Quite simply: read this !

I read this today and just wanted everyone else to be in the room so I could read it to them too. I found it inspiring and moving. Hope you do too.

Romania journal #8 & 9

Days 8 + 9 -

You know that it is probably time to start thinking about going home when you start hearing the cockerel saying your name...

We had our final fellowship morning with the local believers then a time of children's ministry for the last time...Tom shared with the older ones who listened to him with great interest. We had a relatively chilled afternoon, packing and preparing for tomorrow's return journey. I spent some time with Rafael debriefing on the week and planning tonight's fellowship time together. Fortunately there hasn't been anything arranged with the church folks tonight (the first night that's happened) so we will be able to spend time with the Romanian team of 5 young people who we've been working with all week, as well as the other Romanian OM workers, Rafael, Sylviu & Emma and Jacov from Finland.

We had a short time of worship, then Sylviu led a time of reflection on the week as a whole. What have we learned? What have we enjoyed? What have we found challenging? What next?

Rafael brought a short piece of teaching on Peter from Luke 22. Three don'ts. 1. Don't sleep. 2. Don't watch Jesus from afar. 3. Don't be warmed by other's fires.

We then washed each other's feet as a symbol of servanthood and brotherhood (and sisterhood!).

Sunday morning was our final chance to meet with the church folks and they had kindly agreed to end their service at 1130 so we could make our way to the airport. They handed over the service to us to lead; as Pastor Marian said, he wanted to squeeze every drop out of us! Sylviu introduced the service, Claire brought some thoughts from an OM perspective, Emma shared a report of the week and I spoke on the importance of mission, be it at home or further afield. It was good too to pray for the 5 Romanian young people and encourage them to rise up in the years to come and reach their land and others with the gospel.

Then it was a quick bite of lunch and team photos and into the cars for the airport.

Everyone is looking forward to getting home, but we are all leaving a little piece of ourselves here in Padureni. Who knows what the future holds for us, for them? But my prayer is that God will add a blessing to all that's been done in His name here over these last few days.

Finally, a word of thanks to all our loved ones for allowing us to have this experience. And to everyone who helped raise the finance. And to all who have been praying. Thank you all so much.

Same time next year?

Romania journal #7

Day 7 - earlier start than normal as the cyclists - Tom, Rachel and Charlotte- were leaving for another village at 8:30. The others went in the support vehicles and it took 90 minutes to get there. Once there we shared the gospel in several gardens belonging to local people. Gwynneth, Gordon and Charlotte shared and then there was a prolonged discussion between the non-Christians present and the Romanian members of the team. We didn't understand a word of course so all we could do was pray.

This aspect of the trip can involve a lot of sitting around, and feeling useless and ineffective, but I reminded the team, and myself, that we are not here for our benefit. The return journey for lunch took slightly less time and people had worked up an appetite. 94 degrees makes you appreciate water particularly. A bit of down time this afternoon before heading back to the same place later, this time by cars.

When we got there we headed to the school and along with about 20 locals armed with scithes and other assorted implements (not the grim reaper after all, above), we started clearing the school pitch of weeds, bottles and rubbish. I must confess to having been as much use as a chocolate teapot, as for the first time this week, I felt decidedly unwell, with a banging headache. Charlotte and I sat in the shade and I caught up with how she was feeling about things.

When the clearing was done, several games of football ensued. Halfway through the evening, Gwynneth, Ramona and Charlotte performed 'The Sticky Chair Sketch', an OM favourite apparently, and I gave a gospel message on the traps of money, drugs and sex and how Jesus is the only one who can free us. On the spur of the moment I felt led to issue a direct challenge/appeal and maybe as many as 15 young men and women raised their hands in response. A number of John's gospels were distributed and it is to be hoped that Brother Marian, a different one in that village, will be able to develop some of these contacts.

It has been a trying day, one way and another, and as I write this, I feel quite drained. I suppose the responsibility of what I do for a living jumps up and bites me now and again. When did I grow up enough to be responsible for taking 5 others, 4 of them young people, into a strange place in Eastern Europe? Then to be given the privilege of sharing the gospel with complete strangers, without having earned the right by developing a relationship with them? That feels weird.

One or two sticky issues in the team today. But nothing I've not had to deal with a million and one times before. I can hear Alistair over my shoulder...'Maturing, Contributing, Adding'. True at Bethany, just as true in Romania.

Observations on today:

1. Bizarre. That's the only way to describe sitting at a level crossing, talking with the farmer with his horse and cart while you wait, whilst a nearby house blasts out Bill Haley + The Comets, 'Rock Around the Clock'. Only in Romania.

2. Music. On the radio here, the music is western circa 1985. I have heard Foreigner, Annie Lennox, Cyndi Lauper to name few. Savage Garden (!) was really the most up to date I've heard, apart from when I went to the supermarket in Bucharest when I was tickled to hear Coldplay when we went in.

3. Shoes. I will not miss the front step where we routinely discard our shoes on re-entry to the house. It's a pain.

4. Words I associate with this week. Da. Multumesc. Cupplacherri. Accordions. Fanta. Bites. Dust-covered trees. Padureni. Dorel. Cristi. Nuzzi. Rafael. Silvu. Emma. Monica. Ramona. Pastor Marian. Flies. 15 minutes.

5. Journals. I have enjoyed keeping this diary of the week. It's been quite cathartic for me and occasionally poignant and entertaining for the team as I've shared it each day. I hope they have found it useful as they have kept theirs. No doubt they will stand as good memory-keepers for the week. I hope to add pictures to mine and be a bit more creative than I usually am. It will probably get swamped by much more 'important' things when I get home. But I also hope that the young people, in particular, use theirs as a springboard for further reflection on their future response to God's call on their lives. By the way, guys,if you're reading this, or hearing it, I'd love it if sometime you feel able to let me hear some of your journal entries. Only if and when you feel able.

