“A Small Town and a Nation: Why Scotland Needs Jesus More Than Ever”

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 sink in.

In America—especially in the South and Midwest—it’s almost normal to assume your neighbor attends a church, volunteers somewhere, or at least grew up hearing the name of Jesus in a personal way. Drive through almost any town and you’ll find multiple churches within a couple of square miles. Faith conversations happen at grocery stores, ballfields, and coffee shops. There’s a culture—flawed at times—but undeniably marked by the presence of Christianity.

But Scotland… is different.

A Land of Beauty, History, and Spiritual Hunger

Scotland is breathtaking. Its mountains and lochs make you feel the fingerprints of a Creator everywhere you look. But spiritually, it is one of the darkest and most secular nations in the Western world.

Many historic churches now sit empty, repurposed into cafés, flats, or museums. An entire generation has grown up without ever hearing the Gospel in a living, meaningful way. Faith is often viewed as a relic of the past—a chapter in a history book rather than a present hope.

For many in Scotland, the name “Jesus” is known…but His love is not. His grace is not. His transforming power is not.

And the closer we get to boarding that plane, the more deeply we feel the weight of that truth.

God Is Opening Our Eyes

Every week, God reveals something new:

• Conversations with Scottish pastors who are carrying the weight of whole regions with only a handful of workers.

• Reports of towns and cities with zero life-giving churches.

• Stories of families searching for hope, community, and purpose—and finding none.

• Doors opening for relationship, partnership, and Gospel opportunity in ways only God could orchestrate.

  
  

It’s as if God is whispering: “This is why I’m sending you.”

The Harvest Is Ready — but the Laborers Are Few

Jesus said in Matthew 9:37, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” In Scotland, this is not metaphorical. It’s measurable.

A nation of millions with a Christian presence so small that entire counties have fewer believers than a single American neighborhood.

When we think about that, we don’t feel overwhelmed… We feel called.

We feel humbled. We feel compelled. We feel the urgency of the Gospel in a way we never have before.

Why We’re Going

We’re going because Jesus still rescues. He still heals. He still restores. And He still calls His people to go where the need is great and the light is dim.

We’re going because God hasn’t given up on Scotland—and neither will we.

We’re going to plant a contemporary, life-giving church that reaches the unchurched, welcomes the weary, and equips disciples to transform their communities.

We’re going because the Gospel is still good news.

The Need for Community Support

As we prepare for this journey, we recognize the importance of community support. Building relationships with local individuals and organizations is crucial. We want to connect with those who share our vision of hope and transformation. Together, we can create a network of support that uplifts the vulnerable and isolated.

Imagine a place where everyone feels valued and loved. A community where people can come together, share their stories, and find strength in one another. That’s the kind of environment we hope to foster in Scotland.

A Final Thought

As we finish the final months of preparation, fundraising, paperwork, and packing, the reality becomes clearer every day: Scotland doesn’t just need a church. Scotland needs Jesus. And we are honored—truly honored—that God would ask us to go.

Every prayer, every encouragement, every gift, every conversation is part of the story God is writing. And we cannot wait to see what He does next.

Thank you for walking this journey with us.

— Russ & Lisa

God’s Knot Dead Ministries