TUESDAY 24th AUGUST
I was so glad that the pilot had pre-warned us about the steep and bumpy descent into Hong Kong Airport because that is exactly what it was. As the plane seemed to get low enough to touch the sea I heard the wheels touch firm ground and I breathed again. It is clearly a unique type of landing between water and mountains onto this reclaimed piece of land. The high blocks of flats, the huge container ships, the incredible road bridges all fight for space in these overcrowded set of islands.
I was met by David Roisetter and Jo-Jo, a friendly face amidst the crowd. David, Hilary, Abigail and Matthew are out here visiting the place they spent 4 years at volunteering and working alongside Jackie Pullinger, in the 1990's.
As I arrived at St. Stephen's and unpacked my case, finding some space for my clothes in the dormitory I will be sharing with the men who are here (the Brothers), and other helpers who volunteer to be here, I realised that I was in the middle of a true community of faith straightaway. As I sat on my bunk bed with its thin mattress, I could hear sung worship drifting all around the complex as the morning gathering took place in each of the five houses here. As I stood on the balcony on the second floor looking over the sea towards the mountains in the distance, as the low cloud hangs on the top of teh peaks and the sea wraps itself around the many islands that make up Hong Kong, already the sights, sounds and smells are bombarding my senses. When I combine that with having been up for almost 24 hours it is hard to process it all.
Judging from the first few hours it is going to be a challenge - where do I go, what do I do, how will I understand what is going on - but I am trying to put those questions to one side just now and simply be available.
That's the plan anyway! So let's see what happens next and sense faith rising in me for what is to come.
Saturday, 28 August 2010
LOOKING DOWN
I am not able to publish posts regularly whilst in Hong Kong so will be adding posts as I can - Sorry!
MONDAY 23rd AUGUST
This week I am sat at Heathrow waiting to board the flight to Hong Kong. I am a little apprehensive, not for the flight but for the adventure that awaits me just 12 hours away. It is the unknown that scares me. I am feeling intimidated by the organisation that I am about to encounter due to the reputation that it has, rather than I suspect the reality I will find, and I wonder if I will be capable of the task. And therein lies the problem. What I think I am capable of can stand in the way of what God is capable of and I don't want that to happen. It's an age old problem and one that God seems to take in his stride!
After all, the ministry I will spend time with was started 44 years ago by a 22 year old young woman who got on a boat to follow God's whisper in her life and who has stayed for the long haul. She probably felt inadequate and ill equipped but God has used her, not to build a church, but to build a community and to dig deep into the culture and become immersed in the lives of people living on the margins.
That's exactly why I am a little nervous! But I think that is okay today. Erwin McManus reminds me that being in the centre of God's will is the best place to be but it is also the most dangerous. Daniel in the lions den, Paul in prison, the long list of heroes in Hebrews 11, all in the centre of God's will, all in a dangerous place.
I had to call into LHFC last night (Sunday) and as I opened the door and stepped in I noticed at my feet a clothes peg. I immediately thought that it must be one of Catherine's so stooped down to pick it up. But I don't think it was Catherine's so there must be another clothes peg lover around. As I held it in my hand I noticed it had been written on. On one side - Jeremiah 29:11, and on the other - God has amazing plans for you!
It was just what I needed to read the night before going to Hong Kong and I have it in my bag and it will be on my shelf next to my bed. Thank you secret clothes peg writer. Thank you for dropping it. You have played your part in God reminding me of His presence and His purpose in my life today and in the dangerous places over these next 3 weeks.
MONDAY 23rd AUGUST
This week I am sat at Heathrow waiting to board the flight to Hong Kong. I am a little apprehensive, not for the flight but for the adventure that awaits me just 12 hours away. It is the unknown that scares me. I am feeling intimidated by the organisation that I am about to encounter due to the reputation that it has, rather than I suspect the reality I will find, and I wonder if I will be capable of the task. And therein lies the problem. What I think I am capable of can stand in the way of what God is capable of and I don't want that to happen. It's an age old problem and one that God seems to take in his stride!
After all, the ministry I will spend time with was started 44 years ago by a 22 year old young woman who got on a boat to follow God's whisper in her life and who has stayed for the long haul. She probably felt inadequate and ill equipped but God has used her, not to build a church, but to build a community and to dig deep into the culture and become immersed in the lives of people living on the margins.
That's exactly why I am a little nervous! But I think that is okay today. Erwin McManus reminds me that being in the centre of God's will is the best place to be but it is also the most dangerous. Daniel in the lions den, Paul in prison, the long list of heroes in Hebrews 11, all in the centre of God's will, all in a dangerous place.
I had to call into LHFC last night (Sunday) and as I opened the door and stepped in I noticed at my feet a clothes peg. I immediately thought that it must be one of Catherine's so stooped down to pick it up. But I don't think it was Catherine's so there must be another clothes peg lover around. As I held it in my hand I noticed it had been written on. On one side - Jeremiah 29:11, and on the other - God has amazing plans for you!
It was just what I needed to read the night before going to Hong Kong and I have it in my bag and it will be on my shelf next to my bed. Thank you secret clothes peg writer. Thank you for dropping it. You have played your part in God reminding me of His presence and His purpose in my life today and in the dangerous places over these next 3 weeks.
Saturday, 21 August 2010
CRASH, BANG, WALLOP
Yesterday I was beginning to feel that I had just got over jet-lag when a wedding interrupted my recovery. I'm not moaning about the wedding it was brilliant but getting home at 1.00am after dancing (well, stumbling) the night away has played havoc with my sleep patterns again. (9 o'clock with a mug of Ovaltine is more my style!)
But it was a great day of celebration. The wedding was between my niece Nicole and Henry and happened at Christ Church in Westbourne - Nicole's home church. It was great to get together with my family and to meet Henry's family and to enjoy the mystery of marriage and reflect on how God brings people into relationship. They smiled all day - apart from a few moments when Henry cried - and it was clear that they felt God's pleasure in what they had decided to do.
The story of how they met each other is a series of amazing coincidences. In the same place at the right time through independent decisions to accept invitations to a Christian Union small group at Birmingham University. It is a mystery, but it happens to us all.
It's a little like the mystery of the Céilidh (is that just a posh name for a barn dance?) we had for the evening celebration. Once you pluck up the courage of getting onto the dance floor - or you can't escape the vice like grip of your wife - you are at the mercy of your partner, the instructions from the caller and the other 'dancers' around you. We hadn't met one another before but now we found ourselves on the same floor committed to moving together and enriching each others lives so that together we had more fun than if it was a solo performance. It can be a dangerous place to be because if you don't know your left from your right - I do struggle with that - then you are in grave danger of a kicked shin, a stamped on toe or three falls, a submission or a knock out.
Every moment on the floor you can choose do your own thing or you can listen to the caller and obey his instructions. If everyone else does the same thing then that leads to harmony and enjoyment rather than crash, bang, wallop - what a picture!
It seems that life can be much the same. We are free to choose to do our own thing but listening to the caller and realising that your decision to go left instead of right affects others will lead to a great dance rather than finding blood on the dance floor.
It was a great day, what a picture Nicole and Henry were, and I learnt a lesson. As I get ready to go out to Hong Kong on Monday I'm keeping my ears open to the caller so that I can move in the right direction and be part of the dance of life that enriches the lives of others so that together we can all move in harmony, celebrate life and have a whole lot of fun. What a picture it will be.
But it was a great day of celebration. The wedding was between my niece Nicole and Henry and happened at Christ Church in Westbourne - Nicole's home church. It was great to get together with my family and to meet Henry's family and to enjoy the mystery of marriage and reflect on how God brings people into relationship. They smiled all day - apart from a few moments when Henry cried - and it was clear that they felt God's pleasure in what they had decided to do.
The story of how they met each other is a series of amazing coincidences. In the same place at the right time through independent decisions to accept invitations to a Christian Union small group at Birmingham University. It is a mystery, but it happens to us all.
It's a little like the mystery of the Céilidh (is that just a posh name for a barn dance?) we had for the evening celebration. Once you pluck up the courage of getting onto the dance floor - or you can't escape the vice like grip of your wife - you are at the mercy of your partner, the instructions from the caller and the other 'dancers' around you. We hadn't met one another before but now we found ourselves on the same floor committed to moving together and enriching each others lives so that together we had more fun than if it was a solo performance. It can be a dangerous place to be because if you don't know your left from your right - I do struggle with that - then you are in grave danger of a kicked shin, a stamped on toe or three falls, a submission or a knock out.
Every moment on the floor you can choose do your own thing or you can listen to the caller and obey his instructions. If everyone else does the same thing then that leads to harmony and enjoyment rather than crash, bang, wallop - what a picture!
It seems that life can be much the same. We are free to choose to do our own thing but listening to the caller and realising that your decision to go left instead of right affects others will lead to a great dance rather than finding blood on the dance floor.
It was a great day, what a picture Nicole and Henry were, and I learnt a lesson. As I get ready to go out to Hong Kong on Monday I'm keeping my ears open to the caller so that I can move in the right direction and be part of the dance of life that enriches the lives of others so that together we can all move in harmony, celebrate life and have a whole lot of fun. What a picture it will be.
Wednesday, 18 August 2010
A WISE OR FOOLISH MAN?
So, what is the best cure for jet-lag?
Yesterday we touched down on the Heathrow runway at 7.30am, were whisked home in a lovely BMW and walked in the door at 9.50am. But what a dilemma - to go to bed or not? Well, I decided not to and half way through the day wished I had. But I did survive until about 9.00pm having been awake for about 33 hours (from 7.00am on Monday morning in Chicago). Was that wise or foolish? In so many decisions it is a fine line between the two.
Today hasn't been too bad and after a late morning life began to get back to normal. Re-stocking the food cupboards, opening the post that had accumulated, washing, ironing, (Kerry did that!) putting the wheely bin out for tomorrow. Normality had crept back in without me realising it and it was as if I hadn't noticed. I hadn't noticed until that is, I got into the car and tried to drive.
As you might have read, in the US we had hired a Toyota Yaris, small, automatic, steering wheel on the wrong side, driving on the wrong side etc. etc.. So when I got into our car it was a little strange. Approaching the first junction I shuddered to a halt as I left my left foot on the floor instead of putting it onto the clutch. At first I couldn't work out what had happened but rather slowly - I blame it on the jet-lag not my age! - I realised what had happened. I managed to get things back together and survived the trip without any further mishaps.
