Date
30-Nov-07
Sunrise
8:17 AM
Sunset
3:45 PM
Please pray for energy and cheer over short dark days!
Wednesday, 28 November 2007
Saturday, 24 November 2007
An Historic Event
I was blessed and honored to be present at the first time, since opening the Scottish parliament 8 years ago, that the chamber and all elected leaders present were lead in the Lord's prayer.
Shivers as Anne McIntyre, invited to preside over the chamber for only 4 minutes that day, encouraged our leaders and turned to honor Our Father through the words of His Son Jesus Christ, and seek whole-heartedly for His will to be done on Earth as it is in Heaven!
In the delegated authority of the land, on behalf of the nation, standing for God in the seat of government. Our Lord reigns!
Praising God and thanking Him for VICTORY in Jesus name!
Thanksgiving (Thanks!)
We had a great dinner here introducing Thanksgiving to our new family in Alva.
They heard the legend of Squanto and we reminded ourselves that God causes all things to work together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. We remembered Cori Tinboom and the story of her losing faith while her sister was thanking God for fleas in their barracks (which they later learned kept the guards from raping them). Our time here lately has been deepening roots and growing healthy in loving relationships.
Its cold in
I could have insisted on appropriate language, I could have insisted on a sterile place untouched by the hands of unbelievers, but instead I watched as God tugs on the heart of a sinner. Ministry is a messy business. (sheep smell) I can see how God chooses the least and the lost and calls them to serve Him. (In the mirror!)
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
Dave & Liz
PS Your prayers and support are how God got us here. Thanks!
Wednesday, 21 November 2007
Local weather
Rejoice always, I say again rejoice!
 | Min | Max | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday |  | 5°C 41°F | 9°C 48°F |
| Thursday | | 1°C 34°F | 5°C 41°F |
| Friday |  | -3°C 27°F | 3°C 37°F |
| Saturday |  | 7°C 45°F | 3°C 37°F |
| Sunday |  | -1°C 30°F | 5°C 41°F |
Tuesday, 20 November 2007
It's Simple
God is moving in this wee church
This land aches for a change in the way we see God
from
‘Religious Maintenance’
to
‘Heroic, Historic, Life-defining relationship'.
Friday, 16 November 2007
Monday, 12 November 2007
Wednesday, 7 November 2007
...and then there were three
Fraser children, that is.
Liz is +/- 12 weeks pregnant!
So we will be raising a Scottish National.
Liz is fine (meaning: weary, but no longer too sick)
She has emerged into that ‘glowing pregnancy’ stage.
Daniel wants a sister and Josiah wants a “bruddewr”.
They both predict twins (:P
The things some folks are willing to do to see church growth!
Liz is +/- 12 weeks pregnant!
So we will be raising a Scottish National.
Liz is fine (meaning: weary, but no longer too sick)
She has emerged into that ‘glowing pregnancy’ stage.
Daniel wants a sister and Josiah wants a “bruddewr”.
They both predict twins (:P
The things some folks are willing to do to see church growth!
more in weeks to come!
Friday, 2 November 2007
Finances
Somebody asked how we are doing financially and after I composed an email, I realized I should post it. See below:
Metro has supported us corporately with $600/month since April, to be revised after December 2007.
(If you want to be part of how God helps, see "Partners" on the right margin.)
Metro has supported us corporately with $600/month since April, to be revised after December 2007.
We haven't really asked people directly to support us, as much as presented the opportunity to support us and asked God for the resources. There have been about 5 families/individuals that have supported us regularly. 10 all together (including one-time contributions). We may average about $1500/month over July-September, which covers rent.
Jehovah Jira = God Provides
We have been called to serve this church family in Alva. They sold a Manse a few years ago and are 'spending the family silver' to pay us the minimum stipend available to a minister in the Scottish Baptist Union.
Sounds good but taxed 25% off the top and then 17% in value added (sales) tax makes the cost of living pretty high here. So, the exchange rate is $1= £0.50 but the expenses aren't much lower. Example: Gas is over $8 a gallon; the psychological price of $9.95 in the
Our budget was for about 2,500 pounds/month and we are at about 1,500. Not the high life and not saving for retirement right now, so that’s not good (should the Lord tarry). We spent about $15,000 of our saved money to move over here and make it through to August when a paycheck kicked in.
But it’s all God’s money anyway. And we did get to sell a home in LA and move out of market! We may be able to flip from our 2 bed condo to a 3 bedroom house with a garage and small yard. No complaints there.
Of course, we did have to become Baptists. ;)
(Which, in Scotland, is not very different from Calvary; we are loving it and Jesus hasn't changed)
Really, we just answered the call to be a pastor somewhere else that happens to be a foreign country, for a church that couldn’t afford a minister. They got a guy with great heart and some experience and we got a chance to make a difference. AND be closer to family that we enjoy. It will all work out. I don’t know how, but it will.
God is good! (We are not poor in His economy)
Our family at Metro has seen us off with a gift and encouraged us, as we answer God's call. We are blessed and pray that God richly bless you!
God is providing from His resources and we have learned from this experience that it is He who provides, not our institutions or networks. No one man can boast in how He has provided for us.
(If you want to be part of how God helps, see "Partners" on the right margin.)
Monday, 29 October 2007
Prayer Requests
Please join Alva Baptist Church in prayer for the opportunity to serve God by ministering in our community.
· I will meet on Friday 4 November at 10am (GMT) with the Scripture Union area worker to discuss a youth club in the local secondary school (High School).
· Also, I have just learned that there is an opportunity to be part of a Chaplaincy team at the local secondary school.
· I have been invited to be a part of a Baptist Ministers’ Prayer Luncheon; and a more informal gathering of Evangelical Ministers for prayer; as well as praying weekly with some charismatic saints of God who take a stand, interceding for our churches, our towns, our county and the nation of
· We have an ongoing weekly Prayer meeting for the church; and a weekly Bible study where we are working through the Gospel of Mark.
· We will see our first monthly Men’s Breakfast in November
· The church continues to grow. We have had another baptism. This Sunday we will welcome three more families into membership of the church.
