Tattoo reflections
By ASR David Jamieson, Scripture Reader at Kinloss and Fort George
The old Corporals’ Mess, at the end of the Parade Square in Redford Barracks, becomes a hive of activity for a few days during the rehearsals of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The large recreation hall hums with conversation, the screech of chairs as they are pulled back and the rustle of biscuit packets being opened.
The Edinburgh Military Tattoo rehearsals are in full swing. Performers from across the globe, soldiers, musicians, pipers, drummers, dancers, poured into the capital for one of the greatest shows on earth. Some bunked in hostels, some in university dorms, others in barracks and at some point, they find their way to the SASRA café.
The Soldiers’ and Aviators’ Scripture Readers Association had once again set up a temporary space in the old mess, where tea, coffee and juice flows along with something sweet and sugary to help re-energise those who have been stood outside practicing and rehearsing, marching up and down, trying to remember to march, play and breathe all at the same time.
No one’s looking for a sermon. Just a seat and a cuppa.
Always, there is a pause in the proceedings and many wander in, shoulders stiff, feet sore and nerves a bit frayed. No one’s looking for a sermon. Just a seat and a cuppa.
‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.’
All leave having encountered one of the Scripture Readers
By the time the few days of rehearsals are over, hundreds have passed through the SASRA café. Some come back day after day. Some asked for Bibles. A few asked for prayer. All leave having encountered one of the Scripture Readers, sharing the love of Christ and the message of hope and salvation. The old Corporals’ Mess will go quiet again.
But something different will have settled in those hearts and minds, something more lasting than uniforms or rehearsals.
Hope.
And it all came served with a generous cup of tea or coffee along with a biscuit and the Gospel of Christ.
PRAY WITH US
- Praise God for the opportunities to share the gospel at the pop-up café, for the conversations had, and for Bibles and Christian literature accepted. Pray that the good news of Jesus would resonate in hearts and minds.
- Pray for all those who will be performing and working at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo throughout August. May the Lord sustain them and soften their hearts to the gospel as they cope with the demands of the event.
