Craig Anderson

Galashiels Free Church | Galashiels, Scottish Borders, Scotland

Tell us about your family.

Amy and I first met while at University in Dundee. Amy was studying Dentistry, I was studying Civil Engineering and I was her rugby coach! We were married on the 6th July 2013 and have three children: Tabitha (9) and twins Charis and Peter (7). As a family they love spending time together—walking our dog Connie, watching rugby, exploring old ruins, and visiting the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. We love being outdoors, and sharing adventures as a family (ideally around good food)!

How have you seen God working in your family?

I love praying with my kids every night. That quiet moment in the dark on my knees with them and the Lord. One of the great joys has been seeing how the Lord has been working in their hearts and hearing their prayers change to being more about seeking the Kingdom and his righteousness. Hearing their questions about life and faith mature has been testing but a joy. As a family, knowing more of the grace of the Lord in our lives, we have become quicker to apologise and seek forgiveness from one another knowing. We've loved reading The Biggest Story Bible and seeing those eyes widen as they join dots together in their mind is a real joy.

How have you seen God working in your life?

Romans 12:12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. I think this verse would sum up how I have seen God working in my life.

I have seen people being saved, Saints growing in love and knowledge of the Lord, things that cause your heart to sing! Oh the joy of the certain hope we have in Christ!

Following a crucified king I have heard lies said about me and the church plant mistreated by others. We have had to be patient in times of pain, knowing that the Lord is with us and for us.

But far more than the other two, the Lord has been helping me grow in prayerful dependance upon him. All of the plans I have I want them all done last week! But the Lord has better plans and far longer 'game plan' than I do. When I first got married, I knew I was impatient. When each of our children were born then I really knew I was impatient. Planting a church now I really really know that I am impatient. In other words, I am reminded constantly that wonderfully Jesus reigns and not me even if I try to 'kick against the goads'!

How have you seen God working in your church?

In the great commission in Matthew 28, Jesus gives his church a mission that is focussed on multiplication and maturity. We are so thankful to have seen four people saved last year and the Lord is clearly working in two as members of the church read a gospel or Christian book with their friends. Please ask the Father to draw them to himself. I have been encouraged by boldness of members of the church. There are two sayings I often use. As a members of this church we want to be about ‘Community integration and gospel proclamation’. What does that often look like? ‘Do what you love and take Jesus with you’. It’ s been great seeing more people grasp this vision and not necessarily start new things but bring their faith to bear upon the spheres of life they are already in. Furthermore, it’s been such an encouragement to see people growing in maturity in Christ. We added someone to membership last week who a few months ago came to me and said that she had been reading the Bible and realised what she had been doing was sinful and needed to stop and by God’ s grace she has! Praise the Lord!

What is your church’s mission/vision?

Vision: Rooted in Jesus. Reaching the Borders.

Mission: We seek to be a worshipping community of grace, that is gathered by the gospel of Jesus, that makes and matures disciples of Jesus, to the glory of Jesus, in Gala, the Borders and beyond.

How can we be praying for you?

1. Please pray that the purchase of an old Church of Scotland building can be completed soon. It is holding up planning for the rest of the year.

2. At the rugby club I'm the club chaplain and Amy the Senior men's cook. Please pray that we can live out Colossians 4:4-6 at where we are the only Christians almost all of the players have ever met.

3. We only have one musician in the church plant. Please pray for more godly musicians to join us.

To send Craig a note of encouragement, write to HelloCP@spanishriver.com.