· Two nice older ladies want to join and inquired about accepting their christening as a baptism because they don’t want to have their heads under water. But the church constitution (written in 1882) states explicitly that the only requirements for membership are faith in Jesus Christ and baptism “by full immersion”.
I am not bound by any belief that the manner ‘does’ anything, but symbolically, one wants to see someone reckon themselves dead and buried and resurrected in Christ than to have Jesus ‘sprinkled’ into their lives. The other side is: why hinder people who repent of their sin and call Jesus their Lord from entering the greater fellowship due to a water aversion.
Pray for wisdom. There must be a way. A 'sprinkled' disciple is better than a 'dunked' bystander.
Hot Topic is Not Punk Rock
This is a great punk rock song about how a store in your local shopping mall Hot Topic © uses contrived identification with youth sub-cultures
Light and Life!!!
Love, David Elizabeth, Daniel & Josiah
We would love to hear from you. (even if you just comment on this blog below)
So, why mention it?
We are really learning a lot about Christian culture.
As in: “What is Christian?” and “What is culture?”; What is a Baptist? What is an Evangelical? What is Liberal/Conservative? What is Religious/Spirit-filled? Ask yourself what does Christianity look like? You may be surprised at how subject to culture our Christianity can be.
There are actually business models for church. Lots of consultants that want to ‘help’ me along (for a fee). There are political lobbying groups that want to suggest what issues the church must throw it's weight behind . There are plenty of books, sold alongside scripture picture frames with leaping dolphins (Apparently, after mankind, God’s favorite mammal). But where is the evidence of changed lives? The global impact that Christianity aspires toward? Is it found in
May I be so bold as to say: Jesus is Punk Rock!
The truth expressed to the common man irrespective of institutional church culture.
Church looks like people following Jesus. In the past it was achieved one way or another. Today may call for a change to achieve, once more, that same sincere expression.
Leaving me asking: "if not 'manager', 'marketer' or 'cheerleader', what is my job description?”
As is the case for most sincere searches, the answers can be found in Scripture:
…in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching. Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed upon you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery. Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to all. Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things; for as you do this you will insure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you. ~ my job description
~~~
We have a Vision and mission statement
(not too original, but reliable):
Vision:
~~~
My interpolation of something Steve Snook, my Pastor at Metro Calvary Chapel once said:
“Instead of looking to fall back on a 1st century model for the Church we are striving forward toward a 21st century expression of the Body of Christ”
Please don't stop praying for us!Light and Life!!!
Love, David Elizabeth, Daniel & Josiah
We would love to hear from you. (even if you just comment on this blog below)
Wednesday, 24 October 2007
Sunday, 7 October 2007
Monday, 1 October 2007
The Church
Someone asked me the other day: "what kind of staff do you work with?" Smile. We have no staff.
;)
The church is blessed to have a building!
We have a Deacon Board of five people who handle the finance, meeting minutes, church calendar, flowers, communion, collecting the offering, etc.
All the rest of us are getting the work done.Hospital visits, communion for the home-bound, the tiny ad in the local paper about our service times, and tea after the service. We are blessed to see that the people who come, do participate in ministry.
Its different here.
Each day I find myself meeting with someone who doesn't exactly know Jesus. We are ministering to a post-Christian nation who still calls themselves Christian. I am reminded "Thou shall not take the Lord's name in vain"
It is idyllic on one hand and very dark on the other.
The Freemason lodge sits on the headwaters of the village.
There are more pubs than churches.
Kids do not know what happens in churches.
We are planting a church within an older, out of touch church
with the help of some folks here that get it.
At the end of the day it is the Lord's work.
It is pretty cool to be living within a miracle.
;)
The church is blessed to have a building!
We have a Deacon Board of five people who handle the finance, meeting minutes, church calendar, flowers, communion, collecting the offering, etc.
All the rest of us are getting the work done.Hospital visits, communion for the home-bound, the tiny ad in the local paper about our service times, and tea after the service. We are blessed to see that the people who come, do participate in ministry.
Its different here.
Each day I find myself meeting with someone who doesn't exactly know Jesus. We are ministering to a post-Christian nation who still calls themselves Christian. I am reminded "Thou shall not take the Lord's name in vain"
It is idyllic on one hand and very dark on the other.
The Freemason lodge sits on the headwaters of the village.
There are more pubs than churches.
Kids do not know what happens in churches.
We are planting a church within an older, out of touch church
with the help of some folks here that get it.
At the end of the day it is the Lord's work.
It is pretty cool to be living within a miracle.
Wednesday, 26 September 2007
Sunday, 16 September 2007
Three Months
We are seeing the Lord bless the teaching of His word at Alva Baptist Church!
Since beginning to serve in June and agreeing with the elders of this church about the calling to pastor in July and then the official induction in August we are seeing signs of life!
We have seen the Lord bless a weekly prayer meeting (with about 30% of the membership attending AND praying), a discipleship course called Christianity Explored, a youth club and a growing community on Sunday morning and evenings. Other churches are reaching out to us to help and plan for reaching the communities in little ways.
Somebody asked if we record sermons! Like anyone would ever want to hear me twice! :) Seriously, it exposed the false humility of presuming that I could somehow limit how God may choose to use the preaching of His word in Alva. I sort of cringe at the realization that it was I who cared too much about my preaching (good or bad; performance, as opposed to faithfulness), rather than being willing to share with people who cannot attend on any given Sunday.
~~~
Alva Baptist Church will celebrate it's 125th Anniversary on September 23rd! God has contributed a man trained by serving at Metro Calvary Chapel, to an uninterrupted continuum of preaching the word in Alva that might have stopped. That is pretty cool.
We are so blessed to have folks with the collected wisdom of the better part of the last century as a part of our congregation. One might mistakenly think that the older generation would be somehow outdated in their outlook, but I find treasure! They represent the sort of life that is passing away from this world, if we continue to fail to pass on faith to the succeeding generations. Mind you, its not without its challenges, but God is faithful and we are blessed.
Our yout group has two or three people over 50 helping out who are totally cool and have 40-year-old stories about youth groups! Its amazing! And they are not uptight and they don't fail to reach out to kids. And we play sports and games and share a sermon on some memory verse every Friday.