6. Gifts. I was finally able to get to a bank today although withdrawing the money was a bit tricky. I gave gifts to Claire, Silviu + Emma, and Rafael. It was quite emotional with Silviu and Emma, and I was reminded again how it is definitely more of a blessing to give than to receive, as I saw how touched and grateful they were. Rafael asked if it was ok to put his gift towards a new car. Of course.

7. Sorry. Just a word for my brilliant team here. I just want to say I am grateful to you all for making the trip. If there are times during the week I have not been there for you, I am sorry. I have tried my best to watch out for your best interests as an individual, and for the group as a whole. I hope you can recognise that my motivation for organising this trip has been to broaden your understanding of God/His world, and your part in it. If that has happened, even in a tiny way, then I am satisfied. God bless you all.

Romania journal #6

Day 6 - another warm day here in Padureni.

Usual programme; met with local believers in the morning before some children's ministry. I took time out to write Pastor Marian a letter to encourage him and Emma translated it for me. I also prepared for my session meeting the team for reflections this afternoon.

Lunch was peppers filled with a mince filling to which Tom enquired, 'is that what's inside peppers?' memo to self: speak to Tom + Gail when I get back.

The afternoon was taken with all the meetings which I hope people found helpful. All of the team have reasons to be proud of themselves this week and I hope they go back with a greater sense of imagination about where their life could lead them, if they stay close to God.

Football at 6 with a few guys from the village. I spoke at half-time about Kaka and his 'I belong to Jesus' t-shirt. As I spoke, someone led their cow across the pitch; make up your own joke here.

After a dinner of mash and pepperami sausages we went to a local Christian's home for a fellowship evening of singing, accordions and prayers. And doughnuts. Lots of doughnuts. Eh Tom?

This was the highlight of the trip so far for me personally. Cristi, a 16 yr old boy gave his testimony. His parents are not believers but his mum Nuti has been cooking for us this week. He spoke boldly and clearly and declared his faith in Jesus now and forever. Tom and him have become firm friends even though neither speaks the other's language. They have been comical to watch but very endearing at the same time. Cristi asked for prayer for an illness he has. Tom responded and laid hands on him while he prayed. His prayer was so natural and the prayer of a friend. I had a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes were ready to fall. So proud of these young people.

Then Terri prayed for Ramona (pictured above, right); who knows what lies ahead for this beautiful young Roma woman? If she stays in Padureni the likelihood is that she will become a 'baby machine' and her life will follow the pattern of every other woman here, a life of subjugation to her husband. But maybe she has an opportunity to get away from here to study. Gwynneth and I wondering if there is anything we at Bethany can do long term to support her education. One to ponder and pray about...

This was probably the largest gathering we've attended this week, and also the most special. I was able to bring a short word from Kings 6 on losing your cutting edge. They played 'amazing grace' and let us sing some English words, followed by 'What a friend we have in Jesus', which I mucked up the words on... Oh well.

Other comments:

1. Charlotte scored 2 more goals though she also missed 2 penalties and an absolute sitter from just half a yard. Major improvement for the Toon.

2. Pastor Marian received my letter and related the news to the church.

3. Charlotte attracted her usual adoring public with man-to-man marking being taken very seriously. Her behaviour, it has to be said, was exemplary. Keep going Charly you're nearly there. Proud of u.

4. They were asked to create a memory of their time here using nowt but a blob of plasticine. Gwynneth did a love heart, Rachel a treble clef, Tom did an outside toilet and a clock to remind of Romanian time schedules. I didn't quite get Charlotte's and it became one of those awkward occasions when I was politely nodding but inside was wondering 'what the heck is that?' maybe someone will explain to silly thick me. Terri, being the plasticine Queen made a masterpiece of very intricate, fiddly figures that this chubby-fingered boy couldn't dream of making.

5. Well campers, it's an earlier start tomorrow as the bikers have got a distance of 20km to cover to the next village where we will run another programme. I also need to get to an atm to arrange gifts for the team. - that's the Romanians in case your wondering?

6. I've had to visit the wee room twice today. Technique, I have discovered, is everything. The most important part of the ritual is to never, that's NEVER draw breath through your nostrils. Oh, and when you do get into the most vulnerable and undignified of all positions, the last thing you need is a surprise visit from a family of wasps out looking for a fast food outlet. Isn't that right Tom?

Romania journal #5

Day 5 - this was a much-needed pick-me-up day for the team.

The day started with many of us visiting the home of Nelo, the young man with severe difficulties whom I met on Sunday. Although agitated at first, he sat well through testimonies and prayers. This may have been down to the time of day and medication or to the prayers of Gwynneth, Rachel, Charlotte and Emma back at the house or a combination of both. They had an intimate time of sharing which was special for them.

We had a short time of children's ministry on the street. Terri and Rachel did some paints on the little ones' hands while Emma told the story of Noah, and Tom and Charlotte got 'wired in' to a full-blooded game of footie with the older boys. Charlotte had to be put in goals as her tackles in her gladiator boots were too vicious even for the street-hardened Romanians! She impressed in goals as the only female and we are currently waiting for the call from St James Park. I'm sure Stephen will be busy at home negotiating the transfer fee from Bethany to Newcastle United.

Gwynneth told the Bible story of the feeding of the five thousand, and did well, despite the noisy audience. 'oh for the tranquility of Grindon Hall'.

We then squeezed into four cars as we headed into Bucharest with our Romanian friends. First stop was the western-style mall. The UK team treated everyone to lunch; the look on the McDonalds employee's face when we ordered 18 McFlurries will live with Tom for a long time. They were then given an hour to have a look at the shops. Choice seemed to be plenty and many boutique shops were there. I bought a sun hat from Debenhams, figuring if it didn't fit, I could return it in the UK. I'd love to see them reading the receipt and working out the currency exchange.

We then went to the Museum of the Villages, this displays many real life houses which have been relocated to this pleasant park location in central Bucharest. The houses each represent a typical dwelling from different geographical areas in Romania through the ages. The normally avid learner in me was defeated by the tired and hot me, and I enjoyed walking and talking, and a cold drink, rather than becoming an expert in ancient Romanian cultures. This was a seriously hot day again, and it made for lots of nice photo-ops.