It struck me how quickly new experiences can become normal patterns in our lives and how soon we can re-educate ourselves to behave and react without thinking. That is, until we stall the car.
As I am between my trips - I leave for Hong Kong on Monday morning - I know I mustn't let the experiences of the US trip, the faces of the people we met or the things I believe God was showing me and teaching me, fade from my mind and that I must deliberately continue to reflect on them. I am aware that once I arrive in Hong Kong I will be bombarded by many more new experiences and meet many more inspirational people.
So before I forget I'm going to use these next few days to remind myself of all that has happened and make sure I learn the lessons I need to learn. I don't want any of this time to just become normal otherwise I will miss out on what God wants to teach me instead of keeping my ears open to His whisper.
Proverbs 9:9-10 says: 'Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.'
I know that driving the car tomorrow will still be a challenge unless I think about what I am doing. I've learnt something new - driving in the US - but I still need to drive here as well. In all I have done so far on this Sabbatical and all that is still to come, I want to be a wise man.
Yesterday we touched down on the Heathrow runway at 7.30am, were whisked home in a lovely BMW and walked in the door at 9.50am. But what a dilemma - to go to bed or not? Well, I decided not to and half way through the day wished I had. But I did survive until about 9.00pm having been awake for about 33 hours (from 7.00am on Monday morning in Chicago). Was that wise or foolish? In so many decisions it is a fine line between the two.
Today hasn't been too bad and after a late morning life began to get back to normal. Re-stocking the food cupboards, opening the post that had accumulated, washing, ironing, (Kerry did that!) putting the wheely bin out for tomorrow. Normality had crept back in without me realising it and it was as if I hadn't noticed. I hadn't noticed until that is, I got into the car and tried to drive.
As you might have read, in the US we had hired a Toyota Yaris, small, automatic, steering wheel on the wrong side, driving on the wrong side etc. etc.. So when I got into our car it was a little strange. Approaching the first junction I shuddered to a halt as I left my left foot on the floor instead of putting it onto the clutch. At first I couldn't work out what had happened but rather slowly - I blame it on the jet-lag not my age! - I realised what had happened. I managed to get things back together and survived the trip without any further mishaps.
It struck me how quickly new experiences can become normal patterns in our lives and how soon we can re-educate ourselves to behave and react without thinking. That is, until we stall the car.
As I am between my trips - I leave for Hong Kong on Monday morning - I know I mustn't let the experiences of the US trip, the faces of the people we met or the things I believe God was showing me and teaching me, fade from my mind and that I must deliberately continue to reflect on them. I am aware that once I arrive in Hong Kong I will be bombarded by many more new experiences and meet many more inspirational people.
So before I forget I'm going to use these next few days to remind myself of all that has happened and make sure I learn the lessons I need to learn. I don't want any of this time to just become normal otherwise I will miss out on what God wants to teach me instead of keeping my ears open to His whisper.
Proverbs 9:9-10 says: 'Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.'
I know that driving the car tomorrow will still be a challenge unless I think about what I am doing. I've learnt something new - driving in the US - but I still need to drive here as well. In all I have done so far on this Sabbatical and all that is still to come, I want to be a wise man.
Tuesday, 17 August 2010
PLANES, TRAINS AND A TOYOTA YARIS
Sat at Chicago Airport waiting for the plane home I was reminded of all the different modes of transport that we have used during our stay here in the US. It is amazing to think how often I take for granted the ability to travel and forget the privilege that it is. In the UK you can reach anywhere in the country so easily but in the US you begin to realise how much travel is an essential for many people.
Whilst we have been in the US we have experienced quite a number of different modes of transport. A plane to get here in the first place – far too far to swim, even for Kerry – a train into Chicago, a bus to Niagara Falls, a boat to see the Horseshoe Falls and plenty of walking around cities, parks and lakes.
But, our main form of getting around was our little Toyota Yaris.
We travelled 2339 miles in it, travelled over some pretty rough roads at times, it managed to overtake a few cars along the way and stopped when it was needed. The air-con worked really well and the boot was just about big enough to hold our luggage each time we moved venues. It did about 38 miles to the gallon – it was a petrol, automatic – and started when we needed it to. It was also easy to park – the car spaces are generally bigger anyway because most cars are bigger. It was a little scary at times sat on a 5 lane freeway with big cars and trucks all around, but we did it together and got back to the Hertz rental without any mishaps, and no backache!
Perhaps ‘Small is Beautiful’ and that is something I had to learn again. The mantra, ‘Bigger is Better’, shouts very loud – although the aim of the electronic industry is to make everything smaller – but usually bigger cars, bigger houses, bigger salaries, bigger TV’s, are the aim and downsizing, de-cluttering, simpler lifestyles take a back seat in the race for more.
There is a challenge for me to replace the word MORE with the word ENOUGH and to fight against the pressure to go bigger and deliberately choose to go smaller. I would have loved a bigger car to travel around in but the Yaris was enough. It probably caused some amusement to people who saw us travelling around – we only saw 5 other Yaris’ on all our journey – but it was enough.
As we get ready to board the big plane and fly home perhaps I can learn the lesson from the parable of the Yaris. I must decrease and He must increase.
Whilst we have been in the US we have experienced quite a number of different modes of transport. A plane to get here in the first place – far too far to swim, even for Kerry – a train into Chicago, a bus to Niagara Falls, a boat to see the Horseshoe Falls and plenty of walking around cities, parks and lakes.
But, our main form of getting around was our little Toyota Yaris.
We travelled 2339 miles in it, travelled over some pretty rough roads at times, it managed to overtake a few cars along the way and stopped when it was needed. The air-con worked really well and the boot was just about big enough to hold our luggage each time we moved venues. It did about 38 miles to the gallon – it was a petrol, automatic – and started when we needed it to. It was also easy to park – the car spaces are generally bigger anyway because most cars are bigger. It was a little scary at times sat on a 5 lane freeway with big cars and trucks all around, but we did it together and got back to the Hertz rental without any mishaps, and no backache!
Perhaps ‘Small is Beautiful’ and that is something I had to learn again. The mantra, ‘Bigger is Better’, shouts very loud – although the aim of the electronic industry is to make everything smaller – but usually bigger cars, bigger houses, bigger salaries, bigger TV’s, are the aim and downsizing, de-cluttering, simpler lifestyles take a back seat in the race for more.
There is a challenge for me to replace the word MORE with the word ENOUGH and to fight against the pressure to go bigger and deliberately choose to go smaller. I would have loved a bigger car to travel around in but the Yaris was enough. It probably caused some amusement to people who saw us travelling around – we only saw 5 other Yaris’ on all our journey – but it was enough.
As we get ready to board the big plane and fly home perhaps I can learn the lesson from the parable of the Yaris. I must decrease and He must increase.
Sunday, 15 August 2010
BEEN, BEAN AND SEEN
After 305 miles driving today we are now safely in our final resting place before the flight back to the UK tomorrow evening. We are a few miles from the airport so a lazy get up, packing and travelling to finish off the stay in the US is ahead.
The drive today was, until the final 40 miles, across wide expanses of open farmland. You can see why it is tornado country! Just to let you know the advice for tornadoes - 'Get in the bath and put pillows, cushions and blankets over you!' We practised it last night, just in case - it's a great game! Anyway, back to the journey. The roads were quiet, only a few trucks around so it was an easy drive. It's great when you are not in a hurry. It gave me time to reflect a little on our stay in the United States.
It is a great, huge, country full of surprises, diversity and great hospitality. We have been welcomed so well everywhere we have been, hotels, eating places and shops, and have felt a warmth and friendliness from almost everyone. It is a nation of contrasts with strong views on both sides of the political and religious fences yet a seeming tolerance of difference as well. I guess some of that depends where you are and what you believe.
The diversity of heritage is clear from the names of the places we have driven through and past. Hanover, Dunkirk, Lima, Cairo, Andover, Holland, Tonawanda, Berlin, North Manchester, Plymouth, Hamburg, Hobart etc. etc. We even drove through Hancock County! People from all parts of the world gathered in the 'land of the free', some escaping religious persecution or famine others just following a dream. The names of places and surnames of the people show a wide diversity of background and heritage. Some of this is preserved and there is no doubt that it brings colour and flavour to communities. Last night we ate at an Irish pub called, 'Bag of Nails' in Delaware, Ohio. Their speciality was 'All you could eat Fish and Chips'. the description on the menu said this - 'If Heaven isn't a pint of ale and a basket of Bag of Nails fish and chips, then Heaven can wait.'
This diversity and tolerance seems to be held in a tension but every now and then it gets too big to handle and feelings explode. Take the recent news about a Mosque being built near to the site of Ground Zero. This has stirred up strong emotions here and when President Obama gave his support to the principle of tolerance and freedom, he was vehemently berated by many. It is a tough line to walk, but walk it we must otherwise we fall into a trap of building higher fences that no one can talk over, sit on or climb through.
It has been great to have been able to spend time in the US (and Canada - for an hour). We have so valued the opportunity to come, to attend the GLS at Willow Creek and to travel around being enriched and renewed, rested and excited by all we have seen and, especially, the people we have been privileged to meet. Thank you to everyone for enabling us to come and have a great time together. We appreciate your kindness so much.
God bless America - and England - as we seek to bring the values of the Kingdom in everything we do. May the conversation continue on the journey we make and may we seek to be available every moment to the whisper of God.
Here's a picture from our day in Chicago.
This is in Millennium Park and is called the 'Bean'. All it does is reflect the changing skyline and the people who walk around it and under it. Some reflections stay still and will never change, other images shift and change every moment. I pray that we will all listen to what God is saying each day and reflect Him to a needy, challenging, diverse, surprising and exciting world.
The drive today was, until the final 40 miles, across wide expanses of open farmland. You can see why it is tornado country! Just to let you know the advice for tornadoes - 'Get in the bath and put pillows, cushions and blankets over you!' We practised it last night, just in case - it's a great game! Anyway, back to the journey. The roads were quiet, only a few trucks around so it was an easy drive. It's great when you are not in a hurry. It gave me time to reflect a little on our stay in the United States.
