Mission Scotland 09

It's Already Been A Month!!!

2009-04-20T10:45:00.004-05:00

Wow! Can you believe how fast time has gone since our time together in Glasgow? Here is a post of 412 Praise at First Baptist Bentonville on Sunday night, April 5th. This is a great time of sharing about our experience in wonderful Scotland. I had to split up the the service into less than 10 minute segments, as youtube will not allow. Part 1 is above, and the remaining videos can be viewed by going to our youtube channel...

http://www.youtube.com/user/missionScotland09

God Bless!

dave

2009-03-29T20:41:00.012-05:00

We're home --

but part of our heart is back in Scotland!

As we traveled on our bus back to Bentonville late last night, I asked Dave to get on his iphone (he always has media equipment with him) and let everyone know that we're back in the USA. Although we're all tired, we have a full heart for our Lord and His people in Glasgow! You're very much a part of our minds and hearts. Thank you Scotland friends for already making comments on the blogsite during our travels home and today.

-- DAY 10 --

Waking up on Saturday morning came very, very early. I think that the students (as well as the adults) were a little numb -- definitely not awake. We came together for a quick breakfast at 5 am, took off for the airport at 5:40 and left Scotland soil at 8 am.

Once arriving in London, we made our way to our new flight and took off for Dallas at 10:30 am. All of our flights were wonderful -- hats off to British Airways -- they're the only way to go! After twelve hours of flying, we made our way through baggage claim and then customs and on to our bus headed for Bentonville. We arrived at home around 12:30 am with a smile on our face and blurried eyes, wanting a shower, but with a filled heart for God and a humbled spirit for the joy and pleasure of serving Him by reaching out with His love to the people in Glasgow.

We may have shared His love, but we were given so much more from our new friends from Knightswood Congregational, Knightswood Baptist and Yoker Evangelical. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for giving us such care and support -- the delicious meals, hugs, prayers, and encouragement while we were in your wonderful city truly ministered God's love to us. Thank you, thank you, thank you! We want to stay in contact with you and know that our prayers will continue as you minister to those students and adults whom we met through all of our concerts and workshops.

Our own Scottish FBC Bentonville member Graham Wills with

Pastors Alan Wells, Alan Gibbons and Gus Macaulay

A special thanks to our Scotland pastors -- Gus Macaulay, Alan Wells and Alan Gibbons. Your prayers over the past two years, hard work in preparation for our trip, gracious hosting for our entire stay in your beautiful city, and daily encouragement and support have been a great blessing to everyone on the trip and the FBC family at home. You'll never know how much you have blessed us -- but God knows!

Speaking of what we did on our trip -- our students were able to touch over 2,000 students, lead over 44 workshops and sing 11 concerts during our time in Scotland. The teenagers didn't stop sharing God's love as we left Scotland, they sang to the hotel staff and in the Dallas airport upon arriving back in the States. Many have lost their voices, but continued to give God glory, honor and praise through all that they had left. Pray for our students as they begin back at school this week.

I'm excited about the opportunity to have our 412 Praise choir lead in worship next Sunday night. Pray that each students gets caught up on rest and their school work as well as back to full voice before next weekend. Pray for them as they share God's love and what He's done during MissionScotland09.

This is probably my last blog writing. Take time over the next week and check out the pictures and the videos from the trip. Thank you friends, once again, for your prayers, support, encouragement and love that you have for our students and for their desire to reach out and touch others with God's love in Word and Song. I appreciate your continued prayers for these students as they reach out to their friends at their school and their community. In the upcoming weeks the students will sing at a few other churches as well as record their first CD project. We'll let you know when it's here.

God bless!

Ken

Made it!

2009-03-28T18:05:00.004-05:00

Hey everyone! Just a quick note from the road, we made it to Dallas! We're now headed north on the coach. We plan on rolling into bentonville around midnight...
Thanks for all your prayers!
Dave

Finishing the Race. . .

2009-03-27T17:11:00.020-05:00

-- DAY 9 --

Our last day in Scotland! Wow, this mission trip has certainly gone by fast. I guess it's because we've been so busy each day, reaching out to as many people as we could during our stay in Glasgow. God has blessed us with the incredible blessing and privilege to sing at 5 schools, share in 44 workshops, and the opportunity to speak personally with over 2000 students.

I want to thank each parent who saw this incredible opportunity for their teenager and allowed me the humble privilege to prepare them and take them on this incredible adventure to serve God over seas in another country. I do not take this lightly, for I too have children and know how precious they are. Thank you for entrusting me -- I am honored to work with this great group of students. All of them, even the ones who were not able to go, are a joy and blessing to me!

I can't thank our three Scotland Pastors enough. Their desire to reach this city with the Gospel has truly inspired all of us. We have been blessed to see their team work in planning and preparing for this youth choir outreach trip and are so grateful to work along side these men of God. Both Pastors Alan Gibbons and Alan Wells have shared that they would love to come to Bentonville and visit us at our church. Please pray with me that the opportunity might be able to happen in the near future -- it would bless them, their congregation and ours as well!

Today was a full day, beginning with breakfast at 7:15 am. Before leaving our hotel we sang in the lobby to thank our hotel and restaurant staff. (See today's video.) They were very appreciative. In fact, one of our waitstaff began crying because it was so meaningful to her! We left our hotel at 8 am to Knightswood Secondary School (like Bentonville High School). We spent 25 minutes unloading the bus and van of all our gear and then traveled to Knightswood Baptist for a time of worship and participation in the Lord's Supper. At 11 am our students began their times in the classroom and then during the lunch break we did a 30 minute concert in the auditorium.

All of the students at this school take lunch at the same time and were invited to come hear us if they wished. Because of the type of concert being at their lunch break, the Pastors were not expecting many students to attend. However, we don't know God's ways and His ways are not always our ways. He was there with us -- in every classroom question and answer session to our packed lunch concert! Yes, we had the room filled with students who gave up their lunch time to come on their own and sit and hear us. Many stayed afterwards and spoke with our students. This response from the students was not expected by the Pastors and the glory was truly given to God!

After our lunch concert, our students continued on with their classroom share times. I was privileged to go to three of these discussion times and heard our students boldly share their faith and trust in God. They answered many hard questions, like how do you know that God is real and what does God look like. Because our students are so passionate One of the Scotland students even said: "Do you always get emotional when talking about your God?" An incredible day of sharing God's love in Word and Song!

After our evening concert, we had many stand in honor of our youth. (This was a shock to our Pastors because Scottish people are not known for standing ovations, nor getting too emotional.) Many stayed afterwards to talk with our students while we loaded out our equipment. They then stayed to wave our bus off. Many of the students and adults were emotional because of how God worked in and through our students this week. (They weren't the only ones getting emotional, our students were "blubbering" as well.) We truly have met some wonderful Christian friends!

It is my desire that the momentum that the students in 412 Praise have in boldly sharing our faith and loudly and joyfully praising our God will continue once we are home. To this endeavor, I am working on several other opportunities for them to lead worship at other area churches in the near future as well as produce a CD project of our 412 Praise Choir. And of course, they will be involved in our "Celebrate America" program at the end of June. Please continue to pray with me for all of our 412 Praise choir members -- that their growth as a believer will continue and their service to our Savior will never stop!

We head home tomorrow -- with mixed emotions. The students are excited to see their families, but know that they are going to miss these special children, youth and adults here in Glasgow whom they have quickly grown to love. Pray for our safe journey home to our families. We head out of the hotel tomorrow at 5 am and get back to Bentonville at 12 midnight.

I'll make my final blog on Sunday (since we're on the road throughout Saturday). We don't know what will happen to the blog after our journey home. We do know that all of the pictures will be placed on the missionscotland09.org website for future viewing. Our students will be leading worship and presenting their home concert next Sunday night, April 5th at 6 pm. All 60 members of our 412 Praise choir will be leading this service.

Again, I can't thank all of you enough for your continued prayers, support, encouragement and love that you have for our students. It is through your generosity that this trip was possible. I have always felt that my calling was to enable others to use their gifts, abilities and talents for His glory, honor and service. I thank you for allowing me to enable these students to do this "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Good night and God bless!

Ken

God is Good -- all the time!

2009-03-26T17:38:00.027-05:00

A special thanks to our technical crew and musicians for which these concerts would not have happened without the use of their gifts, talents and abilities that they so willingly used for this mission trip. Their sacrifice of vacation time, monies, and time away from family have allowed God to use the concerts in such a mighty way.

Dave heading up the media world and Tim handling the sound board

(while Chad plays the guitar for the trip)

Donna, our keyboard extraordinaire!

