My husband and I never planned to move to Scotland. In fact, on the very same day we signed papers on our house in the United States, we boarded a plane to the UK for the first time to attend my best friend’s wedding. She had moved to Scotland two years earlier to serve at what is now our home church, and we were simply coming to celebrate her.
During that trip, God began to move in both of our hearts as we spent time with the church family and explored the city of Glasgow. What we thought would be a short celebratory visit became a moment of divine direction. When we returned home to the States, we couldn’t shake the sense that God was calling us back. After weeks of prayer, we said “yes” – yes to returning, and yes to being part of what He is doing in Scotland and across the UK.
Now, almost a year later, I have the privilege of serving on the Youth for Christ Glasgow team as well as being the kids pastor at Home Church Glasgow.
I’ve also begun to understand the heart behind Youth for Christ: reaching young people across Britain, especially in places where there is little or no existing youth work. We are in the early stages of establishing a new centre in Glasgow. It feels both exciting and stretching to say “yes” when so much is still new and unfolding. Right now, the beginning looks like listening and learning, connecting with fellow youth workers, standing together to “fight the good fight of faith,” and showing Christ’s love to the young people in our area. At the same time, I’m beginning to grasp God’s wider vision of reaching young people across the whole nation.
I’ve come to realise how powerful it is when young people – really, all people – are known, welcomed, and pointed toward Jesus.
This season has stretched my faith in ways I didn’t expect. It has required me to trust God without having a perfect picture of what everything will look like. Obedience doesn’t always come with full clarity; often it simply looks like saying “yes” to the next step.
Though this is only the beginning, there is already evidence of God at work. As we continue building relationships and laying foundations, we are trusting God for open doors in schools, communities, and neighbourhoods across the city. I’m expectant for what’s ahead and grateful to play even a small part in creating opportunities for more young people to encounter Him.
Emilee
Glasgow Youth for Christ
PRAY WITH US FOR YOUTH FOR CHRIST IN SCOTLAND:
Please pray for Emilee as she helps us to establish Youth for Christ Glasgow, for wisdom as she listens, learns, and builds relationships across the city. Pray for open doors in schools, churches, and communities, and for young people to encounter Jesus in meaningful ways. Lift up our Scotland Lead, Sandra. Pray that we might be able to grow her team to pioneer new mission opportunities across the Highlands, and the North East. Pray for volunteers, new partnerships, and for God to raise up more workers so that every young person in Scotland has the chance to hear the Gospel.