We see about 20 kids coming each week. Its a kids club really 9-14. The older kids aren't so interested, though the range gets older and older. We have just opened the doors and minister to whomever comes, rather than turn kids away hoping for teens. The hardest kids have become softened and now more hard kids are coming around. We just keep praying and more and kids of drunks, fighters and Jehova's Witness are coming around; its challenging but its God's work and we shepherd sheep and watch God transform wolves. They all want metal camouflage bibles!!! We have lacked women helpers, but several women have expressed interest when we announced it on Sunday.
There is stress and challenge and trials, but it is the price worth paying to lead people to Christ and baptize new believers in waterfalls (BALTIC, ARCTIC WATER!)
Thats right we are seeing folks come to faith and ask to be baptized! Hallelujah!!!
I recommend stepping out into whatever crazy plan that God would seed your mind with. Its how He builds faith and assures of His leading. And then after you has seen God PROVE faithful we are able to depend on Him as entirely as His work requires.
Its not like we have arrived. (not by a long shot!) Please don't stop praying for us!
War in the heavenlies!
Light and Life!!!
Love, David Elizabeth, Daniel & Josiah
We would love to hear from you. (even if you just comment on this blog below)
Since beginning to serve in June and agreeing with the elders of this church about the calling to pastor in July and then the official induction in August we are seeing signs of life!
We have seen the Lord bless a weekly prayer meeting (with about 30% of the membership attending AND praying), a discipleship course called Christianity Explored, a youth club and a growing community on Sunday morning and evenings. Other churches are reaching out to us to help and plan for reaching the communities in little ways.
Somebody asked if we record sermons! Like anyone would ever want to hear me twice! :) Seriously, it exposed the false humility of presuming that I could somehow limit how God may choose to use the preaching of His word in Alva. I sort of cringe at the realization that it was I who cared too much about my preaching (good or bad; performance, as opposed to faithfulness), rather than being willing to share with people who cannot attend on any given Sunday.
~~~
Alva Baptist Church will celebrate it's 125th Anniversary on September 23rd! God has contributed a man trained by serving at Metro Calvary Chapel, to an uninterrupted continuum of preaching the word in Alva that might have stopped. That is pretty cool.
We are so blessed to have folks with the collected wisdom of the better part of the last century as a part of our congregation. One might mistakenly think that the older generation would be somehow outdated in their outlook, but I find treasure! They represent the sort of life that is passing away from this world, if we continue to fail to pass on faith to the succeeding generations. Mind you, its not without its challenges, but God is faithful and we are blessed.
Our yout group has two or three people over 50 helping out who are totally cool and have 40-year-old stories about youth groups! Its amazing! And they are not uptight and they don't fail to reach out to kids. And we play sports and games and share a sermon on some memory verse every Friday.
We see about 20 kids coming each week. Its a kids club really 9-14. The older kids aren't so interested, though the range gets older and older. We have just opened the doors and minister to whomever comes, rather than turn kids away hoping for teens. The hardest kids have become softened and now more hard kids are coming around. We just keep praying and more and kids of drunks, fighters and Jehova's Witness are coming around; its challenging but its God's work and we shepherd sheep and watch God transform wolves. They all want metal camouflage bibles!!! We have lacked women helpers, but several women have expressed interest when we announced it on Sunday.
There is stress and challenge and trials, but it is the price worth paying to lead people to Christ and baptize new believers in waterfalls (BALTIC, ARCTIC WATER!)
Thats right we are seeing folks come to faith and ask to be baptized! Hallelujah!!!
I recommend stepping out into whatever crazy plan that God would seed your mind with. Its how He builds faith and assures of His leading. And then after you has seen God PROVE faithful we are able to depend on Him as entirely as His work requires.
Its not like we have arrived. (not by a long shot!) Please don't stop praying for us!
War in the heavenlies!
Light and Life!!!
Love, David Elizabeth, Daniel & Josiah
We would love to hear from you. (even if you just comment on this blog below)
Wednesday, 29 August 2007
Short update
Our community has really welcomed us into town. The church is supportive and flexible. Most are about as old (and as dear) as chuck smith so there is a generational conservatism that suits us. The village schools are open and welcome ministry. Someone actually wrote an article on us in a local paper (the Wee County News). I have even connected with a charismatic, evangelical wing of the Church of Scotland! (I didn’t know THAT existed) They have invited me to a prayer meeting of like-minded ministers along the hillfoots.
We are blessed.
This is a very unorthodox work to me, planting a church within an ailing Baptist church. But we are seeing the Lord bless the teaching of His word and it clearly doesn't matter if it looks like Baptists or Calvary Chapel are the one's bringing His message, the gospel is being preached! The Lord's name is lifted high. The Holy Spirit is working among us.
I keep bracing for the backlash, but am also convinced that we are to trust God for all He has planned for us. In blessing and suffering; that God’s grace is enough. The Lord is bringing mature, servant-hearted Christians around us.
Thanks again for praying for us.
We are blessed.
This is a very unorthodox work to me, planting a church within an ailing Baptist church. But we are seeing the Lord bless the teaching of His word and it clearly doesn't matter if it looks like Baptists or Calvary Chapel are the one's bringing His message, the gospel is being preached! The Lord's name is lifted high. The Holy Spirit is working among us.
I keep bracing for the backlash, but am also convinced that we are to trust God for all He has planned for us. In blessing and suffering; that God’s grace is enough. The Lord is bringing mature, servant-hearted Christians around us.
Thanks again for praying for us.
Tuesday, 21 August 2007
Banter
OK, there is surely a fine reason, but this country does not believe in street signs!
I am not one of those "where I come from, we do it differently" kind of people.
But out here in Scotland, the street names were perhaps once posted on the sides of buildings at intersections and have either fallen off or been removed for painting and never replaced. AND the same road can change names like five times as you drive a mile.
Got it? no posts with names on them at most intersections. None.
I am reduced to driving like someone from Jersey!
The upside: ROUNDABOUTS! :)
They rock!
I'm not complaining, just ranting for fun.
(It's the guy behind me as I drive who gets the 'creative visual expressions' award)
How would Jesus drive?
I am not one of those "where I come from, we do it differently" kind of people.
But out here in Scotland, the street names were perhaps once posted on the sides of buildings at intersections and have either fallen off or been removed for painting and never replaced. AND the same road can change names like five times as you drive a mile.
