a collection of photos

Look at the girl behind Caitie and her baby

 

I didn't know I had brothers

The infamous haggis

This man's capacity to eat knows no bounds

All these bags fit into that Ford Focus you see behind them

We made it to the top of Arthur's Seat!

The church gave the men these t-shirts

Debbie sat behind this hunk

Sleeping for two

Technology is amazing... got to video chat with my family a couple of times!

Debbie cooked an amazing meal for many of our friends at Carrubbers

 

My name is Rick, and thanks for reading.

see you later

"Goodbye" has such a permanence to it. I prefer "see you later" since I hope to see the Scots later... whether it's back in "EH-din-burr-uh" or in heaven with Jesus.

We arrived home safely on Monday night. Just about everyone went back to work on Tuesday. Crazy. I managed to take an extra week off to spend with Heidi and the girls, so I don't go back to work until next Tuesday. Yippee!

Wow, what a whirlwind 10 days. What can I say? Even though the trip itself had the same intended purpose, there were many things that were different from the 2008 trip, at least from my perspective. But more on that in a bit.

While the week went on, it became clear to me that God once again assembled the perfect team for the needs of this particular trip. From Debbie's talents in the kitchen to Will's administrative management to this team basically being one big family (literally), each person's unique giftedness revealed itself to be very useful for just about everything that was needed from us. I think we all learned quite a bit and were really thankful to be a part of such a neat ministry and awesome church. We were really ministered to as well, and I think we all came back changed to one degree or another.

One thing that was different for me was that I didn't have as many conversations with people where I shared the gospel with them. Rather, I spent more time getting to either know some of the church better (deepening friendships I had made the trip before) or just getting to know some new people from the church. And one thing stood out to me. There are some burdens here. Various trials that have hit a few families in the church. There was a definite sense of sobriety here. Not that the church wasn't serious before, but when many trials hit a church all at once, it definitely has a unique effect on the life of the church. I saw the same thing at Calvary Bible Church a year or two ago. It definitely changes you and you start to see what is really important and you really start to see how God is truly working.

Along this theme, one of the things that kept recurring among conversations with people who came to Room 65 was the question of how a loving God could allow so much suffering in the world. And while I'm sure the topic of "I'm a good person" must have come up frequently, that didn't seem to come out (at least not to me) as much as this idea of why is there so much suffering in the world.

And it's a bit of a different world in 2010 than it even was in 2008, isn't it? Lots going on. Whether it's the USA or the UK. Los Angeles or Edinburgh. The world at large or the church. The 3 churches our team represented or Carrubbers. Lots of differences, to be sure. But a LOT of similarities. How could there not be? Same Jesus, same fallen world around us.

And yet, I couldn't help but want to stick around Carrubbers just a wee bit longer. My heart was aching for some of them. Perhaps the Lord will be so kind as to let me go back again someday.

But don't get me wrong. I am more than ecstatic to be home with my wife and kiddos. And they seem to dig having me around as well. ;)

Thanks again to all of you that prayed and gave towards our trip. It was an amazing time, one that won't soon be forgotten. I trust we were an encouragement to Carrubbers, and made much of Jesus in Edinburgh.

But I think some of the greatest work happened in our own hearts.

My name is Rick, and thanks for reading.

the final night

Sunday night. An evening service that kind of recapped Room 65 from the week prior. It just felt natural to do all worship songs.

Looking out on the crowd, I just began to sense a weight. Some of these people were hurting, and I was hurting along with them. But I also knew they saw hope. The hope that only comes from Jesus.

It was a special night, spent with some very special friends.

My name is Rick, and thanks for reading.

couple more posts coming

I had another couple posts on a flash drive to upload today, but I forgot the drive at the flat.

Suffice it to say, this has been another great trip, but I am ready to go home and see my wife and girlies. :)

Playing for 2 morning services this morning, going to someone's house after church, then coming back for an evening service tonight. Then we fly home tomorrow!!!

I will miss our Scot friends though. Try to ignore the tears, OK?

My name is Rick, and thanks for reading.

coming to a close

Not a ton of time to write, as it's late and we are playing for 3 services tomorrow. But tonight was the concert and it was a cool time to share our hearts with people, as there weren't conversation tables set up. It's so great to see people come back who've been coming throughout the week.

