Earlier this year we began asking the question: Where can we find a Scot with a heart for family reformation, and with a love of history, who would be willing to travel with Vision Forum Ministries, serving as a local host of the 2008 Scotland Faith and Freedom Tour? Then we remembered that last year’s Grand Prize Jubilee winner for the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival was not only a Scot, but a man who seemed to fit much of the bill. After all, his outstanding award-winning film The Monstrous Regiment of Women, detailing the evils of feminism and the abortion industry, got its title from a book written by Scotland’s great Reformation hero, John Knox. What we did not know was whether or not Colin would be open to romping about for two weeks in Scotland with us.

But Colin graciously agreed...and the rest was history.

None of us fully realized the scope and depth of Gospel giftings possessed by this filmmaking father of six children. Colin (who is a professional architect) brought wonderful messages on the theology of Scottish architecture. Fittingly, he preached from within John Knox’s St. Giles Church, and in many other historic locations. He helped us navigate through the customs, language, and diet of a foreign culture.

But more than anything else, Colin demonstrated the type of humility, passion for the Lord Jesus Christ, and love of his native land, which one rarely sees these days. Most memorable was the Sunday that Colin opened his heart and shared his own spiritual journey and salvation story. There was not a dry eye in the room.

Of Colin, one team member wrote:

“Our Scotland Faith and Freedom Tour would have been bereft of one its most special elements had Colin Gunn not joined us on our historic journey. A native Scotsman, Colin served as a great host of his homeland. His penetrating analysis of Scottish architecture, his thorough grasp of the Scottish character (both past and present), and his working knowledge of the key people and places that have made Scotland what it is added much color and insight to our tour. More important than this, though, was Colin’s spirit: With a heart beaming with God’s grace, Colin shared his faith with joy, humility, and ease. His heart burst with gratitude to God for drawing him to the hardy faith of the Scottish Reformers. A true evangel for Christ, Colin’s passionate testimony and sweet countenance profoundly blessed us all.”

The Gunn Family at Dalserf Church, Scotland.

Colin en route to the Island of Iona.