Got it? no posts with names on them at most intersections. None.
I am reduced to driving like someone from Jersey!
The upside: ROUNDABOUTS! :)
They rock!
I'm not complaining, just ranting for fun.
(It's the guy behind me as I drive who gets the 'creative visual expressions' award)
How would Jesus drive?
Sunday, 19 August 2007
Induction, 19 August 2007
It's officially official. The Fraser's have seen God deliver David to the induction as Pastor of Alva Baptist church!
This event increased the worshiping population of the church by about 700%
Rev. D.Fraser with Reverands Alec Cook, Jim Taylor, Dave Barrie Baptist Ministers
Tuesday, 14 August 2007
Connected
A cry to the faithful to pray for connection yielded immediate results!
Received the DSL modem and a letter dated Monday 13 Aug, 2007.
Thank you very much.
Also enjoying fellowship with men & women who love the Lord.
Induction Service to celebrate the calling of David Fraser to be the Minister of Alva Baptist Church on Saturday 18 August at 3pm (GMT). Pray please. The elders gather and lay hands and pray for God's blessing; The call is proclaimed before all present ; the response declared ... Singing, preaching and then we have tea & cake (and sausage rolls!).
This is sooo God.
Who would have guessed this in March?
Received the DSL modem and a letter dated Monday 13 Aug, 2007.
Thank you very much.
Also enjoying fellowship with men & women who love the Lord.
Induction Service to celebrate the calling of David Fraser to be the Minister of Alva Baptist Church on Saturday 18 August at 3pm (GMT). Pray please. The elders gather and lay hands and pray for God's blessing; The call is proclaimed before all present ; the response declared ... Singing, preaching and then we have tea & cake (and sausage rolls!).
This is sooo God.
Who would have guessed this in March?
Monday, 6 August 2007
Almost two months...
Since we moved to Alva, Scotland.
Four since we left LA!
We are busy with life and ministry.
The need to pray is evident.
Aword to the reader:
The dicipline of prayer must (needs to) be developed in a time of peace, because when the storms of activity come it is almost too late. (though probably never too late)
I have gained massive respect for our pastor at Metro, Steve Snook, who has managed these sorts of claims on his time and attention for over 17 years. The scene is different without the covering of another man to make final and important decisions, and take the heat/praise for the decisions.
As much as I pastored ministry teams and served the needs of groups larger than our entire church now, I think you just can't know until you're in that place of answering directly to God for a flock. Obviously, any person in ministry answers directly to God, but having a tangible person whom God will use to lead is a blessing no one should ever take for granted.
We are enjoying a chilly summer and bracing for Autumn.
As school starts, we prepare for boys in school: Daniel P-1 full time and Josiah in pre-school for mornings.
Preaching every Sunday, also a huge responsibility!
Thank God we can preach verse by verse through the Bible.
Every sermon emerges as one reads and seeks the Lord.
There is a uniqueness in the call to Alva.
We are ministering to the old school,
the Scottish Reserve as they are called.
AND we are planting a church among them.
There are some inherited responsibilities
that we are confident God would continue.
There are some new ideas to shepherd,
some tired ones to put to pasture.
Thank God the Father for His word and the Holy Spirit.
We are moving ahead step by step.
Really we are just takng up the mantle and trusting the Lord
to continue to lead us as He has to this point.
Our story is one of the Lord's constant encouragement
as God guides us through the valleys of our fears
and toward the mountains of our hopes and aspirations.
'It is good for us to be in this place',
but the joy of the Lord is our strength.
As God said "This is my Son... listen to Him"
A very exciting time to be alive!
I have met with Ministers and faithful leaders around town
and am convinced that God is up to some fantastic work
among the people of this wee county along the Hillfoots.
Please continue to pray for us
The family have had alot of bad dreams and quirky things
like fire alarms and other stuff happen late at night (around 3am)
more than a few times.
Be assured, our prayers impact the battle for hearts and minds in Alva (and LA!)
Our family is well and the Fraser Boys surely will have beautiful Scottish accents in no time!
Liz says "hi" and wants to connect with so many of you.
Alas we are wwwwwaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiitttttttting for broadband service.
So please pray more about that!
If you are led to support us financially in this work to reach a nation
at its heartland, starting person by person in Alva,
please click below:
Shepherd's Staff
Chose donation type: “missionary’s name” and type in " Frasers # 1015 "
Or paste this address into your browser:
https://payments.auctionpay.com/ver3/?id=w013032
Four since we left LA!
We are busy with life and ministry.
The need to pray is evident.
Aword to the reader:
The dicipline of prayer must (needs to) be developed in a time of peace, because when the storms of activity come it is almost too late. (though probably never too late)
I have gained massive respect for our pastor at Metro, Steve Snook, who has managed these sorts of claims on his time and attention for over 17 years. The scene is different without the covering of another man to make final and important decisions, and take the heat/praise for the decisions.
As much as I pastored ministry teams and served the needs of groups larger than our entire church now, I think you just can't know until you're in that place of answering directly to God for a flock. Obviously, any person in ministry answers directly to God, but having a tangible person whom God will use to lead is a blessing no one should ever take for granted.
We are enjoying a chilly summer and bracing for Autumn.
As school starts, we prepare for boys in school: Daniel P-1 full time and Josiah in pre-school for mornings.
Preaching every Sunday, also a huge responsibility!
Thank God we can preach verse by verse through the Bible.
Every sermon emerges as one reads and seeks the Lord.
There is a uniqueness in the call to Alva.
We are ministering to the old school,
the Scottish Reserve as they are called.
AND we are planting a church among them.
There are some inherited responsibilities
that we are confident God would continue.
There are some new ideas to shepherd,
some tired ones to put to pasture.
Thank God the Father for His word and the Holy Spirit.
We are moving ahead step by step.
Really we are just takng up the mantle and trusting the Lord
to continue to lead us as He has to this point.
Our story is one of the Lord's constant encouragement
as God guides us through the valleys of our fears
and toward the mountains of our hopes and aspirations.
'It is good for us to be in this place',
but the joy of the Lord is our strength.
As God said "This is my Son... listen to Him"
A very exciting time to be alive!