Home again through the Bucharest rush-hour. Same gridlock as any other major city, but throw the heat into the mix, and add in the fact that our car had no aircon, and it seemed like I was being slowly cooked. Finally we were free of the city, and the open windows ushered in a welcome breeze. This combined with a beautiful summer sunset to give a nice memory of our day out in the Romanian capital.

Back at base, it was good to see Rachel actively and voluntarily interacting. This has been her best day yet, from my point of view. The bbq was a nice day to end a long day. Rafael and Gordon did the dishes which amused Ramona who stood and watched like the dishes inspector. Rafael said she was spectating because she'd never seen adult males working in the kitchen before. A late-night reminder of the different society we're living in.

Comments and reflections on the day:-

1. Contrast. A 30 minute car journey takes you FROM the depths of poverty and a very basic backward-looking community, still held hostage by its own past, as well as by others' prejudices and corruption TO a world of Porsches, Mercedes, McDonalds and Body Shop. We talk about postcode lotteries at home with regard to schooling choices. This is much bigger, and much harder to jump the fence.

2. Temperaments. In a team people will not always get along with every member of the team all the time. We know that. Most of the week we have worked well together. When someone has dipped in morale, others have pulled them through. That's what I hoped would happen . As leader I am ever conscious of my responsibility in bringing these dear young people to this strange place. I need to know how they are, but also to let them know how they're doing, so tomorrow I'm going to meet with them all 1-1 and do a bit of reflection. Then they will be given a challenge to encourage others, before we pray together. Looking forward to it, and we will try to have a British approach to the appointment times!

3. Struck again by the disparity between Padureni and Bucharest, I considered that I, at age 41, have lived a life of luxury. To spend 1 week in someone else's shoes should not be a challenge, yet it's tougher than any of us are admitting. Anything else is bravado or the answer to impress the teacher syndrome. Reality will kick in and these expressions will be tested severely. Will we settle back into our comfort, without a backward glance to Padureni, or will it have any kind of lasting impact? For some the answers may be different, and it will be an interesting story to follow. So not only the disparity between Padureni and Bucharest - it's only a few minutes . The distance between my heart and my will may take considerably longer.

4. Delighted in Rachel's increased volume and contribution today. She's a slow burner. When Alli cooks meat in the slow cooker it's the tastiest. Rachel will go home a lot happier on Sunday because of today. More between now and then please Rach.

5. Prayed for Anna Smith from OM today - her mother's cancer has returned aggressively. Please pray.

6. Remembered too the Bethany team away to Zambia today. Also their families at home.

7. Tomorrow's plan is coffee fellowship at 9, then children's ministry. I'm going to use that time to write a letter to pastor Marian, and also prepare for our 1-1s later. The afternoon will give everyone an opportunity to reflect within themselves, spend time with God, and reflect with me on their experience so far. No doubt I will be dealing with highs, lows and all the inbetweens. Bring it on.

8. Claire's been badly struggling with her eyes today. She got to a pharmacist for drops but was in a lot of pain when we got back to the house. We prayed together and within a few minutes her pain was gone, God is good!

9. Scotland lost 4-0 to Norway so guess who won't be going to the World Cup? Again?

10. I only had number 9 but Tom subconsciously wanted me to put in a number 10. He's saying 'da' in his sleep. Goodnight Tom.

Romania journal #4

Day 4 - We are getting used to the Romanian way. But to control freaks like me, it is very frustrating. 15 minutes means who knows how long. You start to realise that it could mean 90 minutes, but just when you start to factor that in, someone goes and pulls a literal 15 minutes just to upset your thinking.

So today was quite a tough day in many ways. The good points first of all. Claire and Tom saw an old lady trust the Lord for the first time during their ministry visitation. Terri did superbly well sharing her testimony this morning and Tom similarly this evening. Both of them put work into how they shared and took into account the pauses for translations. Naturals!

Rafael also reminded the team today how important their hugs and words of love to these children are.

There were some depths to plumb today too for some of the group. Terri thought she'd lost her Bible for a while and got quite upset. Thankfully it was found before long. It's funny how incidents are magnified here, and it's probably related to tiredness and emotional strain.

Charlotte and Gwynneth had a difficult experience during their street visits. They saw two quite disturbing family scenarios which left Charlotte in tears and Gwynneth did a super job supporting her and looking after her. This is why God has brought Gwynneth here, I am convinced. Her instincts to care and nurture are a real blessing to the girls particularly.

The children's ministry, run by Terri and Rachel today, with Monica and Sylviu, went really well today. More children, lots of attention during the story(Zaccheus) and many remembering the story from the previous day...

In the afternoon I went with Rafael to Bucharest to drop Monica off.. she is having a few days at home before coming to UK to study for mission to Kosovo and Afghanistan. She is an extremely brave young woman of 23 whose sole desire is to serve God. The girls will miss her, particularly Terri and Charlotte who grew quite close to her in a short time. We are hopeful she will be able to visit Bethany while she is in the UK.

After dropping her at the metro station we went to a cash'n'carry to buy some supplies. While Rafael was paying I went to the bank. It wasn't till we got home that we realised he'd left behind 6 loaves of bread and 60 eggs. Ooops. However we did buy fish fingers and chips and Heinz tomato ketchup as well as Fanta and Coke. Smiles all round.

Tomorrow we go to Bucharest for a few hours. Hopefully it will give everyone a much-needed boost.

It was good to hear David Childs on the phone today, and to read various messages on Facebook from folks back home. Thanks everyone, it means a lot.

Romania journal #3

Day 3 - this was a good day, the best yet for the Bethany team. After breakfast we visited the home of a church family for coffee at 9am, where we sang songs, then shared a discussion on Matthew 2 before praying in pairs in the yard among the dogs, kittens and chickens.

