Light - Christmas message!

"This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."

This is the truth of Christmas. Light came into the world. The world hates light. Come into the light! Come and see how dirty you are! Come and be cleansed by the blood of Jesus! This is the uncomfortable message the world must hear.

Married into a family (part 2)

Following on from the last post, the sacredness of marriage expressed in the Bible is directly applied to the church. Paul says in Ephesians 5, “Husbands love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her... so that he might present the church to himself in splendour, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish” and “as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.”

You've probably heard new Christians say that they were amazed when they suddenly had a new family. There is an important personal intimacy with our Creator God shown in these words from a hymn, "My Jesus, I love thee, I know thou art mine." But somehow, particularly in the western world, we struggle to say "I know thou art ours." We can be so focussed on being 'in love' with God that we forget all about our brothers and sisters - our new family. Think if God had done that with the Trinity (theirs was a perfect loving, sharing, complete love) - if he'd not decided to extend his love to humankind, we wouldn't be here!

Jesus is not a boyfriend. His love and our love for him shouldn't be reduced to a human level. "Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the church." We imitate him; he is 'the way'. Jesus "loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy". So if his love stops with me, there's something wrong. I am part of the Bride of Christ - the church. He is "My Jesus, My Saviour" but he doesn't belong to me. Neither is he only for me. Jesus said, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another just as I have loved you." As we embrace our Father and our Saviour in love and worship, let's embrace the community of Church.

I've got many questions: Where does 'me and God time' fit in the community that is church? What is corporate prayer and worship and how does it work? Where is the church God wants me to be?
At the end of the day there is one thing that matters. That the compassionate, concerned, obedient, humble servants heart of Jesus would be my own.

Married into a family

“I'm not losing a daughter, I'm gaining a son,” said the bride's father. I was at the wedding of my friend in Uganda and the bride's father was giving his daughter to the family of the bridegroom as is the custom. She was not simply marrying the man but becoming part of a new family. I fought back tears – this was a special moment. The significance of what her father said could only be seen in the wedding of believers. And I knew that my friend would be a son to both fathers and a brother to the sisters of his bride.

Here in the West we see things differently. A relationship is two people – at best headed for marriage; at worst for a selfish fling. Two people, together, for each other, no one else matters... family included. I'm thankful to know several 'couples' who in their relationship have stepped into the life of their girl/boyfriend. The family matters because the girl matters to him and because they matter to the girl. Many married couples also, don't merely oblige their in-laws, but love and embrace their new family. Isolation is arrogance; friendship is humility. To quote one of my favourite authors, Josh Harris: “The place of community in Christian romance is both biblical and beautiful.”

Postview

I think it'd be nice for some to know what I have been doing since September. Three months ago, I really didn't know what I was letting myself in for. Was I going to sink in a mire of theological terms, philosophical arguments and unsuccessful attempts at cooking? Crucially, with all this learning about God, was I actually going to get to know him better?

Thankfully, the answer to that last question was yes! As for the others:

Yes, I had to learn a lot of new words and terms like: canonical approach, hermeneutics, traditio-historical exegesis, redaction criticism, autographs (no, not the ones I've got in my scrapbook from my football heroes; but the original manuscripts of the Bible), phenomenological... and so on... and on... and on. Whilst silently cursing their existence, I found that they saved time and space in my essays and occasionally made me sound like I knew what I was talking about!

Arguments have been few and far between. Most concern something known as 'Calvinism' and the extent of God's sovereignty and mercy. Some of us are creative (or abstract!) thinkers and hate to apply cold logic to our faith; others of us are happy as long as everything adds up. I'm not happy and not sure what to believe on this issue. But I trust God as he slowly reveals his truth to me and does all possible to save me from pride of knowledge.

Cooking has been fun, sometimes dangerous, often original – it's good to have friends in college who, aside from being great people, are pretty solid cooks. They've been a great encouragement and distraction in the busyness of essays and exams.

I've gone up regularly to the Bridgend Christian School to be with another special group of people; been involved in sports, spanish and devotions there; and generally been very blessed by their friendship. Last week, they had a Christmas concert and their music and drama was so anointed – they really ministered. As much as I like adults, it seems that God has placed a desire within me to work with children and teens. I've also been involved in a kids club at a local church.

I've got a fairly long break now, but I'm already looking forward to being back in Bridgend.

End of Term Musings

So it's the end of term. Exams finished; weeks of study over. I'm happy. Actually, I've rarely felt so exhausted and exhilarated at the same time. And I haven't even got any feedback as to results. To anyone reading this blog who, in the back of your mind, has thoughts of attending Bible college: don't suppress them! Do it! I've been pleasantly surprised, incredibly stretched and if iron sharpens iron (through occasionally uncomfortable, often intense conversations) then I've never been somewhere with so much around.

At the end of the day, whilst here we "seek truth and pursue it", it is wise to become ever more aware that in Christ there are many great mysteries. God himself is unsearchable. Who can fathom his mysteries? Job knew that no one can. I pray that I may too. Pride is too dangerous and with more revelation of God comes more temptation of pride.