I have met with Ministers and faithful leaders around town
and am convinced that God is up to some fantastic work
among the people of this wee county along the Hillfoots.
Please continue to pray for us
The family have had alot of bad dreams and quirky things
like fire alarms and other stuff happen late at night (around 3am)
more than a few times.
Be assured, our prayers impact the battle for hearts and minds in Alva (and LA!)
Our family is well and the Fraser Boys surely will have beautiful Scottish accents in no time!
Liz says "hi" and wants to connect with so many of you.
Alas we are wwwwwaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiitttttttting for broadband service.
So please pray more about that!
If you are led to support us financially in this work to reach a nation
at its heartland, starting person by person in Alva,
please click below:
Shepherd's Staff
Chose donation type: “missionary’s name” and type in " Frasers # 1015 "
Or paste this address into your browser:
https://payments.auctionpay.com/ver3/?id=w013032
Wednesday, 11 July 2007
Children's Ministry and Discipleship
All ministry STOPS for the summer holiday. They even stopped the sunday school (for one week until they realized what that meant for the grown-up service). People are serious about their summer break.
There is a total need for Family Ministry and Bible teaching here at Alva. It has become obvious that the Lord saw fit to forge steel at Metro for the work in Alva.
Pray for David to stay focused on God's priorities and direction as we wade into a sea of needs (and demands on time/energy).
There is already a mommies outreach and a sketch of sunday school. There are two classes: babies and 5-13! there is a rota of 8 ladies. So yeah we are praying.
We have no real worship ministry. the next 4 weeks are scheduled and after that we go back to organ playing unless God provides the worship leader.
Our leading is toward providing a consistent Biblical diet for kids and adults; and consistent prayer for ministry to bubble up. Our first move, God willing, will most likely be starting a prayer meeting. To seek the Lord, to know His will for all things pertaining to life and godliness.
David sees his role as a teacher and evangelist and wants to help establish the Bible focus of the existing Ministries. But we know Dave, so pray for balance as he wades into it all.
There are elder Christians coming from all corners of the area to be a part of what is happening here. Retired ministers, returning missionaries, and many locals who have wandered far afield in search of sincere fellowship. Word is getting out.
There is a need for ongoing ministry to the 'Scottish Reserve' who kept this church alive (about 12 people) and relevant outreach to the unchurched community (aprox. 5200 people)
Some of the people who held on over the dying years of the church are also the people who drove many others away. We are praying for healing and a washing that comes with God's word and the ministry of the Holy Spirit. That God will perhaps lift His responses to prayer above His historical accomplishments. Psalm 138:2
We want to raise healthy, well-fed sheep. Pouring out our lives over their acts of worship in Spirit and in truth.
As Paul writes unter the authorship of the Holy Spirit in
There is a total need for Family Ministry and Bible teaching here at Alva. It has become obvious that the Lord saw fit to forge steel at Metro for the work in Alva.
Pray for David to stay focused on God's priorities and direction as we wade into a sea of needs (and demands on time/energy).
There is already a mommies outreach and a sketch of sunday school. There are two classes: babies and 5-13! there is a rota of 8 ladies. So yeah we are praying.
We have no real worship ministry. the next 4 weeks are scheduled and after that we go back to organ playing unless God provides the worship leader.
Our leading is toward providing a consistent Biblical diet for kids and adults; and consistent prayer for ministry to bubble up. Our first move, God willing, will most likely be starting a prayer meeting. To seek the Lord, to know His will for all things pertaining to life and godliness.
David sees his role as a teacher and evangelist and wants to help establish the Bible focus of the existing Ministries. But we know Dave, so pray for balance as he wades into it all.
There are elder Christians coming from all corners of the area to be a part of what is happening here. Retired ministers, returning missionaries, and many locals who have wandered far afield in search of sincere fellowship. Word is getting out.
There is a need for ongoing ministry to the 'Scottish Reserve' who kept this church alive (about 12 people) and relevant outreach to the unchurched community (aprox. 5200 people)
Some of the people who held on over the dying years of the church are also the people who drove many others away. We are praying for healing and a washing that comes with God's word and the ministry of the Holy Spirit. That God will perhaps lift His responses to prayer above His historical accomplishments. Psalm 138:2
We want to raise healthy, well-fed sheep. Pouring out our lives over their acts of worship in Spirit and in truth.
As Paul writes unter the authorship of the Holy Spirit in
Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Colossians 4:12 "Epaphras ... is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured."
Your prayers matter. Let us know you are out there reading this (hit "Comment")
Wednesday, 4 July 2007
Getting Settled; 4th of July Update
We have moved into a nice little house in Alva. Our stuff arrived the day after we accepted the invitation to pastor. Liz is quite busy nesting. Still no phone or internet, we are working on it and living with a pay-as-you-go mobile.
We are both busy training up boys (who, until quite recently, have been getting away with 'murder' since we began to get moving in March). They seem to be truly surprised by discipline making its way back into the routine.
Our kids absolutely love Scotland! Daniel insists on hiking the hills daily. Josiah is a "big boy now" too. There are miles of trails along the Ochils. Our home is right at the hill foots.
Both boys are registered in school (1st grade for Daniel; 1/2 day pre-school for Siah). Classes start in late August.
Our town is three blocks long! (Yet there are three pubs two hotel bars and several liquor stores. K ) The City Hall also serves as the library and the recycling center.
~~~
We enjoyed the Calvary Chapel UK Pastors Conference June 25-28th in York. We were able to stay in the Bible College Student flats for £8/night, very cool compared to £65/night for the family at a B&B.
I was able to talk to Calvary Pastors about how the Lord is choosing to use us. Some of them get it; some are waiting for us to suffer for choosing to pastor an existing church instead of starting a 'Calvary' from scratch. Some of the older guys were very encouraging though. God always speaks and He's been stokin' a fire in our hearts. We are encouraged.
You NEED to hear Bob Coldwell speak if you can ever get a hold of atape or MP3. He is an acid head/dealer from somewhere like Venice, CA - turned - cowboy/missionary from Boise, Idaho. Straight-up witness for real people in-league with Christ! Solid guy! (In Christ)
~~
The work in the UK is a lot like LA. Hard ground. Busy people; many who once went or have grandmothers who used to go to church. 'Too busy' to know God. (LIE) Lots of people like to come to sing or send their kids to Sunday school. But there does not seem to be much worship going on in churches.
