1,200 Scottish youth stand up for persecuted Christians

Well, it has been some time since my last blog. 

The reason: Lorraine and I were organising ACN’s largest youth gathering in Scotland, attracting students from 30 schools. 

Before I dive into the details I want to thank again everyone who made the day so special and unique. 

Thank you 

A special thank you to all of the schools who have helped us to organise this momentous day.  

To Taylor High School for providing the music and to all the schools who provided ACN Ambassadors: St Aidan’s High, Cardinal Newman High, Our Lady’s High and Taylor High - your students are a credit to the youth of today. 

Thank you to our wonderful speakers: Fr. Ambrose, Fr Samer and Neville Kyrke-Smith.

Thank you to all those who gave their time and support: Fr. Delaney, Fr. McGachey, Bishop Keenan, Hugh Buchanan, John Heffernan, Police Scotland, St Andrew’s First Aid, the Knights of St Columba, the MSPs in attendance, and ACN Volunteers Allie, Erin and Megan. 

Key details of the day:

30 Scottish schools became ACN Solidarity Schools. 

As a Solidarity School these institutions have committed to:

• Pray for the persecuted Church 
• Follow us on social media
• Sign up for our newsletters
• Fundraise for ACN
• Attend ACN events
• Invite ACN in to run workshops and retreats 
• Write to their MSP and MP about the issues faced by persecuted Christians. 

Title: ACN Youth Rally: Faith, Hope and Freedom

Purpose: The objective of the day was to inspire, raise awareness and awaken the conscience of the Scottish youth to know that as individuals and together they can make a difference in our world where fellow Christians are being persecuted because of their belief in Christ. 

Date: 11^th June 2015

Location: Carfin Lourdes Grotto, near Motherwell.    

Speakers:

• Humza Yousaf MSP (Scottish Government Minister for Europe and International Development)
• Father Ambrose Ohene (speaking on Nigeria and the threat posed by Boko-Haram)
• Father Samer Nassif (providing a first-hand account of life for Christians in the Middle East today)
• Neville Kyrke-Smith ACN National Director UK (talking about the situation in Iraq and ACN: What can you do?’).

Bishop John Keenan

Challenge: 

Last week we concluded the Rally with a question:

"Today you have heard about the challenges faced by Christians around the world, I challenge you: What will you do individually and as schools to provide for the Church in need?"

As a Solidarity School we would like to build our relationship with schools and create more meaningful, prayerful and innovative opportunities for pupils to learn about themselves, their faith and the persecuted Church.

What will YOU do today to aid the Church in need?*

*See above for some ideas or give me a call on 01698 337 472 to see what part you can play. 

Taylor High Music Group

p.s. For more details check out our webpage: www.acnuk.org/acn-in-scotland