Tonight the moon is going to be bigger and brighter and closer than it has been for 15 years. I hope the clouds are swept away to give me a nice long look and maybe a few snaps with my camera. Looking at the moon, I can't help wonder at anyone who doubts God's existence. This planet itself is incredible but to see the moon lit up by the sun winging its way across the sky is awe-inspiring. We have little round baubles which we hang on the tree, but here is a gigantic hunk of rock just there - hanging on nothing! What a Creator!

Bread of Life

I've been greatly challenged by the vital need for prayer. I suppose prayer can be seen as just speaking. But I've been discovering that it involves so much more. It is communion with our heavenly Father. This happens through meditating on His Word, praising Him in songs and declarations, waiting in His presence, telling Him the desires of my heart (desires for others and for me) and much more!

The words, "I am the bread of life" keep hitting me between the eyes. Jesus looks back to the wilderness wanderings of Israel and the wonderful provision of manna from heaven. This appeared every morning but would melt away during the day. The Israelites weren't supposed to hoard it, but of course they did. Stock-piled manna makes life easier. Like us, they liked to bulk buy when food shopping.

Here was God saying, "I am your provision, your daily provision." He wanted them to realise that He wasn't an occasional benefactor, but the giver of all good gifts. We are in many ways the same. Wanting to store God's gifts of life, grace, health, finance, etc. So often, I'll have a glorious day meeting with God, fellowshipping with others and growing spiritually. That was great, I think. Next day when I'm feeling a bit sleepy, I excuse myself from time before God. Yesterday was so good, that today I can live off some of that buzz. I'll get back to normal tomorrow.

Jesus says "I am the bread of life". Don't just eat once. Don't get 'fed up' of Him. There's a reason He said we should pray, "Give us this day our daily bread." Keep eating from the banqueting table of your Father God. He is all you need.

...every part suffers with it

Recently, I've been especially concerned by the plight of many believers suffering intense persecution. I'm aware of how feeble my prayers are for them. In 1 Corinthians 12, it talks about the body of Christ. We don't neglect or forget any member. And 'if one part suffers, every part suffers with it.'

All across the world, my brothers and sisters are suffering for their faith. They dare to confess Jesus as Lord and are persecuted in the most cruel and inhumane ways imaginable. In Hebrews 10:32-36, it speaks of the persecution the early church suffered: ridiculed, beaten, imprisoned, left without out home or possessions.

Christians are still facing these trials today. Like Fatima al-Mutairi, a young lady from Saudi Arabia. She learned about Jesus on the internet and came to faith, no doubt fully aware of what it could lead to. As she said, "I am unto death a Christian." Not long after, her family learned of this. Her tongue was cut out and she was burned to death.

Many are aware of the situation in Orissa state, India. Two months of anti-Christian violence. Forced conversions. "Come back to Hinduism" they are told "or don't come back at all." And so around 30,000 have been hiding in the jungle without shelter and with very little to eat or drink. Thousands of homes, orphanages and churches have been destroyed. Many Christians have been hacked to death; others burnt if they refuse to renounce Christ.

It is uncomfortable to read the gory details. There are many more which are difficult even to write. If our emotions are touched, saddened by this, it is no surprise. What I have been praying for is a heart like Jesus' - full of compassion, burdened by the burden of others, willing to do something in response. But what can be done? No greater task than to pray for our suffering brethren: pray for joy in the midst of trials; for endurance and a deep trust in God; for relief from their hunger, thirst, pain, sickness and danger; for the good news of Jesus to be found by many who see the testimony of the suffering church.

I also encourage you to give. It is so good to help a widow whose husband has been imprisoned and can't feed her family; a congregation whose church needs rebuilding; a young girl who needs hospital treatment; or the thousands of sick and hungry in the jungles of Orissa, India.

May we all "fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. " Hebrews 12:2-3

Richard Baxter - Part 2

Important though preaching and discussion and prayer groups were in Baxter's ministry, it was personal catechizing that was central to his desire to reach those for whom Jesus died. Everything else was dependent on this 'laying of the foundation skilfully'.¹ The practice was not complex, but was nevertheless extremely demanding of the pastor. In Kidderminster, there were 800 families across the parish who would each be catechized in turn through the course of a year. Every Monday and Tuesday, Baxter would receive different families in his home for hour-long personal conferences. His assistant would go to the more distant houses. The hour would begin with preparation of the families' hearts – through reference to their eternal state and the need for salvation – to receive instruction. Then, one by one, Baxter would see the family members in order to deal with sin and remind them of their duty.

The families all had a copy of the Westminster Shorter Catechism which they were urged to learn. Baxter would ask the family questions related to this catechism which they would answer as best they could. He would ask questions which were relevant and easy to understand, but if they were confused or gave unsatisfactory answers, he would ask further questions to draw out a better answer and help them to understand it. Following this Baxter would edify the wise as relevant to their situations by highlighting their needs, duties, mistakes and sins; or the ignorant, by summarising the Christian faith. He would then inquire into their spiritual state using the points of the catechism. Those thinking they were converted would be told the plainest marks of conversion, the seriousness of wrongly assuming it, and the necessity of fulfilling their Christian duties. With the unconverted, Baxter would do his utmost to convince their hearts of their diseased, sinful condition. Finally he would exhort them to believe in Christ and avoid former sins.