Chad kickin it up with the electric and acoustic guitars,

along with some heavy djembe playing

Rick is multi-talented, coming on the trip not to use his incredible voice,

but his musicianship and skill with the bass guitar

-- DAY 8 --

Another busy day here in Glasgow. Our students saw God in so many ways today; not only did the rain stop every time that we were unloading and reloading, but the Holy Spirit was evident through the testimonies of Hannah Johnson and Anna Holland, who shared during tonight's concert. WOW -- what a concert of praise. The students were on FIRE for God and couldn't get enough of praising Him for Who He is and what He has done for them.

Pic during am concert -- lots of children!

Holy Roar ensemble praising the Lord

Even through the hoarseness, they gave Him their all.

"Let Everything that has breathe praise the Lord!"

We started out early, once again, and reached Bankhead Primary school at 8:30 am, ready to unload and begin a busy day of workshops in the morning, along with a concert, then lunch and more afternoon workshops.

The students were amazing -- getting very comfortable

speaking in front of people of all ages.

STOMP -- girls w/hands and feet

-- guys with poles and sticks

After our last workshop we headed back to the hotel for an hour to rest a bit and get changed for our evening concert. We had dinner at Knightswood Congregational. The ladies of the church were wonderful hostesses and ministered to our students with love!

___________________________

I can't believe that tomorrow is our last day here in Glasgow. In fact, our last day in Scotland! What a extraordinary trip we have had. God has truly used our young people in life-changing ways. They have so many stories to tell, so many memories to last for a life time.

A special thanks to all of you who have helped make this trip possible. So many of you have made an impact on the students who have participated in Mission Scotland09. Thank you for your financial and prayer support, encouragement, food preparation, driving time to and from our rehearsals, goodie bags for our bus trip and during our time in Scotland and so much more. You'll never know the impact that your contribution to these students have had on them as well as the folks they have ministered to here in Glasgow.

Tonight, after arriving back from our evening concert, we spent sometime in the hotel conference room sharing stories of what people have shared with our students. After 30 minutes of sharing, one of our students began sharing how this trip has impacted him. An hour later, we still had students sharing how they have been blessed by these all of the children and adults they have met as well as their own peers in this youth choir.

__________________________

I truly hope that this blog and our missionscotland09 website have been a blessing to each of you reading it each day. It was my hope from the beginning that you could be a part of our entire trip through the daily pictures and video. Only a few more days and we'll be signing off.

Tomorrow, our last day in Glasgow, is a BIG day. We'll be leaving the hotel at 8 am, loading all of our equipment in the High School (they call it Secondary School), up two flights of stairs -- all in 30 minutes. Once the equipment is in the building we will be heading off to Knightswood Baptist Church where we will be participating in the Lord's Supper with Pastor Gus. After our time together there, we will be going back to the High School to begin our workshops, set up equipment, have lunch, do our concert and then participate in more workshops--all before 3 pm. Please pray for our students as they share their faith with fellow students their ages. They are excited, and yet a bit anxious.

I have been told by one of the Pastor's that Friday evening's concert will be the largest attended during the week -- packing out the large auditorium at the High School. Pray for our students voices and their energy -- pray that God will use them mightily and that they will run the race with endurance to the end! I can't wait to tell you what happens!!!

Proclaiming the Good News,

Ken

Energized to serve!

2009-03-25T16:04:00.028-05:00

-- DAY 7 --

It's the middle of our week, and our students are energized -- catching up on some of their sleep last night! The students are looking forward to a little relaxation and sight-seeing today. But before we took off for Scotland adventures, we were privileged to share in Word and Song with the children at Blairdardie Primary School.

Here's Jenny with the School Head Master

We left the hotel at 8 am and by the time we arrived at the school, we had 55 minutes before our morning concert. Yikes is right, but I knew that when we all pulled together we would accomplish much and in shorter time. I was right! We finished the set up and sound check in 45 minutes. Incredible, right? Not really -- with our students and adults! Everyone knew what to do and did it carefully and quickly with a great attitude and big smile on their faces! It has been great to see our teenagers work together with a cooperative attitude and sweet spirit.

The guys on the trip have especially been hard workers on the set up and tear down and the girls, for the most part, just try to stay out of their way. (I do have our senior girls and a few others responsible for some of the prep and tear down.)

The children loved the concert and enjoyed meeting our students in their workshops following the concert.

Our teenagers were divided up into two's for each classroom share time. Before their share time each person pulled their weight and tore down. (We actually spent more time setting up and tearing down than we did during the concert today!) During their class time we finished up the loading and were ready with their sack lunches once they were finished.

Once we left our school we headed off to see more of Scotland.

We arrived in Stirling and first visited the William Wallace Monument.

We climbed a steep hill on a windy path and then went up 240+

stairs on a windy one person staircase.

Once up on top we had 70 mile an hour winds --

the teenagers loved getting up there -- great views!

After our time at the monument we took off for Stirling Castle.

We took great pictures outside of the castle and then took our time

checking out every part of this incredible place.

Once on the road again, the students and adults couldn't wait any longer and had to all visit a Scotland "Wal-Mart" (better known as "Asda"). After we finally got everyone out of the store, we headed to the local Mall for all the shoppers on the bus. (We also ate dinner at the mall.) Yes, change of plans, we decided not to go back to Xscape, but to the Mall instead.

Back at the hotel by 8:15 pm tonight. WOW -- what a day. They students got a little free time before heading to the rooms for some shut-eye. A great day had by all!

Thank you for your continued prayers and comments on the blog. We spent time on the bus this morning reading the last two days worth. There were lots of laugher, oohs, and ah's. Thanks for your support.

Tomorrow we get back to our busy schedule including: morning workshops and concert, afternoon workshops and evening concert. Talk to you tomorrow!

Group picture at Sterling Castle

Seeing God's work all around us,

Ken

2009-03-24T17:15:00.022-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HANNAH!

WOW -- I can't believe that I have a 15 year old!

-- DAY 6 --

Another wonderful day in Scotland! We started out early again this morning, arriving at our 2nd school at 8:30 am. We spent the next hour greetings folks at the school, preparing for our morning concert, and working out all the final plans with our afternoon workshops. Set up time is getting quicker each day! Everyone pitches in and gets all of the equipment inside and then knows what they have to do to get us ready.

A special thanks to Dave Roberts, Chad Plummer and Tim Sorey for making every concert go smoothly. Robert has been doing a great job taking pictures throughout the day and Dave and Jerry have been getting great footage for our daily videos.

A special thanks to all of the adults who gave of their time, talents and treasures to be a part of this exciting mission trip. All of our adults have been working hard to encourage and uplift our students at the same time taking care of our student's needs. These needs have included: sore throats, coughs, wake-up calls, laundry 2x, hugs, prayers, getting our students from point A to B to C, and much, much more! These are the unsung heroes to which this trip so far could not have so successful! We all thank you!!!

Once we were ready -- we sang our first concert of the day. The students were once again enthralled with our teenagers. They enjoyed their singing, sharing, and especially our "STOMP" song.

Here's Whitney giving us some extra "umphf" to one of the songs!

After our concert, we worked with our children's choir who sang with us this tonight. They were very excited about the opportunity to sing with us during the concert. They were not as prepared as the choir yesterday, but quickly learned their part in the song. (During the concert tonight, they were great!)

Once our rehearsal was over, we ate a wonderful lunch provided by the school. WOW -- both our schools have been so supportive of us. They have been gracious hosts and both provided us with a coffee/tea/scone/breakfast bread reception in the morning and a delicious lunch in the teacher's lounge. (In fact, many of the teachers came back each evening and brought others with them to our concert!)

After lunch our students spent the afternoon doing workshops with each class for two primary schools. Our teenagers have really loved the time with the children. They have done a great job sharing about themselves, answering questions from the students and teaching and playing games with each class. The teachers really appreciated all the care, concern and love that our teenagers showed to their children!

By 3:00 pm, they had a well-deserved break. We made it back to the hotel by 3:30 pm and had an hour to have a quick cat-nap and get ready for dinner and the evening concert. Two churches hosted our evening meals. One church had members host 1/2 of our students in their homes and the other church hosted us at the church. You'll never guess what we had at the church tonight -- FISH AND CHIPS!....It was delicious!

Another incredible worship experience tonight. The children and adults filled the auditorium and were gracious in their reception of us. Our students, once again, gave their ALL in praise and worship to our Lord.

They sang passionately and showed their love of our Lord in Word and Song. Natalie Gautier gave her testimony tonight and did a great job. Last night Carly Sorey and Jacob Stewart shared and presented the Gospel so courageously and confidently.

