision, Rev. Donald MacDonald offers a simple dissent.

Report of the International Missions Board (David MacPherson)
“I never saw anything like this”. These words were issued by someone at a small village meeting at Chhapara, India, on the occasion of the believers there gathering together for a whole night’s prayer and praise. These words remind us of the thrill of mission at home and abroad - where we are, at one level, open-mouthed witnesses of the wonder of God’s Works. These words are repeated often in the work of the IMB. It is thrilling, but there is a cost. A local evangelist in India was arrested, but was then released. Foundation, Strategy, Challenges.

(A) Our Foundation - the Lord’s last command represents our first priority - ‘Go and make disciples ...’ This command is as current and as urgent as when it was first issued. Can we afford foreign mission? Rather, the question is - can we afford not to be passionately and sacrificially involved in foreign mission? From the earliest days, the Free Church, our church, looked outwards. To jettison foreign mission is to cease to be the Free Church of Scotland. Our identity is grounded in mission.

(B) Our Strategy - the IMB, while conscious of its fallibility, does exercise its responsiblities by a strategy-seeking relevance and effectiveness in work. In Peru and South Africa, there has been a shift to becoming trainers of leaders. In Dumisani, we salute Norman and Angela Reid, John and Elizabeth Ross. Please pray for Alistair Wilson and for replacements for the retiring staff. The shift is particulary relevant in South America, with the Lima Evangelical Seminary winning national awards, through leadership of Rev. Donnie Smith. The Columbia Bible Seminary is supported and Rev. Dr and Mrs David Ford are commended. Manuel Reano and his family are commended to the prayers of the Church. Our strategy is not confined to the traditional Free Church fields. But it also moves out into new fields. God is blessing us at home and at abroad!

(C) Our Challenges - first, financial. In 2010, the IMB was required to raise £150,000. We record with gratitude that we were able to raise 90% of this figure. In 2011, we need to raise £200,000. Please participate in this. Secondly, spiritual. The thrill of mission is accompanied by bearing the cost. We must encourage the Lord’s people to give themselves fully to God’s Work and we must model such devotion.

All Free Church missionaries are commended - at home and abroad. Also, the members of our congregations who serve with other missionary organisations across the globe. Also, our partners in mission - other Christian organisations and churches. Also, Rev. Calum Ferguson, the secretary of the IMB and Rev. John MacPherson.

“I have never seen anything like this” - may these be the words on our lips as we engage in mission in Scotland and from Scotland. *Applause*

Deliverance of Report moved by Mr Angus Morrison. The report is an encouragement to the missionaries to hear that people are interested in what they are doing. *Applause*. Report seconded.

Missionary Delegates welcomed to the Assembly

1. David and Olwen Ford - serving in South America, largely in Columbia. Now returned to Scotland.

(David Ford) - Columbia is synonymous with drugs and violence. But it is otherwise. Columbia has a fascinating geography - two ocean fronts and the Caribbean sea. Columbia has a vast biodiversity - 2nd behind Brazil. Columbia is a very beautiful country. Columbia has other records - 2nd in deaths through landmines; 1st in terms of internally displaced peoples. That’s why Columbia is notorious for violence. On 23rd May, 12 tonnes of cocaine were discovered in a shipment of brown sugar. Columbia is also a very religious country.

a. Seminary in Medellín - existed since 1945, lots of graduates in the ministry. They have a five-year program. They come from 12 denominations in Columbia and outside. It is a useful tool.

b. Seminary’s projects - prison ministry, sports ministry, ‘Zero Stress’. A website has been created with access to theological literature in Spanish 6 years ago. Since its creation, in April 2011, 65,000 computers logged onto the website and 20,000 books were downloaded. The demand in Latin America is very high for literature. Three top selections: Calvin’s Institutes Vols. 1 & 2; the Redeemer Church Planting Manual. Hits to the website come from 78 different countries, but by far the most frequent is from Mexico, where the growth of the Evangelical Church is amazing.

David thanks the Church for its support and for his family. *Applause*

(Olwen Ford) - Most of us were brought up in a Christian home. But in Medellín, most were not brought up in Christian homes. But the violence there has had a positive efffect on the Church in Columbia. Some have come to faith through the struggles. One man was a murderer, but was converted and is now a pastor. Another man was a farmer and was displaced by FARC, and is now a pastor working in his old territory. Anna Maria, graduated recently, had been married, but 6 weeks into the marriage, her husband left her to join FARC. She came to the Seminary and is now working as a Bible translator. All our stories are going to have a happy ending, but if you move even a hundred metres outside the Seminary boundary in Columbia, you will meet thousands who live with daily violence, but whose stories don’t have a happy ending.

