In 1979, I was a relatively young and inexperienced elementary-school teacher with a vague knowledge of Christ gleaned from Sunday school in childhood.  Then, in a Scottish teaching journal, I saw advertised the post of sole teacher/missionary for the very remote Shetland island of Foula.  Being quite adventurous by nature I applied for the job ‚Äî and got it ‚Äî without giving too much thought to what the missionary role might require.

At the time, Foula had a population of about 40 people with only nine children attending the tiny school.  I was expected to lead worship on the island and conduct funerals.  So I started reading the scriptures as well as religious commentaries.  In doing so I grew spiritually.  I have come not just to know and love God but have become empowered to share that love with countless others.  I now have no doubt that back in ‚Äô79 the Lord had already made plans for me.

Prayer:  Thank you, God, for reaching out through scripture so that we may mature and grow as your blessed children.  We pray as Jesus taught us, saying, ‚ÄúOur Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.  Thy kingdom come.  Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:  For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.  Amen