One of the Pastor's tonight told us that the concerts have been incredible. The amount of folks that have come to see us have been more in our two days than a week for their last group two year's ago. Praise the Lord, He is good! Our advance preparation with posters, flyers, and the opportunity to have their children sing with us paid off!

We appreciate your prayers and encouraging words on the blog. Our students are enjoying hearing them as we make our way to the schools in the morning.

_____________________________

-- A QUICK REMINDER --

You can see all of the day's pictures on the blog. Just go to the top right and click on any of the pages that you wish to see under the Mission Scotland Pictures header.

Note: Dave post's the day's video, but it doesn't show up until the next evening on the website, so go back to the day before and see each video.

God bless you all -- we miss you and are thankful to each of you for your prayers and support!

With all that is in me -- Praise the Lord!

Ken

Knightswood Primary - Saved by the Bell!

2009-03-23T16:35:00.026-05:00

-Day 5-

Our morning started out with breakfast at the hotel, and then off to our first school visit - Knightswood Primary! All of our kids were dressed in their khaki pants and black 412 Praise shirts - so we could easily spot them amongst the other children at the school! Some of the children were waiting for us in the Assembly Hall when we drove up to the school- smiling, anxious faces! Sooo cute! Our youth were excited to start the day and their interaction with the children!

Our youth were split into 6 groups and they went into various classrooms to meet with the Primary students. Three groups shared for 30 minutes while the rest of us set up the Assembly Hall for the concert. Then the groups transitioned and so on and so on...

While in the classrooms our youth shared about themselves and then allowed for a question-answer time. And then the games began.....craziness and fun!!!! We played "Drop the Handkerchief" and "Duck, Duck, Goose" and sang "Wheels on the Bus" and "If You're Happy and You Know It" - a great time was had by all!!!

Being a teacher myself, I was able to visit with a few of the staff and share about my experiences in the education field and told them that I could relate about having special guests in the school and the heightened state of energy! But they were happy to have a little "break" and let us share with their students!

The lunch was provided by the staff of the school and they served us "buffet/pot-luck" style in a couple of the classrooms and the teachers lounge! You can not believe the amount of food that was on those tables! And such interesting choices! I have tried so many new things - and you will be happy to know that your kids are trying new things as well! Just be ready to be asked to look up recipes for "Millionaire's Shortbread" and "Caribbean Chicken" and one of my favs - yummy - shortbread! We are so thankful for the teachers and staff of Knightswood Primary for sacrificing their time and preparing our lunch - it was greatly appreciated and soooo delicious!

Our concert at the school took place right after lunch and they packed about 500 kids in the Assembly Hall to participate! Our youth performed beautifully and the student/teacher audience was very receptive!

We continued our classroom visits in the afternoon and then we went back to the hotel for a quick change into our formals! Now by this time you would think that we would have had enough to eat, but we set off for Yoker Evangelical Church for dinner! Wow! The church members provided us with a spread like you would not believe!!!

We had lasagna and pizza, all sorts of interesting salads and breads and desserts...ooooo....the desserts! I had a "tablet" tonight for my dessert - let me explain...it's pretty much sugar and butter formed into a little cube or "tablet" - yummers! It just melts in your mouth and "sticks to the thighs!" Ugh!

The dinner was LOVELY (my new Scotland word!) We just thank the ladies (and gents) of Yoker Evangelical sooo much for their sacrifice of time and energy in preparation of a wonderful meal!

Off to the evening concert! After we filled our bellies - we spent some time on the bus in preparation for our evening concert - our opportunity to share with the students of Knightswood Primary and their community! Our prayer was for open hearts in the audience and that we would share the love we have for the Lord in the words we sang, the smiles on our faces and in our worship! I am so proud of the HONEST worship that these youth lay out on the stage when they sing these songs! Wow! You would be so proud of the way that they sound but more so in the expressions and the genuine heart they have for the Lord and for His people! What an evening! Thank you Pastor Guss for sharing this evening - "we all have a God shaped hole, a void, that only He can fill!" What a great message for a lost world!

The evening ended with "tear down" - everyone pitched in and we took down the stage, instruments, screen, projector, risers, etc. in what just might be...record time - a whopping 30 minutes! Unbelievable! Thank you Lord! A 20 minute bus ride home and off to bed!!!

This day was a wonderful introduction to our school projects! We look forward to the next four days as we will continue to minister to the students and community here in Glasgow, Scotland!

We ask for prayers for continued health and safety and energy! I think the youth realized just how tiring this week is going to be! They expend a BUNCH of energy in the classrooms with the students - sharing and loving on them! But the Lord is sooo good and faithful - I know He will provide all that we need!

In His Love - "from way across the pond" -

Jenny Blue-Sorey

Worship the Lord, come before His presence with singing!

2009-03-22T17:26:00.007-05:00

Psalm 149:1

Praise the LORD.

Sing to the LORD a new song,

his praise in the assembly of the saints.

-- DAY 4 --

Our day began at 1 am....Ok, before you hear from your children, let me explain. Yes, everyone was awake at 1 am

because the festive fire alarm in the hotel rang. Our students were very responsive and all quickly made it outside in record time. There was no emergency, we think that the alarm was triggered by a larg

e party in the convention rooms. I think that the teenagers were able to get back to sleep pretty quickly, but the adults were drag

ging a little today (ha).

Now on to big and better things...

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY....today is Mother's Day in Scotland, so our mother's that were with us on this trip get two special days in 2009 -- one in Scotland and one in USA.

Sunday -- a day of corporate worship. As I told you last night, our students were divided up into three small singing groups and went to our three sponsor churches to sing two songs and share their testimonies.

Each service reported a great worship time. After church, we were all able to spend time with families and teenagers from the churches. It was a great afternoon. Yet, by our 5:00 pm sound check, our students were "zonked!"

At 6:30 pm we participated in a three church praise service. The church was packed full of members and guests from all our three host churches--there was standing room only!

Even though the students were tired, after changing clothes and praying before the service, God was glorified and they gave their ALL in praise and worship to the Father.

After the service, our students went into the FLC and had a wonderful dessert fellowship with great Scottish desserts, coffee and of course, hot tea (they love it around here). Our students split up and sat at various tables around the room speaking to the members -- a great sharing time.

Once we finished our desserts, our students changed clothes quickly and helped tear down our sound and media system, and band equipment and loaded it up in our van and bus. After waving "goodbye for now," we surprised the tired and hungry bus travelers with McDonald's (take out) and headed toward the hotel. We arrived back to the hotel at 10:00 pm, handed out the food and told them to GET TO BED.

It was a great day of worship. Thank you for your continued prayers and words of encouragement on the blog. Please pray for Cara Cox, she has been sick for the last few days and stayed back at the hotel today with our GMP representative and Maureen Mangrum (one of our nurse extraordinaires). We ended up taking her to a doctor and she has some medicine now and is getting better. Both Maureen and Cara were waiting for us in the hotel lobby upon our arrival to say "hi!"

We prayed that your corporate worship experience went well today and were hoping that you missed us. (I still need a job upon my return from Scotland!)

Tomorrow we're off to our first school. An exciting day is ahead for our students. They will spend 1 1/2 hours in classrooms in the morning, sing our concert at 11 am, eat lunch and then 1 1/2 more hours of workshops in the afternoon. We'll take time in the late afternoon at our hotel and then back to the school for our evening concert. Continue to pray for our students as they share in the classrooms and present two concerts of praise.

Tomorrow Jenny Sorey is going to share our adventures with you. (Thought you might want a change from me for a day...) Talk to you soon --

Blessings,

Ken

Edinburgh here we come!

2009-03-21T17:38:00.026-05:00

-- DAY 3 --

Thanks for your continued prayers. For those of you who shared yesterday, I was able to share with the students this morning on our bus trip to the train station. I'll continue to do the same each day as we travel.

The students received some well earned sleep last night. Still a bit tired today, not caught up with the jet lag yet, but hopefully with tonight and Sunday night's early to bed, they'll be all energized again for the week ahead -- school concerts and evening performances.Early breakfast this morning at 7 am. Four girls arrived 10 minutes early to spend time with me since they were late to a scheduled "roll call" on the bus yesterday. (It's amazing, they never were late again today.) Tomorrow morning is a later breakfast at 8 am, except for 4 guys who get a 10 minute ahead start. (Yep, they were late for breakfast this morning.)

