Gwydyr Rd, Crieff, UK, PH7 4BS

Dear fellow servants of our Lord Jesus Christ,

It has been a very eventful week for the Holford family.  The move to Scotland has taken us a frustratingly long time, partly due to an unusual boundary issue over the drive of our ‘new’ home. So it was a wonderful answer to prayer, and a great relief, when we finally received the green light from the solicitor. Everything was set for a final sale on the 21st August. We confirmed the moving date with the removal company and Karen took a train to Scotland to collect the keys.  Joel and I drove up on Monday the following week after tidying up our old home in Hemel Hempstead.  Now we are unpacking boxes in our new home in Auchtermuchty, Fife. We thank God for bringing us safely to Scotland, in time for our son Joel to start school and finally to be with you all after such a long time apart.

I am writing this letter sitting in the car by St Andrews castle ruins. There is a GW inscribed in the road next to my parking place where the protestant preacher George Wishart (a mentor for John Knox) was burnt at the stake in 1546. In the country where we live, many lives have been sacrificed to ensure that the gospel of grace could grow in this beautiful land.

Today, our church has been commissioned to continue the reformation work in Scotland. This is an enormous challenge and I am both daunted and excited as I am looking forward to seeing how God is going to use us all for this task. As I review God’s leading in bringing us to Scotland and providing us with a home and a mission I am reminded of the temporary nature of all we do in our own strength. The ruined castle at St Andrews, with its tragic stories contrasts with the Psalmist’s words; ‘The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer.’ Ps 18:2. ‘To the faithful you show yourself to be faithful.’ Ps 18:25.

I am deeply grateful to God who has shown that he is faithful to those who try to follow him. This may involve sacrifice, but our faithful Lord will be with us. We can thank God for our homes and his answers to all our prayers. At the same time I am looking forward to meeting you and hearing and seeing how God is working in your life as you serve Him. I am also really looking forward to hearing the vision that he has given you for your future. If I don’t see you in person, I hope that you will get in touch with me and let me hear about God’s direction for your life and the mission he has given you.

Blessings and grace,

Pastor Bernie