It is a great, huge, country full of surprises, diversity and great hospitality. We have been welcomed so well everywhere we have been, hotels, eating places and shops, and have felt a warmth and friendliness from almost everyone. It is a nation of contrasts with strong views on both sides of the political and religious fences yet a seeming tolerance of difference as well. I guess some of that depends where you are and what you believe.
The diversity of heritage is clear from the names of the places we have driven through and past. Hanover, Dunkirk, Lima, Cairo, Andover, Holland, Tonawanda, Berlin, North Manchester, Plymouth, Hamburg, Hobart etc. etc. We even drove through Hancock County! People from all parts of the world gathered in the 'land of the free', some escaping religious persecution or famine others just following a dream. The names of places and surnames of the people show a wide diversity of background and heritage. Some of this is preserved and there is no doubt that it brings colour and flavour to communities. Last night we ate at an Irish pub called, 'Bag of Nails' in Delaware, Ohio. Their speciality was 'All you could eat Fish and Chips'. the description on the menu said this - 'If Heaven isn't a pint of ale and a basket of Bag of Nails fish and chips, then Heaven can wait.'
This diversity and tolerance seems to be held in a tension but every now and then it gets too big to handle and feelings explode. Take the recent news about a Mosque being built near to the site of Ground Zero. This has stirred up strong emotions here and when President Obama gave his support to the principle of tolerance and freedom, he was vehemently berated by many. It is a tough line to walk, but walk it we must otherwise we fall into a trap of building higher fences that no one can talk over, sit on or climb through.
It has been great to have been able to spend time in the US (and Canada - for an hour). We have so valued the opportunity to come, to attend the GLS at Willow Creek and to travel around being enriched and renewed, rested and excited by all we have seen and, especially, the people we have been privileged to meet. Thank you to everyone for enabling us to come and have a great time together. We appreciate your kindness so much.
God bless America - and England - as we seek to bring the values of the Kingdom in everything we do. May the conversation continue on the journey we make and may we seek to be available every moment to the whisper of God.
Here's a picture from our day in Chicago.
This is in Millennium Park and is called the 'Bean'. All it does is reflect the changing skyline and the people who walk around it and under it. Some reflections stay still and will never change, other images shift and change every moment. I pray that we will all listen to what God is saying each day and reflect Him to a needy, challenging, diverse, surprising and exciting world.
Saturday, 14 August 2010
WHEN IT POURS
We have just arrived in Delaware on the North-East side of Columbus, Ohio having travelled west and south from Niagara Falls. It was a 335 mile journey but the little Yaris did a fine job and Hertza, the Sat-Nav, proved faithful once again. But what a day!
We woke up to hear the news that there had been a shooting in Buffalo - just near Niagara Falls - and 4 people had died. When we arrived in Delaware, having come through torrential rain, thunder and lightning, perhaps the worst storm I have ever driven through in my life, we switched the news on and were greeted by a tornado warning just to the south of where we are staying! We quickly read the 'Tornado Warning' advice in the Guest Information in our room so that made us feel a lot better!
It is a reminder that life goes on all around, some things the result of people's choices and others the result of the weather patterns, but we get caught up in it and we need to find ways to respond to it. Some things we can have an influence on others we can just pray, but there is always something we can do if we would learn to respond to those promptings from God that come to us all, all the time.
Here's a trivial incident that happened to us when we visited Niagara Falls the other day. If you read my earlier blog you'll know that we crossed the Rainbow Bridge and spent a hour or so in Canada. There is a full border crossing there - Kerry was delighted to get a 'stamp' in her passport from the Canadian border guard (she doesn't get out much!) - but to get back into the US across the same bridge you have to pay a toll! This took us by surprise and also the two ladies who were in front of us. They didn't understand English (or American) too well and were struggling to understand the written sign that said that the toll was 50 cents and you needed two quarters to put in the slot. It soon became clear that they only had one quarter between them so we gave them the other three they needed. They were very pleased we had done this and we discovered that they were Italian.
As we walked on we heard them saying something about Americans, so we made sure we turned back and let them know that we were kind and generous English people! We wanted the thanks to go to the right place!
The following day (Friday 13) we went into the city of Rochester to search for a particular clothing store for a particular member of our family (not Kerry!), found it, pulled in to park on the road to find that there were parking meters we had to feed. Not sure how much this was going to cost, I parked, got out of the car and there at my feet in the road, was a quarter. I picked it up, went to the meter to find that I needed a quarter to park there for 26 minutes! (Yes, that was all the time we spent in the clothes shop – Karl!).
You give three away, you get one back! Is that how God's blessings are poured out? I should say now that God gives so much more than we give, but where are the other two, or three, or four...... he owes me?
Of course I know it doesn't work like that. I'm just thankful that we got through the storm, that we are just to the north of the tornado (I hope!) and that God has so much more to pour down on me that I won't be able to hold it all myself.
Keep dry, but keep looking for ways to pour out God's blessings on the people you meet today.
We woke up to hear the news that there had been a shooting in Buffalo - just near Niagara Falls - and 4 people had died. When we arrived in Delaware, having come through torrential rain, thunder and lightning, perhaps the worst storm I have ever driven through in my life, we switched the news on and were greeted by a tornado warning just to the south of where we are staying! We quickly read the 'Tornado Warning' advice in the Guest Information in our room so that made us feel a lot better!
It is a reminder that life goes on all around, some things the result of people's choices and others the result of the weather patterns, but we get caught up in it and we need to find ways to respond to it. Some things we can have an influence on others we can just pray, but there is always something we can do if we would learn to respond to those promptings from God that come to us all, all the time.
Here's a trivial incident that happened to us when we visited Niagara Falls the other day. If you read my earlier blog you'll know that we crossed the Rainbow Bridge and spent a hour or so in Canada. There is a full border crossing there - Kerry was delighted to get a 'stamp' in her passport from the Canadian border guard (she doesn't get out much!) - but to get back into the US across the same bridge you have to pay a toll! This took us by surprise and also the two ladies who were in front of us. They didn't understand English (or American) too well and were struggling to understand the written sign that said that the toll was 50 cents and you needed two quarters to put in the slot. It soon became clear that they only had one quarter between them so we gave them the other three they needed. They were very pleased we had done this and we discovered that they were Italian.
As we walked on we heard them saying something about Americans, so we made sure we turned back and let them know that we were kind and generous English people! We wanted the thanks to go to the right place!
The following day (Friday 13) we went into the city of Rochester to search for a particular clothing store for a particular member of our family (not Kerry!), found it, pulled in to park on the road to find that there were parking meters we had to feed. Not sure how much this was going to cost, I parked, got out of the car and there at my feet in the road, was a quarter. I picked it up, went to the meter to find that I needed a quarter to park there for 26 minutes! (Yes, that was all the time we spent in the clothes shop – Karl!).
You give three away, you get one back! Is that how God's blessings are poured out? I should say now that God gives so much more than we give, but where are the other two, or three, or four...... he owes me?
Of course I know it doesn't work like that. I'm just thankful that we got through the storm, that we are just to the north of the tornado (I hope!) and that God has so much more to pour down on me that I won't be able to hold it all myself.
Keep dry, but keep looking for ways to pour out God's blessings on the people you meet today.
SHOPS, STOPS AND SHOCKS
Today we are setting off back West to get our return flight back to the UK on Monday. A long drive ahead and, looking at the weather forecast this morning, heading towards extreme heat and storms. The US seems to be suffering from a wide variety of weather at the moment. Floods, 100 degree heat, violent storms and damaging tornadoes.
Watching a little TV and annoying Kerry a lot by changing channels too frequently, it seems as if the airwaves are full of adverts. They come on more often and seem to be on every channel at the same time, I guess that's why football (soccer) hasn't taken off on TV - 45 minutes without an advert is far too long! In fact, I'm watching Tottenham v Man City live right now on TV (7.45am), just to avoid the adverts).
Consumerism has quite a hold in the UK but here it does seem to have an even greater hold. Wherever you drive within a short distance you arrive at another shopping and eating area and the car parks are full. At first it amazes you, but after a while it frustrates and confuses you.
Here in Niagara Falls, near to Canada, the major coffee shop is 'Tim Hortons' easily replacing Starbucks as the main outlet. We stopped at one yesterday and enjoyed their new offering, 'Timbits'. For $1.69 you get 10 mini doughnuts all with different tastes, coatings and fillings. The coffee was good and cheap as well! But more than that, I wondered whether to rename my blog, 'Timbits'.
Now it is always the case that once you have seen one shop, car etc. you start seeing them all over the place. We counted six Tim Hortons outlets in the next 10 miles, most of them 24 hour. I love coffee but....
Is this consumerism a response to people's wants or does the provision of so many shops drive consumeris?. Born to shop, born to drink coffee, is an easy motto to live under, all too easy to be one nation under Starbucks (or Tim Horton or Walmart...) rather than under God.
Still, no stopping today - well maybe for a coffee or two - and no shopping today - unless Kerry finds a Marks and Spencer! Oh to be in England!
Watching a little TV and annoying Kerry a lot by changing channels too frequently, it seems as if the airwaves are full of adverts. They come on more often and seem to be on every channel at the same time, I guess that's why football (soccer) hasn't taken off on TV - 45 minutes without an advert is far too long! In fact, I'm watching Tottenham v Man City live right now on TV (7.45am), just to avoid the adverts).
Consumerism has quite a hold in the UK but here it does seem to have an even greater hold. Wherever you drive within a short distance you arrive at another shopping and eating area and the car parks are full. At first it amazes you, but after a while it frustrates and confuses you.
Here in Niagara Falls, near to Canada, the major coffee shop is 'Tim Hortons' easily replacing Starbucks as the main outlet. We stopped at one yesterday and enjoyed their new offering, 'Timbits'. For $1.69 you get 10 mini doughnuts all with different tastes, coatings and fillings. The coffee was good and cheap as well! But more than that, I wondered whether to rename my blog, 'Timbits'.
Now it is always the case that once you have seen one shop, car etc. you start seeing them all over the place. We counted six Tim Hortons outlets in the next 10 miles, most of them 24 hour. I love coffee but....
Is this consumerism a response to people's wants or does the provision of so many shops drive consumeris?. Born to shop, born to drink coffee, is an easy motto to live under, all too easy to be one nation under Starbucks (or Tim Horton or Walmart...) rather than under God.
Still, no stopping today - well maybe for a coffee or two - and no shopping today - unless Kerry finds a Marks and Spencer! Oh to be in England!