Everyone has been eating well -- and even during dinner tonight many tried the traditional Scottish dish called "Haggis." (You can look that up for yourself and if you want to try some, we'll make it for you upon our return home!) But back to breakfast -- a good buffet meal with usual breakfast foods with a few Scottish delights like "blood pudding."After breakfast we took off on our coach to go downtown to the train station.

The students were excited about the opportunity to see Scotland by train and I was happy to accommodate them on this special sight-seeing day to Edinburgh.

No delays, no problems, all happy once again. The train ride was enjoyable to all --some "sleepy" students took a cat nap on the train, others played cards, spoke with other passengers about Scotland and the rest looked out the window while expressing a lot of "ah's" and "wow's" as they saw beautiful Scotland towns and countryside.

Edinburg Castle was a highlight for all. So much to see, so little time.

Once they spent a few hours there, they ventured out to buy

presents for family and friends back home.

(And of course, for themselves as well!)

Once arriving back in Glasgow, we had dinner with folks at Knightswood Congregational. After a delicious meal, their members, along with our other host churches, hosted a "Ceilidh" in our honor (see video for details).

Our students loved having fellowship with people of all ages and

participated wholeheartedly in all of the evening's festivities.

Even our own Scottsman, Fraser, was dressed up for the occasion.

He looks great -- and has the accent down as well!

We ended the evening by singing a song in gratitude of their wonderful hospitality

and kindness and in honor of our Lord.

______________________________

WOW -- again, what a day! The students are off to bed after they get their clothes all pressed and ready for tomorrow morning's worship services. (For those parents who have boys, don't worry, we are pressing the shirts for them.)

-- SUNDAY HIGHLIGHTS --

We will begin the day splitting up into three groups and participate in three different worship services. Each group will sing two songs during their worship service. They will then spend the afternoon with that church either at their facilities or in church family homes. We will all meet together at one of the churches late afternoon for sound check and then participate in a three church joint evening service. It's going to be a great day of corporate worship!

Please pray for our students about their health. We have a few with sore throats -- we want them to be healthy and strong so they can truly enjoy giving their all in service and worship to our Lord.

LASTLY....FOR TODAY.....

Don't forget to check out all the pictures from our trip -- they are on the blogsite for you to view. Look at the "Mission Scotland Pictures" on the on the right side at the top of the page. These will be updated every day so you can be a part of our entire journey in Scotland!

Worshiping the One Who is the Way, the Truth and the Life -- our Lord Jesus Christ!

Ken

We're here -- in Glasgow Scotland!

2009-03-20T16:45:00.024-05:00

Greetings friends and family....

As Dave said, we're here in Glasgow! Our trip was happily uneventful -- good weather, great flights, wonderful teenagers "doing what they're supposed to be doing," and adults not getting into trouble!

Our drive to Dallas went well -- seemed longer than our 9 hour flight to London...

...guess a little sleep on the plane makes time go by a little faster!

Students were able to sit with one another and all of us were

in the same cabin on the plane.

Most of the students were able to sleep at least a little, but are very tired now (and at this moment heading to bed).

Going through security with 48 people went well. In fact, God was completely involved in our two day travels. It was so evident He was with us, from the moment we got off the bus, walked into the terminal, walked less than twenty steps to a British Airways ticket counter empty line then quickly through security and together again at the gate, He was taking care of His sheep. (Not counting a safe 6 hour bus ride to Dallas!)

Once arriving in London, we were quickly escorted by our own First Baptist Bentonville Scottish brother...

Graham Wills, who took us through customs and again through

security and then on to our connecting gate--

no problems, no worries, all happy.

Upon our arrival in Glasgow we met up with our GMP leader, Joanna, who had our bus was ready for us. Our luggage arrived quickly and we were off on our adventure in Scotland.

It's been an amazing 1 1/2 days of travel.

Once on the bus we took off for our lunch and rehearsal at Knightswood Baptist. (Our three wonderful Pastors--Alan, Alan and Gus, the team that began this exciting journey for us two years ago, were there at the airport to greet us and travel back to the church with us.)

The reception from their folk was wonderful. We ate and had a time of introductions, worship, prep work for setting up audio and media and then a short rehearsal. Finally at 4 pm we were off again to check in at the hotel, take a shower and relax a bit before dinner.

___________________________________

We're off to bed now -- all tired, full from dinner, and happy as a bear in a honey factory...

Each day we'll be posting pictures and a short video of the day's journey! So, stay tuned!!!

We truly appreciate your support, prayers and encouragement. (I will read the comments you send to our teenagers at breakfast or on our bus travels each day.)

Joyfully serving our Lord,

Ken

We Made It!

2009-03-20T13:08:00.002-05:00

Just a very quick note, we did make it to Glasgow safely and with very little delay! Praise The Lord! We are quickly going to dinner (It's 6:00pm here) and will fill you all in on what went on today a little later on. Thanks for all your prayers!

Dave Roberts

DAY ONE -- travel time

2009-03-19T06:54:00.008-05:00

Good morning everyone. We thank you for coming on the web today to pray for us as we travel.

TRAVEL PLANS FOR TODAY:

Today we're leaving the church on a bus toward Dallas. We'll be leaving Dallas for our 9 hour flight at 5:30 pm on our flight to London, transfer and then get into Glasgow at 11:30 am tomorrow morning (6:30 am our time).

I don't know when we'll be able to update our blog today, but beginning tomorrow we will share our day's adventure, including pictures and video, on the blog. Don't miss keeping up with us. I will also share prayer requests and anything else that we want you to know while we're traveling. Get the word out for us so that others can also keep up with us.

We truly appreciate your support, encouragement, and prayers. Thank you for sharing the love of Christ with us!

Lord, bless our travel today. May we be an example of "Christ in us, the hope of glory" to all that we come in contact with today. Help us to shine Your light to our bus driver, airport personnel, and flight crew. In Jesus name, Amen.

Sharing Christ's love,

Ken

Bringing Good News

2009-03-18T09:49:00.017-05:00

Don't ya'll look good...such sweet, soft spoken teenagers...right?...right!!!.....

Looking foward to worshiping with you many,

many times during our Scotland trip!

1 DAY TILL MISSION SCOTLAND!

We leave tomorrow!.....

I can see you walking through the jetway right now w/your carry on bag...

ready to sit on a plane for 9 hours....

Ok, now I can see you looking through the plane window as they pull away

from the gate....oh, maybe you're looking over someone

who's at the window seat, 'cause you got stuck with the middle seat....

no, sorry, it's your servant spirit, thanks for giving up your window seat

and taking the middle one!...

Time to take-off -- leave our homeland to share with people from

another nation the Love of God. You're ready! Let's do it!!!

Ok, now you've started your movie and ready to eat dinner....here it is...

the white balls are potatoes...sorry, no french fries...

don't worry, it tastes good enough....

(but you may want to have a breakfast bar....ha)

While you're eating your "delicious meal," just remember the places you get to see on this mission trip....here's a picture of our hotel!.....cool huh!!!

(just kidding...but it is a picture of a building you'll see on Saturday)

__________________________

YESTERDAY'S SONIC QUESTION WINNER IS:

HANNAH JOHNSON

Picture of youth choir -- see Hannah worshiping!...thank you for giving your all in worship, Hannah...your heart felt expression of praise to our Lord is evident to all who worship with you!

Today's devotional speaks about Spiritual transformation. "Through the Messiah, God would bring a fresh start to the world. Beauty instead of ashes, gladness instead of mourning, praise instead of despair." Is this quickly? No, spiritual transformation is a long-term endeavor which involves both God and each of us. We must be willing to be transformed into His image. And those who have been transformed will be noticed by the world.

Romans 12:2 (New International Version)

²Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Lord, continue to work in and through me every day. Help me to be open to allowing you to "train my sails to capture Your wind and blow me across the ocean of life."

_______________________________

TODAY'S SONIC QUESTION OF THE DAY:

What is the one thing that the Spirit of God is making you so excited about for this mission trip to Scotland?

This is our last Sonic question...thank you to all of you who have commented on the blogsite. I have been blessed by your thoughts and prayers!

Ok, now finish up getting packed....don't forget to look on your list in your binder to be sure that you have everything that you need. Place GMP bag tag on your checked bag. See you bright and shining in the morning at 7:30 am!

TOMORROW WE WILL BEGIN TO GIVE HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR TRIP. THERE WILL BE PICTURES AND VIDEO HIGHLIGHTING EACH DAY'S JOURNEY. WE THANK ALL OF YOU VISITING OUR SITE DAILY AND CONTINUE TO ASK FOR YOUR DAILY PRAYERS DURING OUR ENTIRE TRIP.