...but we see Jesus

Bible college isn't a happy sabbatical for my brain. It's a bit of a washing machine experience - me, a load of doctrines, truths, presuppositions and a few lies thrown in together. The question is what will drain away and what will remain. That's not just a 'Bible college experience' - it's part of Christian living. It says in 1 John 2v24: "See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father." Being born of God, His life/spirit and anointing remains in me. But unfortunately there's still a lot of wickedness in me. So "He must increase and I must decrease."

As I spend more time with God, I realise that nothing good is in me (that is in my flesh). Yet amazingly God dwells in me by His Spirit. So things I never considered to be weaknesses are uncovered - especially pride. I need to take captive my thoughts (often proud or selfish ones) to the obedience of Christ, saying "Thought, if you are honouring me and not God, loving me above others, then you have no place. Get behind me in Jesus name."

I have had many questions since coming here. This isn't a place where I can go on merrily ignoring the 'tricky parts' of the Bible. By God's grace, I desire to come to an understanding that leaves me not feeling proud but totally humbled by the revelation the Father gives.

I'd like to share a quote I read recently from Robert Brown:

We do not see everything... but we see Jesus... We may see darkly, but we do see. We see enough to commit our lives to God, we see enough to trust God, we see enough to believe that God can meet our deepest need. We see enough light shed on the mystery of Christ to know that He is the clue to the meaning of life.

Richard Baxter - Puritan Pastor

I'm not much of a powerhouse as far as blogging is concerned. I'll try to do better! In the meantime, here's some of my essay on Richard Baxter's life, ministry and relevance today:


Richard Baxter was born in 1615 in Rowton, a village in Shropshire, England. He lived with his grandparents until he was ten years old when he went home to his parents. The education he received was generally very poor, yet his fertile mind was drawn to study and reading. Through the reading of several Christian books, Baxter was converted in his early teens. As a young man, he suffered constantly from pain and sickness, and this continued throughout his life. From 1638 to 1647, he had various teaching, lecturing and ministering roles including two years of chaplaincy in Cromwell's army during the Civil War. After his pastoral work had come to an end, Baxter married Margaret Charlton and spent the last thirty years of his life in preaching and prolific writing. He died in 1691. Baxter is best remembered for his outstanding pastoral work in Kidderminster between 1647 and 1661.

Kidderminster was a town of several thousand 'ignorant, rude and revelling people for the great part'¹ with much drunkenness and poverty. Though the church was full and there were a small number of godly converts, the majority were unaffected by churchgoing. So Baxter sought to change things. 'I preached as a dying man to dying men,'² he said and such was his concern for the lost. He preached every Thursday and Sunday the fundamental principles of Christianity and was unapologetic for the simplicity of delivery and content. Baxter devoted much time to writing, and books, as well as Bibles, were distributed to his congregation. He was firm in the discipline of those who sinned yet were unrepentant. Furthermore he considered church membership and the sharing of the Lord's Supper available only to those displaying a saving faith. He held meetings that encouraged discussion of the sermons, involving prayer and the singing of psalms. In addition, the young people would meet once a week in smaller groups to pray together in a less intimidating situation. More widely, Baxter founded the association of ministers in Worcestershire – a group of ministers with a mutual basis of catechizing and discipline. They met monthly and were a great source of encouragement and counsel to each other.³ His classic book The Reformed Pastor, written to these ministers and intended for all, was a passionate plea for the 'awakening of God's servants to their duty.'

God's Word

Here's some thoughts on the Bible that have come up while I've been studying the inerrancy of Scripture (that is the question of whether or not the Bible is entirely/utterly truthful - I think it is).

I believe I would pay more attention if God spoke audibly to me or through a prophet than through the words of Scripture. I'd probably be more likely to obey those words. This is not an appropriate response because it is viewing these means of revelation as more personal, specific and therefore more relevant than Scripture which is revealed to all God's children. I think to change this I can seek to develop a wider view (less egocentric) whilst recognising that Scripture does speak directly and personally to me (the words are timeless). I can also pray that God speaks more and that my heart would be open to all he says through the Bible.

God speaks through his Creation which is a testimony of his involvement with what he made. There is change in Creation but it still speaks the same message: God is Almighty, all-powerful, faithful and eternal. Secondly, he speaks through his Word. It is written and therefore we can approach it with confidence in its constancy. We see in the Bible his unchanging character. ('There is no shadow of turning with thee'). He wants us to know him not as a God who is far off but whose very Word is in our hearts and mouths. An apt verse from Jeremiah is chapter 15v16, "Your words were found, and I ate them, and your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; for I am called by Your name."

I've got to keep the sheer wonder and amazement that God has revealed himself in His Words; to rejoice that He has shown me life and all hope through the Bible.

Jesus I My Cross Have Taken

First let me share this brilliant hymn with you. In morning devotions we learnt from 1 Peter 2v4-11 how we are a 'chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God.' Basically we (Christians) are strangers here on earth. And the world should see that! Anyway here's the hymn.

Jesus I my cross have taken,
All to leave and follow you:
Son of man, despised, forsaken,
Lord of all I am or do.
Perish every fond ambition,
All I've sought and hoped and known;
Yet how rich is my condition!
God and heaven are still my own.