Friday, 13 August 2010
ONLY FOOLS AND BUS DRIVERS
So yesterday we did the tourist trail and it was so worth it. The actual town of Niagara Falls does leave a bit to be desired but the Falls are out of this world.
We took the bus from the hotel, they gave us free bus tickets, and I was wondering how the people who live and work near the Falls every day view this wonder of the world. Does the spectacular become normal, the wonderful become routine? The journey took about 45 minutes by the time we'd stopped and started several times and then we turned a corner and the bus driver, rather excitedly, called me over and pointed straight ahead - I was hoping he'd keep his hands on the steering wheel. As I looked, I realised that he was showing me the water spray that was coming from the Falls. We couldn't see the Falls but we could clearly see the effects of them from a distance as the spray rose up and covered the view of the buildings acting as the back drop. It was a great sight but what thrilled me more in that moment was that this man - probably in his 50's, who had been driving this route time and time again, was still excited by what he saw and wanted me to be excited by it as well. He refused to let the familiar define his life.
He dropped us off, told us where to go - very nicely - and off we went, map in hand, to explore. Nothing could have prepared us for the day ahead, no picture, no words, nobody elses experience. We walked over the river that fed the Falls, we walked around the park, hearing the noise of rushing water, seeing the spray rising up, then as we followed the river along, suddenly it disappeared, falling hundreds of feet over the sheer face of the rock. It was a truly awesome sight!
But that was just the beginning. We continued the walk and our senses were bombarded with more noise, bigger and better sights and wetter and wetter clothes. The Horseshoe and American Falls were spectacular as over 600,000 gallons of water a second plummeted over the Falls, nowhere else to go, hitting the water below with a force that reminded you of the power of creation.
Totally taken in by the experience we had to experience the 'Cave of the Winds' and the 'Maid of the Mist'. The Cave of the Winds is a close up of part of the American Falls. You pay your $11, get equipped with a yellow waterproof poncho and plastic sandals, and then we queued for 2 hours! One of the elevators (lifts) was broken! We were left with no option, 90 degrees at midday! Mad dogs and English people....
Time to read! I'm reading a little book called, 'The Sacrament of the Present Moment' by Jean-Pierre de Caussade. He wrote it in the form of letters in the 1730's. It is about sensing and being obedient to God in the moment and as I was standing, waiting in line this was what I read, what he has to say about self-surrender. 'The only condition necessary for this state of self-surrender is the present moment in which the soul, light as a feather, fluid as water, innocent as a child, responds to every movement of grace like a floating balloon. Such souls are like molten metal filling whatever vessel God chooses to pour them into.' That was all I needed to wait patiently for 2 hours, each moment in God's presence. It was refreshing.
Finally we got to the front of the line and descended 200 feet to the base of the Falls. In front of us was a wooden walkway that took you up close and personal to the plummeting water. We got soaked, but it was an amazing experience to see, hear and feel. What power. The prize for the stupidest sign in the stupidest place goes to the 'No Smoking' sign at the base of the Falls where the water was at its fiercest and wettest. Still, always worth a reminder!
The boat trip was next on the Maid of the Mist, blue ponchos this time, as the boat took us right into the Horseshoe Falls. You couldn't actually see anything, the spray was too great, but our breath was taken away as we felt the power in that place. What a day to remember. Awesome beauty wrapped up in brutal power.
Having got close to it all we then walked across the Rainbow Bridge and entered Canada to see the Falls from the other side. It wasn't far but it was worth it. Seeing it from Canada and experiencing it from the US seemed to be the right combination.
Time to go back to the hotel. We got on the bus and soon we were the only ones left on it with a seemingly grumpy bus driver eager to get home. But, he started talking to us and got quite engaged in conversation. When he found out we were from England he started talking about the TV shows he enjoyed watching. And his number one all time favourite was - Only Fools and Horses, followed by Vicar of Dibley and Fawlty Towers (and he has Allo, Allo on DVD to watch!). Now there is one classy bus driver!
After today I was reminded of a verse in Psalm 53:1 - 'The fool says in his heart, "There is no God."' May each moment wherever we are be a moment to see God and know he is there. In the noise of waterfalls, in the stillness of waiting in line, in the faces of bus drivers.
We took the bus from the hotel, they gave us free bus tickets, and I was wondering how the people who live and work near the Falls every day view this wonder of the world. Does the spectacular become normal, the wonderful become routine? The journey took about 45 minutes by the time we'd stopped and started several times and then we turned a corner and the bus driver, rather excitedly, called me over and pointed straight ahead - I was hoping he'd keep his hands on the steering wheel. As I looked, I realised that he was showing me the water spray that was coming from the Falls. We couldn't see the Falls but we could clearly see the effects of them from a distance as the spray rose up and covered the view of the buildings acting as the back drop. It was a great sight but what thrilled me more in that moment was that this man - probably in his 50's, who had been driving this route time and time again, was still excited by what he saw and wanted me to be excited by it as well. He refused to let the familiar define his life.
He dropped us off, told us where to go - very nicely - and off we went, map in hand, to explore. Nothing could have prepared us for the day ahead, no picture, no words, nobody elses experience. We walked over the river that fed the Falls, we walked around the park, hearing the noise of rushing water, seeing the spray rising up, then as we followed the river along, suddenly it disappeared, falling hundreds of feet over the sheer face of the rock. It was a truly awesome sight!
But that was just the beginning. We continued the walk and our senses were bombarded with more noise, bigger and better sights and wetter and wetter clothes. The Horseshoe and American Falls were spectacular as over 600,000 gallons of water a second plummeted over the Falls, nowhere else to go, hitting the water below with a force that reminded you of the power of creation.
Totally taken in by the experience we had to experience the 'Cave of the Winds' and the 'Maid of the Mist'. The Cave of the Winds is a close up of part of the American Falls. You pay your $11, get equipped with a yellow waterproof poncho and plastic sandals, and then we queued for 2 hours! One of the elevators (lifts) was broken! We were left with no option, 90 degrees at midday! Mad dogs and English people....
Time to read! I'm reading a little book called, 'The Sacrament of the Present Moment' by Jean-Pierre de Caussade. He wrote it in the form of letters in the 1730's. It is about sensing and being obedient to God in the moment and as I was standing, waiting in line this was what I read, what he has to say about self-surrender. 'The only condition necessary for this state of self-surrender is the present moment in which the soul, light as a feather, fluid as water, innocent as a child, responds to every movement of grace like a floating balloon. Such souls are like molten metal filling whatever vessel God chooses to pour them into.' That was all I needed to wait patiently for 2 hours, each moment in God's presence. It was refreshing.
Finally we got to the front of the line and descended 200 feet to the base of the Falls. In front of us was a wooden walkway that took you up close and personal to the plummeting water. We got soaked, but it was an amazing experience to see, hear and feel. What power. The prize for the stupidest sign in the stupidest place goes to the 'No Smoking' sign at the base of the Falls where the water was at its fiercest and wettest. Still, always worth a reminder!
The boat trip was next on the Maid of the Mist, blue ponchos this time, as the boat took us right into the Horseshoe Falls. You couldn't actually see anything, the spray was too great, but our breath was taken away as we felt the power in that place. What a day to remember. Awesome beauty wrapped up in brutal power.
Having got close to it all we then walked across the Rainbow Bridge and entered Canada to see the Falls from the other side. It wasn't far but it was worth it. Seeing it from Canada and experiencing it from the US seemed to be the right combination.
Time to go back to the hotel. We got on the bus and soon we were the only ones left on it with a seemingly grumpy bus driver eager to get home. But, he started talking to us and got quite engaged in conversation. When he found out we were from England he started talking about the TV shows he enjoyed watching. And his number one all time favourite was - Only Fools and Horses, followed by Vicar of Dibley and Fawlty Towers (and he has Allo, Allo on DVD to watch!). Now there is one classy bus driver!
After today I was reminded of a verse in Psalm 53:1 - 'The fool says in his heart, "There is no God."' May each moment wherever we are be a moment to see God and know he is there. In the noise of waterfalls, in the stillness of waiting in line, in the faces of bus drivers.
Thursday, 12 August 2010
RE-TUNING THE RADIO
We travelled another 190 miles today and finally arrived in Niagara Falls, New York State. We are staying 6 miles from the Falls so looking forward to doing the tourist things tomorrow and looking stupid in the plastic raincoats for an experience of a lifetime seeing and hearing the Falls at extremely close quarters.
It’ll be great to listen to something different! That is no comment on Kerry but rather on the radio stations we have been listening to on our 724 mile journey from our hosts in Chicago to our bedroom 6 miles from Niagara Falls. There are hundreds of stations to choose from so every now and again we press the ‘seek’ button to see which one is next. This method has meant that we have stumbled across several Christian music stations and listened to some well known Christian singers, bands and songs and been introduced to many new ones. The ‘best’ lyric we have heard so far is – I will apologise for this before you read it – ‘So Heaven meets earth like a sloppy, wet kiss.’ No, I couldn’t believe it either, but doing a search on Google, it is actually right!
It comes from a song by John Mark Mcmillan and is called, ‘He Loves’ (if you don’t believe me look at:
http://www.seekalyric.com/song/John_Mark_Mcmillan/How_He_Loves
Apparently the Dave Crowder band included the song on an Album but changed this lyric to, "Heaven meets earth like an unforeseen kiss".
Should we start a theological debate about the original lyrics or the changed ones? Is it just too sentimental anyway and not appropriate in a worship song or doesn’t it matter? Or simply forget about it and re-tune the radio? I have to say that when I heard it, it made me laugh, say, ‘I don’t believe I just heard that,’ and ‘I hope we never sing that one!’ Sorry if I have upset anyone who loves that song and maybe I shouldn’t worry about it, but it isn’t a great line, or is it?
It also gets me back to thinking about what Christians agree and disagree with, what it’s worth fighting for and what it is best to leave alone. Too often we can end up fighting between ourselves over issues we think are important rather than the real battle against injustice and poverty.
Here in the US there are many, many traffic lights – every intersection – and very few roundabouts – there are even pictures of how to drive round a roundabout as you approach them - but there are also junctions where the instruction is ‘ALL STOP’. So everyone stops and waits for one car to move and the etiquette seems to be that the car that got to the junction first gets to go first and everyone takes their turn in order.