Tomorrow will be 2 morning services, followed by some fellowship at someone's house, followed by a Sunday night service recap of Room 65.

This trip has been so awesome though. Thank you again for the prayers.

My name is Rick, and thanks for reading.

"ah-MAY-zuhn"

That's my best Scottish accent to say the most frequent adjective I hear over here. And that aptly describes this trip.

Sorry I haven't blogged as frequently and faithfully as last time, but it's actually been nice to not have as much internet access. I did, however, get to video chat with my wife and kids a couple times this week, so that was really nice.

Today... was a long day. This morning we were served a ridiculous brunch (and in this case, “ridiculous” means AMAZING, in case the Scots don't get it) by Janice and David Anderson. I kid you not... I feel like I am on a cruise with the amount and frequency that we eat.

After the brunch we went for a hike to Arthur's Seat. The view... was amazing. Getting there, however, not so much. Seriously... you could have cut my legs off and I think I would feel better. But I did it! And the view was totally worth it. And then somehow I managed to run/jog down and not die. Not sure how that happened.

After the hike we had some amazing ice cream, followed by some free time. I was able to finish my shopping while taking in some of the craziness that is the Fringe. I also think that I found my brothers. Picture to come later.

Oh, I will post some pictures and video on here, but possibly not until I get home.

Dinner was served by the pastor's family. Traditional Scottish meal of haggis, neeps, and tatties. Amazing. And sticky toffee cake. Amazing. And an IRN-BRU float. Mmmmmmmmmmm.

So I haven't really had much IRN-BRU since being here, but I think I more than made up for that tonight. Amazing.

OK... Room 65... since tomorrow night is our concert, tonight's Room 65 was the last one in this format... the last one for us and the last one for the church for this year. We'd been doing 3 sets of music followed by 3 gospel talks, but tonight we opted for 4 shorter sets with 4 gospel talks (which is what we did last time we were here). Also, the house was PACKED. Probably because it's a Friday night. There is just something about seeing a full house that brings an energy to the room that we can feel. Tonight was probably the most fun night of playing. At least for me it was. I hope the concert is as packed tomorrow.

One thing I noticed from last time that is still taking place this time is the amount of repeat visitors we get. And it's been awesome to watch God changing the hearts of people as the week goes on. I spoke to a girl this evening who's been coming every night, I think, and have watched her just soften over the course of time. Come to find out her and her boyfriend were jumped about 4 months ago. She managed to get away, but her boyfriend was beaten to near death. He is currently in a rehabilitation center and likely won't get out until Christmas at the earliest. She told me that she blamed God for what happened, but now is of the mindset that God has given her a gift in not taking her boyfriend (now fiancé) away. That's grace, isn't it? To see a heart literally change in front of you. That is one of my favorite parts of this trip. It's awesome to share the gospel in front of people, and I am so thankful that the church entrusted our men with the gospel talks. And I obviously love having this music “gig.” But building some relationships has been so good. It's what keeps me coming back, and makes it hard to leave (though I can't wait to see my family again!). Paul & Mairi Connor have really become close friends of mine. Such soft hearts and compassionate people. I'm going to find a way to smuggle them back to LA (but don't tell them that... or Carrubbers).

But it's also been awesome to build relationships with some of the people in the community, watching them come night after night. Some of them are other Christians that it's been great to fellowship with and encourage each other, and others do not know Jesus Christ as their Saviour and yet keep coming back because they see a difference both in this church and in our team “the Americans.” I wish I had more time to tell you more stories of the various relationships and conversations amongst all of us on the team.

I am so grateful for this “once in a lifetime” opportunity that's happened two years now. Perhaps we can make it three? Four? Fifty?

Thank You, God, for continuing to show Yourself faithful to us. Sustaining us when we needed it, humbling/admonishing us when we needed it, and allowing us to really be spectators of the work You are doing here.

This is a special city, with special people. I wish it was a wee bit closer to Northridge. :)

Thank you, all you who are praying for us and have supported us. Words don't do justice what I believe God is doing to us and through us here in Edinburgh. And if you are praying for us, you are a large part of this ministry as well. So thank you.

Now... time for some sleep and a wee “lie in” tomorrow (meaning we get to sleep in). And tomorrow we have an amazing BBQ at the amazing Renwicks, followed by an (hopefully) amazing concert.

