Getting to Know a Bit About the New Minister for East Caithness Church

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

It is with great joy and gratitude to God that I write this short introduction, so that you may get to know a bit about the person whom the Lord has called to serve among you here in East Caithness Church.

I was born and raised in Zimbabwe, where my journey of faith began at a very young age. My dear mother played a significant role in nurturing my Christian upbringing, faithfully taking me to church and teaching me the ways of the Lord. However, it was on Easter Sunday in 1994 that my faith became personal. On that day, I responded to the call of the gospel after hearing the words of Galatians 2:20:

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me."

From that moment, I committed my life to following Christ as my Lord and Saviour. Before entering full-time ministry, I worked as a high school teacher of Economics and History for seven years. During that time, I also had the privilege of leading a Scripture Union group. It brought me great joy to witness young people come to know Christ and grow in their faith, and this experience deepened my passion for ministry.

In 2014, I was ordained as a minister in the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe. I served in two congregations from 2014 to 2021, where I gained valuable pastoral experience and a deeper understanding of God’s people and His mission. My theological training includes a Diploma in Theology and Ministry from Murray Theological College, a Bachelor of Theology Honours Degree from the Reformed Church University in Zimbabwe, and later a Master’s Degree in Intercultural Theology from the Protestant Theological University in the Netherlands.

It was during my time in the Netherlands in 2019 that I sensed a clear calling from God to serve beyond my home country. In obedience to that call, I applied to the Church of Scotland, and by God’s grace, I was accepted. I began my ministry in Scotland with a period of familiarisation at Inverness Inshes East Church. From October 2021 to October 2024, I served at Inshes East Church, and thereafter I was moved by the Presbytery of the Highlands and Hebrides to Forres’ West Moray Parish, where I served at St Leonard’s Church until December 2025.

I am also blessed in my family life. On the 24th of August 2002, I married my beloved wife, Atylin, who has been a faithful partner in ministry and life. Together, God has blessed us with four children, our son Worship, and our daughters Worthy, Honour, and Glory. They are a constant source of joy and encouragement to me.

Now, by God’s providence and grace, I have been called to serve here in East Caithness Church. I come with a heart full of hope, a desire to serve, and a commitment to faithfully preach the Word of God, shepherd His people, and participate in His mission in this community.

As we begin this journey together, my prayer is that we will grow in our love for Christ, deepen in our fellowship with one another, and be a light in East Caithness, sharing the good news of Jesus with those around us.

Please continue to pray for me and my family as we settle into this new chapter and be assured of my prayers for you all.

Yours in Christ,
Rev. Cleopas Takavada (Minister-in-charge)
07778220452

Easter Message from the Outreach Worker’s Desk

The Torn Veil

"At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom." — Matthew 27:51 (NIV)

When Jesus died, the tearing of the veil was not a small detail, it was a profound act of God. The veil separated the Holy of Holies, where God’s presence dwelled, from everyone else. It was a constant reminder that sin created a barrier between a holy God and His people. Only the high priest could enter, and only once a year, with the blood of a sacrifice (Hebrews 9:7).

But at the very moment Jesus gave His life, that barrier was torn from top to bottom, a clear sign that God Himself had made a way. Jesus, the perfect sacrifice, fulfilled what all those temple rituals pointed toward. Sin was paid for, not temporarily, but completely.

"Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus… let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings." — Hebrews 10:19, 22 (NIV)

The torn veil means we no longer approach God with fear or distance, but with confidence and closeness. We do not need a human mediator, Jesus Himself is our High Priest, and through Him, we are welcomed into God’s presence. Let that fact sit in your heart this month. It is very humbling when we finally see how close God desires to be with us.

You may be reading this now thinking, "Easter is great, but does God really want to be close to me?" The answer is YES!! Jesus died so that the veil may be torn and we all could have direct access to God through His sacrifice. God desires not separation but nearness to you personally.

This should change how we live. We no longer need to strive to earn access to God, we live being already invited in! Even in our weakness, we can come boldly, knowing the way has been opened once and for all. We should all also come in humility knowing none of us has paid our own way and never could.

Rob (Outreach Worker)