Then we got into the ministry for the day... Charlotte and Terri were on the team doing games with the children in the village. Within 10 seconds of setting up, they had 30 children buzzing around them like bees round a honey pot. I laughed as I realised they were trying to teach them 'Knights, Horsemen and Cavaliers' despite the language barrier. Somehow it worked and the kids had a blast. Some more organised games followed then Charlotte gave an object lesson using a multi-coloured football. She did this at 5 minutes notice and Rafael later told me how impressed he was with the job she did. I told the story of Legion and the kids got sweets/'bonbons' if they were good.

Meanwhile Gwynneth, Tom, Rachel and Claire were off round the village trying to open up gospel opportunities along with some of the Romanian believers. They were able to give some John's gospels to some of the villagers.

Lunch was a beef con carne while dinner was a traditional Romanian meal of polmenta, feta cheese and sour cream. Mixed together, it was quite tasty. The team also had the treat of fresh watermelons today which they were delighted with. Charlotte's hydration levels are heading in the right direction again as she went back for seconds. She was also pleased, we all were, to find a shop selling bottles of 2litres Fanta. We now have shares in the shop and the owner is booking his holidays on the strength of the daily Bethany order.

For Tom, he had his first opportunity to show off his football skills as the local lads had a kickabout. He taught them how to scream, 'man on', 'switch', and 'nil', as in, 'Sunderland nil'.
Charlotte is in her element teaching some of the girls a dance. I did a pastoral visit with Marian to a man who has been an enemy of the church, and who beat his wife up when she started attending. A challenging one, but God gave me the words when I needed them.

Points from today:

1. There was more life in everyone today. Perhaps the travel-tiredness is wearing off, but having more of a routine -hah, that's a laugh- maybe helped too...

2. Tomorrow we will do more of the same, though we will mix the teams slightly, putting Tom with Charlotte and Rachel with Terri. Terri is primed to give her testimony tomorrow and I have great confidence in her.

3. We had some Bethany team time and sang and prayed in Gwynneth and Rachel's room. As we sang, Marian came, intrigued by the music, but then stayed and prayed through tears as we had a time of prayer. We didn't understand the words, but we sensed his heart was glad to have fellowship with other believers. Yet another reminder of something we take for granted so easily yet is so precious to this dear brother and his little family.

4. Time continues to be an enigma here. A 15 minute meeting today lasted 1 hour and 25 minutes. And you know how much I like meetings...

5. The Terri-ometer was back up to full today and my head was lowpin'. It was already sore from Terri's incessant hypernonsense when Tom decided it would be a good idea to open a window at top speed into my skull. My loving, caring team looked after their pastor the only way they know how. They laughed long and loud. Nice people.

6. For you worried about such base matters, I managed to go today. Yay. Others are still holding out. We will see what effect the watermelons have.

7. Quote of the day from Tom - 'I wish my granny had the internet.'

8. So to tomorrow, with the revised plan that we will go to Bucharest on Wednesday so that we do not clash with the visit of the Bulgarian Gypsy group. I can't help but think that we are being strategically 'removed' for the day... But we are all excited about getting to the city and maybe seeing some sights. I particularly want to visit the People's Palace, built by Ceaucescu, and still the 2nd largest building in the world, after the Pentagon. Many Christians died during its construction.

Bring on Tuesday!

Romania journal #2

Day 2- wow where to start?

We all slept fairly well except Terri who was in the tent and could hear every strange noise. She's moving indoors tonight! Breakfast was an array of corn flakes-ish, muesli, bread and jams. Church was in theory at 10am, but like everything here, it starts when everyone is ready. The church they are using collapsed 3 months ago so they are meeting outside. So on the day Bethany were meeting outdoors back home, we were getting in the mood in Padureni! A mixture of music, all accordions, prayers and a message from a visiting speaker who spoke from James and Philippians on evaluating our lives.

I introduced the team and brought greetings from Bethany. I asked Charlotte to give a short testimony and she did brilliantly, we all agreed. She then prayed for all the Romanian Christians. Is this really the same girl who gave her heart to the Lord on a normal Friday night at the Loft some 21 months ago? How could anyone have imagined that within two years she'd be in Eastern Europe actively praying for a group of Roma Gypsy Christians? We prayed for the pastor's brother Dorel who is needing a kidney transplant. Healthcare in Romania is dependent on bribes. He can't afford the bribe.

For lunch we had chorba, which resembled minestrone soup. Very tasty. Then bean paste with chorizo sausage. Not a crowd-pleaser. I managed 40 winks after lunch, which shows how tired I am. Not a good sign on day 2.

I went with Pastor Marian to visit with a young man called Nelo. He is 21 but maybe with the mind of a small child. I watched with horror as he walked barefoot through nettles and thistles, seemingly hardened to the stings, or just oblivious. It was hard to know. In the UK it would be a challenge to care for him, even with all the health care and social care support. Here he is hopeless. His mum Carmella and sister Liniza care for him. They are both believers. I told his mum many people in England would be praying for them.

We began to plan some sort of program for the week with Rafael, the OM worker here. Romania does not do structure so this will be hard for us to cope with. The team have created a phrase for the week, 'oh well, that's Romania!'- owtr for short. At 5:45 we discovered that there was another church service at 6pm. At 5:50 I was asked if I would preach! I gave a short word from Psalm 119 through an interpreter.

Thoughts and concerns from today.

1. Charlotte has been unable to drink much so far, saying it makes her gag. Gwynneth and I are encouraging her to take on fluids so she doesn't dehydrate. Not sure if she has understood how serious this is...

2. Gwynneth has had a number of bites which have swollen quite badly. Keeping an eye on her.

3. Gwynneth quite touched at how much we have, how much we take for granted, and also the crazy things we grumble about back home. Also Gwynneth and I spoke about what we could leave the church here as a gift from Bethany. Will wait on God as the week goes on... We know that whatever we leave won't be enough, the need is so great.

