A golf competition and dozens of different youth events are encouraging supporters of Scripture Union in Scotland. John MacKinnon writes:
I recently participated in a four-player team Texas Scramble golf day hosted by Scripture Union Scotland at Lenzie Golf course. Texas Scramble is a form of team competition in golf. In the purest, simplest form of Texas Scramble all members of the team – teams are normally of three or four players – tee off. Then one of these drives is chosen to be used for the next shot and all members of the team place their balls where the chosen drive ended up, and all the team play a second shot from this spot.
Understandably, like most ministry charities, they were having to raise a flag for funding following the difficulties of ministry amidst the pandemic, especially when so much of what they do is in schools, residential centres, and face-to-face events with young people. Fourteen teams gathered for a well-organised day which allowed the charity to make an appropriate appeal and to report on incredible creativity.
In events designed to equip young people, 250 young leaders were instructed, mentored, and encouraged at over 42 events, and one conference, through the innovative ‘Bible Alive’ programme. More than 500 primary school children heard the word of God; despite all the difficulties of life in education this past year, 30 school groups still ran, as well as 13 connect groups.
As restrictions eased, 530 young people engaged in 20 different Holiday Clubs, 539 at 31 summer Day Camps, 174 at 13 Holidays Unleashed events and 180 youngsters participated in seven Expedition events. The highlight for many was seeing 42 youth groups from Orkney to York gathering for a five-day festival called Magnitude. They need our prayers for their residential centres as they get back to welcoming schools, running activity days, and operating outdoor classrooms and clubs.
It has not been an easy time ministering to young people this past year, and I know there is a real sense of thankfulness within the staff of Scripture Union Scotland and their 540 volunteers for those who have been praying for them, supporting them financially and trusting them with the lives of many young people in our nation.
