Last month, a team from Operation Mobilisation came to Carloway on the Isle of Lewis for a week of outreach work in the Hebridean community on the west side of Lewis. The Hope for the Hebrides mission week followed on from a similar mission to Uist and Benbecula in 2023. Carloway Free Church partnered with Carloway Church of Scotland to welcome a team of 22 volunteers from all over the world. The team included members from England, Wales, Germany, Spain, Hongkong, Singapore and Jamaica. They were joined by Rev. Tom Penman, minister of Cumbernauld Free Church, who had been involved in the 2023 mission in Uist.
Despite rather terrible August weather, the team was able to engage in a full week of outreach activities. The main work was a programme of door to door visits to the whole community. During these, the team distributed literature and invitations, including a booklet of testimonies from people connected to the Carloway Churches printed specially for the outreach. The team also assisted in a holiday club for primary school children organised by the Carloway churches and held in the local community centre. The same community centre also hosted a public lecture delivered by Tom Penman on the subject, ‘What is the point to life?’
Two other highlights of the week were a Praise Night on the Sunday evening and a barbecue and ceilidh on the Friday evening. Both events were very well supported, both by members of the community and by friends from neighbouring communities.
Overall, the week was an enormous blessing and encouragement for both congregations and for the wider community in Carloway. Commenting on the week, Thomas Davis, Minister of Carloway, said, “It was such a joy and privilege to welcome the OM team to our congregation and community. The whole team gelled so well and worked so hard to help reach our community with the good news of Jesus. Within just a few days, the whole team felt like part of our church family and we are so thankful that each one gave of their time and resources to support us. The team sowed gospel seeds in our community, we have formed new and wonderful friendships, and we pray that God will bring in a harvest in the weeks and months to come.”
Reflecting on their visit to the Hebrides, husband and wife Sebastien and Madeleine Bonicel said, “We came as a family of four to serve and tell the people of Carloway about Jesus. We come away with a renewed sense of His work in our lives and His purpose for all to hear the good news. It was a joy to work alongside brothers and sisters of many ages and from many nations and a real privilege to meet all the different people of Carloway. We felt so welcome and got a real insight into island life. We have made new friendships that we will cherish through eternity.” Another member of the team, Linz Duan, commented, “It was a pleasure to team up with such a welcoming church who love their community so much and to see the Master Weaver at work throughout the mission week!”
On behalf of both Carloway congregations, sincere thanks is expressed to all who supported and participated in the week. If any congregation would like more information about future opportunities for an OM team to visit their congregation, please contact Clare Macloed at OM [email protected]