Free Church of Scotland congregations in Uist have hosted a team from Operation Mobilisation (OM) for a week-long mission week in the Western Isles.
Operation Mobilisation is an international movement that mobilises people to live and share the Gospel of Jesus. It was founded by the late George Verwer. The week in Uist the first such mission week in Scotland since the Free Church of Scotland and OM partnered in 2018.
The team came from around the world including Jamaica, Singapore, France, Germany, South Africa and the UK. They assisted the local congregations of North Uist Free Church and South Uist and Benbecula Free Church with a week of events and door-to-door outreach.
OM team leader Clare Macleod said: “It was a blessing to be able to partner with and serve alongside the local Free Church congregations on Uist and Benbecula. We had a great time together sharing the love of Jesus with the local community. It was a privilege to be able to serve God in the islands and be a part of His work there.”
The team stayed at Knox Free Church, Perth, for a night during their journey up to Uist.
As part of the week, public events were held which included a church barbecue at Carinish, a children’s club in Lochboisdale, and cafe nights at An Caladh, Balivanich. The cafe nights were an opportunity to discuss some of the biggest issues people face in a relaxed atmosphere with one night focusing on the issue of suffering and another on the topic of forgiveness and justice. The week culminated in a well-attended quiz night at Balivanich Hall with live music, a dance display and a gospel presentation provided by both local artistes and the international team.
Rev Tom Penman, of South Uist and Benbecula Free Church, said: “We had a fantastic week together. We were very blessed to have the team with us as we continue to share the good news of Jesus Christ in Uist. It really encouraged members of both local congregations and showed the blessings that can come from the partnership.”