The church is growing. We are spending time sitting with people and pointing to the Lord. There are signs of life at Alva Baptist! His Word is getting out!
I preached the first sermon since agreeing to pastor this church on Sunday, 1 July. I didn't know this until after, but it turns out that the sermon title: "It is I" is inscribed over the entry of the church! (John 6:20) God has His ways of encouraging us. This seems just right.
This week (2-7) July is Holiday Club (Americans call it VBS {Vacation Bible Study}) So far the number of kids is double that of the adult congregation! Really cool, there is a team of youth visiting who are like missionaries to rural churches for Holiday club outreaches. They are growing and the kids are enjoying "Roadside Rescue" God's roadmap, highway code, maintenance instructions, repair service, etc.
Mark Hamer, the current pastor of Alva Baptist, collected hub caps, a radiator and a muffler and littered the church with 'auto kitsch'. If all these kids (49) come to Church on Sunday, we'll need to move the adults into the back room!
Ladies are already asking Liz what she thinks her role will be at the church. Pray for the wisdom to only take up what the Lord has called for.
We officially start on July 15th. I say "we", because there is no dividing how this will impact the Fraser family (and the Alva family, as we are becoming a part of it). There will be an official induction service on Saturday, August 18th.
We are grateful for your support; in prayer and financially.
Though we try our best to report on the praiseworthy and noteworthy, this has been a trying time. It has cost us dearly, both emotionally and financially. We need you to remember us and keep praying.
Out of sight out, of mind can mean dire circumstances for Frasers. The Lord knows.
If you are being led to join with us in this work to reach a nation at it heartland please click below:
Shepherd's Staff
Chose donation type: “missionary’s name” and type in Frasers # 1015
Or paste this address into your browser:
https://payments.auctionpay.com/ver3/?id=w013032
We are both busy training up boys (who, until quite recently, have been getting away with 'murder' since we began to get moving in March). They seem to be truly surprised by discipline making its way back into the routine.
Our kids absolutely love Scotland! Daniel insists on hiking the hills daily. Josiah is a "big boy now" too. There are miles of trails along the Ochils. Our home is right at the hill foots.
Both boys are registered in school (1st grade for Daniel; 1/2 day pre-school for Siah). Classes start in late August.
Our town is three blocks long! (Yet there are three pubs two hotel bars and several liquor stores. K ) The City Hall also serves as the library and the recycling center.
~~~
We enjoyed the Calvary Chapel UK Pastors Conference June 25-28th in York. We were able to stay in the Bible College Student flats for £8/night, very cool compared to £65/night for the family at a B&B.
I was able to talk to Calvary Pastors about how the Lord is choosing to use us. Some of them get it; some are waiting for us to suffer for choosing to pastor an existing church instead of starting a 'Calvary' from scratch. Some of the older guys were very encouraging though. God always speaks and He's been stokin' a fire in our hearts. We are encouraged.
You NEED to hear Bob Coldwell speak if you can ever get a hold of atape or MP3. He is an acid head/dealer from somewhere like Venice, CA - turned - cowboy/missionary from Boise, Idaho. Straight-up witness for real people in-league with Christ! Solid guy! (In Christ)
~~
The work in the UK is a lot like LA. Hard ground. Busy people; many who once went or have grandmothers who used to go to church. 'Too busy' to know God. (LIE) Lots of people like to come to sing or send their kids to Sunday school. But there does not seem to be much worship going on in churches.
The church is growing. We are spending time sitting with people and pointing to the Lord. There are signs of life at Alva Baptist! His Word is getting out!
I preached the first sermon since agreeing to pastor this church on Sunday, 1 July. I didn't know this until after, but it turns out that the sermon title: "It is I" is inscribed over the entry of the church! (John 6:20) God has His ways of encouraging us. This seems just right.
This week (2-7) July is Holiday Club (Americans call it VBS {Vacation Bible Study}) So far the number of kids is double that of the adult congregation! Really cool, there is a team of youth visiting who are like missionaries to rural churches for Holiday club outreaches. They are growing and the kids are enjoying "Roadside Rescue" God's roadmap, highway code, maintenance instructions, repair service, etc.
Mark Hamer, the current pastor of Alva Baptist, collected hub caps, a radiator and a muffler and littered the church with 'auto kitsch'. If all these kids (49) come to Church on Sunday, we'll need to move the adults into the back room!
Ladies are already asking Liz what she thinks her role will be at the church. Pray for the wisdom to only take up what the Lord has called for.
We officially start on July 15th. I say "we", because there is no dividing how this will impact the Fraser family (and the Alva family, as we are becoming a part of it). There will be an official induction service on Saturday, August 18th.
We are grateful for your support; in prayer and financially.
Though we try our best to report on the praiseworthy and noteworthy, this has been a trying time. It has cost us dearly, both emotionally and financially. We need you to remember us and keep praying.
Out of sight out, of mind can mean dire circumstances for Frasers. The Lord knows.
If you are being led to join with us in this work to reach a nation at it heartland please click below:
Shepherd's Staff
Chose donation type: “missionary’s name” and type in Frasers # 1015
Or paste this address into your browser:
https://payments.auctionpay.com/ver3/?id=w013032
Saturday, 16 June 2007
Town
It is Official!
I received a letter yesterday formally extending an invitation to become the next Pastor/Minister of Alva Baptist Church. This was encouraging, since we had already rented a house in faith that the Lord has called us here.
I have found that the hearts of the core group of this church line up with the distinctive qualities that I have enjoyed serving under previously at Calvary Chapel. We are honored to be trusted with teaching the truth and serving as the Lord leads.
Please pray that Liz and I will be empowered to love the flock well and hear from the Lord about His will, for His church.
Love works!
~David
PS Our stuff from LA arrived the next day.
:) Talk about just in time inventory!