I wonder if there are times in Christian discussion and debate when the instruction needs to be, ‘ALL STOP’. Then we might learn to listen first and then together navigate the way ahead.
How would you finish the lyric –‘So Heaven meets earth like.......’? Perhaps I will just re-tune the radio again.
It’ll be great to listen to something different! That is no comment on Kerry but rather on the radio stations we have been listening to on our 724 mile journey from our hosts in Chicago to our bedroom 6 miles from Niagara Falls. There are hundreds of stations to choose from so every now and again we press the ‘seek’ button to see which one is next. This method has meant that we have stumbled across several Christian music stations and listened to some well known Christian singers, bands and songs and been introduced to many new ones. The ‘best’ lyric we have heard so far is – I will apologise for this before you read it – ‘So Heaven meets earth like a sloppy, wet kiss.’ No, I couldn’t believe it either, but doing a search on Google, it is actually right!
It comes from a song by John Mark Mcmillan and is called, ‘He Loves’ (if you don’t believe me look at:
http://www.seekalyric.com/song/John_Mark_Mcmillan/How_He_Loves
Apparently the Dave Crowder band included the song on an Album but changed this lyric to, "Heaven meets earth like an unforeseen kiss".
Should we start a theological debate about the original lyrics or the changed ones? Is it just too sentimental anyway and not appropriate in a worship song or doesn’t it matter? Or simply forget about it and re-tune the radio? I have to say that when I heard it, it made me laugh, say, ‘I don’t believe I just heard that,’ and ‘I hope we never sing that one!’ Sorry if I have upset anyone who loves that song and maybe I shouldn’t worry about it, but it isn’t a great line, or is it?
It also gets me back to thinking about what Christians agree and disagree with, what it’s worth fighting for and what it is best to leave alone. Too often we can end up fighting between ourselves over issues we think are important rather than the real battle against injustice and poverty.
Here in the US there are many, many traffic lights – every intersection – and very few roundabouts – there are even pictures of how to drive round a roundabout as you approach them - but there are also junctions where the instruction is ‘ALL STOP’. So everyone stops and waits for one car to move and the etiquette seems to be that the car that got to the junction first gets to go first and everyone takes their turn in order.
I wonder if there are times in Christian discussion and debate when the instruction needs to be, ‘ALL STOP’. Then we might learn to listen first and then together navigate the way ahead.
How would you finish the lyric –‘So Heaven meets earth like.......’? Perhaps I will just re-tune the radio again.
Wednesday, 11 August 2010
SIGNS AND WONDERS
330 miles later and we arrived in Mentor, Ohio. A long journey, a little scary driving through Cleveland at rush hour, but apart from that, the Sat Nav (and Kerry) kept me straight. With temperatures above 90 degrees F we are very grateful for the air con although I’m sure it eats the fuel up (is that right or is that just a myth?) However, with ‘gas’ prices at $2.80 per gallon (that’s roughly £1.80 a gallon or 40 pence a litre), who cares! I know I should, but I’m on Sabbatical!
There was an interesting sign as we travelled through Ohio to get here. At one point on the journey I read, ‘Don’t stop to pick up hitchhikers.’ This wasn’t because it was a Freeway and they didn’t want you to stop at all, the sentence underneath explained, ‘Don’t stop to pick up hitchhikers. Prison Area.’ Great advice but a poor comment on the security at the local prison! I made sure we locked the doors and carried on without stopping.
Talking of signs, I came across this one in Grand Haven, Michigan yesterday: ‘BE LESS CERTAIN, BE MORE CURIOUS.’
I’ve been thinking about Mars Hill and what I wrote yesterday, that this slogan could be their slogan. In fact I was listening to a recent podcast from Mars Hill and this is what Rob Bell and Shane Hipps were saying. There are things we have been told, accepted, believed without actually thinking about it ourselves and then when difficulties or challenges come, there is no foundation or safety net to hold us up when tough things happen because there is no depth, nothing to cling hold of because it is someone else’s faith we have put on. So being less certain leaves room to explore and debate and being more curious enables us to learn and discover for ourselves. I think that what we learn for ourselves, in the context of community, in discussion, debate, conversation, will enable us to keep standing even when we are under pressure. Less certain, more curious. I like that.
Talking of curious. I went to the ‘fitness centre’ when we got to this hotel. Fitness Centre is a grand title for a small room with one running machine, one bike and one cross-trainer, but I did have a run (even on holiday – what’s wrong with me?) I never usually run in front of a mirror but the room was so small I couldn’t avoid it and as I ran I became curious about how I run. And I noticed something amazing! I don’t know if this should happen, but there is a moment in every stride when both feet are off the ground, when I am actually hanging in mid-air. It is only a moment but it is a moment when there is nothing holding me up as I wait for one foot to land. And it’s okay. I can wait. Uncertainty in that moment is followed by a safe landing and on I go. A moment of uncertainty followed by a safe landing and another firm step on the journey.
Why don’t you try it yourself? But please check with the doctor before you start.
There was an interesting sign as we travelled through Ohio to get here. At one point on the journey I read, ‘Don’t stop to pick up hitchhikers.’ This wasn’t because it was a Freeway and they didn’t want you to stop at all, the sentence underneath explained, ‘Don’t stop to pick up hitchhikers. Prison Area.’ Great advice but a poor comment on the security at the local prison! I made sure we locked the doors and carried on without stopping.
Talking of signs, I came across this one in Grand Haven, Michigan yesterday: ‘BE LESS CERTAIN, BE MORE CURIOUS.’
I’ve been thinking about Mars Hill and what I wrote yesterday, that this slogan could be their slogan. In fact I was listening to a recent podcast from Mars Hill and this is what Rob Bell and Shane Hipps were saying. There are things we have been told, accepted, believed without actually thinking about it ourselves and then when difficulties or challenges come, there is no foundation or safety net to hold us up when tough things happen because there is no depth, nothing to cling hold of because it is someone else’s faith we have put on. So being less certain leaves room to explore and debate and being more curious enables us to learn and discover for ourselves. I think that what we learn for ourselves, in the context of community, in discussion, debate, conversation, will enable us to keep standing even when we are under pressure. Less certain, more curious. I like that.
Talking of curious. I went to the ‘fitness centre’ when we got to this hotel. Fitness Centre is a grand title for a small room with one running machine, one bike and one cross-trainer, but I did have a run (even on holiday – what’s wrong with me?) I never usually run in front of a mirror but the room was so small I couldn’t avoid it and as I ran I became curious about how I run. And I noticed something amazing! I don’t know if this should happen, but there is a moment in every stride when both feet are off the ground, when I am actually hanging in mid-air. It is only a moment but it is a moment when there is nothing holding me up as I wait for one foot to land. And it’s okay. I can wait. Uncertainty in that moment is followed by a safe landing and on I go. A moment of uncertainty followed by a safe landing and another firm step on the journey.
Why don’t you try it yourself? But please check with the doctor before you start.
Tuesday, 10 August 2010
IN .........WE TRUST
We are heading off from the state of Michigan towards Niagara Falls today. The bit of the Michigan State we have seen is beautiful and would warrant a much longer stay, but off we head East.
As we have travelled around this small part of America there has been much to ponder, especially the question; Who or what do people trust? On the dollar bills it says, 'In God we trust', and there is a great deal around to say that this is true. We have visited three large churches, Willow, Wheaton and Mars Hill and all are full of vibrant, excited, God-followers. We have passed many very big churches with car lots that hold thousands and architecture that makes a statement in the community. We have seen First Baptist churches (is there some league table in the US for Baptist churches - we haven't found the second and third ones!) Reformed Baptists, Reformed Christian, Episcopal, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, United Methodist (are there disunited Methodists?) Salvation Army, to name a few. It seems that we have come a long way from the Day of Pentecost when the church was the church and the people were recognised and known because they had been with Jesus - and that was it! Is God pleased with all this? Does the number and size of the churches show that there is a God?
And reflecting on the experiences of being at Mars Hill (they deliberately don't use the word church or have a sign outside) they see themselves as a gathering in a place, just like Paul met the people of Athens on Mars Hill. Mars Hill was a place for debate and I think that Rob Bell and Shane Hipps want to simply provide a place for debate. In fact Shane Hipps on Sunday said quite clearly that the person with the microphone (the preacher) is not necessarily right, there is a debate to be had that goes beyond Sundays. They see Sundays as a time for people to gather, meet together, worship, remember and listen but it is not the last word, the conversation continues on Monday, Tuesday....... The people go to Mars Hill as a place of beginning not end. Just another observation, they refer to the Old Testament as the Older Testament, which does change how you view it. It connects the two (Old and New) together rather than the danger of discarding the Old and replacing it with the new.
The Mars Hill building reminded me of what MFI would have looked and felt like, work in progress. It also said, we haven't got all the answers, we haven't sorted it all out, but we would love you to join us in the journey. You are welcome, no pressure, you don't have to be right before you come in, we are still working it all out but we are committed to seeking, finding and revealing Jesus to you.
I think that is what it is about.
In the midst of so much competition for 'trust', In Money we Trust, In Shopping we Trust, In Sex we Trust, In Possessions we Trust, In Church we Trust, I wonder if we could help people to discover that the only place to put your trust is not in the church or any of these other things, but simply to live out the American dream, IN GOD WE TRUST.
Off we go now to Ohio State and then to New York State. I'm putting my trust in the Sat Nav to get us there but I wonder what people trust over there, I wonder where my trust lies?
As we have travelled around this small part of America there has been much to ponder, especially the question; Who or what do people trust? On the dollar bills it says, 'In God we trust', and there is a great deal around to say that this is true. We have visited three large churches, Willow, Wheaton and Mars Hill and all are full of vibrant, excited, God-followers. We have passed many very big churches with car lots that hold thousands and architecture that makes a statement in the community. We have seen First Baptist churches (is there some league table in the US for Baptist churches - we haven't found the second and third ones!) Reformed Baptists, Reformed Christian, Episcopal, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, United Methodist (are there disunited Methodists?) Salvation Army, to name a few. It seems that we have come a long way from the Day of Pentecost when the church was the church and the people were recognised and known because they had been with Jesus - and that was it! Is God pleased with all this? Does the number and size of the churches show that there is a God?
