Jess Merkle

Women’s ministry in Scotland

Scotland is a land rich in church history, but for the first time in centuries, over 50% of the population identifies as having no religion. With so many not having heard the abounding hope of Jesus, more workers are needed to partner alongside gospel-hearted churches in sharing the good news.

The Lord has also given me a strong passion for discipling others, blossoming into a love of women’s ministry

I have felt the call to missions for most of my life. As I have become an adult, The Lord has also given me a strong passion for discipling others, blossoming into a love of women’s ministry. In most of the Scottish churches that are left there is only one pastor for the whole congregation. That being said, there is a great need for discipleship and a strong women’s ministry. As I have been connecting with UFM and searching for a church that I can serve and will fit me well, UFM’s Scotland director, Ruairidh McClean, told me he knew of a good church searching for a potential woman’s worker. After several months of discussion and a promising vision trip, Hope Church Blackwood and Kirkmuirhill has invited me to come serve there long term.

I am raising support to move to Scotland after accepting Hope Church’s invitation and plan to be an intentional church member, God willing, to increase discipleship and a passion for spreading the gospel and missions within the church. My long-term goal is to grow into the primary woman’s worker there.

I was born and raised in the United States. I grew up near Chattanooga, Tennessee and lived in Birmingham, Alabama after getting my nursing degree in 2017 from Samford University. I am trained and have been working as a nurse but will be transitioning to ministry in my shift overseas. My sending church is Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Alabama. They have been equipping me for that transition to full-time ministry and have pledged to support me while on the field.