‘Zero Stress’ was started as a sewing project to give women space. Some of the women have abusive husbands and had no-one to speak to. They are very vulnerable. ‘Zero Stress’ is a safe place for them. They need to be made disciples of Jesus Christ. That verse about going (Matthew 28:19, 20) is interesting - students COME to our cities to learn, BUT you can’t get away from the command to GO. There is no escape, whatever kind of church we are. We aren’t promised health or wealth, the only thing we are promised is His presence and that is surely to be enough for us. *Applause*

(David MacPherson) - We want to praise God. The Assembly sings Psalm 66:1-5.

2. Alistair Wilson from Dumisani through Skype communication. He brings greetings from governors, staff and students of Dumisani. Also, greetings of Free Church of Southern Africa offered. Warm and prayerful good wishes conveyed to us; our prayers are welcome for them. “We are treasures in jars of clay” - the past year has been difficult in Dumisani; the problems are not passed; but we are confident that God will be faithful in providing finance and personnel for the future, so that the Gospel may go forth from Dumisani. Thanks to the IMB given. Dumisani is blessed to have such a complement of skills and gifts among its staff. The prospect of losing Norman and Angela Reid in little less than a month, and the Rosses in 6 months, is daunting. We continue to pray for replacements. Also, Mrs Shelley Lombard (Registrar) has made improvements to governance and finance in the Seminary. Dumisani is in the midst of exams at the moment, but we trust in God’s goodness. Thank you. *Applause*

Rev. Kenneth Cameron leads the General Assembly in prayer for Dumisani, concerning the points raised by Dr Wilson.

3. Mr Mike Moore (CWI) - this is a highlight of his year. The men who founded the Free Church founded missions to the Jews - so we are deeply privileged to have a relationship with the Free Church. Thanks are offered for the prayers and finances of Free Church people. Rev. Alex Cowie serves on the Board of CWI. 3 developments in the work for our encouragement and the stimulation of our prayers:

a. Children’s Illustrated Bible - this was begun by Rev. Baruch Maoz 15 years ago. Rev. David Zadok has now promised that the Old Testament section has now been completed. But wisdom is sought for what to do with the NT - a scholar is required to translate from NT Greek into Modern Hebrew.

b. Outreach to Jewish New Agers - as you look through OT, from times of King Saul, the Jews have been fascinated with the Occult. It has been said that Jews are just like everybody else, just more so. There are many New Age festivals attended by many Jews. And at those festivals, CWI missionaries are being blessed with many Gospel conversations.

c. Orthodox Jewish Outreach - Mike Moore spent two weeks in a Welsh Holiday resort last year, talking to Orthodox Jews who were washing in the sea. They must be treated with respect. On successive days, different questions are asked. Scripture passages are shared. Good contacts were made. Mr Moore will be going back again this summer. Please pray for him. Daily reports will be found about his work in Wales at http://www.cwi.org.uk.

4. Mr Clive and Mrs Ruth Bailey (Colegio San Andrés)
The Baileys have been in Peru for three and a half years. The greetings of the whole staff are passed on. Colegio San Andrés exists to provide high quality standard from a Biblical foundation for Peruvian Youth, with the aim of transformation. One of the most thrilling privileges a Christian can experience in this life is to be involved when God is at work. This is an update of the ways God has been blessing the work at the Colegio.

a. The sustained increase in pupil numbers - we were asked to pray for it and God has blessed us beyond our asking. This has taken us from a situation of financial difficulty to a place of financial profitability. This enables other things to take place: capital projects, building expansion, modernisation of facilities. Thanks to the WFM for last year’s gift, which resourced the modernisation of an out-of-date kitchen and dining room.

b. The employment of Christian staff - this is a key feature of a Christian school. We have 110 staff. We meet once a week for prayer - everyone is present - and the whole school is laid before God; pupils and staff with particular needs are named. There is great freedom.

c. God is at work among the pupils - we are there for the pupils. They come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Most from nominal RC homes. Some from Evangelical homes. God is at work among young people. Almost 700 pupils enrolled this year. Many have been brought to Christ. The majority of the Senior Year Group profess to be Christians. The peer pressure is on those who are NOT Christians.