My name is Rick, and thanks for reading.

awesome AWESOME night

OK... momentary aside here... it seems that more than a handful of Scots forgot just how “wee” I was, and have made comments accordingly. Guess that makes me “larger than life?” HAHA. Anyway...

Since I can't get online right now, I can't remember exactly what I've already written, so if any of this is a repeat, forgive me. Now, back to the normally scheduled program.

Tonight was Night 2 of Room 65. What an amazing night. But before I get too far into that, let's talk about Night 1.

Monday seemed a bit off to me. And as the band talked and debriefed afterwards, it seemed that we all felt the same way. We've played together enough that I knew that most people wouldn't be able to tell, but it was still a bit of a distraction for me. I am playing with an unfamiliar rig, trying to stay on pitch, play right chords, and now I was praying because my mind was being pulled into a bunch of different directions. It turned out fine though. One of the pastors from Carrubbers, David Anderson (just a really neat man), gave the first gospel talk. It was good to have him there, to set the tone for the rest of us. The other 2 talks were given by Justin and Will, which were clear and well done.

Tuesday night. AWE. SOME. This was the zone and the pocket I was talkin' 'bout, Willis. All the pistons were firing, we were feeling it, and we were rocking the Scots. Patrick, Joe, and myself gave the three talks tonight. I am thankful that Carrubbers gave us the opportunity to do the talks this week. The whole reason we are here is to show people the love of God and the best way to do that is to tell them about what Jesus Christ did on the cross for their sins.

A few of us were able to have some conversations with people tonight as well. Quick anecdote... someone asked Julie why we offered everything for free... free coffee, free tea, free music. Her response? So simple, so true... “because of the love of Jesus.”

Speaking of love... this church loves amazingly well. Not only us who come as guests and co-laborers in ministry, but they have such a great ministry to those that would otherwise go unloved. Homeless. Addicts. It really is an eye opener, especially in light of being involved in a church plant back home. I want to love as freely and openly as this church.

I'm also thankful for the friendships that are growing deeper, particularly with Leanne Briggs, and Paul and Mairi Connor (Paul and Mairi are managing Room 65). They have tirelessly served us, and have become so dear to us.

Debbie has been a cooking madwoman (but you who know Debbie are not surprised by this in the least, I'm sure). It's just amazing to see God take each of our individual gifts and place them in the perfect place to serve here.

I'm not sure, but I do feel like the numbers are lighter this time around (versus 2 years ago). Less traffic coming in, as well as less volunteers. Guess it could be any number of things. This is Week 4 and they have never done a 4th week, so they are probably exhausted. Unless you come here and do this, you have no idea what kind of effort it takes to produce a gig like this. You need a lot of planning, and a LOT of volunteers. We are spent at the end of the night. But it's been awesome.

After we got back to our flat we got together for a devotion (Will prepared several for us to go through as a team, which has been so helpful in keeping us focused on the main thing). It was also good to hear about some of what happened at Room 65 (since we aren't all together, having various responsibilities). And it was good to open up and just confess our inadequacies. We always “know” this, but it's always good for God to gently (or not so gently) remind us that He is in control and will do His will no matter what.

Speaking of inadequacies, I was a little bit discouraged yesterday (Monday). OK... a LOT discouraged. I have yet to speak to my wife and my kids since I arrived (last time I was able to call them every night after I got home, but we have no phone here). But I have been able to exchange a couple of emails with Heidi, and Emma even typed me an email all by herself. Anyway, this morning I was able to sign into my email and my sweet wife sent me an email responding to my discouragement, saying that they were fine and that it would be OK if I was unable to get in touch with them until I got home. I needed to read that. They know I'm not worried about them, but I needed them to know that I was thinking about them constantly and would want nothing more than for them to be here with me. Heidi is just as much a part of this, even though she's not physically here with us. An unsupportive wife would render me useless in ministry, so I wanted to publicly express my thankfulness for my wife. Heidi's email told me that they knew I haven't forgotten about them, that they were excited I could be here serving the Lord, and that they couldn't wait for me to come home. And my kids have written me all sorts of notes and drawn me all sorts of pictures, so that's been great too. Thankfully, I will have another week off from work to spend with them when I come home, while others are going back to work the day after we get home (which is CRAZY!).

OK... it's late. Or perhaps early. From my best calculations (being watchless), I think it's almost 4am.

My name is Rick, and thanks for reading.