4. Terri feeling that she has had much more of a culture-shock than she'd expected. She has been fairly chilled by Terri's usual extreme standards and I've been proud of her as she has been very accepting of difficult circumstances. A real answer to prayer so far.

5. Rachel has settled well. We have found out that one of the young people here plays the clarinet and I think she will get the opportunity tomorrow to play in front of everyone.

6. Tom is thriving. Loving the kids and they love him, usually hanging off his arms. He loves the chaos and unpredictability of Romanian life.

7. How do we convey the reality of this back home? It's impossible. The heat, the smells, the language, the chaotic approach to life. When we visit the toilet, the hole in the ground in the garden, we hold our breath. Then on the way back to the house we try not to tread on the geese, hens and turkeys at our feet. I kid you not.

8. And finally, I ate rice for the first time in 35 years today. All bets are now off... anything really could happen. Owtr!

Romania journal #1

What a week of mission in Romania! So much happened, I'm going to publish my daily journal on here for those who want to get a feel for the experience we had. All comments welcome...

Day 1 - So that's day one. What a long day... Left home at 3:10a.m and have flown twice, caught a bus and then a train. Warmly welcomed by church Pastor Marian and his wife Mariana. His story of faith involves coming to faith after his son had been badly scalded and the doctors had given up hope and even said, 'only God can save him now'. So though not believers, they prayed and their son miraculously pulled thru'.

Tomorrow we attend their church service which should be interesting. Fortunate to find ourselves sleeping in the pastor's house; Gwynneth and Rachel have a bed, Charlotte and Monica, our guide, have a bed, while Terri and Claire have chosen the tent in the yard, from where they can hear all the wild dogs, of which there are loads, yelling and yelping, as well as the incessant racket of the crickets' chatter.

Tom and I are on a hard floor with Jacov a 23 yr old from Finland. He's been 4 weeks in Slovakia already, here for a short while then he's off to Bosnia. Another guy, David, from Basingstoke, is stopping off here on his way to Moldova tomorrow. Monica is a great girl. 23 yrs old, a Christian 5 yrs, difficult home background, she's preparing for mission work in Kosovo, then possibly Afghanistan. She's going to be in UK for several months training, in London and Birmingham, starting later this month. Already we are hoping that she will be able to visit Bethany during her stay.

We had a nicely prepared meal of chips, egg, tomato and cheese, washed down by much water. Tom and I have very basic sanitation, to say the least, whilst the girls have luxurious facilities in comparison.

We are who knows where. You've heard of the middle of nowhere. Well, we're in the middle of the middle of nowhere. Place called Padureni. Good luck finding that on a map!

Moments of the day...
1. On arrival at Bucharest airport, Charlotte wanted to gather us together and pray a prayer of thanks for a safe arrival. What a girl!

2. Terri experiencing flight for the first time...much squealing, squawking, with dial turned up to eleven.

3. Terri discovering travelators- cue more squealing, and laughter and mocking from Tom/ 'Terri can't do travelators.'

4. Gwynneth giving Rachel and I a fright on the plane. Rachel thought she was being sick. I thought she had suddenly burst into tears. Truth was she was choking on her boiled sweets. She was ok. We laughed.

Good night campers!

Wet Wet Wet

Last week was wet. I mean W E T. The kind of wet that stays with you for a while. 26 of us over at Keswick for the week and we all felt like Noah and the family by the end of the week. Well, I say end of the week. Actually we only made it till Wednesday. The field was starting to flood and tents were resembling water features. Nonetheless, we enjoyed it. The times spent in the tents (because of the rain) led to some good conversations, (as well as some dodgy ones). The young people were undeterred from thoughts of doing it all again in the future and though the leaders may take some persuading, I am sure that when their courses of therapy are through, they will be buoyed (unfortunate choice of words) and ready to do it again.

This week my thoughts turn to Romania. Six of us head off early Saturday for eight days of mission with OM in the villages of Padureni and Buturugeni, north west of Bucharest. It's been 100+ degrees there these last couple of weeks and I do NOT like heat. Joy.

We have known God with us throughout our preparation and planning and know that He has some great things in store next week. Pray with me that Tom, Rachel, Charlotte and Terri experience something of God's greatness next week taht will sustain them for many years in their faith development. Also for Gwynneth and I that we are able to be a great support to the youngsters and to our fellow-Christians in Romania.

Thought I'd include my all-time favourite Youtube clip so here it is... Bulgarian Pop Idol sings 'Ken Lee' that classic Mariah Carey song... Enjoy!

Have we deified youth?

This brilliant little clip by Scottish comedian Craig Ferguson (previously known as Bing Hitler and now a big cheese in the States) shows us that it's not just people INSIDE the church who are observing youth trends and society's clamour to remain young.

Cink ends Watson fairytale at glorious Turnberry

THE WEEKEND THAT WAS:

It was the weekend of The Open Championship, and I was glued throughout. What amazing stories potentially waited to be told. Could young Manassero, the 16-year-old Amateur Champion really compete in the rarefied atmosphere of the game's elite? Answer: yes and then some. We saw the new Seve. Could Chris Wood, last year's silver medal winner for low amateur, and an incredible fifth overall, translate that into success as a rookie pro? Answer: yes, and then some. Finishing in a tie for third, and only one off a play-off. Could we see a more sustained home challenge than in previous years? Answer: yes, although Wood and Westwood came up one shot shy. Could we see a fairytale story like Greg Norman last year? Surely not. That was a one-off. Answer: Yes, and then some. Tom Watson, 59, had a six footer to win his sixth Claret Jug, an unbelievable 34 years after he claimed his first. But not to be as his nemesis of the last 20 years, short putts, came to haunt him one last time. We also had the 'will she won't she' daily diary of Ross Fisher's wife, whose waters were about to break, as he challenged for his first major. She hung on, but he couldn't deliver (boom boom). As it was, the play-off was a huge anti-climax after the most engaging of final days on which the lead changed hands innumerable times. Stewart Cink is a worthy winner as he shot the low score of the week, and that is what the record books will show. He has been a top pro for a decade with little but a healthy bank balance to show for it. Now he is in the history books forever and gets to join an elite club. An Open to remember.


