It is often said that one of the constants in life is change.

As we approach the end of another year, in this Gazette we reflect on the journey of the past five years and consider the progress we have made in improving the quality of experience for young people. 

Change has certainly been a theme of the past few years. I took on the role of Chief Executive in the early part of 2020 as the country went into a pandemic lockdown. My words of welcome in the Autumn Gazette that year spoke of change feeling overwhelming and scary, and at the same time, of an organisation not in retreat, just adapting to meet the needs of the times.

Five years later, and at this year’s AGM I talked about the pace of change in today’s world and the uncertainty it can bring, political instability, climate concerns, the impact of social media and AI on our lives, rises in the number of people suffering from poor mental health, the list goes on. These concerns aren’t limited to adults, young people feel these things too. 

So with a background of all this instability, like all periods of significant social and geopolitical change that has been faced by our country over the past 142 years, The Boys’ Brigade has an important contribution to play…

• Providing a place that is safe, where support is consistent and steady.
• Where young people are nurtured and valued through fundraising, volunteering, and more. 
• Where the love of Christ is shared and shown
  through action.

A former member, Pete Markey has been working with us on our Social Media Awards and helping us develop a new Alumni scheme. Pete has said:

I wouldn’t be the person I am, doing the job I’m doing, if it hadn’t been for The Boys’ Brigade, I genuinely believe that. I am who I am today because of it.”

It is not only the words of former members that should encourage and inspire us. You can find out more in our Get Involved article (pages 30-31) about how Cameron, one of our young members in Gourock is currently leading a campaign to provide young people with CPR training.

These are just some of the stories of The Boys’ Brigade family, and what we do is needed more than ever. 

I have also been reminded that for an organisation to thrive, it must keep evolving, reinventing itself to meet the needs of the day, to demonstrate relevance.    

Though change may seem daunting and unwelcome at times, it will remain a constant and as Christians we take hope in the knowledge that we don’t face the future alone.

The title of our strategy over the past five years is taken from Joshua 1:9:

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Life will continue to change and demand much of us, but God does not change, his love is steadfast, and he promises to walk with us in each new season. It reminds me that all things are possible, through him.

With every blessing and best wishes for the year ahead,