Bringing the Good News to all who will listen,

Ken

Boasting in the Lord

2009-03-17T09:17:00.011-05:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!....

If you're Irish, did you wear green today?

(I guess they have Irish cats...?...)

Again, a special thanks to Jenny, Robert and Julie for taking time in writing our 30 day devotional. We know that it took much time and energy to prepare this for us and we truly appreciate your willingness to be used by God in this important way!

Tomorrow is our last one and then we begin our trip 10 day devotional written by our own Bro. Randy. When you see these folks in the near future, thank them personally and let them know how much you have been blessed by their devotional thoughts each day!

ONLY THREE DAYS BEFORE WE LEAVE...TAKING OFF TO SCOTLAND!

Are you packed yet?....

A special thanks to Jenny for writing the blog yesterday. I'm still a little "under the weather," but am gonna live. Carly, I'm beginning my Emergen - C today. Thank you all for your prayers!

As I read Jenny's blog and yesterday's devotional and scripture, it reminded me of piano keys. Not one key is more important than the other. And in fact, it would sound pretty unbearable if you just played one key all the time.

But when you play many of the keys in a beautiful melody it sounds incredible. That's like our spiritual gifts. God has given each of us at least one spiritual gift. When we use them in the body of Christ, it's like a beautiful melody on a piano -- all "playing" their part, using their gift for His glory, honor and service.

Today's devotional was powerful and humbling as well! Worldly wisdom and Godly wisdom -- they don't match. Our devotional today says that "from God's position and perspective, nothing has changed. Rather, He has chosen the lowly. Why? To confound the things that are mighty."

1 Corinthians 1:26-27 (New International Version)

²⁶Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. ²⁷But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

Let's paraphrase it -- now read what it says:

1 Corinthians 1:26-27 (The Message)

^26-31Take a good look, friends, at who you were when you got called into this life. I don't see many of "the brightest and the best" among you, not many influential, not many from high-society families. Isn't it obvious that God deliberately chose men and women that the culture overlooks and exploits and abuses, chose these "nobodies" to expose the hollow pretensions of the "somebodies"? That makes it quite clear that none of you can get by with blowing your

own horn before God. Everything that we have—right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start—comes from God by way of Jesus Christ. That's why we have the saying, "If you're going to blow a horn, blow a trumpet for God."

MY PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for allowing me to be used by You -- for Your glory, honor and purposes. May I never boast in myself, but only in You. As Paul wrote in 1 Cor. 2:2 - "For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified." May I present the Gospel message to others through the message of the cross with a loving heart and a humble spirit.

_______________________________

YESTERDAY'S SONIC QUESTION WINNER IS:

TEE CALLIHAN

Thanks for sharing Tee! We are looking forward to having you share on the trip. Don't worry about the flight -- we're with you and most importantly, God is with you!

TODAY'S SONIC QUESTION OF THE DAY:

Write a prayer to God, asking God to use us as He desires during MissionScotland. Also, that we may present the Gospel through the message of the cross with a loving heart and humble spirit.

Boasting in the Lord,

Ken

It takes a whole village....

2009-03-16T18:12:00.011-05:00

Today's devotion is all about serving together in unity! Remind you of a song you've heard lately? Wow! That was exactly what the song was about that the children's choir sang to us yesterday for our send-off!

Romans 12:4-8

"Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully."

Have you taken time to ask God what your spiritual gift is? Has He revealed those special qualities that He has placed in you that He wants you to use to help grow His Kingdom and honor Him?

We must serve together in unity because alone we will serve unevenly! What I mean is, we are both weak and strong - strong in the gift(s) God has given us but weak in other areas. We need to be linked to the Body of Christ, other believers, so that we can have a balanced ministry. We minister to others out of our strengths and we depend on the ministry and gifts of other believers in our areas of weakness.

YESTERDAY'S SONIC WINNER

CARLY SOREY

Thank you Carly for sharing from your heart! I look forward to reading what you write each day (well, almost each day - you've been pretty good about commenting each day!)

Bro. Ken is not feeling very chipper - he's a sick guy! So, that is why the blog is being written so late today! I have been running Scotland errands today and just got home! Lots to do in just two days! Yeah! Let's all wish Bro. Ken a "Get Well Soon" wish!

Thank you Ken for all you do! We all love you and hope you are feeling your "chipper" self soon!

Have you started your packing? Ms. Plunk shared a website that you can go to and create an interactive packing list. I haven't tried it yet, but I did include a link here for you to try it out.

http://www.independenttraveler.com/packing/

I just don't want to forget anything!!!

Also, Ms. Stephanie Elliott shared some reminders today on email - make sure you are checking your email these next few days!

With the "yucky-sickies" that have seemed to creep in, I would recommend getting some Emergen-C! We live by it at our house (and the Word, of course! Ha!) You can get it at Walgreens for sure and at health food stores. I know that SAMS carries a big box of it up front in the vitamin section. I usually drink it in a little glass of orange juice, but you can put it in any juice or water. It is a big boost of Vitamin C and contains other "germ fighting" vitamins and minerals! It works GREAT!

TODAY'S SONIC QUESTION:

What are you doing in obedience to Romans 12 to fulfill your responsibilities to the body of Christ?

Filling in for the Big Guy -

Jenny Blue-Sorey

Follow Me!

2009-03-15T12:56:00.009-05:00

Today's devotional said a powerful statement: "the proof of one's love for God is sacrificial service--feeding our Lord's sheep." The Lord's saying to all of us: Do you really love me -- if so, then let my passion be your passion -- take care of My sheep...lay down your life for the sheep." Love manifests itself in service -- humble, sacrificial, service.

How amazing and timely it was to have The Children of the World at our church today. Their mission is to feed, cloth and take care of 1 million children. Today's devotional scripture about taking care of Jesus' sheep was so timely.

Lord, help me to keep my eyes not on myself, but on You.

Help my focus be on You, my love for You, and my service to the ones you love.

YESTERDAY'S SONIC WINNER IS:

HANNAH MONTGOMERY

(picture of Hannah and Rebekah, another 412 Praise member)

Congrats, my daugher Hannah! Your steadfastness and faithfulness to answering each day's blog question has allowed you many possible opportunities to win. Hannah, and each Scotland student, keep on keeping on. Continue to read your daily blog, prayer to our Father, and serve the Lord with gladness!

ONLY 4 DAYS TILL WE TAKE OFF!!!

Have you started packing yet?....begin to lay out all of your clothes now...don't wait till the last minute 'cause you'll end up forgetting something. Try not to overpack, remember the weight limit...50 lbs.

TODAY'S SONIC QUESTION OF THE DAY:

What is one way that you are currently showing

God's love to His sheep?

How do you think that you can show His love to

those we meet in Scotland?

Letting God's passion be my passion,

Ken

Bear much fruit

2009-03-14T11:12:00.011-05:00

John 15:16 (NIV)

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last.

Today's devotion tells us that a "true Christian remains in Jesus, and has an intimate relationship with Him." Jesus told us that He is the vine and the Father is the gardner. He wants us to be fruitful. How? Jesus said: "Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me."

Are you bearing fruit or are you busy with preoccupations and other priorities that fill up your life -- giving no room for God to work in and through you? Truly, the most fruitful believers are those who have been pruned over and over by God and whose strength and life source is from our Savior!

YESTERDAY'S SONIC WINNER IS:

CARA COX

Cara, thank you for sharing from your heart. I'm so excited to see that you're sold out to sharing God's love to everyone that you meet. You are in my prayers, in all our prayers -- may God be glorified, honored and exalted in your daily walk with Him.

Are you ready to fully trust God with your entire life?

Are you ready to fully follow His commands?

John 15:12-14

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.

I found this picture and made me think of love -- loving friends. It also reminded me of our special guests at church tomorrow: The Children of the World. I can't wait to worship with these precious children who come to us from all over the world.

________________________________

I want to thank Jenny once again for sharing her testimony with you yesterday on the blog. We are all going to have many scheduled opportunities to share our faith with others during our entire trip. I agree with Jenny when she shared that we need to share how we felt before knowing Jesus, what made us want and feel that we needed His salvation, and what has happened since accepting Jesus as Savior and Lord.

Here's my testimony:

My childhood days were spent playing with school friends, doing homework, chores, and Sunday drives with my family. You can say that I had a "typical" childhood. Both my parents used to be "church-goers," but like many other people, something happened that turned them away from the church at an early age.

My first encounter with God was in the sixth grade through friends of my parents. They wanted to pick me up and take me with them to church. Like Jenny, I too began attending church by going on a church bus. These friends drove one of the church buses on Sunday mornings and picked up children as well as entire families and took them to church.