ON MY TO-DO LIST THIS WEEK:

We head to Keswick this weekend and there is a bit of prep to be done for this so that will dominate the week I guess. I lead an elders' discussion tonight on the theme of preaching and teaching in the church.


BOOK(S) I'M IN THE MIDDLE OF:

Have just started reading 'How Would Jesus Lead Worship?' by Sam and Sara Hargreaves


TV HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK:

The BBC's coverage of the Open was superb as usual. the slow-mo camera, though overused like any new toy, showed some superb features. In particular, for the aficionados, it was a treat to see ball contact from a rough lie or in a bunker. Quite amazing.


WHAT SONG IS THE IPOD SHUFFLE PLAYING AS I TYPE THIS:

"Three more Days" by The Proclaimers from 'Notes and Rhymes'



NEXT TRIP:

Keswick Convention with 22 young people this Saturday for 6 days. Dry weather please...


HOW I'M FEELING ABOUT THE WEEK:

Glad to be back at work and getting into the guts of summer. Lots of planning to do for the autumn and I'm enjoying thinking about that and making plans for teaching programmes etc.

It really feels like summer!

So I missed a week. No excuses except that it's maybe reflective of the busyness of the season.

Last week Sam and I went, along with my best mate Alasdair, to Milan to see U2 strut their stuff at the awesome San Siro stadium. After months of anticipation and excitement, it didn't disappoint. The sheer scale of the concert was breathtaking. You can see pictures here.

On the home front my 16 year old daughter Laura had her school prom last Friday and she looked beautiful. Quite the princess! She's off in London for a few days before heading off to visit family over the summer so I won't see her till the end of August. At least then we have a family holiday together to look forward to.

At church, I have been officially welcomed as an elder of Bethany Christian Centre. What a daunting responsibility and privilege. All I can do is keep trusting God for His equipping and enabling to carry out the responsibilities of an elder in the local church. If you pray, please pray for me.

This past weekend was the latest service where we integrated the youth service and the regular evening service. Several of the young people participated and we built the service on the theme of 'Freedom.'

Yesterday I popped over to Keswick in the beautiful Lake District to do a bit of a reccy for a youth week away later this month. We're visiting the Keswick Convention so I took advantage of the teaching on offer and listened to Dale Ralph Davis preaching on 'The Heart that Strays' from 1 Kings 11. Solomon allowed his heart to be distracted and stolen by competing gods, as the influence of his 700 wives and 300 concubines wore him down. (Can you imagine?)

One of the major disconnects in the modern age is between heart and head and Davis was reminding his audience that in God's kingdom, they intrinsically go together.


BOOK(S) I'M IN THE MIDDLE OF:

On the recommendation of my colleague, I've begun reading 'So You Don't Want To Go To Church Anymore' by Wayne Jacobsen & Dave Coleman. So far so good. Written in a very accessible style, it paints a picture of how going through the motions of faith can have a devastating effect on someone's personal relationship with God. I'm hoping that as I approach the meat of the book, that it also points to some ways of preempting these dangers.


TV HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK:

Haven't seen much telly, but Alli and I are enjoying 'On Thin Ice', a documentary on BBC1 on Sunday nights, following Ben Fogle, Ed Coats and James Cracknell on their race to the South Pole.


WHAT SONG IS THE IPOD SHUFFLE PLAYING AS I TYPE THIS:

" Why Does It Always Rain on Me?" by Travis



NEXT TRIP:

In 11 days we take 22 eager teenagers to Keswick for a week's camping and exposure to God's Word. What an exciting prospect. Pray for lives to be changed.


HOW I'M FEELING ABOUT THE WEEK:

Well, the hits just keep on coming. After last week's trip to Milan, I have a few days off this week and I'm going to watch the Open from Turnberry from the luxury of our lounge. Anybody but Tiger please.

Casualty, Glastonbury and Lost Nokias

THE WEEKEND THAT WAS:

Friday night's youth club ended with me taking one of our leaders, Dan, to the A&E after he fell awkwardly playing football. I wish I had a fiver for every time I'd ended up taking someone to casualty from a youth club. Saturday I spent in Sheffield attending the CPAS training day for their youth version of the Growing Leaders course. My enjoyment of the day was interrupted by carelessly leaving my mobile in the taxi from the station. After much sweating and annoyance, a very kind taxi driver reunited me and my Nokia for which I was very grateful. The day itself was useful and the course is something I'd like to look into for 9-12 months time when I try and align young people with specific ministries within the church. No point growing leaders unless you're providing arenas to lead in.

On Sunday we had three baptisms at church with some fantastic testimonies. We had family visiting this weekend so it was good to be able to spend much of Sunday with them over a lovely meal and just chilling and chatting.

The weekend had its share of sadness too as we learned of the tragic death, as the result of a car crash, of my cousin James. He was just 44 and leaves a widow, Rachel and two teenage daughters, Lois and Ruth. Much prayer needed for this precious family.


ON MY TO-DO LIST THIS WEEK:

Youth team meeting tonight (always a time of encouragement). Tomorrow I have an appointment at the hospital about one of those annoying little skin tags which attach themselves to us with such tenacity! I have one on my eyelid which is becoming a bit of an irritation. On Wednesday I'm involved in our church forum, reporting on the findings of the church questionnaire and also presenting a bit of autobiography as the church considers the elders recommendation of me as an elder. Scary stuff!

Towards the end of the week I'm looking forward to meeting and spending time with Claire Hoernig from Operation Mobilisation who will be leading our missions trip to Romania next month.

Finally we have a team night on Saturday for those young people going to Keswick in the summer. (putting up tents and taking them down again!)


BOOK(S) I'M IN THE MIDDLE OF:

Out of necessity for Saturday's course I read 'Ready to Lead' by Ruth Hassall. Very clear and a useful tool for any youth pastor aspiring to develop the next generation of leaders.