And reflecting on the experiences of being at Mars Hill (they deliberately don't use the word church or have a sign outside) they see themselves as a gathering in a place, just like Paul met the people of Athens on Mars Hill. Mars Hill was a place for debate and I think that Rob Bell and Shane Hipps want to simply provide a place for debate. In fact Shane Hipps on Sunday said quite clearly that the person with the microphone (the preacher) is not necessarily right, there is a debate to be had that goes beyond Sundays. They see Sundays as a time for people to gather, meet together, worship, remember and listen but it is not the last word, the conversation continues on Monday, Tuesday....... The people go to Mars Hill as a place of beginning not end. Just another observation, they refer to the Old Testament as the Older Testament, which does change how you view it. It connects the two (Old and New) together rather than the danger of discarding the Old and replacing it with the new.
The Mars Hill building reminded me of what MFI would have looked and felt like, work in progress. It also said, we haven't got all the answers, we haven't sorted it all out, but we would love you to join us in the journey. You are welcome, no pressure, you don't have to be right before you come in, we are still working it all out but we are committed to seeking, finding and revealing Jesus to you.
I think that is what it is about.
In the midst of so much competition for 'trust', In Money we Trust, In Shopping we Trust, In Sex we Trust, In Possessions we Trust, In Church we Trust, I wonder if we could help people to discover that the only place to put your trust is not in the church or any of these other things, but simply to live out the American dream, IN GOD WE TRUST.
Off we go now to Ohio State and then to New York State. I'm putting my trust in the Sat Nav to get us there but I wonder what people trust over there, I wonder where my trust lies?
Sunday, 8 August 2010
SUNDAY IN THE SHED
This morning we walked across the parking lot and entered The Shed! The Shed is the home of Mars Hill Church, the home of Rob Bell and his congregation. When I booked the accommodation I had no idea we would be able to see the church from our hotel window, but that is what happened. We had planned to attend the church all along, but it was a surprise when we were so close. The church has no sign outside and you can still see where the previous owners of the building had their sign, but once inside the doors there is life and energy as you walk through this former shopping mall. The previous shops are now rooms for the children's work, offices and meeting places. The mall was filled with people leaving the first service and coming for the second - no we didn't get up in time for the 9 o'clock - the smell of coffee and pastries filling the air. People of all ages milling around pleased to be there.
Walking into the Shed it is simply a box of a room. About 3000 chairs are arranged around a central platform where the band played and the preacher preached. Four large screens above the platform ensure that everyone can see the words and the bible verses used but no projection of the preacher. The worship was a mixture of older songs and new (Sing to the Lord, Even though I walk through the valley, and some 'hill-billy' style), some liturgy from the book of common prayer and simple statements of faith. All God-focused and simple. Then Shane Hipps (the new teaching pastor) spoke for 25 minutes on 1 John 4:18, fear and love. Good solid stuff with plenty to think through. He had a stove (cooker) on stage as his prop - you can work out why for yourself! At the end of the preach, some moments of reflection before the end. Joy boxes available as you leave for the offering!
And that was it! A vibrant congregation who leave to make a difference during the week in their every day lives. And looking around, what a powerful force for good God's people are when we live every day right where we are in the way God wants us to. That will change the world.
Last night we ate at a local restaurant that is between the hotel and the church. When I asked the waitress about the church, she told us that she went there regularly and you could see in her face and hear in her voice the impact it was having on her. She was 18, had been away from church for a few years but now had found something fresh and vibrant, a living faith. Is that the purpose of a church?
Sunday in the Shed has given another perspective to think about. Of course it is only an hour of seeing the church together, but it is clear that the life that God has breathed upon this place has eternal consequences. If a church keeps that in mind then I believe nothing can stop it.
Just one gripe from the Shed, why do they leave 'u' out of Saviour, surely u in Savior is what it is all about.
Walking into the Shed it is simply a box of a room. About 3000 chairs are arranged around a central platform where the band played and the preacher preached. Four large screens above the platform ensure that everyone can see the words and the bible verses used but no projection of the preacher. The worship was a mixture of older songs and new (Sing to the Lord, Even though I walk through the valley, and some 'hill-billy' style), some liturgy from the book of common prayer and simple statements of faith. All God-focused and simple. Then Shane Hipps (the new teaching pastor) spoke for 25 minutes on 1 John 4:18, fear and love. Good solid stuff with plenty to think through. He had a stove (cooker) on stage as his prop - you can work out why for yourself! At the end of the preach, some moments of reflection before the end. Joy boxes available as you leave for the offering!
And that was it! A vibrant congregation who leave to make a difference during the week in their every day lives. And looking around, what a powerful force for good God's people are when we live every day right where we are in the way God wants us to. That will change the world.
Last night we ate at a local restaurant that is between the hotel and the church. When I asked the waitress about the church, she told us that she went there regularly and you could see in her face and hear in her voice the impact it was having on her. She was 18, had been away from church for a few years but now had found something fresh and vibrant, a living faith. Is that the purpose of a church?
Sunday in the Shed has given another perspective to think about. Of course it is only an hour of seeing the church together, but it is clear that the life that God has breathed upon this place has eternal consequences. If a church keeps that in mind then I believe nothing can stop it.
Just one gripe from the Shed, why do they leave 'u' out of Saviour, surely u in Savior is what it is all about.
GLS 4
Didn't get round to finishing the GLS report and today we have travelled 200 miles into Michigan to Grand Rapids. This is the home of Mars Hill Church and Rob Bell and we think our hotel is right next door to the church. In fact, when I was searching for the free Wi-Fi at the hotel, the Mars Hill Wi-Fi was on the list! Follow the signal! Mars Hill has no sign on the outside so we are going to have to explore later so we don't miss tomorrow morning.
Anyway, back to yesterday afternoon and the final sessions of GLS - the reason for coming to the States! A great finish! First up, Blake Mycoskie. He is a 30 something entrepreneur who is a Christian, and he is the founder - or as he likes to call himself, the Chief Shoe Giver, of TOMS shoes. His company sells shoes, clue in the title, but for every pair sold, they give a pair to a child in Argentina who doesn't have a pair. So far they have a thriving business and have given away over 600,000 pairs of shoes. Simple giving that works. He was the only speaker who got a full house standing ovation. Amazing ideas are always simple. Oh, and he is so cool he lives on a boat in Los Angeles! Visit their website - www.TOMS.com for more info. Perhaps we could join in the 'One day without shoes' day next April?
Then a complete contrast in the form of Jack Welch, the former head of GE, the huge electric company. He was a 'character' who became the first person to have a word beeped out at a GLS! What was the word? That'll be a good game to play when we go to GLS in Southampton later in the year! Fortunately he was on video and not live! A hard-nosed businessman who was very ill recently and when Bill Hybels pressed him about faith, he seemed open to the possibility.
The final session was a barn-stormer with Bishop T.D. Jakes. It was all about passion, preached by a passionate man who brought a real sense of commitment as the summit closed. We even held hands across the auditorium!
Plenty to think through, plenty to process, plenty to do. But through it all, hearing the whisper of God has to be the most important lesson over the 2 days, because if God isn't going anywhere, I'm not going anywhere!
After a great stay with the folk from Willow Creek, Bill and Betty, we are now let lose in the US. We learnt a lot from teose faith-filled, faithful, generous couple. Married for 54 years, they havebeen through tough times personally and with their family, but totally committed to God and His church. They were brilliant and inspired us with a vision for the long haul. And to affirm our friendship, Bill gave me his Chicago Cubs (baseball) mug. A great memory from a big man with a big heart. It's great when God joins us together and builds our lives when we bump into His special people.
Thanks for reading.
Anyway, back to yesterday afternoon and the final sessions of GLS - the reason for coming to the States! A great finish! First up, Blake Mycoskie. He is a 30 something entrepreneur who is a Christian, and he is the founder - or as he likes to call himself, the Chief Shoe Giver, of TOMS shoes. His company sells shoes, clue in the title, but for every pair sold, they give a pair to a child in Argentina who doesn't have a pair. So far they have a thriving business and have given away over 600,000 pairs of shoes. Simple giving that works. He was the only speaker who got a full house standing ovation. Amazing ideas are always simple. Oh, and he is so cool he lives on a boat in Los Angeles! Visit their website - www.TOMS.com for more info. Perhaps we could join in the 'One day without shoes' day next April?
Then a complete contrast in the form of Jack Welch, the former head of GE, the huge electric company. He was a 'character' who became the first person to have a word beeped out at a GLS! What was the word? That'll be a good game to play when we go to GLS in Southampton later in the year! Fortunately he was on video and not live! A hard-nosed businessman who was very ill recently and when Bill Hybels pressed him about faith, he seemed open to the possibility.
The final session was a barn-stormer with Bishop T.D. Jakes. It was all about passion, preached by a passionate man who brought a real sense of commitment as the summit closed. We even held hands across the auditorium!
Plenty to think through, plenty to process, plenty to do. But through it all, hearing the whisper of God has to be the most important lesson over the 2 days, because if God isn't going anywhere, I'm not going anywhere!
After a great stay with the folk from Willow Creek, Bill and Betty, we are now let lose in the US. We learnt a lot from teose faith-filled, faithful, generous couple. Married for 54 years, they havebeen through tough times personally and with their family, but totally committed to God and His church. They were brilliant and inspired us with a vision for the long haul. And to affirm our friendship, Bill gave me his Chicago Cubs (baseball) mug. A great memory from a big man with a big heart. It's great when God joins us together and builds our lives when we bump into His special people.
Thanks for reading.
Friday, 6 August 2010
GLS 3
Day 2 just after lunch and again we have been filled with insight, information and a great lunch. After a long journey here - roadworks are just as much of a pain here as in the UK - we were treated to great drama, music and teaching, stirring messages and leadership insights flowed thick and fast.
First up was Jeff Manion, Senior Pastor at Ada Bible Church, Grand Rapids, Michegan who opened up 'The Land Inbetween' exploring the story of the Iraelites in the desert and the lessons to learn from the story (Numbers 11). Even though it was a desert place stuff still grows; Complaint, Emotional Meltdown, Provision, Discipline and Transformational Growth. Even in the painful places, inbetween here and there, God has things to do in us that we must allow him to do. A challenging thought for us all as we seek to be obedient to God on the journey.