Let the world despise and leave me,
They have left my Saviour too;
Human hearts and looks deceive me;
You are not, like them, untrue:
And, while you shall smile upon me,
God of wisdom, love and might,
Foes may hate, and friends may shun me;
Show your face, and all is bright.

Just realised how long it is. I'll stick up the other verses when my wrists feel up to it! I'll give a quick update then, on how I'm getting on. I've finally made up my mind after three weeks of doing Biblical Hebrew, to drop it. Basically, doing Hebrew, Greek and suddenly getting all the assignments for other subjects gave me a reality check. I've got to write an essay on the inerrancy (free from error-ness!) of Scripture, the contribution of Brevard Childs (I hadn't heard of him before) to the discipline of biblical theology, an account of the life and ministry of Richard Baxter and a sermon outline.

So I've got a lot of reading to do. Fortunately, riding my bike a lot is keeping me in tolerable shape. It's nice to do things with friends. Finding time is another thing. I've been to a few churches and would appreciate prayers that I'd be able to settle into one soon.

Lakeland

I've just read an interesting couple of articles to do with the Lakeland outpouring controversy. I though I'd include these links because they give very balanced, gracious and repentant insights to a painful situation (which I've been genuinely confused by!)

The first is from Dutch Sheets and is well worth reading (particularly the 'Bigger Picture' section: http://www.dutchsheets.org/index.cfm/pageid/266

The second is written by Peter Wagner who was part of a group that anointed/commissioned Todd Bentley (the key figure in this outpouring) and is more informational: click here

I think it is helpful to hear from two men who are influential leaders in Charismatic churches in the USA and have been mightily used by God over many years.

God's grace to His people

I was suffering from Leviticus the other day. Not wanting to read that strange and messy book that God put in the Bible. But skipping books of the Bible is just immature so I laboured on asking the Holy Spirit for some spark, some revelation. The funny thing was that Proverbs and Luke were the same - dry, dull and not the joyful God-glorifying truth I'd read before.

There's some good folk living here. One prayed for me another told me to read the Bible on my knees (i.e. with reverance and humility). Later that evening - back to Leviticus I went. I was struck by the message ringing through chapters 18-20. God is saying "I am the Lord your God. I've prepared a land for you. Egypt was judged because of their great sin. I'll drive out the nations in Canaan because of their wickedness. This is because I'm holy - so utterly pure that I can't stand even a speck of sin. I want to know you (Israel), to be your God. Don't you see, if you obey me I will be your God, but if you don't, how can you stay in this land I've prepared for you. I want you to be my very own, set apart. Be holy, because I am holy."

Suddenly, a passage that seems so particular and fussy becomes so wonderful. God is so gracious that He made a way for His people to come to Him. Now, He has made a way - far more glorious - through Jesus for us to come to Him, to know Him, rejoice in His grace and so glorify Him.

I love Him!

Getting settled in

I can't believe it's already been two weeks. They've gone pretty quickly. God has been good. I haven't started to work hard yet, but I'm enjoying spending time with so many people who love God. Today I said goodbye to an American I got to know. He was telling me about his family and it was amazing to hear of God's grace in his life. His family were strongly Catholic (his grandfather even received a medal of service from the Pope) so when he was saved in college, there was trouble coming. His zeal for Christ led to his father disowning him - forcing him to leave the house, yet in every difficulty God would give him a verse (i.e. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life). It's wonderful how God was able to provide a family for him in the church. Eventually he saw five of his sisters and two brothers come to faith. He will baptising some this weekend.

It is such a blessing to meet people with stories like this of the greatness of God. I have been so encouraged by conversations with really mature Christians. I've also enjoyed helping out with a couple of things at the Christian school up the road. Today I did the P.E. lesson. It's nice to find somewhere I can serve a little.

I should mention how brilliant some of the lectures have been. Today we had Biblical Theology. We were learning about different methods of Rabbinical interpretation of the Scriptures. One method is to see many passages of Scripture and apply them directly to our own experience. This isn't wrong but the first step should always be to ask what it meant in its original context. Another method pulls verses together with a small link (perhaps the word 'love') and creates a new meaning from the two which wasn't present in either verse. It's funny these methods aren't restricted to some Rabbis but are seen in many Christian books and sermons.

We were encouraged not to impose a method or information from outside sources to the Bible but let it speak for itself. We need to pray that we develop a hunger for God's Word, not needing anything else to be our daily bread.

I'm probably going to post some slightly confusing things over the next few weeks. Hopefully by the time I have to hand in essays, things will be much clearer - especially my communication!

Blogging again - from Wales!

I'm back from Spain now. Back from Holland. Back from Uganda. Back to writing regularly again... I hope. It's been a good couple of months. A lot of re-adjusting. Now I'm writing from Wales Evangelical School of Theology in Bridgend where I'm likely to spend the next three years. I've found out that it rains constantly here so I'll need God's help to be positive as I'm used to more sunshine. It's nice to have friends here. I tried to reassure them today that my motive for visiting them was more than dinner. After the luxury of two months eating with my family, I'm back to cooking once again for myself.