TV HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK:

Last night, with no church involvement, i indulged myself by watching some of the Glastonbury festival. Springsteen was very watchable as usual, but I felt Blur stole the show with an awesome performance of their greatest hits catalogue.


WHAT SONG IS THE IPOD SHUFFLE PLAYING AS I TYPE THIS:

"Down the Dip" by Aztec Camera from the album High Land, Hard Rain



NEXT TRIP:

The one I've been looking forward to most. Next Wednesday, along with my stepson Sam and my best mate Alasdair, I'm off to the San Siro, Milan to see U2 in concert. Can't wait!


HOW I'M FEELING ABOUT THE WEEK:

Lots to do. No two days the same. Brilliant. Thank you God. I love my job.

Monday became Tuesday too soon this week...

THE WEEKEND THAT WAS:

Saturday morning was spent being splatted with heavy wet sponges at our fundraising morning for our missions trip to Romania this summer. It was a very successful morning with over £2000 being added to the kitty. I managed to watch the thrilling First Test between the Lions and the Springboks before heading up to Dumfries. On Sunday I preached morning and evening at Dumfries Baptist Church, and inbetween enjoyed a lovely family meal at Tabletable. It was good to see mum and my nieces Katy, Fay, Jennifer & Laura, as well as my brother Craig and his wife Janet.


ON MY TO-DO LIST THIS WEEK:

Well, as I'm a day late with this entry, I've already chaired an elders meeting last night which went well, I think. Today I'm in the office and tomorrow I'm spending my day off up in Scotland visiting Newcraigs Evangelical Church in Fife (where I used to live) who are thinking of appointing a youth worker, and have asked for some insights into the process and the pitfalls to be wary of. Thursday and Friday I'm in the office and doing loads of prep for services and events which are coming up. This Sunday I'm speaking to the youth in the morning and in the afternoon am presenting something around spiritual life questionnaires to our leaders' lunch.


BOOK(S) I'M IN THE MIDDLE OF:

Enjoyed reading an old D Martyn Lloyd-Jones book called Authority, in particular the section on the authority of Scripture.


TV HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK:

Haven't caught much telly in the last week, mostly sport. One programme which my wife and I have watched is a new BBC drama called Hope Springs. The acting is poor, the storyline thin and it's very much a girls' programme, but I was fascinated to see it as it was filmed in Wanlockhead (the highest village in Scotland) and which I know well. I spotted Robert and Nana McCall's house, which I used to visit as a child.


WHAT SONG IS THE IPOD SHUFFLE PLAYING AS I TYPE THIS:

Saviour I Must Sing by Kate Simmonds


NEXT TRIP:

Tomorrow I'm off to Kirkcaldy, then I'm in Sheffield on Saturday at the CPAS Growing Leaders training day.


HOW I'M FEELING ABOUT THE WEEK:

Amazed that we're fast approaching July. I just wish there was an extra day in the week to cram some more sleep in.

London Calling

THE WEEKEND THAT WAS:

I didn't get off to a great start as I had trouble sleeping on Friday night so Saturday was a bit of a write-off which meant I missed a training day for Christianity Explored.

On Sunday I taught in the morning on Luke 19: The Parable of the Minas and in the evening on Simon Peter: Before and After, looking at the comparison between the three denials and the three 'Do You Love Me?' questions of Jesus at the 'beach breakfast.' (John 21)



ON MY TO-DO LIST THIS WEEK:

I'm out of the office a fair bit this week which means I need to be ultra-productive in my use of time. I have a schools visit on Thursday followed by an Incarnate event with Bart Campolo and Andy Hawthorne. At the weekend we have a fundraising morning for our summer missions trip. At the weekend I'm preaching at my hometown church, Dumfries Baptist Church, which I'm looking forward to immensely. It also means the opportunity to spend some time with family which is always good.




BOOK(S) I'M IN THE MIDDLE OF:

Just started 'The Lovely Bones' by Alice Seobold. Curious premise written from the point of view of a young girl who has been murdered and is in her idea of heaven from where she can still observe her family and former life.




TV HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK:

The ICC World Twenty20 cricket has been thrilling and there have been some good games. The biggest shock was seeing Australia sent out of the tournament before the super eight phase. The bad news is it gives them an extra fortnight off before taking on England in The Ashes. I think they'll be stiffer opposition then.




WHAT SONG IS THE IPOD SHUFFLE PLAYING AS I TYPE THIS:

Shelter by Lone Justice




NEXT TRIP:

Tomorrow I'm off to London to take part in a discussion on future youth ministry trends at the offices of Youthwork magazine.



HOW I'M FEELING ABOUT THE WEEK:

Quite pleased about the variety of the week, particularly a couple of travelling opportunities. It's always good to get out and about. In particular, it'll be good to spend the night in London staying at my good friends Alasdair and Sophie in Peckham, and I'll get to meet their lovely bay boy Ewan for the first time. Exciting!

Innovating Church for the 21st Century - Notes Part 2

"Reaching kids, reaching families" - Susan White

The last 15 minutes is the key teaching time in kids ministry.

2 questions to ask each kid after the programme ;

1. Did you have fun? 2. What did you learn?

If the answer to q1 is no then you may never see them again, or for a long time or it may be really difficult for parents to get them there. Without an affirmative answer to q1, then you won't get to be able to ask q2.

Kids ministry must be valued by the senior pastor.

The mission field is at its largest thru the window of kids ministry. Kids are bringing parents to church. Instead of being a trickle down from parents down the generations, where we can see a loosening of faith by the next generation, when it works from kids up, faith will have greater longevity. It reaches both up and down generationally.

A church has a child for about 40 hours a year; a parent has the same child for approx 3000 hours; guess where the weight of responsibility lies?

Church will play its part in making those 40 hours a brilliant base but the key thing is that the church builds parents to be fully devoted followers. How can we better do this?