We then had two business leaders/thinkers exploring leadership models at the Gore Company (Gore-tex producers) whose structure is more lattice than ladder and then, someone I had not heard of before, Daniel Pink who enetrtainingly spoke about what motivates us. Is it our biological drive or our reward/punishment drivce? He said that neither is enough and suggested that we all need something that is bigger than ourselves to drive us on. He was a good speaker, humourous and engaging, with a clear message for all in leadership.
Well, off to the last few sessions, Blake Mycoskie (founder of TOMS shoes) Jack Welch, T.D. Jakes and Bill Hybels to wrap it all up. So far so good, I'm sure it will finish well.
First up was Jeff Manion, Senior Pastor at Ada Bible Church, Grand Rapids, Michegan who opened up 'The Land Inbetween' exploring the story of the Iraelites in the desert and the lessons to learn from the story (Numbers 11). Even though it was a desert place stuff still grows; Complaint, Emotional Meltdown, Provision, Discipline and Transformational Growth. Even in the painful places, inbetween here and there, God has things to do in us that we must allow him to do. A challenging thought for us all as we seek to be obedient to God on the journey.
We then had two business leaders/thinkers exploring leadership models at the Gore Company (Gore-tex producers) whose structure is more lattice than ladder and then, someone I had not heard of before, Daniel Pink who enetrtainingly spoke about what motivates us. Is it our biological drive or our reward/punishment drivce? He said that neither is enough and suggested that we all need something that is bigger than ourselves to drive us on. He was a good speaker, humourous and engaging, with a clear message for all in leadership.
Well, off to the last few sessions, Blake Mycoskie (founder of TOMS shoes) Jack Welch, T.D. Jakes and Bill Hybels to wrap it all up. So far so good, I'm sure it will finish well.
Thursday, 5 August 2010
GLS 2
Well that's the end of day 1 and as one of the speakers commented, it's been like 'drinking from a fire hydrant.' Once again the variety of speakers keeps your mind moving in many different directions but constantly draws you back to what God is saying to me and doing in me through every word spoken.
Of course, being in the US with many international guests the bonus is that you get to chat to people from a whole variety of places as well. Today I have spoken with the head of a feeding organisation in the Dominican Republic, Luis, serving the countless poor in his country and of course in neighbouring Haiti. We had lunch with a lady from Brazil who now lives in the US and sat among people from Africa, Asia and Australia. Isn't it amazing that so many people are all seeking the same thing, for God to move and see His Kingdom come.
So to the afternoon session on day 1. Craig Groeschel interviewed the former coach of the Indianapolis Colts (the funny shaped football lot) to Super Bowl success. He is a sold out God person who coached with passion and compassion, mentoring his players and helping them to grow as people as well as great football players. He shared powerfully how just one word from his school head when he was 17 changed his life and as a result he has been involved in changing many other lives. Just one word to one person, that's all it takes! A big lesson for me about the power of one word at the right time to the right person.
Then a Senior Pastor, Adam Hamilton, who has seen his church grow from 4 people in 1990 to over 13,000 today (how does that happen?), spoke about what happens when leaders fall, how he has dealt with it in his church and how to avoid it as a leader. Very open and honest and great to have that subject addressed in this way.
The final session had two speakers. One a top Chinese Economist who is an adviser to the Chinese Government, Dr Peter Zhao Xiao. He came to the US to study the free market economy and discovered that its success was because of the moral foundation it is built on. He concluded - to the Chinese Government - that the future growth of the Chinese economy, for it to succeed, it must be based on Christian principles, that China should embrace Christianity. As a result of what he discovered, he read the Bible and gave his life to Jesus Christ! He is still an economic adviser and is actively talking about Christianity and Economics to the Government at the highest level. So much so that the Chinese constitution has now been changed to include the word, 'religion' in it for the first time. His vision is to see the Chinese blessing the world with Christ. Wow!
Finally Andy Stanley finished the day. As usual he was brilliant. Practical, down to earth, profound and simple. He talked about how instead of managing away tension we should learn to use it to grow. Some things are not resolvable and we shouldn't try to choose between different options, e.g. discipleship or evangelism, but learn to live in the tension. It's not win or lose, there is a third way on some issues.
Anyway, enough from me, need to get back to our hosts and let it all settle ready for day 2. More tomorrow.
Of course, being in the US with many international guests the bonus is that you get to chat to people from a whole variety of places as well. Today I have spoken with the head of a feeding organisation in the Dominican Republic, Luis, serving the countless poor in his country and of course in neighbouring Haiti. We had lunch with a lady from Brazil who now lives in the US and sat among people from Africa, Asia and Australia. Isn't it amazing that so many people are all seeking the same thing, for God to move and see His Kingdom come.
So to the afternoon session on day 1. Craig Groeschel interviewed the former coach of the Indianapolis Colts (the funny shaped football lot) to Super Bowl success. He is a sold out God person who coached with passion and compassion, mentoring his players and helping them to grow as people as well as great football players. He shared powerfully how just one word from his school head when he was 17 changed his life and as a result he has been involved in changing many other lives. Just one word to one person, that's all it takes! A big lesson for me about the power of one word at the right time to the right person.
Then a Senior Pastor, Adam Hamilton, who has seen his church grow from 4 people in 1990 to over 13,000 today (how does that happen?), spoke about what happens when leaders fall, how he has dealt with it in his church and how to avoid it as a leader. Very open and honest and great to have that subject addressed in this way.
The final session had two speakers. One a top Chinese Economist who is an adviser to the Chinese Government, Dr Peter Zhao Xiao. He came to the US to study the free market economy and discovered that its success was because of the moral foundation it is built on. He concluded - to the Chinese Government - that the future growth of the Chinese economy, for it to succeed, it must be based on Christian principles, that China should embrace Christianity. As a result of what he discovered, he read the Bible and gave his life to Jesus Christ! He is still an economic adviser and is actively talking about Christianity and Economics to the Government at the highest level. So much so that the Chinese constitution has now been changed to include the word, 'religion' in it for the first time. His vision is to see the Chinese blessing the world with Christ. Wow!
Finally Andy Stanley finished the day. As usual he was brilliant. Practical, down to earth, profound and simple. He talked about how instead of managing away tension we should learn to use it to grow. Some things are not resolvable and we shouldn't try to choose between different options, e.g. discipleship or evangelism, but learn to live in the tension. It's not win or lose, there is a third way on some issues.
Anyway, enough from me, need to get back to our hosts and let it all settle ready for day 2. More tomorrow.
GLS DAY 1
The day arrived and we drove up to Willow Creek on a bright, hot summer's morning ready to be bombarded by the experience of the Summit 2010. As the countdown clock on the BIG screens turned to 0:00, we held our breath and suddenly, nothing happened! A power failure had affected the lighting and sound desks and nothing worked! It happens to the best of them. As we sat and chatted to the people around us nobody was phased by it and 5 minutes later, the lights were on, the video was rolling, the band struck up and off we went. The GLS 2010 had started.
As usual, the stunning video opening, the incredible live worship, sound, lighting, and complete set up tugged at our hearts, filled our minds with images and challenges from the first moments, and God started whispering. It was enough to make a grown man cry! We were off, knowing, feeling, believing, praying for new wisdom, insight and challenge that would inspire, challenge and grow us as people and leaders.
Sat in the top tier we were a long way away when Bill Hybels stepped onto the vast, deserted stage and proceeded, with 4 flip charts, 4 flip charts, to unpack his thoughts about how to get from HERE to THERE. Create dissatisfaction with HERE, build teams of FANTASTIC people, have CELEBRATIONS along the way, and keep listening to the WHISPERS of God, adding a fourth 'C' to his three C's when adding people to a team - Character, Competence, Chemistry and CULTURE - do they fit the church culture. He was as ever, strong, humble, insightful and challenging.
His session was followed by Jim Collins who shared thoughts on 'How the Mighty Fall'. A big-brained man who gives a geat thought a second, too many to write down, but as ever challenging and clear. His main thought was that the mighty fall long before they fall, in fact even success is not long lasting success if mistakes are made at the beginning of a company, church, family.
The final session before lunch was from a Christine Caine, a pastor from Hillsong, Sydney. Full of passion and vision, she has started an organisation called A21 fighting human trafficking around the world. Powerful testimony to what God can do with someone who was lost (her testimony) but who is filled with hope.
Lunch was BIG! And now to the afternoon session.
I'll try and keep in touch and let you know how it all goes. Have a good day!
As usual, the stunning video opening, the incredible live worship, sound, lighting, and complete set up tugged at our hearts, filled our minds with images and challenges from the first moments, and God started whispering. It was enough to make a grown man cry! We were off, knowing, feeling, believing, praying for new wisdom, insight and challenge that would inspire, challenge and grow us as people and leaders.
Sat in the top tier we were a long way away when Bill Hybels stepped onto the vast, deserted stage and proceeded, with 4 flip charts, 4 flip charts, to unpack his thoughts about how to get from HERE to THERE. Create dissatisfaction with HERE, build teams of FANTASTIC people, have CELEBRATIONS along the way, and keep listening to the WHISPERS of God, adding a fourth 'C' to his three C's when adding people to a team - Character, Competence, Chemistry and CULTURE - do they fit the church culture. He was as ever, strong, humble, insightful and challenging.
His session was followed by Jim Collins who shared thoughts on 'How the Mighty Fall'. A big-brained man who gives a geat thought a second, too many to write down, but as ever challenging and clear. His main thought was that the mighty fall long before they fall, in fact even success is not long lasting success if mistakes are made at the beginning of a company, church, family.
The final session before lunch was from a Christine Caine, a pastor from Hillsong, Sydney. Full of passion and vision, she has started an organisation called A21 fighting human trafficking around the world. Powerful testimony to what God can do with someone who was lost (her testimony) but who is filled with hope.
Lunch was BIG! And now to the afternoon session.
I'll try and keep in touch and let you know how it all goes. Have a good day!
Wednesday, 4 August 2010
A ROAD LESS TRAVELLED
I have been waiting to write about the new found 'woman' in my life and resisted until today, but I can't wait any longer. When I say 'woman' I really mean a 'female voice'. I do want to say that Kerry knows all about 'her' and approves of her as well although it did take her a few days to accept that someone else can tell me where to go. Together, the three of us, the 'ménage à trois' (in its literal sense! - the household of three) have been travelling around for almost a week now and not a cross word has been uttered.