Those of you who are reading this after such a long gap in blog posting, thanks for coming back. I'd appreciate your prayers as I begin studying again. This week I need to make some module choices. There's also some advanced reading I was supposed to do. Actually, it wouldn't hurt to start that now, so I'll stop here and invite you to come back... if you dare.

One final thought - if anyone has an idea for a new name to my blog with a more Welsh ring to it, then let me know!

On the highest point overlooking town

Navalmoral de la Mata

How Goes the Teaching in Spain

I'm getting real slack at writing. Once again, I'm tired, it's late and I'm not sure what to write. So I thought I'd briefly describe my job (which is going to end in two weeks time). I am a 'native English speaker' which means I pronounce everything perfectly and can be the absolute authority on complicated grammatical questions! If only I could be that confident. Instead the lot of an English teacher is sometimes to say, "I don't know." and then to look up the answer for another time.

I have quite a variety of classes. One is in First Certificate English or what we could call upper-intermediate level. This is great as we can do conversational English and actually enjoy a chat after class too. Another class is with some teenagers who would rather speak in Spanish. We have a lot of laughs especially practising expression in the voice. The boys pretty much begged me to listen to the Spain football match on Tuesday. One of them very politely told me at the beginning, "I'd prefer to be at home." People here are honest.

Apart from one class with the local baker, the rest are with children: small, noisy, easily bored but really lovely. We do more active things in class, sing (If you're happy, happy, happy etc.) and spend a bit of time on computer activities. At times, I pick up the large hints that they're a little disinterested. "What's the time?" or "When are we going to use the computers?" Generally, however, they pay good attention, and they continue to improve. They also have a lot of grace for my Spanish, which at times is quite amusing. Like when we were learning animals and I introduced 'oreja' as a farmyard animal. They may have seen ovejas (sheep) wandering round a farm before, but I doubt they've seen many ears there!

I've learnt a lot about teaching and can prepare a lesson in half the time now. That's a relief as it started at about two hours for each class! When it's all finished, I'm not sure if I'll go back to teaching English, but it's certainly been a memorable experience.

The Cow

This is a funny essay by a ten year old.

"The cow is a mammal. It has six sides. Right, left, an upper and below. At the back it has a tail on which hangs a brush. With this it sends the flies away so that they do not fall into the milk. The head is for the purpose of growing horns and so that the mouth can be somewhere. The horns are to butt with and the mouth is to moo with...

Under the cow hangs the milk. It is arranged for milking. When people milk the milk comes and there is never an end to the supply. How the cow does it, I have not yet realised. But it makes more and more. The man cow is called an ox. It is not a mammal. The cow does not eat much, but what it eats, it eats twice so that it gets enough. When it is hungry it moos, and when it says nothing it is because its inside is all filled up with grass."

This was used as an example of correct/incorrect observation and interpretation. When we look at the Bible we need to get both of them right. We need God's help to understand what his word is saying and how it particularly was (and is) meant to apply to the lives of the readers.

Visitors from England

Here are a few photos from the past couple of weeks. Posting has been scarce so hopefully these pictures paint a thousand words. My birthday was fairly busy with classes, but my colleagues managed to squeeze in a birthday meal at the local Chinese restaurant. I found the dessert a bit much: cream and strawberries (I did eventually find some strawberries).

So a week later the group from the School of the Lion arrived. It promptly started raining heavily. But over the next few days we were thankful that the rain generally arrived when we were inside. On Thursday and Friday, the young people helped me with my classes and also performed with music and puppets. It was a lot of fun. Friday evening was the long awaited presentation to parents. My classes had items to perform and did fine. The School of the Lion group sang very well and then did a puppet play of the Prodigal Son. I think the pigs were the stars of the show.

During these two days we also prayed over the city with someone from the church and met the young people for tea in the church building. On Saturday, Jorge (the pastor) took us on a tour of some of the famous local spots including a castle, lake and monastery (from which the first catholic missionaries to the Americas came). In the evening we all took part in the church music practice and also played games and ate together.

On Sunday, the church was quite full. One family whose children attend the academy had come as a result of the visit. The group presented some Spanish songs and a puppet play and song. We also accompanied the music group. Various people spoke and the group from England were given special gifts. I was asked to translate that part! After the service, we ate lunch together with the church which was nice. Then we went on the coach to Badajoz in time to play football with some of the young people there. Even the girls played.

My goodbyes were rushed and all of a sudden I was alone again.

watching puppet show in the church

Birthday meal in the Chinese restaurant

With youth from Navalmoral church

Badajoz Cathedral

School group singing... beautifully

Castle Belvis de Monroy

Tomorrow a group from the School of the Lion arrives (including my parents and brother)! I'm very excited. It will be a great time as they will be taking part in the academy where I work and in the churches in Navalmoral and Badajoz. The weather has taken a turn for the better today, after a couple of weeks of a lot of rain. It's funny to hear how gorgeous and sunny it is back home while sitting listening to the torrential rain and contemplating 10 minutes of walking in it. Hopefully it stays sunny for the group.

As I said the group will be helping in the academy. This doesn't merely involve reducing my work load. It should be a great opportunity for conversation between students and visitors. They'll also be presenting some Christian songs and puppet plays to the children and their parents. On Sunday, they'll help lead the church service. Here are a few points to pray about.

