The death of HM The Queen was sudden but not completely unexpected at the age of 96 years. 

As I was thinking about her lifetime of service, I recalled our conversation as I received my MBE for services to The Boys’ Brigade, when she asked me “How is The Boys’ Brigade?”.

The late Queen was always interested in what the children and young people of our great organisation were involved in. Many of you may well have had a conversation with her as well and many of you will be Queen’s Badge holders.

At our recent AGM I had the privilege of reading out Her Majesty’s response to our loyal greeting. Our late Patron was always interested in our achievements.

So, it’s a time of sadness, a time of reflection and a time to give thanks to God for the Queen. It reminds me of another great Queen: Esther, Queen of Babylon. If you know the Bible story, Esther replaced Queen Vashti and marries King Xerxes.

“The king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so, he set the royal crown upon her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.” (Esther 2:17)

The story of Esther inspires us because God uses her and has her go from an orphan to a powerful Queen. Hers is truly a story that shows us that God can take anyone and place them in an influential position of power.

God had a purpose for putting Esther in a place of royalty. He wanted her to save her people from destruction. We can learn from the characteristics of Esther and apply the lessons in our lives. Esther was a gracious woman who taught us that God uses us for the purposes of his kingdom.

I believe I am called to serve God in The Boys’ Brigade, an organisation I have been in for over 60 years, and I hope and pray all our leaders feel they are serving God week in week out as we strive to advance Christ’s kingdom.

Please continue with the work you do and maybe some of the children and young people in your care, in the future, will feel called to serve God in the Brigade and beyond.

I urge you all at this time to pray for The Boys’ Brigade, pray for a new Patron and pray for King Charles III, remembering that King Jesus is listening.

Drew Buchanan MBE

Drew Buchanan MBE is Chair of the Brigade Executive (our Trustees). He has been married to Karen for 42 years and they have three children, at one time all serving in a BB Company. Drew has been Captain at three different Companies and has recently stood down after 13 years as a Battalion President. Drew is a great believer in delegation, and also believes all leaders should be looking out now for the person to replace them.