Short-Term Workers

Reflections on a Month in Stranraer

by Craig and Nina Ormsby

This reflection and commentary on our recent service opportunity at Stranraer Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland (August 28 to October 2, 2025) is intended to provide practical insights into what to expect should one consider undertaking their own Scottish adventure in service to Christ’s church.

     Our youngest daughter, Anna Hall, a member of College Hill RPCNA, Beaver Falls, PA, heard an in-person appeal for volunteer assistance to Stranraer RPCS. The presentation was made by Stephen Steele, Teaching Elder. She suggested watching a video recorded by Pastor Steele, which would further detail the wants and needs of the Stranraer RPCS congregation. A companion video highlighted how one’s talents, skills, and abilities in service might be applied for the encouragement of the congregation and the greater church. We decided to contact Pastor Steele to see about the possibility of our traveling to Stranraer to offer our support for what turned out to be a nearly 5-week immersion into Scottish culture and the work of the Lord in the land of the Covenanters.

     As members in good standing in the Presbyterian Church of America (PCA), which is a NAPRC (North American Presbyterian and Reformed Council) member, and having a personal affinity with the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPCNA), we reached out to Pastor Steele to explore the possibility of a Stranraer “mission trip”. We were encouraged to pursue the opportunity, and plans were finalized via a series of texts, emails, and WhatsApp video chats.

     The planning of the trip was facilitated by the knowledge that a private residence was available for rental and was in relatively close proximity to the physical church, Pastor Steele, Ruling Elder James Fraser, and a local supermarket. The well-appointed two-bedroom home provided a safe, clean, and rejuvenating location to call a “home away from home”. This rental arrangement is subject to change in the future, but it reflects the Stranraer congregation and Session’s desire to offer adequate housing for whatever length of stay volunteers are willing to commit. Please note that the housing rental, as well as all travel costs, are borne by the volunteers. Utilities were included in the rental property.

     The single most difficult logistical decision we believe most volunteers would face is the decision on whether or not to obtain a rental car. A car rental is expensive (additional damage waiver coverage is advisable), parking is available but usually involves some walking from the parking location, gas is expensive, and driving in Stranraer and Scotland in general is not for the faint of heart. There have been volunteers before us who did not do a car rental, and we respect that decision, but it is our opinion that to maximize your usefulness and flexibility in assisting the congregation, a car rental is highly recommended. Walking is theoretically an option, and there is public bus transportation. If, however, one really wants to avoid burdening the local congregation and its leadership, then having one's own car is the best option. Furthermore, there are many beautiful sites to be seen in and around Stranraer (should one desire to stay local), or for the more adventurous, the Highlands, England, and even Ireland are within driving/ferry distance.

     Every volunteer’s experience will likely differ depending on the needs of the church and the time of the season. As a husband and wife team, we helped out in the following areas:

●      Church attendance both morning and evening on the Sabbath. Meeting and greeting members and visitors to worship and other gatherings conducted by the congregation;

●      Helping out and possibly teaching in the children’s Sunday School classes;

●      Meal and snack preparation for morning and evening worship, and other special occasions which may arise;

●      Participation and encouragement to others in the weekly study group, which meets on Wednesday, to converse with the Pastor and other attendees, about the sermon topic from the prior Sabbath. There is also a Wednesday open-door gathering time for members of the community at large, with light refreshments provided;

●      Wednesdays also provided an opportunity to attend the local public school, Stranraer Academy, to engage with the students and be available to answer questions regarding the Christian witness, the Bible, or other general questions. While this was a “stressful” experience, we agree as a couple that it was one of the most personally rewarding endeavors during our stay;

●      To exhibit a heart of Barnabas- that is, to encourage both the leaders and the flock;

●      Miscellaneous cleaning, organizing, and “handyman” type repairs at both the church and manse, as well as numerous other “duties as assigned”;

     As brothers and sisters in Christ, the opportunity to serve at Stranraer RPCS transcends specific denominational bounds. It goes without saying that for those wanting to assist, they should have a strong Biblically Reformed understanding and recognize that they will be participating in a conservative, reformed, confessional church and denomination. Patience, kindness, and deference to the Stranraer leadership and congregational needs are helpful qualities, remembering that one is there to serve and encourage fellow believers and not to correct or interfere in any perceived shortcomings.

     One unanticipated difficulty was understanding the Scottish accents, which can differ widely. To the American ear, there were several times that we recalled the old quote attributed to George Bernard Shaw that “ the United States and the United Kingdom are two nations divided by a common language”. It is a rich and beautiful language and is well worth the effort to engage in conversations, but it can cause one to feel like they missed something- and likely you did. Kindly ask the person to repeat themselves, and with a wry grin, they will willingly do so.