1. safe travel for the group
2. blessing upon the presentation - that God would move through the young people's performances and the families would be impressed by their godly character
3. bridges to be built with the Christians in Navalmoral
4. that the group would really encourage the Christians here - especially the young people

I should have some photos of the trip to put up before long.

Fiesta del cumpleaños

Some more photos from the party...

My birthday celebrations started last Saturday... those of you who read the rock bun incident might be interested in the continuing story. I once again spent a considerable time preparing them determined that they'd turn out better than before. In the end - judging them by the compliments received - it was a success. Nevertheless, I shan't be repeating the experiment!

Arriving in Badajoz, I walked to Lidl to buy a cake to eat with the family I stay with. People must have thought me strange as I walked at an angle so as to shield the creamy cheesecake from the blazing sun. After the Bible study, the youth in the church celebrated my birthday with food and music. Later I played some jazz on the saxophone with my friend Pablo on the keyboard.

Back in Navalmoral, it was nice to open some cards from home and read messages on my computer (my weekend is blissfully computerfree - is that a contradiction today?)... thanks everyone! My colleagues, employers (friends) took me out to eat at a Chinese restaurant. It's my first birthday away from home, but it's been fun. Most of all I thank God for the years He's given me and especially the grace He's shown me so far. I look forward with uncertainty, but Him: never. I choose to walk with Him.

Evil Men?

Scarcely a day goes by without more news on the Fritzl cellar case. It is shocking, and the media have good reason to cover it. But I've had to ask myself a few questions as the controversy rumbles on. How much do I really need to know? I know the basic facts, so does my curiosity need to be further satisfied? I've found myself reading almost every new article on the BBC website and watching some of the interviews too. So how much compassion is there in my curiosity? Not enough. It has been hyped up, but there is so much bad news, we must avoid the danger of becoming detached. So I've determined every time I see a new article on this subject to pray for those involved rather than read it.

As the media have portrayed him, Mr. Fritzl is a monster. His lawyer says he is human. I think we must agree. It must truly grieve the heart of God that someone could do such a thing. But one story the media haven't given any space to is that of a certain Lord Steel. He was an architect of Britain's abortion law that was passed in 1967. Sadly this man, whose father was a Church of Scotland minister and who claims to be a practising Christian, does not practise Christianity in politics. He has said, "I think it's best to keep religion as a private matter, not a public thing."

Last week, Lord Steel said he wants to remove the 'two doctors' rule for abortions during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy leaving a wide open door for abortion on request. This completely contradicts his comments in the lead up to the passing of the act in 1967. This man has a horrific legacy. Since he introduced the Abortion Act, nearly 7 million lives have been terminated. He never comes across as a monster but only as a respectable policitian.

However, when we read the Bible, it seems that we are not divided into the respectable or monster categories. Rather, we have 'all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God'. 'There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one... Destruction and misery are in their ways; and the way of peace they have not known. There is no fear of God before their eyes.'

These verses from the book of Romans were not only said about Mr. Fritzl and Lord Steel; they were said about each one of us. It is only in Jesus - in His death and resurrection - that we have hope. None of us can ever make ourselves acceptable to God, no matter how 'respectable' we are. But the awesome truth is that if we repent of our sin and have no faith in ourselves but all faith in Jesus, we are made righteous and acceptable in God's sight!

Madrid Retiro

this one didn't make it into the newspaper

Robben tussles with the Murcia leftback

friends in Madrid

I'm getting a little behind with my updates. Earlier this month, I spent the weekend in Madrid for a 'retreat' in a church called Nueva Vida. People came from all parts of South America, from Romania and Italy. It's actually the biggest church in Madrid, though most members are not Spanish! On the first night, I played a couple of songs with the band from Navalmoral. Here is a video of the main band.

I was staying with some Bolivians. They were incredibly generous and kind. The food was delicious and we enjoyed good fellowship, singing and praying together. It was interesting that my hostess is a teacher who is helping the church set up a Christian school. Needless to say, she offered me a job there! It's encouraging to see people in Spain with a vision to set up a school instructing the children in the ways of God.

The weekend culminated in a meeting in the Congress building. Over 1500 people were there and it was a special time of dedication to God and prayer for España. After about ten hours of meetings in only two days, I was exhausted. But as I mentioned on an earlier post, then came the invitation to watch Real Madrid. So all in all, quite a full weekend.

Healing in Your Wings - Mark Altrogge

Though the clouds may hide the sun, it’s always shining
And when the storms obscure Your face, You still are smiling
Here we will have tribulation
But there is one thing that is certain
You never change

You are always good and loving
Merciful in all Your dealings
Shining like the sun
Rising up with healing in Your wings

When the floods are swirling round me, You are with me
And when the flames rise all about me, they don’t burn me
You’re nearer than the air I’m breathing
Promised You would never leave me
You never change

So I will say it’s good that You afflicted me
That I might learn Your holy ways and to trust in You at all times

(you can download this song for free here or better still buy the album!)

Look where I am!

