Scott Jackson

I write this to you after having spent three weeks recently in the UK with Hristina.  It was most unexpected to find that for the vast majority of our time there, the weather was glorious.  We had many days of amazing weather, warm and sunny.  I had warned Hristina prior to us going that the weather in the UK is very unpredictable, and that the chances of good weather would not be great. Consequently she brought with her more warmer clothes.  And to our surprise more summer clothes were needed.

We heard from family after returning to Macedonia that the weather stayed just as good for several more weeks.  Why do I share this with you?  Because as I write this, I am reminded of the times and seasons in which we are living, and in particular the account that I am reminded of is the story of Joseph, and the dreams that Pharaoh had.  The land of Egypt would enjoy 7 years of plenty, of abundant harvest.  And this was to be followed by 7 years of famine.  The Scripture that went through my mind alongside this is Amos, chapter 8, verses 11-12....

“The days are coming,” declares the Sovereign Lord, “when I will send a famine through the land—not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the Lord.  People will stagger from sea to sea and wander from north to east, searching for the word of the Lord, but they will not find it."

The context of this passage is that the Lord was speaking to Israel through the Prophet Amos because of their disobedience.  He was warning them.  But this is a danger that all nations also face.  As followers of Jesus, we have been entrusted with His Word.  We have the joy of seeing people come to faith in Christ, and the privilege of walking alongside them.  But we also see society in many ways continuing to slide and move away from God.  Turning away from a desire to know Him.  I want to encourage you that we have not just A message but THE message of hope.  This is a time where we have such grace upon us to share the message of the Gospel, in many ways without hindrance.  But there will come a time where it is not so easy.  We know this through the Scriptures.  Are we preparing ourselves in our walk with the Lord?  Are we drawing closer to Him?  Are we keeping Him in first place in our lives?  Are we getting oil for our lamps?  Because it is Him who will enable us to stand when difficult times come.  Let us enjoy these times, but also ready ourselves spiritually so that we are prepared for the future.  Let us praise Him and move ever forward in His calling.  Our hope is in Him!  He is such a sure foundation!

UK...

Our time in the UK was very enjoyable.  We were able to spend multiple days out with family and friends, and it was a joy to be able to introduce Hristina to so many for the first time.  We were able to visit several churches, and as usual, their hospitality was wonderful.  Isn't it amazing how God created us to be an extended family with each other?!

I also have the happy news of being able to share with you that whilst we were in the UK, Hristina said yes to marrying me! I proposed whilst we were in Edinburgh for the day, and we were able to share with family over a call and video call whilst we were there. Since returning to Macedonia, the planning has begun. Different things are being ticked off every week in preparation, and so far we have had open doors to arrange the wedding for the 27th September this year.

Hristina returned to Macedonia a few days before myself.  I stayed to attend Elim's Missionary Conference, which was hosted by Kensington Temple.  It was wonderful to join with other missionaries serving around the world, and to be blessed with great teaching from Malcolm Duncan, Marty Davison and Mark Pugh.  The hosting team at KT were amazing, and made us all feel very welcome.

Photos below show some of our time in the UK.

Macedonia...

Since returning to Skopje, in many ways life in the city has picked up, with the warmer weather, and as usual at this time of year, the coffee bars becoming fuller and fuller later into the evening.  It's also a time when the camp planning picks up in preparation for July.

Within Young Life, unfortunately due to staffing changes, the planning for the camp has become a little bit more complex. So please pray for the grace of God to bring all of the different elements together to make this an enjoyable time for the kids. The camp this year will be between the 7th - 11th July.

Our final club of the season will be on the 7th June, which will be our water club. Always the one that the kids seem to enjoy the most, with hundreds of water balloons flying through the air. It's also the club where kids who are graduating from high school, and who are actively walking with the Lord are given the chance to speak on their journey with God. It's a great encouragement for the younger kids to hear the testimonies of those who are only a few years older.

Thanksgiving

• For our time in the UK, and the excitement of what the Lord will do in our lives together as we make that decision to get married.
• For the wonderful hospitality that we received, both at the churches we visited, and at the Missionary Conference in London.
• For the time shared with other missionaries where we could catch up with each other.  The Missionary Conference is held every 2 years.

Prayer Requests

• For the YL camp in July.  For God's grace upon all of the preparation, and that we will have all of the team members we need to fill all of the positions.
• For the wedding preparation, and His grace upon all of the different elements.
• For increasing openness in the local community.  The Bible studies are going well with people going deeper in their faith with the Lord, but we want to see more spiritual hunger and openness within the community of Novo Lisiche.

Thank you so much for reading my latest newsletter.  Even though we are separated by geography, you are very much a part of this journey with me, and soon to be us.  Together we advance the Kingdom of God by the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Much love and every blessing in Him who calls you by name,
Scott

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