My first Sunday was exciting! I was greeted by the other passengers on the bus, escorted to my Bible study class with other kids my age, welcomed by other kids my age, and greeted by others in the morning service. I'll never forget this day because people showed kindness, compassion and love toward me.

Weeks passed, and I soon became aware of the person Jesus Christ and my need for forgiveness for my sin nature. Through reading the Bible, and my new friends sharing scripture with me, I soon realized that: "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" and that "the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord." I discovered that God loved me so much that He gave His one and only Son so that I would not perish, but could have eternal life through faith in Him. Within a month I knew what I must do: admit that I am a sinner, ask for forgiveness, and confess Jesus as Lord for He is the way, the truth, and the life and no one comes to the Father but through Him. I did just that, and my life changed forever on that day because I felt a love from God that filled me like nothing else in my entire life.

As I began my life with God, I wanted to know more about Him. So, I not only got involved with my local church through Bible study and worship, but I spent time daily in God's Word and through prayer. As I grew older, I became more and more open to allow God to work in and through me. Jesus said that "I came so they can have eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of." I cannot imagine my life without Him!

__________________________________

TODAY'S SONIC QUESTION OF THE DAY:

The verses that we read today are so powerful; so much the Savior is saying to us.

Please write down one of the verses from our devotional that was so meaningful to you today.

Christ living in me,

Ken

Serving with Urgency

2009-03-13T09:11:00.023-05:00

Today's devotion is from John 9:1-7.

As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me.

Night is coming, when no one can work.

While I am in the world, I am the light of the world. (vs. 4 & 5)

Jesus knew that His time on earth was short - He served with a sense of urgency! He was confident in His mission and served with a grateful, urgent heart! Do you know your mission?

How often do you work for the Lord with a sense of urgency, knowing that the time may be short for those around you to hear the Good News of Jesus?

One way we can share with others is by sharing our testimony - our personal story of how Jesus changed our lives and came into our hearts to be our Savior. It is important for you to be able to share with others what the change that becoming a Christian has meant to you.

Your testimony should be broad enough that those who have never heard about Christ and His promise of salvation can understand. As we embark on this trip to Scotland, you will have opportunities to share with others your own personal story. Keep in mind that your story is more effective when you share "why" you felt you needed Christ in your life. Give a clear and understandable reason as to why you needed this change in your life. And then share "what" has been the most important change in your life since you have surrendered your heart and life to Christ. You may have a lot of details like "DNow", "Falls Creek" or "Kanakuk" - most people will not know what these places are, so you could say things like "youth camp" or "youth group" - you don't have to share exact camp or church names or names of people. Remember that the core of your testimony is that you "needed" Christ in your life - and the "change" He has made since you surrendered to Him! These are the things you will want to focus on.

I thought that I might share a brief testimony with you about my salvation experience and my growth as a Christian.

When I was about 6 years old, the bus ministry at a local church in my hometown, came to our house to visit. My family and I were not attending church at that time and did not realize what it meant to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

I started riding the church bus every Sunday and eventually, my entire family started driving to church together! I began learning about God's love through Bible stories and then about the ultimate gift of God's love, His sending His own son, Jesus, to earth to be born, to die and to be ressurected - all to take care of my sin!

Wow! As a young child, this seemed like such a mystery to me. I knew that it was something important, but I didn't really realize just how important it was until I was 15 years old. My family and I were very active in our church, but not until I turned 15 did I realize that I had never surrendered my life to the Lord. I didn't participate in any real "bad" things - no partying or outwardly sinful habits, but I felt a void in my life. I never could find "purpose" in the things that I did.

When I was 15, I was at a Christian concert and the songs that were sung had a message in them that spoke so directly to me! Time was set aside at the end of the concert for people to come forward and pray at the altar.

I went forward and accepted Jesus as my Savior that night. I remember feeling such joy that evening. I knew that in Christ I had found that purpose I had been looking for.

As I continue to grow in Christ by reading my Bible and praying and being involved in my church, I am learning that God holds the key to all of my life's mysteries! Why would I want to trust in anybody or anything else? The night that I gave my life to the Lord, I gave Him control of the steering wheel, I surrendered everything to Him; but being a Christian means that I DAILY have to step aside and let Him work in me. I have to seek His will in His Word, I have to pray to Him and listen for His voice. Not audibly, although that would be wonderful, but in the things He shows me in His Word and the way He quickens my heart to serve Him.

I can't imagine what my life would be like now without the Lord at the helm - guiding my path through uncharted waters! I have a true confidence that Jesus Christ is looking out for me and I know that when my time on earth is finished - I have the promise of an eternal life in heaven with the Lord of Lords & King of Kings!

So, now it's your turn.....share a brief testimony about your life before knowing Jesus as your Savior and what your life is like now. Share it here on the blog or prepare it on a sheet of paper. By writing out your testimony, you have taken time to really think about the most important points and are prepared to share it with those who may not have a testimony of their own! Always be ready to give an account of your salvation!

Okay...

YESTERDAY'S SONIC WINNER IS........

Jenny Sorey......

Just kidding.....it's really.....

Hannah Johnson!

Keep up the comments Hannah - and everyone else who visits this blog!

I am so inspired to read what everyone writes and shares! It is so encouraging to see a light in this generation of our youth - ya'll keep on shining!

And today's Sonic challenge is...

Share a brief testimony of why you are going

on this mission trip to Scotland.

What is your mission?

And what do you hope to share with those you

come in contact with?

Love in His Name -

Jenny Blue-Sorey

Speaking out with compassion

2009-03-12T11:09:00.012-05:00

Was it hard to find Jonah in your Bible? This Old Testament book has only four chapters -- a small book with a BIG story! A lot of children's books have been written, along with pictures, retelling this important Bible story.

Books, felt boards and children's play ground sets have used this story.

Even cartoons have been written that use this Bible story.

There are so many lessons that we can learn from this book. In our devotional today we studied the last chapter from the book of Jonah. God shares that he loves these people, all 120,000 of them -- but did not love their sin. When they repented and turned from their wicked ways, He heard them and "relented concerning the calamity which He had declared He would bring upon them."

God loved Ninevah and he loves Glasgow too. "He sees the broken hearts and broken lives of those who live and work there. He sees the the people -- lost and confused and loves them. When Jonah saw the city, he saw only the problems, but when God saw it, he saw the people. May we find God's compassion inside of us and desire to reach out not only to the people in Glasgow, but the people where we live -- here in Bentonville, Rogers, Bella Vista, etc...

May each of us pray that God will humble our hearts and see what He sees in the cities around us. May we see the hurting people, not just the sin.

Lord, help us to share your love with others everywhere we go. Help us to be willing to open up ourselves and allow You to shine through and speak through us your love, grace, and mercy.

YESTERDAY'S SONIC QUESTION WINNER IS:

CARA COX

Thank you Cara for sharing on the blog site. I appreciate all of you who have taken the time to share your thoughts, prayers and praises with me and all of those who are reading this blog.

Only 7 more days before we take off, fly past the moon, and make our way to another country...a place filled with people who need to know God's love.

Are you ready?....packed yet?...rested up?....I am praying that you will have some good "down time" this Saturday so that you can be refreshed starting your last three days of school next week.

TODAY'S SONIC QUESTION OF THE DAY:

Tell me your favorite part of the book of Jonah. What does this book say to you today?

Speaking out,

Ken

Bless the Lord, O my soul

2009-03-11T14:08:00.011-05:00

Isn't Psalm 103 a wonderful chapter? It just makes you want to praise God! Our devotional today speaks about God's blessings, listing so many that God gives us (found in Psalm 103). Read that list again and then give a BIG PRAISE SHOUT to our God for His inclusive, inexpressible grace! Spend time today praising God in gratitude of His amazing goodness!

We started our counter on the blog yesterday and already have 98 folks who visited yesterday. Feel free folks to comment with the day's Sonic question if you wish. (You don't get the Sonic card, but we would love to hear from you.)

YESTERDAY'S BLOG WINNER IS:

FRASER WILLS

A big CONGRATS man.....you're the first guy who has won....yeah, way to go!!!

Thanks for taking the time to share on the blogsite.

Our Sonic friends are excited for you today Fraz.....

Only 8 more days before we take off.....

Keep praying...seeking His face every day! Ask Him to give you guidance and direction of what you still need to do in order for you to be mentally, physically, and spiritually prepared.

__________________________

TODAY'S SONIC QUESTION OF THE DAY:

What verse from Psalm 103 stands out and really speaks to you today?

