{featured image courtesy of 20 Schemes}
Schemes? What is a scheme?
Scheme is the term used in Britain or Scotland for a public housing complex often funded by the city government. This type of housing exists so that people with financial need can buy or rent at a low cost. In America, we might refer to this type of housing as “the projects”.
20 Schemes is a ministry with a mission to bring the light of the gospel to Scotland’s poor neighborhoods. Although these neighborhoods are often vibrant communities with a rich history, these areas are also places where poverty creates complex social problems. They are also areas where the wealthy church is unlikely to go. As a result, they are areas that are unlikely to have strong gospel-centered churches and strong local Christians.
Therefore, driven by compassion and love, 20 Schemes, is focused on planting churches and investing in revitalization projects in the schemes of Scotland.
We often hear in the American church that we can invest in the mission of the church three ways: PRAY, GIVE and GO. 20 Schemes, asks us to PRAY, GIVE and COME!
PRAY:
Gather in earnest prayer (requests from their website):
- Pray for gospel churches to be planted in Scotland’s poorest communities
- Pray for the church planting teams working in schemes throughout Scotland
- Pray for gospel-fruit to take root in the lives of people where cycles of abuse are broken and lives are transformed and turned to Jesus
- Pray for the next generation of local church leaders to be raised, established and discipled.
- Pray for partners, churches and ministries to support the work of 20 Schemes
GIVE:
Give to the ministries of 20 schemes.
Maybe invest in the ministry of Natasha Davidson, minister to youth in the Niddrie scheme. This is indeed a way for kids to serve other kids.
And of course,
COME:
And of course, if you’re able, by all means, go and invest in the people of Scotland!