2020 was a season of upheaval and shaking around the world. Doors closed in schools, in businesses, in life and in ministry. We found ourselves shut in, wondering what the future would hold for our community and for the work God has called us to in Scotland. And in that silent and sometimes anxious space, God began to move. He shifted and realigned our team, recalibrated our hearts and turned our eyes to how He was working in the small and organic ways in the seeming darkness.
What began to rise--like green shoots in spring--was a desire for East Mountain in Scotland to follow our global calling to be an “ark of refuge” and for our community to become an “outpost of prayer” in this twilight era. The voice of the Lord was very clear: “Turn your garden into a Garden of Prayer.” Though East Mountain UK does not yet have a permanent property, God has provided the Furr family with a beautiful rental home along the River Tyne in East Lothian. This home (named Wall End) not only has a front garden facing the river but a rear garden surrounded by an atmospheric stone wall. Wall End is an beautiful and peaceful space in which to invite individuals or small groups for self-guided or accompanied retreats. Plans are currently underway to open The Prayer Garden at Wall End in spring of 2021.
A central feature of this prayer garden is a “Shepherd’s Hut” (see photo). East Mountain is currently raising funds to build and install this Shepherd’s Hut along the River Tyne as a cozy, welcoming and Covid-19 compliant space for those who use the Prayer Garden. Out of the elements but independent of the main house, the Shepherd’s Hut will be a place weary men and women can come to meet the Good Shepherd and be encouraged for all that He has for them. Current costs to build and furnish the Hut, wire it for electricity and landscape the surrounding area are estimated at £7000 (roughly $10,000). We trust God to provide for this space!
For more information on the Prayer Garden or to give securely to the Shepherd’s Hut project, please visit: https://furrsinkilts.com/prayer-garden