IT'S COMING:

On Friday, we will have another guest sharing on our blog--Jenny Sorey. Yes, the world-renown speaker, writer, singer, and all around good egg, Jenny!

She will be giving you hints about sharing your testimony in Scotland. Jenny will also share her own testimony on the blog. Then on Saturday, I will share my testimony with you. We hope that these two will help give you a few ideas of the important things that you need to share with someone who does not have a personal relationship with Christ.

This Sunday, during our final meeting, we will pass out your testimonies to you in order for you to look over and help you in preparation for sharing on our trip. It is my desire that we have at least two folks share their testimony each day during our evening program. We will let you know that morning who is sharing during the evening program. (This will give those individuals time to pray during that day before they share.)

Blessing His Holy Name,

Ken

Praise God!

2009-03-10T09:36:00.013-05:00

Psalm 100 has always blessed me. Every time that I read it, speak it and meditate on it. We are all exhorted to praise God.

Here's a picture of a church who put it on their building...

Take time today and read it again...slowly...say it outloud in praise to our Lord! Read it in another Bible translation --

Psalm 100 (The Message)

A Thanksgiving Psalm

^1-2 On your feet now—applaud God! Bring a gift of laughter,

sing yourselves into his presence.

³ Know this: God is God, and God, God.

He made us; we didn't make him.

We're his people, his well-tended sheep.

⁴ Enter with the password: "Thank you!"

Make yourselves at home, talking praise.

Thank him. Worship him.

⁵ For God is sheer beauty,

all-generous in love,

loyal always and ever.

Let's give a shout to the Lord....let's serve Him with joyful abandon...being thankful for His lovingkindness and faithfulness.

___________________________

9 Days till we leave!...can you believe it?!! You have worked hard over the past year in preparation for this exciting adventure with God. It's almost time to get on the plane and have some great airline food, ... well, let's just say "eat something."

a picture of one of the British Airways planes...ours will be bigger

Almost time to fly to England and then to Scotland. Do you remember where Glasgow is? Take a look on the map below...

You can also see where Edinburgh is. We are going there on Saturday...

Here's a pic of the castle we're going to visit. (I told you it was a steep climb!)

___________________________

YESTERDAY'S SONIC WINNER IS:

TEE CALLIHAN

Congrats Tee...thanks for commenting on the blog!

(This is a picture of her trying to figure Fraser out...she's a bit concerned for our Scottish friend...but he does play a mean drumset!)

___________________________

Psalm 100
² Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.

How is your memorization going? Have you had some time to listen to your CD? I think that most of you have it all down. But just for desiring to give excellence to our Lord, take a bit of time this week and listen to your songs once again, especially "Hero."

TODAY'S SONIC QUESTION OF THE DAY:
Tell me of a time that you served the Lord
with gladness (100:2)

Meditate on this today:
Psalm 100:5
⁵ For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Joyfully Serving,
Ken

A witness for God

2009-03-09T14:04:00.010-05:00

Called...

we are called to live for God and share His Word and Message

with others -- daily!

Thank you again for giving of yourself yesterday as we shared His Message to the folks at Eagle Heights. I have received numerous phone calls and emails today from people who were truly blessed at your expression of worship. Thank you for showing God's love not only through the words of the songs and narrations, but through your expressions and great worship as you lifted up His name in praise and adoration! WOW -- what a night!!! I can't wait to worship with you in each school. My prayer is that Christ will be honored, exalted and glorified and that students and adults will see His love in you and shine through you in everything you say and do.

Today's devotional really puts to light the we need to continue to "work to preserve our witness and to grow our relationship with God..." We must also realize that we need just be faithful -- and allow God to use us as He pleases -- whatever and however that may be! "Be faithful to prepare, stay focused and have the proper intent and God will be responsible for the results; He is the one that is in control of the message, the messenger, and the audience."

My prayer: (pray with me if you believe this too)

Lord, help us to be bold in sharing our faith on a daily basis and serving You with our whole heart -- knowing that we're not responsible for the outcome, but only to be willing to share. Forgive me when we have been too busy or too scared or focused on other things than sharing our faith with others. I dedicate this trip for Your glory -- use me in anyway that you desire. Amen.

YESTERDAY'S SONIC WINNER IS:

HANNAH JOHNSON

Thank you Hannah for your continuous thoughts on the blogsite. You truly have a gift of writing and many have shared to me how blessed they are by your thoughts. Keep it up -- God is using you in so many ways!

Keep on -- keeping on folks....only 10 days before we leave. Continue to pray for God's mighty hand to be on us as we faithfully serve Him with our whole being!

So, did y'all read Fraser's blog yesterday? How about Tee's....that both had be rolling on the floor!....(I really didn't think that the person on the video was Fraser -- he had such a "high" voice ... much younger dude....)

TODAY'S SONIC QUESTION:

Share with me one of your prayers about this mission trip that we may pray with you!

Focused on Christ,

Ken

Great worship tonight!

2009-03-08T20:09:00.012-05:00

412 Praise -- you look marvelous!.....fantastic.....your new formal outfits look great on you! A special thanks to Stephanie for helping me design our girl's choir dress. And guys -- what can I say -- but you don't look bad in black!....and even better in ties!

Students, thank you for your hard work and dedication to this worship ministry. Your hard work and diligence paid off! God received the glory, honor and praise tonight as you lead others to His throne of worship at Eagle Heights Church.

I appreciate your great work each Sunday afternoon. Your hours of memory work, music learning, narration memorization, and spiritual training has prepared you for tonight and for mission scotland! Thank you again for giving of yourself in order to give Him praise and allow others to see Christ in you.

Today's devotional says that when we enter times of confusion, insecurity, and fright, God can help us to be nourished. He can take care of our physical and spiritual needs. Trust God -- listen to His voice for He is a constant source of strength and joy! Trust Him in both the good and bad times.

YESTERDAY'S SONIC WINNER IS:

AARYN ELLIOTT

Good job Aaryn! (Don't look so surprised...have a smoothie on us!...)

Thank you to all who have responded on the comment page.

I appreciate your dedication to doing your devotion every day!

Only eleven days before we leave. Can you believe it? I think we had a great 4 pm meeting today, accomplishing a lot! I hope that this time has helped you prepare for our upcoming trip. A special thanks to Teresa for sharing tips for packing our suitcase and our carry on bag.

A Special Award for:

Teresa -- for all her detailed work for missionscotland09 and keeping our 412 praise ministry going

Stephanie -- for her everyday missionscotland work and for keeping me on schedule and focused

Jenny-- for helping with narrations, trip binder, song selection and many numerous details

Timesia -- for her great work with our important prayer team

Dave -- for his hours and weeks preparing our videos and media for the trip

Chad -- for numerous rehearsals in helping to prepare the band for our trip

We could not be where we are in our

preparations without folks!!!

Only 10 days left before we leave. Keep on keeping on with your devotional, scripture memory work, daily prayer time, narration memorization and everything else you're doing to get ready to go. Continue to pray for good health -- for you and everyone traveling in our group!

TODAY'S SONIC QUESTION IS:

Tell me about your worship experience tonight at Eagle Heights.

Praising our Lord,

Ken

When You Cannot Finish The Task

2009-03-07T15:17:00.013-06:00

Hi everyone...

This is Dave filling in for Ken, as he's down in Little Rock today. How has your daily devotional been going? I know there's a ton going on, but it really is a blessing to my life to go through this book and the scriptures everyday. Today we were reading in Acts at Jesus'

ascension to Heaven. Before he ascended, Jesus said that the apostles would receive power from the Holy Spirit, and would be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the end of the earth. These are commands that are for us as every Christian and every Church. We are to be witnesses wherever we go, whether it's Bentonville or Glasgow. We are to be obedient to the call, which is all that He requires. We cannot save anyone, and none of this is because of our own power, but we are to be fully submitted to His will, and He will take care of the rest! This is His promise throughout all of scripture, and we see it fulfilled time and time again.

YESTERDAY'S SONIC CARD WINNER IS:

MARY MANGRUM

Congratulations! Glad to have you on the blogsite.

I've really been listening alot to Keith Green, who died in 1981, but who's words are incredibly powerful even to listen to today...maybe even more so. Listen to this song called "He'll Take Care of The Rest"

WORDS TO LIVE BY...

Today's Sonic Question is:

What Chapter in Acts did Jesus fulfill his promise to His Apostles by sending the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost?

Leave a comment below and see if you win a Sonic Gift Card!

Thanks for stopping by today, and we'll see you all tomorrow for a very busy day! Pray that He blesses our time together!

