Scotland & Uganda: Growing the Church, Equipping Leaders, Crossing Borders

The April term at Wycliffe Seminary opened in the midst of a demanding season of growth. As preparations began for the July term, lecturers were expected from Korea, the United States and the United Kingdom. The work was becoming increasingly international, yet the purpose remained simple: to equip pastors and Christian leaders who can faithfully serve the churches of East Africa.

The report describes the Ugandan weather with a striking image: dark clouds and strong winds seemed threatening, yet the clouds carried the rain the land needed. In the same way, difficult circumstances in Africa do not tell the whole story. We continue to trust that within weakness and scarcity God can pour out grace and the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

Alongside teaching, practical development of the campus was moving forward. Construction work was underway around the parking area, and land was being secured for future student accommodation. These may look like ordinary building projects, but for a growing seminary they are part of creating a stable place where students can live, study and be formed for ministry.

The school was also looking ahead to the graduation planned for November. Each decision about land, buildings and future development required wisdom, stewardship and patience. The prayer behind all of this was not simply for expansion, but that every choice would follow God’s guidance and serve the formation of future leaders.

The summer term began at the end of May and continued steadily. Beyond the formal classes, around fifteen students gathered each week for the Sunday “Gathering”, practising Korean, sharing activities and spending time together. The ministry was becoming more than a classroom: language was creating space for friendship.

One particularly meaningful development was the participation of Muslim friends. They came because of their interest in Korean language and culture, and we wanted to receive them with genuine friendship rather than pressure. Our prayer was that, through patient relationships and the quiet witness of Christian community, the Holy Spirit would work in hearts in His own time.

All Nations Church was learning that ministry grows out of communion with God and the patient formation of community. The congregation was practising rhythms of silence and prayer, service and celebration, confession and forgiveness — seeking to become a people who know Christ more deeply before simply becoming busier.

As more friends from Hong Kong joined the church, Cantonese interpretation and one-to-one discipleship were being prepared. During the summer the church also shared an outdoor worship service and barbecue. These ordinary meals, conversations and acts of welcome were part of becoming one family in Christ across cultures.

The July mission journey marked an important transition. For the first time, a young woman from All Nations Church volunteered to join the Africa mission. The journey was therefore no longer understood only as one missionary’s personal work; it was beginning to become part of the church’s own sending and participation in mission.

Preparation for the children’s Bible camp was therefore about more than organising a programme. It was an early sign of a local multicultural church in Scotland learning to look beyond itself. Our hope is that encounters like this will form young believers who see the nations not as distant places, but as neighbours to love and people to whom Christ sends His church.