A glimpse of what was to come

All set for the match

65,000 fans

Incredibly, as I was planning to leave Madrid, the family with whom I was staying said that I should stay on a night. The reason: so I could go and watch Real Madrid. Now, I knew the tickets were dear - 100 euros each, but a man from the church gave two as a gift. I went with a Real Madrid fanatic, who somehow had never got to a match. Very exciting and noisy. Real Madrid won 1-0 against Real Murcia. But the best result of the weekend was Crewe 3, Yeovil 0!

I've been doing a bit of cleaning today. Not my favourite job, but my bedroom had become inhabitable. This is my dilemna with a king-sized bed and not much space anywhere else. However, there are two advantages to a bed like this. Firstly, I am able to double the time before changing sheets by sleeping for a week on one side and a week on the other. (The soaring temperatures in May/June, I'm sad to say, will reduce this time!) I am one of those people who throughout the day puts various items on the bed (well, I haven't got any more empty surfaces except for the floor!) This leads to the second advantage of a king-sized bed: I don't have to clear it every night. That's right! All I need to do is move my stuff to the other side of the bed. Downsides to this include, waking up in the middle of the night as bags and papers crash to the floor.

Enough of this frivolity. I have some good news. Last week two ladies in this town found new life in Jesus. It's wonderful to see when nominal Catholics discover the reality of Jesus death. Nothing else can transform as this. Also, a girl and her mother from the English academy went to church yesterday. I am humbled by the bold witness of Christians here who bring friends to church. As for me, one of my students has befriended me. He's a baker and last week, he invited me for a drink and some pastries. I want to be unashamed to speak with pride of my Saviour to him.

To finish I'd like to include a link to a 'song' by hip-hop artist shai linne in his album 'Atonement'. I hear some of you say, "Tim? Hip-hop?" But for me, a song with a strong message of truth, if not distracted by the music, is beneficial and this one is such a song. In echoing the words of the old negro spiritual 'Were you there when they crucified my Lord?', I was struck by the fact that I, as a Christian, must 'see my face in the crowd' that killed Jesus. Not to carry guilt, but to rejoice that he chose to carry and pay for my sins. Here's the link

Meet some of the students

Los Mas Chiquititos

Attentive as ever: class of 6 - 9yrs

we can speak English! (a bit)

the teenagers (pre-intermediate level)

Time

It always surprises me how much things change in a relatively short time. Going back to England was a reminder. It was great to see friends and family, play games, play the piano, pray, sing, laugh and talk together. Precious moments. Actually the best thing was to understand everything. No embarrassingly long conversations at the shop till; no painstakingly slow questions, dictionary in hand - just freedom to think with a vocabulary of much more than 200 words.

However, as I said, things change. It was with great joy that I returned to find the School of the Lion (where I've studied and taught) on the receiving end of a grand miracle. While it seemed impossible for them to continue at Beauchamp House, God's grace said there was a way. I praise God for providing a buyer and in the eleventh hour, calling off the auction of the property. Other changes back in Gloucester have left me asking questions and wondering, but we can always take heart because 'our times are in God's hands'. He, who set the heavens in place, doesn't change 'though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea'. He is our refuge and strength.

On Saturday, the Christian youth of Extremadura (this region in Spain) had a day centred on evangelism in the city of Merida. We praised God together with some songs and while singing 'Enciende una luz', lit candles as a symbol of our desire to be the light of Jesus in the darkness of Spain. We heard a message about the spiritual battle we are in and how the Bible is the sword we must use. I was challenged to become more familiar with this 'sword' and not fight the battle with my own words. Although the message of the cross is offensive to non-Christians, it is only the truth of God in His Word (the Bible) that can bring new life to them. This was demonstrated later that day in the centre of the city.

We were in one of the main squares (about sixty of us) and I and a few friends started things off with some jazz. Different groups made balloon models for children and did face painting. Others just started conversations. Two young men in particular were really active and spent the entire time talking to passers-by. Juan told me that with one man they prayed together. He believes there was a true change of heart. Other folk gave their testimonies and I was so pleased to see one friend from Navalmoral, who has previously been very timid about his faith, share very openly about losing his father, and how things had changed since he started going to church.

I can't finish without saying how blessed I was yesterday. The young people in the church had a birthday party for one girl. I shared with a couple of friends how I have doubts about my future in Spain (and struggles at present!). They really encouraged me and then I thought as I was leaving - I'm always ready to say if something is tough, but the best way to include others is for them to pray. Everyone stopped what they were doing and prayed for me for about 15 minutes. I was really touched that nearly all (12 or so) of them prayed with faith and sincerity for my life. I realised that I've found true friends there. As one of them said, "Look at our faces, we're with you in this." Thank you Lord.

Back in England

Well, not exactly yet, but I feel very pleased to be there over easter weekend. Hope to see 'algunos de vosotros' (some of you). I know I shouldn't talk about the weather, but today I realised that a cloudy day is when the sky isn't completely blue all day. And I still get funny looks when I say, "What a lovely day it is!" The spring is a wonderful time: the blossom on the trees, the pleasant breeze, the gentle warmth of the sun, strolling through the olive groves - beautiful.

