My Call to Scotland

The Mission

The Lord has set aside a rather large place in my heart for the country of Scotland. All kilts, bagpipes, and haggis aside, the Country of Scotland is rich with Christian history.  Many famous Christian missionaries and pastors have come from Scotland (two being Oswald Chambers and David Livingston). The country itself was founded on Christian beliefs (true story: the city of Glasgow’s original motto is "Let Glasgow flourish by the preaching of Your word, and the praising of Your name.")

(You can read my full story here: Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Conclusion)

The Need

Throughout the centuries, many of the biblical truths Scotland was founded on have been reduced to myths and stories, becoming less than a thought in many minds. Buildings that were once churches are now pubs, occult shops, and retail stores. Churches are seeing fewer and fewer youth come through their doors. Don't get me wrong, in my trip there, I saw a beautiful handful of saint still pressing onward, seeking Christ and spreading His fame, but I would be remiss if I didn't say that the name of Christ is, in many ways, being all but forgotten.

The Calling

On my trip to Scotland in 2010, the Lord showed me, again and again, the story of Paul and his calling to Macedonia (Acts 16:6-10). Like Paul being redirected on his journey, so much of my life has been a series of re-directs. I start to walk along one path and suddenly there is a huge neon arrow pointing me in another direction. While in Scotland, I heart the Lord whispering that this was my Macedonia. I dared to believe it. 

The Lord can call anyone anywhere. There is need all over the world and Jesus Himself said "The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. (Luke 10:2) The harvest the Lord has called me to is in Scotland. That doesn't mean there isn't a need right where you are. I am so thankful for those brothers and sisters being called to minister in America, as it is just as necessary. But, I am also blessed to know that the Lord has called me to Scotland. 

The Sending 

In March 2012, the Lord began calling me out of the fellowship, church, and life that I have known for as long as I can remember. I lost my job, my car broke down, I was having to move to a new house, and in the midst of that, with all my extra time from not having a job, I was needing to choose what path I was going to take: a new job, go back to school, or...?

I sought council from my pastor and when I listed off the multiple options I had to choose from as my next step. Then, I asked him what he thought I should do. His response was: "Erika, remember, God has one path for you: that you would glorify Him most in your actions and in your life. One of these options will bring Him the most glory. The other options are just distractions from the enemy." 

Thus, when I looked at the options before me, I saw two themes: 1) all but one option before me was to give me more glory than the Lord. 2) the answer was easy: complete my application to be a missionary in Scotland. 

I am excited to begin this journey!