Dear Friends,

Greetings from Auchtermuchty, (pop. 2000), in Fife where I live with Karen and my son Joel. ‘Muchty,’ as the locals call it, is one of 100s of similar burghs across Scotland. If you go to the local web site http://www.auchtermuchty.co.uk you will see that its inhabitants are proud of its unique history and identity.

We have recently discovered that a couple of Seventh-day Adventist pastors have had strong links to Auchtermuchty.  The father of Pastor Bob Smart (a retired minister living in Crieff) lived here and worked as head engineer at John White and Sons Weighing Machines around the 1930s. Pastor Edgar Hulbert (1920-2003, father of BUC Communications director Victor Hulbert) was born in a small rented cottage in Auchtermuchty. At the time, Edgar’s father was a colporteur supporting an evangelistic team in Perth.

We are wondering if God has a plan for the residents of Auchtermuchty. I believe it is not random coincidence that has brought us here. If God has a plan for a relatively obscure place like ‘Muchty, then you can be sure he has a plan for every area of Scotland?

As you read this, think about the place where you live.  Are you the only Adventist in your district? Who else has lived there before you? What is God’s vision for your city or burgh?

Some think history is a dead subject, but I am increasingly fascinated by how others have changed our lives today. The past commitment of Adventists has made our current communities alive with committed and witnessing members. We praise God for the faithfulness of past and present members.

God gives us a distinct identity as Seventh-day Adventist Christians and if we follow his leading he places us in the area where he wants us to be. You are who you are, and where you are, because of Gods calling (Eph 1:11-14)!

What contribution are you making to the story of God’s working in your city, town or burgh? Please let your pastor or myself know the vision God is giving you to make the difference, wherever you live for Him.

Pastor Bernie