Are volunteers 'hiding' behind curriculum and materials instead of spending time reflecting on why they're doing what they're doing? How is their relationship with God?

Delegate - find a person for every job that needs to be done

If you want to see your church grow, then you need to act like a big church before you are a big church. Adopt good habits of delegation and planning. Act as if your church is double the size it really is, then it will grow into itself.

Train and encourage volunteers:
1. Orientation class for volunteers
2. Handbook on policies and procedures with sign-off by applicant
3. vetting procedures
4. When they are 'kid-safe' welcome them and make it obvious with visual team identification eg lanyards, tshirts.
5. Don't abandon them- value leaders with training, ensure they're not spiritually dry

Ensure security is in place in kids ministry - sign in sign out when collected, print off badges on the spot at a designated hand over site.

Message from Nehemiah for volunteers - each was building the wall - each named and mentioned - each valued - each important - part to play

Spiritual maturity standard for younger leaders - we need to know that who you are in church is who you are the rest of the week



Resources to check out for kids ministry:
Hillsongs kids dvd
Rethinkgroup.org - Northpoint - 'The Big Story' dvd
Kids curriculum - big city studios
Promiseland -
Northpoint 252 basics - first look

Innovating Church for the 21st Century - notes part 1

(St Ps and Gs, Edinburgh)

I had a really good day yesterday in Edinburgh at this Willow Creek event. (See previous post) Here are the notes I took:

“New Culture, New Methods” James Emery White

Innovation = renewing,

Innovation does not equal tips or schedules or strategies

Culture is the world we live in and the world that lives in us

What kind of culture have we made for ourselves?

6 identifiable ages of Christian Church each lasting approx 300 yrs and each ending in crisis which birthed innovation

Are we at the beginning of a 7th age?

Nature of 7th age ... A second fall

Western culture is now operating with no reference to God. We try to arrive at truth starting with ourselves, divorced from any transcendent truth. God is not referred to or acknowledged.

People are increasingly defining themselves as non-religious. The good news is that this creates a fantastic mission field. While people are not interested in religion they ARE increasingly interested in spiritual things. People are seeking meaning and this provides a perfect landscape for evangelism.

'God is dead and it is we who have killed him...' said Nietzsche '...how shall we find comfort?'

In the age of the metrosexual we are seeing more and more 'metrospirituals' (consumerist egocentric approach to life now permeates spiritual things)

3 areas where we can innovate:

1. Mission

2. Strategy

3. Method

1. Mission

The average church is full of rhetoric about mission but not mission itself. The lost should be our driving force. Jesus hung about with people who didn't care about God.

Luke 17 – ‘compel people to come in' - go out aggressively and don't stop till they come in. Church should not be comfortable, but it should be full.

Great commission - start off with those who are not in relationship with God and bring them into relationship with those who are.

Lots of churches are specializing in different parts of the mission and discipleship process, in maintenance mode, keeping polished Christians pristine. That's not the mission. We have a mandate to turn irreligious people into fully devoted followers of Christ. From atheists to missionaries. Easier to get BA passengers onto Air France than a non-flyer onto a plane.

2. Strategy

Strategy gives the 'whys for the methods. The biggest strategic innovation is that we have moved from an Acts 2 model to an Acts 17 model.

Peter was able to speak to a people who were monotheists and expected a Messiah. Oh for people like that today. Paul in Acts 17 could not give an Acts 2 message. The pluralistic culture of Mars Hill could only agree that none of them were certain they were right. Paul skilfully laid a foundation for the roots of belief to take hold.

We need to build a bridge for people to walk over in terms of where they start from and where Christ is.

If in the 1950s people were at 8 out of 10 in terms of their pre-conversion understanding of faith, church, God, salvation, sin, doctrine, then the average person in 2009 would be 1, 2 or 3 at best.

The evangelistic strategies of the ‘50s worked for the people of the time.

Change happened thru 60s and 70s as people dipped to 2 or 3 on a scale of 1-10.

Event evangelism grew.

Today's climate means that we have to do work on the 2s and 3s to get them to an 8 or 9 before we can then get them to commit to a 10.

Strategy now becomes process and event.

A.

No longer can you have a mentality that 'if we build it they will come'. It needs to be about investing and inviting. Working through relationship, 1 by 1. Befriending leads to relationship which leads to invitation.

B.

Move to open your front door. Invite people to events which have been designed with them in mind. Create your own 'Mars Hill' where people can go through the process which leads to the event. Designing a service does not mean you dumb down the gospel, but it does alter how we say what we say. It kills in-jokes and jargon-laden talk. Church must be culturally relevant and doctrinally correct.

In 1 Cor. Paul tells people to stop doing certain things in public worship in case people think you're insane. Be sensitive.

The message of the gospel is unchanging; the method of communication of that gospel must change in order to be culturally sensitive and relevant.

Translation of gospel must be pursued. Transformation of gospel must be avoided.

C.

In our apologetics we must move away from 'reasons to believe the Bible' to 'this is the Bible'. Instead of 'did Jesus rise from the dead' to 'so what if He did'?

D.

From relevance of faith to experience of faith. People are hungry for community even though they're dysfunctional in community. People want to experience spirituality before they are spiritual. Taste before they buy.

People used to believe their way into feeling. Now they feel their way into believing. This is seen in all world religions. Journalling, prayer etc is appealing to the atheist because of the feeling, the buzz, the experience.

E.

From being real to giving an example. Acting like you've got it all together is disingenuous and unattractive.

'A sinner needs to lead this church otherwise we add deceit to our sins'

But today people want more than simply that...they need to see a living example of God in us... and that should be attractive.

We have to be the good news before we tell the good news.

3. Methods

Small groups, weekend services, anything aimed at community is cheap. It’s not the main thing. It’s expendable. The method is only there to reach your aim. The method can be junked anytime.

New methods include using IT, branding the church and seeing each teaching series as a marketing campaign opportunity. Pouring money into kids ministry and turning kids evangelism on its head so that kids bring parents to church, not the other way round.