Dave

Following God through His Word and Prayer

2009-03-06T12:52:00.011-06:00

Today's devotional speaks about following God -- seeking Him for guidance and direction. "Leaning on God, following His guidance through what we read, and what He reveals to us in prayer is just like having a flashlight in a dark room, it helps us see our path and not stumble."

"If you follow God's guidance through His Word and prayer, you can have great peace just like having the light in a dark room" (today's devotional)

A scripture passage that has brought me peace when seeking

God's guidance is found in Proverbs 3:5-6 --

⁵ Trust in the LORD with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

⁶ in all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make your paths straight.

Father, help us to lean on You and follow Your guidance through prayer and the Bible. Keep our paths straight as we seek Your face and direction for our lives each and every day! Amen.

YESTERDAY'S SONIC WINNER IS:

HANNAH MONTGOMERY

picture of Hannah w/sis on airplane.

(See, folks, it's going to be fun on the plane...don't be nervous!)

Congratulations Hannah! It is worth getting on the blog and making a comment,

even when you're sick with the flu!

Thanks to all of the comments. They have been a blessing to all who read them. Chad randomly picked the winner today. Speaking of Chad, he'll be having a birthday on our first day on our mission trip. Yes, he'll be 29 years old on Thursday, March 19th. Let's all surprise him with a card or little token from each of us expressing our own appreciation of all he does for 412 Praise and in preparation for this mission trip. Surprise him yourself as you get on the bus on Thursday!

(picture of Mandy and Chad playing 007's .... some of my favorite movies...)

TODAY'S SONIC QUESTION IS:

What is one thing today that you're leaning on God for guidance?

Following His light,

Ken

The True Measure of Greatness

2009-03-05T15:20:00.009-06:00

What is great to you? Think about who you consider is "great." Why do you think this person great? Is he/she really good at something? Has this person won awards or achieved fame?

Does this person have a lot of money or material possessions? Is he/she kind and compassionate? I wonder if what we consider great would be the same thing that God considers great.

Tony the Tiger says: "They're great!"

Media bombards us with what the world says is great, cool and "in." Do you follow what the world considers is great or do you follow what God says is great?

Psalm 145:3 (New International Version)

³ Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;

his greatness no one can fathom.

Lamentations 3:22-24 (New International Version)

²² Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,

for his compassions never fail. ²³ They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ²⁴ I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."

Matthew 18

The Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven

¹At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked,

"Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" ²He called a little child and had him stand among them. ³And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. ⁴Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ⁵"And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.

Matthew 20:26-28 (New International Version)

^26... whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, ²⁷and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— ²⁸just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Philippians 3:8

What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.

What do you think about this comment above?

Do you find your self image in what others think of you or in who you are in Christ? Deep, huh? Think about it, 'cause it could change your whole way of thinking...which then can change your whole way of living!

Have you ever done something for good, but with the wrong motivation? Have you ever told God that you wanted to serve Him but only with restrictions -- doing it your way or no way? God has truly blessed us with the opportunity to be apart of His work -- but He always wants us to do it His way.

What do you actions tell you about your motivation and focus in serving our Lord? Our devotion today says that God is looking at the motivation and intent of our actions in our service to our Lord. We need to follow the example that Jesus set for us by spending time daily in the Word and building a relationship with God through prayer.

YESTERDAY'S SONIC WINNER IS:

RAVEN RILEY

Congratulations Raven. It was good to have you on the blog. Thanks to all who have been sharing their comments on the blog. Keep it up!

TODAY'S SONIC QUESTION OF THE DAY:

In what area of your life is God growing you right now?

Following Him,

Ken

Create in me a clean heart, O God

2009-03-04T15:57:00.006-06:00

Psalm 51:10-13 (New International Version)

¹⁰ Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

¹¹ Do not cast me from your presence

or take your Holy Spirit from me.

¹² Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

¹³ Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will turn back to you.

Today's scripture is so moving, so vulnerable. David's contrite heart and prayer for pardon is so real through these verses. Our devotional today says that the great news is that God can cleanse those sins and clear our path if we will let Him. He can repair us and give strength to resist the sin that so easily entangles us if we are willing to turn away from it and constantly seek and ask for His guidance and strength. WOW.

I love what verse 13 says..."Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will be converted to You." The Message translation says it this way:

Commute my death sentence, God, my salvation God,

and I'll sing anthems to your life-giving ways.

Unbutton my lips, dear God;

I'll let loose with your praise.

Pray with me that each of us will let loose what is tying us down from completely, whole-heartedly, abandon praise and service to our Lord -- so we can let loose with His praise!

YESTERDAY'S SONIC WINNER OF THE DAY IS:

HANNAH JOHNSON

Here' a great picture of Hannah worshiping our Lord

during a Sunday night Worship Service with 412 Praise

Congrats Hannah! Thank you for continuing to share on the blog. Your insights and openness have been refreshing to all who have read them. Keep it up!

TODAY'S SONIC QUESTION OF THE DAY:

Tell me your thoughts on the verses 10-13 from today's scripture (Psalm 51).

What do they mean to you?

Joyfully serving,

Ken

Maintaining Focus...

2009-03-03T15:03:00.012-06:00

What or who is distracting you?

What or who stands in Your way from maintaining

your focus on God?

We must continue to maintain focus on this trip. What is our focus? (I know you know, but want to emphasis it again...you know, like teachers do everyday.) Today's devotional shares what our focus is: to witness to those around us through music, actions and words.

The Israelites became distracted by the obstacles they heard from the spies' report -- the fortified and large cities and men of great size. Why did some of the spies give a negative report, yet Caleb and Joshua said to go and take possession of it? Our devotion said that Caleb and Joshua did not lose sight of the fact that God is in control and that He would be working the miracles to bring them the land of milk and honey.

We, too, need to not get distracted or scared. God HAS put this trip together and has provided the opportunity, resources, the chosen the people to go. Just remember Who's in control -- Who's the boss -- GOD.

Lord, may you stay in control of this entire trip. May you speak through me, through all of us. In a life-changing way, work in and through us. May we not loose site of You and become incapacitated by any obstacles which want to distract us from Your work. Thank you, in advance, for what You are going to do and for the pleasure of being a part of Your work in Glasgow.

YESTERDAY'S SONIC QUESTION WINNER IS:

HANNAH MONTGOMERY

Congratulations daughter!...I know that this doesn't make you feel better right now when you have the flu, but once you're better you can have a Sonic slush!...Ooo, yeah!...

I am so excited that we have two new students going with us on this trip. Yes, it's a miracle and a blessing from God above! Our two new missionscotland09 students are:

NATALIE

TAYLOR

Please join me in welcoming these two new folks. Help them in catching up with us in our devotion and Scotland information. Thankfully, they already know all the music!

TODAY'S SONIC QUESTION OF THE DAY:

Tell me about a time in your life that you had an obstacle or distraction which was hindering you from following the Lord and were able to overcome it and accomplish what God desired you to do.

Keeping my eyes on Him,

Ken

Mission Scotland 09

It's Already Been A Month!!!

Made it!

Finishing the Race. . .

God is Good -- all the time!

Energized to serve!

Knightswood Primary - Saved by the Bell!

Worship the Lord, come before His presence with singing!

Edinburgh here we come!

We're here -- in Glasgow Scotland!

We Made It!

DAY ONE -- travel time

Bringing Good News

Romans 12:2 (New International Version)

Boasting in the Lord

1 Corinthians 1:26-27 (New International Version)

1 Corinthians 1:26-27 (The Message)

It takes a whole village....

Follow Me!

Bear much fruit

Serving with Urgency

Speaking out with compassion

Bless the Lord, O my soul

Praise God!

Psalm 100

2 Worship the LORD with gladness;

come before him with joyful songs.

How is your memorization going? Have you had some time to listen to your CD? I think that most of you have it all down. But just for desiring to give excellence to our Lord, take a bit of time this week and listen to your songs once again, especially "Hero."

TODAY'S SONIC QUESTION OF THE DAY:

Tell me of a time that you served the Lord

with gladness (100:2)

Meditate on this today:

Psalm 100:5

Joyfully Serving,

Ken

A witness for God

Great worship tonight!

When You Cannot Finish The Task

Following God through His Word and Prayer

The True Measure of Greatness

Psalm 145:3 (New International Version)

3 Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;

Lamentations 3:22-24 (New International Version)

Matthew 18

The Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven

Matthew 20:26-28 (New International Version)

Create in me a clean heart, O God

Psalm 51:10-13 (New International Version)

Maintaining Focus...

² Worship the LORD with gladness;

³ Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;