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Christmas has a way of stirring something deep within us. As the lights glow a little warmer and the familiar hymns fill the air, we’re reminded that this season is about far more than gifts under a tree—it’s about the gift God placed in a manger. And that gift was forgiveness. In Christ, God offered humanity a love so undeserved, so unearned, that it reset the story of the world. The birth of Jesus wasn’t just a moment in history—it was the beginning of our redemption, the d

You know, sometimes I think about how a simple act of kindness can ripple out and change a whole community. It’s like tossing a pebble into a still pond and watching the waves spread far beyond where the stone landed. That’s exactly the magic behind church community initiatives. These programs aren’t just about handing out food or clothes; they’re about building bridges - connecting hearts, restoring hope, and lighting up lives that might otherwise stay in the shadows. When I

Christmas lights are barely packed away, the last crumbs of sugar cookies still linger on the counter, and yet my heart has already stepped into the next season: the mission field. For many people, the days after Christmas are about returns and resolutions. For a missionary, they’re about release and readiness—releasing what’s familiar and getting ready to step into what’s unknown, but fully known by God. In this blog, I want to share what it looks like to prepare for the mis

When most people think of Scotland, their minds go to bagpipes, castles, tartans, and rugged landscapes. But one surprising part of Scottish history—and one that still shapes culture today—is how many Scots grew up in homes or communities where Christmas wasn’t celebrated at all. As we prepare to plant a church in Inverness, this unique cultural reality has captured our attention and deepened our sense of calling. A History Many Don’t Know For hundreds of years, Christmas was

When I first started learning about the challenges faced by people without a home, I was overwhelmed. How do you even begin to help someone who’s lost so much? But then I discovered the power of homeless outreach programs —those incredible efforts that bring hope, dignity, and practical support right where it’s needed most. Today, I want to share some stories, insights, and ideas about how these programs work and why they matter so much, especially here in Scotland. The Heart

Scotland is a nation that captures your heart the moment your feet touch its soil. The rugged beauty, the deep history, the warmth of the people, and the stories carried through generations — it all feels sacred. But beneath that beauty lies a spiritual reality that becomes clearer the closer Lisa and I get to stepping into our calling there. Many people don’t realize this, but there are more active Christians in a single small American town than in the entire nation of Scotl

The Magic of Snow in Scotland Isn't this picture beautiful? Scotland had its first dusting of snow a few weeks ago, and I can't help but feel a twinge of jealousy! I know the snow isn't for everyone, but Russ and I absolutely love it! There's something magical about watching those delicate snowflakes dance down from the sky. Of course, we don't have to shovel out our vehicles to go to work or anything like that. But if you're lucky enough to be inside a nice, warm house, sipp

As we draw closer to our departure for Scotland, God continues to open our eyes in ways we never expected. What started as a call has grown into a burden—one that sits in our hearts daily, shaping our prayers, our preparation, and the very purpose behind God’s Knot Dead Ministries. One of the most sobering realities we’ve learned along this journey is this: There are more Christians in one average small town in the United States than in the entire nation of Scotland. Let that

Good morning! We recently added "Coffee with Russ & Lisa" to our News and Updates page. We had a few people state they couldn't find the channel or videos. So, we added them to our page to make it easy. We have some huge news rolling out at the end of the month. If you haven't signed up for our newsletter now is the time. Simply click on the "Contact" page and scroll down to the bottom. It only takes about one minute to sign up. We only send our newsletter, "Knot News" once a