John Stuart

I once grew an apple tree from seed in my apartment in Glasgow. The bay windows in the living room faced south, so this tree flourished. I was very proud of it and even took it to the Maybole manse … Read more

When we first came over from Scotland, our family brought many cherished personal belongings that reminded us of the "auld country". Amongst these treasures was an old hickory-shafted putter that I had owned since I was a child. I bought … Read more

One day, the television in my mom's living room wouldn't work. My dad was at the factory, so I decided to fix it. I was fifteen years old at the time and reckoned it was my moment to do something … Read more

About forty-five years ago, my home town of Glasgow, Scotland, started to pull down many old buildings that had been condemned as not fit for human habitation. These inner-city slums housed thousands of families, who had built up a strong … Read more

Davie was a wild, reckless boy who wouldn't accept discipline, deadlines, or duties. He did his own thing, and when I met him, he had turned into a sour, drug-addicted man. He used to shout a lot when he was … Read more

Years ago, when I ministered in Scotland, I walked into the church halls one morning, only to discover that all of the windows had been broken. During the night, a local gang had come along, throwing bricks and stones through … Read more

When I was a teenager, I tried very hard to get rid of God in my life. I can even remember — when I was fourteen — saying to God, "This is my last prayer to you. I don't need … Read more

It's very hard not to be judgmental of other people, especially if they are different. I can remember my eldest daughter coming home from Middle School in tears. Earlier in the morning, she had seemed so bright and eager to … Read more

When I was about seven years old, I caught a large bumblebee by throwing my duffel coat over it. It was an act of bravado, which impressed my pals in the school playground where the event took place. Just as … Read more

One of the best programs that our church offers is called "Bread Breakers". For six months in the year — usually October through March — people in our congregation open up their homes, once per month, on a Friday or … Read more