3 Oct 2025, 11:55Jayden Anderson; Edited by SM CommunicationsGartmore, Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom
Weekend Retreat Inspires Scotland’s Young People to Grow in Faith
The last weekend of September saw Scotland’s youth gather for a retreat filled with inspiring talks, interactive activities, and opportunities for spiritual growth and connection.
Last weekend in September, young people from across Scotland gathered for the annual Scottish Mission Youth Retreat, with participants coming from Edinburgh, Dunfermline, Aberdeen, Glasgow, and, for the first time, Irvine, reflecting the growing reach of the youth community.
This year’s retreat was smaller than in previous years, creating a close-knit, family-like atmosphere that encouraged in-depth connection and stronger bonds of fellowship.
The weekend featured sessions led by Adam Best from the South England Conference, who delivered talks including “Love That Moves First,” “Trust the Process: Growing with the Saviour,” and “The Weight of Waiting: Trusting God in the In-Between.” His messages focused on trusting in God’s timing, embracing personal growth, and seeing periods of waiting as opportunities for spiritual development.
On Sabbath, Pastor Njay Ndlovu, British Union Conference Youth Director, joined the retreat to share upcoming plans for youth initiatives in 2026 and beyond, lead prayers, and spend time in fellowship with attendees. Evenings included games, karaoke, and other social activities, allowing participants to form new friendships and strengthen existing ones.
When asked to describe the retreat in one word, participants offered responses such as “renewed,” “replenished,” “pleasant,” “bonding,” “enlightening,” “spiritually rejuvenating,” and “fabulous,” reflecting the positive atmosphere and impact of the weekend.
Thanks were expressed to Adam Best for his inspiring ministry and to Crystal Masih and Joy Banda, Scottish Mission Youth Sponsors, for coordinating the retreat. Although smaller in size than previous years, the event demonstrated that God is also present in intimate moments where meaningful conversations and connections take place.
The last weekend of September saw Scotland’s youth gather for a retreat filled with inspiring talks, interactive activities, and opportunities for spiritual growth and connection.
Last weekend in September, young people from across Scotland gathered for the annual Scottish Mission Youth Retreat, with participants coming from Edinburgh, Dunfermline, Aberdeen, Glasgow, and, for the first time, Irvine, reflecting the growing reach of the youth community.
This year’s retreat was smaller than in previous years, creating a close-knit, family-like atmosphere that encouraged in-depth connection and stronger bonds of fellowship.
The weekend featured sessions led by Adam Best from the South England Conference, who delivered talks including “Love That Moves First,” “Trust the Process: Growing with the Saviour,” and “The Weight of Waiting: Trusting God in the In-Between.” His messages focused on trusting in God’s timing, embracing personal growth, and seeing periods of waiting as opportunities for spiritual development.
On Sabbath, Pastor Njay Ndlovu, British Union Conference Youth Director, joined the retreat to share upcoming plans for youth initiatives in 2026 and beyond, lead prayers, and spend time in fellowship with attendees. Evenings included games, karaoke, and other social activities, allowing participants to form new friendships and strengthen existing ones.
When asked to describe the retreat in one word, participants offered responses such as “renewed,” “replenished,” “pleasant,” “bonding,” “enlightening,” “spiritually rejuvenating,” and “fabulous,” reflecting the positive atmosphere and impact of the weekend.
Thanks were expressed to Adam Best for his inspiring ministry and to Crystal Masih and Joy Banda, Scottish Mission Youth Sponsors, for coordinating the retreat. Although smaller in size than previous years, the event demonstrated that God is also present in intimate moments where meaningful conversations and connections take place.