~~~
If you would like to help support the Lord's work here in Scotland
with a tax-deductible contribution, please send it to:
Shepherd's Staff Mission Facilitators
PO Box 27220 Albuquerque, NM 87125-7220
("1015 Fraser" in the check memo)
Or to do so online, click below:
Shepherd's Staff
Chose donation type: “missionary’s name” and type in Frasers # 1015
Tuesday, 12 June 2007
Wow, thanks for praying!
Two entries today
We received a response from our missions support service that they will allow us to opt out of the Medical coverage on the condition that we purchase health coverage when we travel out of the UK. This seems quite fair and sensible.
As you probably know Scotland enjoys National Healthcare that will cover our family as longas we live here. This desicion will save us $352 a month! And the cost for health coverage with trip insurance is a one time cost of about $70 per ticket.
Please read the previous blog (below) for a ministry update.
~~~
If you would like to help support the Lord's work here in Scotland
with a tax-deductible contribution, please send it to:
Shepherd's Staff Mission Facilitators
PO Box 27220 Albuquerque, NM 87125-7220
("1015 Fraser" in the check memo)
Or to do so online, click below:
Shepherd's Staff
Chose donation type: “missionary’s name” and type in Frasers # 1015
We received a response from our missions support service that they will allow us to opt out of the Medical coverage on the condition that we purchase health coverage when we travel out of the UK. This seems quite fair and sensible.
As you probably know Scotland enjoys National Healthcare that will cover our family as longas we live here. This desicion will save us $352 a month! And the cost for health coverage with trip insurance is a one time cost of about $70 per ticket.
Please read the previous blog (below) for a ministry update.
~~~
If you would like to help support the Lord's work here in Scotland
with a tax-deductible contribution, please send it to:
Shepherd's Staff Mission Facilitators
PO Box 27220 Albuquerque, NM 87125-7220
("1015 Fraser" in the check memo)
Or to do so online, click below:
Shepherd's Staff
Chose donation type: “missionary’s name” and type in Frasers # 1015
What a great week!
Thank you to everyone who is praying. Please don't stop!
We are increasingly confident in the Lord regarding the work He has for us in Scotland.
We have turned down one Job offer and declined another opportunity to interview because it has become clear that the Lord is leading us to Alva.
We have placed a deposit on the only three bedroom house for rent in town, in anticipation of serving the community of Alva. Alva Baptist Church may offer me the opportunity to serve as pastor.
Please pray for our participation in a church business meeting this Wednesday at 7:30pm GMT
Here are some details:
Saturday June 2:
We were invited to visit with Peter Kimber, Secretary to the North Berwick Christian Youth Trust. The week before, I had interviewed with representatives of the youth groups for an hour and with the management committee for an hour. Peter on behalf of the Trust management committee offered me a job as their Youth Worker. The job entailed overseeing the youth ministries serving for four separate Churches in the North Berwick community.
Sunday June 3
We attended Calvary Chapel Edinburgh, where I preached the Sunday sermon to a packed house of 9 people (one of which SLEPT through most of the sermon :) Very humbling!). This small group of believers are growing in grace and understanding of the Lord. We had a great time.
On Monday
We received a deadline of Tuesday morning to accept or pass on the opportunity to serve in North Berwick. After praying Monday night, Liz and I agreed we would not accept the Job because of what the Lord was doing in our hearts with regard to relationships with Alva Baptist Church.
Tuesday morning we responded that we were confident that God was calling us to Alva. (though they have not yet officially offered us a job or anything) Peter Kimber accepted our reply and encouraged us that he supported our commitment to obedience to following the Lord's direction. He also said the offer stands if anything changes.
On Thursday
The Frasers went north (without dad) to the town of Carron, near Aberlour in Moray. Liz brought the boys to the house where Daniel & Josiah's great grandmother lived before she went home to be with the Lord. Aberlour is also the location where Liz and I were married.
I received another call from the first church I sent a resume to that is looking for a pastor. They wanted to know if I am still interested in the position. I again declined with Alva in mind.
On Thursday night I drove my friend Jaime from CC Edinburgh to lead a home group which I have become a part of in Linlithgow.
I followed my family to Carron the next day after.
Friday and Saturday were so restful and the summer yielded clear blue skies. My sons love the outdoors! We will definitely be taking up fishing.
This past Sunday, June 10th:
I had the blessing of preaching to the fellowship at Alva Baptist Church in Alva, Clackmannanshire, Scotland.
** Everyone seems to know that something is going on there. Little kids were asking Liz if we would be there every Sunday and was I going to be the next pastor! That day there were several families that lived in Alva but had been attending other fellowships in outlying areas. Two people specifically mentioned that they were considering worshiping closer to home. There were also other retired ministers present who introduced themselves after the sermon. It really seems like the Lord is drawing people into real community formed around the preaching of His word and the commitment to living it out in Scotland. **
This coming Wednesday evening, June 13th:
At 7:30pm (GMT = 5 hrs. earlier in NY and 8 hrs. earlier in LA) we will attend a Q&A session at the church business meeting. Then we will be invited to leave as they discuss whether they would like to offer me the opportunity to serve as the pastor.
Please pray for wisdom and discernment as we step out into this new territory to serve as the Lord continues to lead us.
~~~
If you would like to help support the Lord's work here in Scotland
with a tax-deductible contribution, please send it to:
Shepherd's Staff Mission Facilitators
PO Box 27220 Albuquerque, NM 87125-7220
("1015 Fraser" in the memo )
Or to do so online, click below:
Shepherd's Staff
Chose donation type: “missionary’s name” and type in Frasers # 1015
We are increasingly confident in the Lord regarding the work He has for us in Scotland.
We have turned down one Job offer and declined another opportunity to interview because it has become clear that the Lord is leading us to Alva.
We have placed a deposit on the only three bedroom house for rent in town, in anticipation of serving the community of Alva. Alva Baptist Church may offer me the opportunity to serve as pastor.
Please pray for our participation in a church business meeting this Wednesday at 7:30pm GMT
Here are some details:
Saturday June 2:
We were invited to visit with Peter Kimber, Secretary to the North Berwick Christian Youth Trust. The week before, I had interviewed with representatives of the youth groups for an hour and with the management committee for an hour. Peter on behalf of the Trust management committee offered me a job as their Youth Worker. The job entailed overseeing the youth ministries serving for four separate Churches in the North Berwick community.