'She' of course is our Sat Nav, we've called her, Hertza. We were reluctant to give 'her' too much personality because after all it is only a gadget, but without her - see I'm doing it now - we would have got lost many times over and missed so much of what we have seen.
Each time we have travelled locally we have set the destination and then asked for a route using as few freeways as possible and it has led us around some beautiful, and not so beautiful, areas, towns and roads. We have found things we would never have found - including a cricket match! - and seen things we would never have seen, beautiful properties and run down, broken communities. We have seen signs that made us laugh - 'SOD THURSDAYS' (all I wanted to ask was, what about Mondays?) - I think this was a sale of turf rather than a social commentary - and we became confused when outside what looked like a Christian church the sign said, 'KORAN CLASSES'! Liberal or what? But I think the 'e' was missing, it should have read, 'KOREAN CLASSES'!
The Sat Nav has made a difference. The voice is confident, patient and even forgiving when we miss the turning, silently recalculating the route for us to get back on track without judging, condemning or moralising. She knows where we want to go and will carefully take us there, even if it is along a road less travelled.
Today we start the conference, there is an evening reception today (Wednesday) when stories from around the world will be shared about how God has brought transformation and life to churches and communities in diverse cultures, nations and ethnicity. The conference is a time to set the direction again and to realise that there are different ways to get there. It's great to hear the calm, patient, forgiving voice of a God who keeps believing in me even when I take a wrong turn and who invites me to take the new route to the same destination. I'm looking forward to being reminded of the destination over these next couple of days and listening to the route that God wants to take me to get there and watching out for the signs along the way. It might be along a road less travelled, but all I know is that He will be there for me and lead me. Maybe beside still waters, maybe through the dark valley, maybe to the table. All I know is that goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, wherever I travel, whatever turn I take.
Anyway, time to get into the car again, set the destination and listen to the calm, soothing, forgiving voice of Hertza. She really is very good!
'She' of course is our Sat Nav, we've called her, Hertza. We were reluctant to give 'her' too much personality because after all it is only a gadget, but without her - see I'm doing it now - we would have got lost many times over and missed so much of what we have seen.
Each time we have travelled locally we have set the destination and then asked for a route using as few freeways as possible and it has led us around some beautiful, and not so beautiful, areas, towns and roads. We have found things we would never have found - including a cricket match! - and seen things we would never have seen, beautiful properties and run down, broken communities. We have seen signs that made us laugh - 'SOD THURSDAYS' (all I wanted to ask was, what about Mondays?) - I think this was a sale of turf rather than a social commentary - and we became confused when outside what looked like a Christian church the sign said, 'KORAN CLASSES'! Liberal or what? But I think the 'e' was missing, it should have read, 'KOREAN CLASSES'!
The Sat Nav has made a difference. The voice is confident, patient and even forgiving when we miss the turning, silently recalculating the route for us to get back on track without judging, condemning or moralising. She knows where we want to go and will carefully take us there, even if it is along a road less travelled.
Today we start the conference, there is an evening reception today (Wednesday) when stories from around the world will be shared about how God has brought transformation and life to churches and communities in diverse cultures, nations and ethnicity. The conference is a time to set the direction again and to realise that there are different ways to get there. It's great to hear the calm, patient, forgiving voice of a God who keeps believing in me even when I take a wrong turn and who invites me to take the new route to the same destination. I'm looking forward to being reminded of the destination over these next couple of days and listening to the route that God wants to take me to get there and watching out for the signs along the way. It might be along a road less travelled, but all I know is that He will be there for me and lead me. Maybe beside still waters, maybe through the dark valley, maybe to the table. All I know is that goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, wherever I travel, whatever turn I take.
Anyway, time to get into the car again, set the destination and listen to the calm, soothing, forgiving voice of Hertza. She really is very good!
Tuesday, 3 August 2010
THE ONE ABOUT THE ENGLISH COUPLE
Let me tell you the one about the English couple who got lost!
We are now staying with our hosts for the conference at Willow Creek, Bill and Betty, and being looked after with all the legendary American hospitality you can imagine. They are a retired couple who have been at Willow for many years and exude all the generosity of people committed to God and expressing love in the Jesus kind of way. Open door, pen hearts, open fridge, they all come as standard in their home. They have hosted many people from many countries and it is a pleasure to be in their home - we're hoping the feeling is mutual. (The only thing they don't have is Wi-Fi so my posts will be a bit more intermittent)
Anyway, let me get back to my story. Yesterday we ventured into Chicago. We walked a mile to the Metra (train) station in Bartlett (the place where we are staying) to find we'd just missed one train and had 30 minutes to wait for the next one. But what should happen in that 30 minutes? As we checked the timetable a couple came up to us and asked us when the next train was - as if we knew! They weren't American so we got chatting and found out they were from Belgium, and, you'll never believe this, they were in the area for the Willow Creek conference! In all the train stations in all the world, fancy meeting them there! Perhaps God was involved? They are a couple - Jan and Karin, with their daughter Sophie, who are involved in hosting the GLS conference in Belgium later this year - only one venue for the whole country. A great couple who are sold out for serving God and about to start a new congregation in Brussels. It sounds like Belgium is a tougher place to be a Christian than the UK and where church is squeezed out of most people's minds. Thank you God that we met them, exchanged contacts, and maybe one day we will meet again. They also run Alpha so we had plenty to talk about.
Thirty minutes later the train arrived and we hopped on this bright, shiny, air-conditioned, double-decker train. An hour's journey for $5 each later we pulled into Union Street station in the heart of the City. Getting up to street level we stood on one of the bridges, overwhelmed by the view, only to be moved on because on the next bridge they were filming the new 'Transformers' movie and they didn't want anyone staring! Not a great welcome to Chicago, but we were moved on very nicely - I even said 'thank you' to the guy who shooed us along and of course he replied, 'you're welcome!'
A very tiring day followed, we walked everywhere, shops, lakeside, saw the sights without paying for anything and had a great, blister-filled day. An amazing city with noise, energy, beauty and need. And, twice we bumped into our new found Belgium buddies in different places at different times of the day. In all of Chicago fancy meeting up twice!
Time to go home, so we hopped on this bright, shiny, air-conditioned, double-decker train and headed back to Bartlett. It was beginning to get dark now and as we arrived at the station we started the mile walk back to our hosts. Suddenly everything looked different and after about 30 minutes of walking and the sun setting further, we knew we were lost! I am stubborn when it comes to this sort of problem, I want to keep trying to find my way home. Kerry just wanted to get home so accosted the only couple we saw walking and asked them if they knew where the road was we were trying to find. They were Spanish and had no idea, BUT, he had his phone with the GPS app on it. He brought up the map, we found the route and 15 minutes later, we were home! I'm so glad Kerry was less stubborn than me. I'm thankful to God that the only couple we saw just happened to have the phone and GPS download.
Isn't it great when we suddenly realise that God goes before us, is behind us and hems us in. Jan and Karin, the unknown couple on the unknown street, Bill and Betty. So many angels, all of them heroes. My prayer is that I will see them more often and recognise that God is God and that when I am lost, far from home, I won't be too stubborn to ask which way to get home.
Did I tell you the one about the English couple lost in America?
We are now staying with our hosts for the conference at Willow Creek, Bill and Betty, and being looked after with all the legendary American hospitality you can imagine. They are a retired couple who have been at Willow for many years and exude all the generosity of people committed to God and expressing love in the Jesus kind of way. Open door, pen hearts, open fridge, they all come as standard in their home. They have hosted many people from many countries and it is a pleasure to be in their home - we're hoping the feeling is mutual. (The only thing they don't have is Wi-Fi so my posts will be a bit more intermittent)
Anyway, let me get back to my story. Yesterday we ventured into Chicago. We walked a mile to the Metra (train) station in Bartlett (the place where we are staying) to find we'd just missed one train and had 30 minutes to wait for the next one. But what should happen in that 30 minutes? As we checked the timetable a couple came up to us and asked us when the next train was - as if we knew! They weren't American so we got chatting and found out they were from Belgium, and, you'll never believe this, they were in the area for the Willow Creek conference! In all the train stations in all the world, fancy meeting them there! Perhaps God was involved? They are a couple - Jan and Karin, with their daughter Sophie, who are involved in hosting the GLS conference in Belgium later this year - only one venue for the whole country. A great couple who are sold out for serving God and about to start a new congregation in Brussels. It sounds like Belgium is a tougher place to be a Christian than the UK and where church is squeezed out of most people's minds. Thank you God that we met them, exchanged contacts, and maybe one day we will meet again. They also run Alpha so we had plenty to talk about.
Thirty minutes later the train arrived and we hopped on this bright, shiny, air-conditioned, double-decker train. An hour's journey for $5 each later we pulled into Union Street station in the heart of the City. Getting up to street level we stood on one of the bridges, overwhelmed by the view, only to be moved on because on the next bridge they were filming the new 'Transformers' movie and they didn't want anyone staring! Not a great welcome to Chicago, but we were moved on very nicely - I even said 'thank you' to the guy who shooed us along and of course he replied, 'you're welcome!'
A very tiring day followed, we walked everywhere, shops, lakeside, saw the sights without paying for anything and had a great, blister-filled day. An amazing city with noise, energy, beauty and need. And, twice we bumped into our new found Belgium buddies in different places at different times of the day. In all of Chicago fancy meeting up twice!
Time to go home, so we hopped on this bright, shiny, air-conditioned, double-decker train and headed back to Bartlett. It was beginning to get dark now and as we arrived at the station we started the mile walk back to our hosts. Suddenly everything looked different and after about 30 minutes of walking and the sun setting further, we knew we were lost! I am stubborn when it comes to this sort of problem, I want to keep trying to find my way home. Kerry just wanted to get home so accosted the only couple we saw walking and asked them if they knew where the road was we were trying to find. They were Spanish and had no idea, BUT, he had his phone with the GPS app on it. He brought up the map, we found the route and 15 minutes later, we were home! I'm so glad Kerry was less stubborn than me. I'm thankful to God that the only couple we saw just happened to have the phone and GPS download.
Isn't it great when we suddenly realise that God goes before us, is behind us and hems us in. Jan and Karin, the unknown couple on the unknown street, Bill and Betty. So many angels, all of them heroes. My prayer is that I will see them more often and recognise that God is God and that when I am lost, far from home, I won't be too stubborn to ask which way to get home.
Did I tell you the one about the English couple lost in America?
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