The Ratagan weekend took place from 31st October to 3rd November, by the picturesque Loch Duich and Kintail mountains. The speaker was Rev. Murdo A.N. Macloed (Snizort) and his subject was ‘Noah – Faith and Obedience’ (Genesis chapters 5 to 9).

Another view of the picturesque Loch Duich and Kintail mountains where the Ratagan centre is situated.

The first talk, on Friday evening, was entitled: ‘Noah Walking with God’ (Genesis chapters 5 & 6), during which we looked at Noah’s background, such as the times he lived in, the family he came from, and the name he was given. We also looked at Noah’s character, and the fact that he found grace in the sight of God, that he was just, and that he walked with God. Furthermore, we looked at Noah’s instruction and his obedience to God’s commands.

On Saturday morning we moved on to Genesis chapter 7, where we focused on the instruction which God gave to Noah, his family, and the animals concerning the ark, and the days which they spent in the ark during the Flood. We also considered the destruction which took place, and the cause and extent of the flood. In the evening we looked mainly at Genesis chapter 8, where we thought about what it would have been like outside the ark after the rains had ceased, and what it would have been like when Noah and the animals actually left the ark.

On the Lord’s Day we joined with the Lochalsh & Strath Free Church (Continuing) congregation for the morning and evening services. In the morning the preacher was the minister, Rev. James MacInnes, with the sermon title ‘Are you Asleep?’ (taken from Acts chapter 20, especially verses 4 to 12, where we read the story of Eutychus), on the danger of being spiritually asleep. The evening service was taken by Rev. Murdo A.N. Macloed, in which we looked at Genesis chapter 9, the sin of Noah’s son Ham, and the precious sign and promise that God gave to Noah after the Flood was over.

Throughout the weekend and the talks, we sang Psalms, prayed, and studied God’s Word together. It was a lovely time of fellowship for all who gathered and the talks that were given were very helpful and much appreciated. At the end of the conference I think everyone left feeling refreshed, encouraged, and spiritually fed.

Rev Murdo Macleod and attendees at the Youth Conference at Ratagan. [Image from Susanna Macdonald.]