Bern Talks

I'm rejoicing! Things went GREAT at the church today!! Not only did God use my testimony in a big way but I now have MANY opportunities to speak in other Scottish churches and also in LONDON next year!!! Can you believe it??

It all began on Friday night when Jeff and I met Pastor John McPake, a Church of Scotland minister here in Edinburgh. He has a real heart for the lost and partners with other evangelical churches in South Edinburgh to do evangelism and outreach. We had a great venison dinner together and watched the video of my Cochabamba mission trip. He cried the entire time at how the Lord is using my life. At the end, he began thinking and talking with me about the possibilities of what God could do through my testimony here in Scotland. We agreed that this region is in great need of revival. While many people here are very reluctant to come to church they would be quite open to hearing a personal story of triumph. By the end of the night, we were both excited about working together in street evangelism, churches, schools and possibly the local prison. As you can imagine, my heart was pounding with joy!

Today was equally awesome! I spent most of the day at with the Rev. Dr. Robin Sydserff, pastor of St Catherine's Argyle Church of Scotland. This man has a burning passion to reach Edinburgh for Christ! He's only been at this particular church for seven months but already he has invigorated the congregation to join him in bringing the Gospel to the local community. How exciting it was to be with Robin, a man filled with boundless enthusiasm for spreading the Good News! After hearing my testimony, he told me has lots of contacts both here in Scotland and also in London, so I can definitely plan on doing a mission venture in UK for 2010. Wow!!!!!!!!!!!! Isn't God amazing? I came here with the intention of only speaking at one church event. I had no idea that God was strategically planning my future mission work here in Scotland and even opening a door for my ministry in London.

God is truly at work here in the UK. It is no secret that in recent years some churches here have dwindled to the point of extinction. I myself have seen a few churches here in Scotland that are no longer houses of worship but instead have become theaters. But God has not given up on the United Kingdom. He is actively raising up a remnant and I have personally met two of the numerous others here whose voices are getting stronger and louder.

Well, it's hard to believe that my speaking here is done for now. As I told you in my previous email our friends Stewart and Liz have invited us to stay on with them this week and visit Scotland. On Tuesday the four of us will leave Edinburgh and travel to the Highlands for about three days. After that, Jeff and I will go on to London (alone) for the weekend on our way back home.

It's weird for me not to be speaking three or four times a day but I'm truly enjoying the rest. I have already gotten word that I have twenty speaking engagements waiting for me next month (with more to come) in Paraguay so I better enjoy this while I can.

Well, that's the latest and the greatest here in Scotland. Thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement via email and Facebook. I treasure your love and support beyond measure!

Love to you from Edinburgh,
Bernadette Todd