Last Friday I was preparing a present for a friend's 21st birthday. Rock buns are just about the quickest/easiest cakes to make - but I managed to create something quite small and quite heavy. I felt rather disappointed and endeavoured to make the best of it and at least take the 8 or so cakes. First, though, I had to surgically remove with knife and fork all the burnt sultanas and transplant new ones. And all this at 2 in the morning! Now you have confirmation that I've lost my mind here! Still all the cakes were eaten and only the two English girls noticed my mistake.

It was wonderful on Sunday to see the new baby of Willy and Diana. They're doing well. They are such a blessing to me with their laid-back attitude. They always have time and patience to speak with me. I first met them over five years ago on a school visit and it's amazing to see what God has done in their lives. Although their backgrounds have been troubled, they've come to be leaders in the church and so faithful to the Lord. Only the work of Jesus could transform people's lives in such a way. May He continue to shape all of our lives and lighten our paths with His Word.

Pretty Caceres

In Plascencia

This week has had its high points. Like eating a chocolate eclair and driving a Mercedes Benz. Mainly it's been quite difficult. Being in a different country is never going to be easy especially if there's a language barrier. But I've found the pressures of my job dominate my life at the moment. There are few people with whom I can really relax and 'chill'. So let me put the prayer requests up here - because I can only find help in one person: Jesus; and, as He gave His life for me, I want to be willing to trust Him with mine.
Please pray:
1. for the joy of the Lord to dominate my life and be evident to others
2. for energy and focus to keep working on the language
3. for wisdom and peace in my job
4. for some good friends

So what's this about me driving a Mercedes? Well, yesterday I was taken on a tour of the sights of Badajoz and even a short trip to Portugal. The man who took me was a taxi driver and (I reckon) aspires to be a racing driver. Later he asked if I wanted a go. I've wanted to drive here for sometime but I hoped to start with something a bit easier. Instead, I sat down nervously behind the wheel of a really big classic Mercedes. So there I was listening to a stream of Spanish instructions and understanding only the odd word (''estop es estop''). Fortunately a girl from England was able to translate some of it and did remarkably well at making it sound crucially important (''He says you need to stay on this side of the road'').

On Sunday, we especially prayed for a lady in the church who's expecting a baby. Diana and her husband, Willy have been in hospital for a while now and though the doctors tried to induce the labour, it didn't work. She's been in quite a bit of pain. Pray that the baby would come soon without further complications.

One final point: the election happened yesterday. President Zapatero won a second term. This is very sad as he's brought many terrible laws to the country, but we need to pray that God will change his heart and have mercy on the people here.

God bless you all and thanks for your prayers. Hope to see some of you when I come back to England for the weekend after next.

Photos

Some photos from up on the hill

Two months on

I'm enjoying the beauty of Spring here. Last week I climbed up one of the hills overlooking the town. It was so tranquil except for the occasional clanging of sheep's bells. I walked past a little stream and then through some olive groves. Finally on top of a rocky outcrop, I could look over the city and towards the mountains. I was thankful to be alive and be able to appreciate the beauty of God's creation.

I'm also thankful for the friends I know here. Last Sunday, I had a jam session with Pablo Delgado, a good friend in Badajoz. He is an excellent bass player and has done quite a bit of arranging too. We had a lot of fun jazzing up some classic hymns and playing a few new worship songs too. He hopes to have the opportunity to study music at university, but has chosen for now to stay with his church (his dad's the pastor) and serve there – usually as a one-man band.

As for my friends in Navalmoral, I don't see enough of them, but on Friday night we had a surprise party for the daughter of the pastor. I am becoming accustomed to manfully eating whatever is put on my plate (and that has sometimes been a question of mind over stomach!) but when I saw we all had plates of completely raw meat, I said a little prayer! At the last moment, the answer came: it was a meat fondue. And it was a lot of fun too – it takes a bit longer than dipping marshmallows in chocolate and seems to involve setting fire to tea towels and the kitchen work surface, but is really good for a social meal.


Today I was asked to play a saxophone solo in the church here in Navalmoral (usually I go to Badajoz). I chose a song called 'A quien iré en necesidad' which means 'Who do I go to when I'm in need'. I told the congregation that we recognise Jesus as the One who took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, but we need to remember the great price He paid for this and for our salvation. Before we think or talk of Jesus as our provider, we need to see Him first as Christ crucified for the forgiveness of our sins. Of course in doing this, Jesus provided the greatest thing we'll ever need – our salvation.

As Christians, we must see everything in light of the cross of Christ. After all, that is the only way we are in relationship with God. Jesus hasn't just showed us a better way to live. He's given us a better way to live – His own life. He didn't say ''I've come to show you the way''. He said, ''I AM THE WAY. No one comes to the Father, but by ME.'' We can't come to God by copying Jesus. That is good, but without the cross it is only 'good works'. Rather we should have faith in what Jesus has done – that “He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” How awesome is the love of God that “He did not spare His only Son” and how great was the love of Jesus that He took the punishment to bring us peace. In everything, let us “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter/finisher of our faith.”

The sardine feast in the plaza by my house

Dinner with friends at the youth camp

Las montañas

The Carnival

Where's the bear? In Madrid of course.

With Paco and Vicente by the Puerta del Sol

Street performer (mainly non-performer!)