Garthspool Evangel

I attended Garthspool Evangelical Church in Lerwick last Sunday evening, which is essentially a Sunday night mission. Led by popular and widely known Ulsterman, Maynard Love, resplendent in three-piece suit and orange tie (naturally). Forty to fifty of us sang good, old-fashioned hymns and heard a warm-hearted gospel talk. Afterwards, endless supplies of cake were distributed and bottomless teapots were poured. A good number were away, I was told; some Baptist church had arranged a members’ meeting. As a visitor, I had been asked to ‘give a word’. I briefly explained about our plans to reach out and plant, and that the Lord had not forgotten His promise to build His church, even when so many of its properties were empty and emptying, selling or sold.

The Victorian-sounding piano, the gospel hymns, the earnest appeals: it all reminded me of better times. 

It was after 10pm that we got away, the regulars being keen to speak to the southerners in their midst; one had been to a place called 'Yakshire' and wondered if we were close by.

My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust. Isaiah 51:5

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