Sunday June 3
We attended Calvary Chapel Edinburgh, where I preached the Sunday sermon to a packed house of 9 people (one of which SLEPT through most of the sermon :) Very humbling!). This small group of believers are growing in grace and understanding of the Lord. We had a great time.
On Monday
We received a deadline of Tuesday morning to accept or pass on the opportunity to serve in North Berwick. After praying Monday night, Liz and I agreed we would not accept the Job because of what the Lord was doing in our hearts with regard to relationships with Alva Baptist Church.
Tuesday morning we responded that we were confident that God was calling us to Alva. (though they have not yet officially offered us a job or anything) Peter Kimber accepted our reply and encouraged us that he supported our commitment to obedience to following the Lord's direction. He also said the offer stands if anything changes.
On Thursday
The Frasers went north (without dad) to the town of Carron, near Aberlour in Moray. Liz brought the boys to the house where Daniel & Josiah's great grandmother lived before she went home to be with the Lord. Aberlour is also the location where Liz and I were married.
I received another call from the first church I sent a resume to that is looking for a pastor. They wanted to know if I am still interested in the position. I again declined with Alva in mind.
On Thursday night I drove my friend Jaime from CC Edinburgh to lead a home group which I have become a part of in Linlithgow.
I followed my family to Carron the next day after.
Friday and Saturday were so restful and the summer yielded clear blue skies. My sons love the outdoors! We will definitely be taking up fishing.
This past Sunday, June 10th:
I had the blessing of preaching to the fellowship at Alva Baptist Church in Alva, Clackmannanshire, Scotland.
** Everyone seems to know that something is going on there. Little kids were asking Liz if we would be there every Sunday and was I going to be the next pastor! That day there were several families that lived in Alva but had been attending other fellowships in outlying areas. Two people specifically mentioned that they were considering worshiping closer to home. There were also other retired ministers present who introduced themselves after the sermon. It really seems like the Lord is drawing people into real community formed around the preaching of His word and the commitment to living it out in Scotland. **
This coming Wednesday evening, June 13th:
At 7:30pm (GMT = 5 hrs. earlier in NY and 8 hrs. earlier in LA) we will attend a Q&A session at the church business meeting. Then we will be invited to leave as they discuss whether they would like to offer me the opportunity to serve as the pastor.
Please pray for wisdom and discernment as we step out into this new territory to serve as the Lord continues to lead us.
~~~
If you would like to help support the Lord's work here in Scotland
with a tax-deductible contribution, please send it to:
Shepherd's Staff Mission Facilitators
PO Box 27220 Albuquerque, NM 87125-7220
("1015 Fraser" in the memo )
Or to do so online, click below:
Shepherd's Staff
Chose donation type: “missionary’s name” and type in Frasers # 1015
Monday, 4 June 2007
Just over a month
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David, Elizabeth, Daniel & Josiah Fraser
Scotland Mission:
Scotland Mission:
a response to the call of God on our lives.
May 28, 2007
Just over a month since we left Metro in Los Angeles for Edinburgh, Scotland. We are beginning to look like people who will live here and not merely visitors on vacation.
We are making incremental progress as we get used to life in a new country. We purchased a car, auto insurance, have a bank, and a post office, and found a local grocery store, etc.
We have spent over $10,000 to get here and get settled. Shipping, airfare, auto purchase and miscellaneous expenses all add up. The exchange rate $2=1 pound) cuts our dollars in half. Gas costs $8 a gallon! We don't drive too much.
The missionary facilitator service receives 10% for processing the banking and taxation and keeping track of our expenses and Uncle Sam also gets 15% of your tax deductible contributions (since I receive it as taxable salary, we pay 100% of SSDI). Good grief!
Since leaving, we have received $600/month support from Metro and some more from those of you who are helping this work to continue. That money has really helped us over this time.
I have been asking, seeking and knocking all around the area to find work. We have sought ministry employment prior to secular work, but it gets difficult to determine whether we can be missionaries with eyes toward church planting and be in fellowship with ministries that approach discipleship and worship very differently (organizationally and sometimes theologically).
I almost can't believe I turned turn down a position as a Youth Worker for a Youth Trust which oversees 4 churches' youth ministries. It is primarily to serve as an evangelist and coordinator with campus youth ministries. You will see why below.
We are enjoying fellowship with our friends at CC Edinburgh.
I preached my first sermon in Scotland on Sunday June 3.
I preached my first sermon in Scotland on Sunday June 3.
I also have been invited to teach on June 10 at a tiny Baptist church in Alva, Clackmannanshire (Near Stirling) . The current pastor at Alva Baptist has asked me to consider pastoring the church, because he has family matters that are calling him home to the US.
It's a challenge; 12 people, many over 70 (set in their ways), congregational leadership, one voting member that may be a freemason. I know this would need to change, but am not sure how to manage that kind of change. God's problems, not mine, but there I am in the crosshairs, desperate to be sure of His will for us in the situation.
The neat thing is that this small church has history and is attempting to stand on its own, independent from other more liberal churches in the area. Lots of divine appointments led to this opportunity and we are seriously considering it.
Alva Baptist Church, is this tiny church in the heart of Scotland. It sits in in view of the William Wallace Monument, in Stirling, the former capital of Scotland. Geographically it is the heart of Scotland. Stirlingshire is a strategic location and overlooks the sites of defining battles for the freedom of the people of Scotland. Perhaps it will also have a prophetic significance.
I came out with the notion of a ministry called 'first love ministries' and this is all so poetically fit to the theme.
We are committed to living out the gospel here among the people we meet. And God has confirmed in so many ways that his hand is upon us.
Thanks to everyone who is praying for us and please don't stop!
David, Elizabeth, Daniel & Josiah Fraser
If you would like to help support us with a tax-deductible contribution toward the Lord's work here in Scotland, please send it to:
If you would like to help support us with a tax-deductible contribution toward the Lord's work here in Scotland, please send it to:
Shepherd's Staff Mission Facilitators
PO Box 27220
Albuquerque, NM 87125-7220
"account:#1015 Fraser" in the memo
Or to do so online, click below:
Shepherd's Staff
Chose donation type: “missionary’s name” and type in Frasers # 1015
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