Added Clarity

So, as this year has gone by, my plans and desires for Scotland have changed bit by bit. At first I wanted to go over permanently and preach the gospel with little to no plan or vision tied to that, then, after some research I found out the financial obligations of a missionary to Scotland and I posted those on this blog (roughly $800 a month for 5 years, at which point I could get a job and, Lord willing, support myself and others) What came next was a call from God to plant a church, and then a call to go in January. At every step The Lord has told me to stay with Calvary Motherwell and both that church and those people that make it up have been on my heart for the duration.

Rather than just haphazardly run around Scotland with no idea what I'm doing, I believe The Lord is telling me to get some training and structure (those of you who know me, KNOW that I am in need of some structure) and that is exactly what the "Gap Year" program, offered by Calvary Motherwell, is.

Below is a description of what the program entails and a contact in Motherwell in case you would like some more information from them.

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Calvary Motherwell (Scotland) has designed a year of opportunity where there is the challenge to develop and be trained, hands-on, in ministry in a number of ways.

The term “Gap Year” refers to a time out of education, employment or perhaps on graduating from Bible College/Extension Campus.

We offer a well planned and structured programme that will include administration, youth work, evangelism, working with children, ministering in the community, and for those called to a specific area of ministry – pastoral, teaching, worship, - a very intense course, with practical opportunities, to prepare for effective ministry. For those who are unsure of their calling, the Gap Year will help them discover their calling.

DATES

The Gap Year programme will start in January 2011 and although the programme is designed for a one year (or longer) visit, we will accommodate shorter term visits.

ACCOMMODATION

Gap Year workers will be housed in rented accommodation in the Motherwell area with 3 or 4 people in each home. Male and female will be housed in separate accommodation. The accommodation will be fully furnished, clean and provide a comfortable standard of living. All utility charges – water, gas, electricity and local council tax – will be included in the Gap Year costs.

FOOD

During the week, lunch and dinner will be provided and taken at church and at the weekend prepared at the accommodation. Food costs are included in the overall cost.

TRANSPORT

A transportation pass – bus and train – will be issued to all participants, giving access to unlimited public transport. There is an excellent transportation system and the pass covers a large area of Scotland. Anyone wishing to locally purchase a car for travelling will do so at their own expense.

PRAYER

Naturally there will be a great emphasis on prayer, both personal and corporate. Without everything being bathed in prayer, the Gap Year programme becomes just that…another programme.

MINISTRY ACTIVITIES

These will include: evangelism, children’s ministry, youth work, Servanthood, worship, music ministry, media ministry, outreach (street, movie, coffee chop, bookstore, and sports), home fellowships and in general all ministries at Calvary Motherwell.

SPECIALISED TRAINING (Participants can choose what they feel most appropriate)

Missions; Homiletics; Worship; Church Planting; Music & Media; Comparative Religions and Cults, Evangelism. Other specific courses will be added as required.

WILDERNESS TRIPSOver the course of a year there will be two challenging and character building trips, both lasting one week. These will be the West Highland Way, a 95 mile walk through spectacular and rugged countryside along Loch Lomond and the other the St. Cuthbert’s Way, a 62 mile walk from Melrose in the Scottish Borders to the island of Lindisfarne in North West England. The cost of these trips is included in the overall costs.

All participants will be expected to attend ALL main church services and to support other specific ministries – men’s, women’s youth, home fellowships.

Each participant will have two days off each week on a rotational basis. Saturdays and Sundays are considered work days. Participants wanting to return home for Christmas, Thanksgiving etc will be allowed a 2 week vacation period.

Although we prefer participants to commit to a full one year programme, we would consider alternative durations for service.

ACCOUNTABILITY
There will be a strict policy of accountability to the leadership at Calvary Motherwell and we would expect at least a monthly report to be sent back to the home church and any supporters.

COST – FULLY INCLUSIVE*

The monthly cost will be $700.00 which covers

Accommodation

Food

Local Taxes

Immigration fees (but not Visa costs)

All local transportation except that of a personal nature

Two wilderness trips with accommodation and food

Local mission trips (e.g. 7 day Beach/Seaside Mission)

All training costs

Administrative costs

* should exchange rates between the US Dollar and Pound Sterling vary substantially, there will be a review of the monthly costs which could either raise or lower the monthly amount due.

Personal spending money is not included but we would not envisage there to be a necessity for anything over $100 per month.

Personal travel insurance is not included.

Travel to and from the United States is not included.

“You know you are truly in God’s will when a place on a map becomes a place in your heart.”

Further information and application form from Pastor David Simpson

office@calvarymotherwell.org

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As always,

prayer, encouragement, suggestions, and support are much appreciated

Warehouse Christian Ministries
9933 Business Park Drive
Sacramento, CA 95827
Note: For Andrew Myers