FAQ'S
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When are you actually moving to Scotland?
We were planning to move overseas in September of 2020, but just as we began to make solid plans to do so, Covid-19 hit and everything stopped. The delay turned out to be a positive thing - we have been able to hear from God about what we are going to be doing, and still able to network and dream and plan even while we wait. Our plans have changed more than once as we wait out this pandemic; we had seriously considered moving in June of 2022, but now with the new Omicron variant, it is looking more like early 2023. The timing belongs to God; while we are excited and anxious to go, we are also at peace with waiting for His signal to launch. In fact, Daniel had a word from the Lord in January 2021 that said we would be settled in Scotland in 2023. It looks like this is exactly what will happen.
Q: Where will you live in Scotland?
Great question! We have no idea! Though because we know better now what God has called us to do, we do know that we would like to be somewhere fairly central in the country, that's easily accessible for our guests. And we will steer clear of major cities and busy areas. We hope to find a quiet, peaceful place both to call home and in which to do ministry.
Q: What are you going to do in Scotland?
We are going to set up a retreat centre, called The Scottish Promise, to offer a place of refuge and rest to Christian leaders and ministry workers, where they can come and be refreshed and receive prayer ministry, so as to be able to continue with their own ministry from a place of wholeness, fullness and intimacy with the Father.
Q: Why Scotland?
This is a common question, especially when we live in Canada, one of the most beautiful countries in the world (and yes, we are biased). Why couldn't we just set up a retreat centre here? We asked Jesus this question once, and His response was simple: "Scotland is full of the kind of beauty that brings joy to your hearts." Jesus has no need to brings us bouquets of flowers - He can simply take us to the flower garden. Further than that, the 'why' is pretty basic - that's where Jesus wants to send us. He called, so we go. But we both love Scotland itself as well - its beauty, its scenery, its people and even its pace of life all make us feel like we are at home.
Q: Do you have relatives in Scotland?
We don't. At least, not any with whom we are currently in touch. But Daniel has family in Ireland and Wales, and Karyn has a church family in Banbury, Oxfordshire (England), among whom she lived for two years. We have many connections, and as we are part of the Body of Christ, we know we will never be far from 'family.'
Q: Can you work in Scotland?
Since both of us had grandparents born in the UK (Karyn's in Kent, England and Daniel's in Dublin, Ireland prior to 1922), we have the advantage of being able to apply for UK Ancestry Visas - work visas that are based on our UK heritage instead of on a points system. These visas are for 5 years, after which we are able to apply for permanent residency status.
Q: Is this a permanent move?
We believe that it is a permanent move. However, that being said, our lives are not our own - they belong to God. So should He choose to send us back to Canada, or send us elsewhere, at any point, that's where we will go.
Q: How can I support this ministry?
We are so appreciative of everyone who is willing and able to support us. Our needs are two-fold:
Firstly, we know that without God's hand on this ministry, it will not have the kind of impact in the Kingdom for which we hope. So PRAYER support is paramount. We are looking for people who will commit to praying for us, seeking God's heart for this ministry, and praying for those to whom we will have a chance to minister. If you would like to be kept abreast of our news and how you can pray, you can sign up for our monthly email HERE.
Secondly, we do need FINANCIAL support - people who want to partner with the vision of The Scottish Promise to ensure it becomes a reality. Though we will be able to work in Scotland, and may need to do so initially, we feel that it is important to focus on what God has laid before us, and so hope to have supporters assist in freeing us up to do so. There will also be larger one-time costs, such as moving, obtaining a property, and setting it up to receive guests. For this also we will need financial supporters. To read more about how to support us through finances or through prayer, or to give, please see our SUPPORT US page.
Do you have other questions for us? Feel free to send them to thescottishpromise@gmail.com - we're happy to answer them!
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