d. Christian values permeate the whole curriculum - in practical Christian ministries putting into practice what they hear in daily assemblies and in the content of their different subjects. These subjects are taught from a Biblical perspective.

e. Progress in the ongoing legal case - there are conciliation meetings, with the hope and prayer that these would be successful in reaching a just solution to this longstanding problem.

f. Progress of the process of the transfer of the school to a local board - this was the key element of Mr Bailey’s remit in 2008. In recent decades, the evangelical church has grown enormously. 30 years after his first missionary period in Peru, there have been many changes. Many of the pupils of Colegio San Andrés go on to occupy high positions in Peruvian society and government. We have been running the school directly from Scotland for 94 years. It’s time to transfer the school to a local board. Just yesterday, papers were signed, which will allow the transfer. A new association was formed on 1st February with joint Scottish and Peruvian ownership to oversee the transfer.

These blessings give us great confidence in our God as the school approaches its centenary in 2017. The school is now full. There is a vision for an annexe. 10 million dollars will need to be raised and it is envisaged that it will all come from Peru itself.

Tribute is paid to Scottish helpers at the Colegio - Rosie Fraser, Catriona MacDonald, Rachel Mein, Marie Catherine Martin.

“If I have been able to see further, it is because I have stood on the shoulders of giants”. That has been true of Colegio San Andrés and its leadership over the years.

Speakers to report…

Marcos Florit.
Log on to websites of SEL and Colegio San Andrés. May not understand, but get a feel for how things are. Both are so key to life of Peru.
I feel so privileged for having been allowed to be involved.

Tim Donachie
Thrilled at what has gone on tonight. Especially CSA (Colegio San Andrés).
We may be living in day of small things, but great to hear of what God is doing.
Please refer to page 134 EEFC. As Chair of EEFC, thank IMB for providing those funds for us. Speaks about camps in Romania and Hungary, where there are English classes and Bible studies. There is opportunity for even congregations to go out there. Commend this work. 

David Miller
Its great to speak about the people who haven’t yet learned of God who is praised. Appreciated the view we had of Dumisani.
Speaks about his involvement in Missions Committee of ICRC. We’re in an encouraging phase at present. We’ve had more face-to-face meetings.
Progress is being made in drawing churches together in coordinating mission work.

One person in particular that I’d like to pay tribute to - Albert Sliep, who is now 90 and Pat, his wife.
Please remember those who have retired.

John A. Mackay
Three letters:
I O U
We owe a debt to each of our missionaries who go out in the name of our church.
I - stands for Interest or Involvement in mission
O - Others - serving with other societies. Like Richard and Barbara Davies serving in Comores. Members in Drumnadrochit. Or Donald Fraser from Kyle. He is with WEC, with his wife.
U - whenever you see anyone not a Christian - think IOU - I have gospel, YOU dont, I owe you the gospel.

Calum Ferguson
I wish we could take all of you to that village in India - remote - had to cross river - village where there were around 200 people. To hear the gospel. Not long ago, there were no Christians - around half of village are now Christian - rest are seekers. Never seen people so rapt with God’s word. There was real hunger. That village is not unique. The work is replicated in several other villages. The Presbyterian Church is now a missionary-sending church. There is still an open door, but some wish to silence the gospel. We need to be praying that the door will remain open.
Also, schools in India. Probably around 1500 attending the schools - few of these from Christian homes. Something to praise God for. These are attending Christian schools because they have best education. We dont know what spiritual result will be in years to come. Despite these encouragements, these schools face financial difficulties. Facing large back-payments. Fees don’t really take in enough. Very serious situation. Would love to help and hope we can, but not sure how we can.
India will soon overtake China as most populated country in world. Next to China, India is largest unreached country in world. How can we help them to reach their people with gospel? 

Thanks to Mission Support Groups and WFM for their support. Also, Daphne Douglas for producing Prayer Notes. And Charlie for mission notes and Frontiers.
Thanks to IMB. Ernest Brown. John MacPherson.

Iain MacAskill
Encourage congregations to start missions prayer meetings.
Thanks to Calum Ferguson.

Ken Cameron
Want to thank God for memory of Ernest Lloyd.
All around us are people from different countries. Joan and I are involved with Friends International. We’ve come to know students from different countries. Their greatest need is loneliness. I urge you to speak to international people. We can foster friendship.

David MacPherson sums up.

END OF TYPED REPORT OF ASSEMBLY