| | To the Bravehearts...I will never forget the first time I watched the movie Braveheart. I remember that I had some microwave popcorn in a bowl in my lap but I didn't eat it. Everything about it, from the story to the scenery, captivated and compelled me. It is still one of my favorite films. Above all, "FREEDOM!" the guttural scream of William Wallace's voice, still rings in my ears. But sitting here in front of my computer this evening, the word "freedom" echoes in a place much deeper.
Tonight I am contemplating Scotland. This is no mere fantasy of kilts, haggis, highlands, and golf; I am compelled with the heart of Scotland. Scotland, like many Northern European countries, is mired in a spiritual darkness that seemingly grows darker by the day. This oppression weighs especially heavy on the youth of Scotland. I've heard it said that the majority of teens in Scotland today are three generations removed from a knowledge of Christ. That means that if you asked the average teenager on the streets of Glasgow, they would have literally no point of reference in a discussion about Jesus Christ. Instead,
teens are being bound by the chains of alcoholism, drugs, and sexual
addiction with increasing regularity. Beautiful churches that once
resounded with the praises of the everlasting God are being turned into
night clubs and rock climbing facilities.
It was over two years ago that our Church's youth staff first felt a spiritual burden for the Scots. Since
then, we have been diligent in praying for an opportunity for our youth
ministry to bring the truth of the Gospel with the passion and power of
the Holy Spirit to the hearts of the teens of Scotland. Simply put, we have been broken for the nation of Scotland. We are confident that God has called us to go and we want to be obedient to His voice.
Our missions trip to the community of Galashiels, Scotland will begin June 23rd and end July 3rd. These days will be spent serving the Church and city of Galashiels as well as performing with our ministry teams in the evenings. I
will be overseeing our music team as well as our beats team. My heart
is stirred when I think of what God might do in the hearts of our team
and those that we serve.
As is the case with any short term missions trip, I find myself in need of financial support. The cost of the trip is $1750 and I still have several hundred dollars to go to meet that need. I had decided at one point in the past couple months that I would not ask for support. I wanted to make it on my own. But
God has been convicting me of my pride lately and I see how trying to
do this without help is an attempt to hide the shame of being in need. (It
is an amazingly freeing thing to confess to God that you are in need)
In addition, I saw that my pride robs you of an opportunity to give and
be blessed. So please, if you can, give. (make checks out to Bethel Church and put my name on the memo line)
Let me conclude with
a lesson from Braveheart. Many people couldn't stomach the violence of
this movie. It's no surprise. The battle scenes are vividly grotesque. Images of the pain and reality of war are burned into the memory of those who watch it. But nothing we could ever see in a movie can do justice to the spiritual violence that rages against the freedom of humanity. We
do not fight with broadsword, bow and fist, but with prayers,
petitions, and trust in the God who has already defeated the enemy. Please join me in prayer as we fight for the freedom of Scotland.
Crying freedom,
Chris Judd
Bethel Church
132 Kirkland Rd.
Chehalis, WA 98532 |