     One final note about Scotland itself, the city of Stranraer, and the Rhins of Galloway. To an outside observer, it appears that to come to this area of Scotland, one has to want to go there for some reason; in other words, it is a little bit out of the way. While only 2 hours by car from Glasgow, the Stranraer area is still relatively rural. While your days may be quite full and busy, “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”. The Session and church members were very encouraging that we should take in the natural beauty of the surrounding area, so day trips and even 2-day excursions were possible. The main days of commitment again would be Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday, although you can as busy as you like because there is always some way to lend a hand.

     In conclusion, we are extremely grateful for the opportunity to be in service to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and his church in Stranraer, Scotland. If you believe you are being called to serve in a similar capacity, please reach out to Pastor Steele to discuss what opportunities might be available. We remain available to answer any questions that others may have as they contemplate this field of service.

Don't Be a Stranger to Stranraer

Our family spent the summer living in the southwestern town of Stranraer, Scotland—our intention: to show up and encourage our brothers and sisters in the Reformed Presbyterian Church.

In the summer of 2024, we attended RPIC. After hearing a talk on the current church in Scotland, my husband Josh’s heart was stirred to ask: Could we spend a summer with a Scottish RP church that needed encouragement?   

Josh works remotely and has long wanted to use that privilege for kingdom purposes. To anywhere else in the world, I might have immediately said no, but Scotland has a special place in my heart. The captivating beauty of Scotland includes mountains, rolling hills, and the ocean. The mild weather is a welcome change from Pittsburgh’s summer heat. My answer was yes. We began to make plans to spend the next summer (2025) with Stranraer RP and the Steele family. Our 2 1/2 month stay would be a test to see if we could manage a longer residency.

It was a grand undertaking. I prepared myself for the possibility that it might not happen, but at every roadblock, God made a way. Housing, plane tickets, timing, preparations, and dog sitters were all sorted out. We picked up our eldest from his last day of school and boarded the plane!  

In speaking with Pastor Stephen Steele and his family, one need of the church is for “warm bodies” to attend worship and fellowship. This became clearer once we arrived. The congregation is small, with fewer than 50 people attending regularly, and has no elected deacons. Many members are elderly and or retired. On our first Sunday, we had a fellowship lunch, and the pastor was the one vacuuming and tidying up afterwards! Others helped, but I could see that more was needed. It became our joyful duty to wash dishes, arrange chairs, bring “picky bits” (finger food) to evening service, and teach children’s Sunday school. We attended morning and evening worship and a weekly Bible study.  The kids and I met the families often for library and park outings. We chose not to rent a car during our stay. The town is very walkable. Something I wish were more common in the States!  

Our family has been blessed immensely. The Steeles found a flat for us to rent, and saw to the details, making sure we had a sufficient kitchen, a crib for Em, and toys for our kids. We could feel their love and hospitality before we left the States! The friendships we made are priceless.  

Our children experienced a different culture and now know firsthand that the church is global.  Walking everywhere is great exercise! These are just a few benefits.  

When you attend a new church, you might not know what you're getting into. Even if it belongs to the same denomination. I prepared my heart, knowing that my preferences in worship are not what we show up to glorify. It’s easy to get attached to your church's “style” and compare it. (If  your church has switched to the blue Book of Psalms for Worship from the red book, people  have strong opinions!) I kept my expectations low. I may have (mistakenly) expected too little.  The preaching was faithful. Psalms to different tunes still spoke truth. The fellowship was warm and welcoming. From the first Sunday, I knew the Holy Spirit was at work here.  

If you’re considering attending Stranraer or another church in need of encouragement, some  suggestions: 

  • Be brave and sit in the middle, close to the front, for worship. Not because it’s about you, but it makes the sanctuary look fuller and inviting. 

  • See needs and meet them. Put books away, pick up trash, vacuum, and wash the dishes in the sink, doing these things with joy as for Christ. 

  • Introduce yourself to people you haven’t met, and seek out fellowship, especially with those who might be lonely during the week. 

  • Pray before, during, and after that God would grow his church. Pray for the laborers that they would not grow weary of doing good. 

  • Ask what the needs are. Some needs require skill. Some only need a humble willingness. Be willing to show up in ordinary ways. 

Remember that God changes hearts. Our job is to be faithful. God works salvation. 

Joyce Giesler 

Harry & Mary Jane: 6 weeks in Stranraer

Harry and Mary Jane Ward, an elder and his wife from the Shawnee (Kansas) RP Church were with us for 6 weeks from late April through to the end of May. While they were here, they were involved in all aspects of church life. Harry led a weekly Bible study and did some practical work around the church. Mary Jane continued to teach the second Sabbath School class which had been begun when Rita Lyon was with us.

On their final Lord’s Day with us, they were presented with a clock, the background of which is a map of the local area. We are very grateful for their willingness to come and their investment in our lives.