Pressing On ...

Trying to find the Spirit filled approach to OD!

2012-02-07T10:45:00.001-08:00

Have blogged about this matter in the past Church as Business but reading two particularly helpful books/papers recently has brought it to the forefront of my thinking again. For those who are wondering OD is not a disorder but simply means 'Organisational Development.'

WEC UK are embarking on a long process of review of everything we do and we trust that at then end of the process we will be in a better shape to respond to the challenges we face today. So, how do we go about it? What leadership will be required? That is crucial question.

In an excellent paper 'Space for Grace' The author states that "Many change processes in Christian organisations are fraught with frustration and disunity. Why should this be?
Part of the reason at least, is that some Christian OD work is functionally agnostic, if not
atheistic. Our strategy or team-building exercises, for example, are sometimes no different
from a secular process. We treat them as simply technical processes. By keeping our faith
separate from our OD work, we practice OD as if God was not interested or involved in
human change. We try to change our church organisations in our own strength alone and
end up exhausted and disillusioned.

That is the challenge ... to be intentional in our praying, in our seeking, and in our giving time for the Lord to speak to the whole fellowship. Also, in an attitude of humility and dependence, being open for the Lord not to speak if He should choose not to - and, if He chooses not to, to resist the temptation to fill in the space and move forward in our own strength.

Secular tools are useful and have a place, but they are only that - tools - they are not the solution. Advances in ministry direction are often counter-intuitive and the Spirit leads as He wills - we must seek His leading and follow. Simple really!

Where does vision come from? Is it from the anointed leader, or the body the Leader is called to serve? Can we trust the Spirit to speak through each of His children to bring about a much broader and multi-faceted vision of what He wants us to do? Does giving time to take a fellowship through this process (and it takes time) lead to greater levels of commitment, inclusion and sense of unity? Are these values to be aimed at over and above efficiency savings and rationalisation?

Seth Godin's book 'Poke the Box' also give some helpful insights into this when he states; 'Traditional corporations, particularly large-scale service and manufacturing businesses, are organized for efficiency. Or consistency. But not joy. Joy comes from surprise and connection and humanity and transparency ... the alternative, it seems, is to organize for joy. These are the companies that give their people the freedom (and the expectation) that they will create, connect, and surprise.'

Leadership in this context is much more messy and challenging, but as Godin writes 'Action is easy once you have a plan. Formulating a plan, however, is a rare and valuable skill. During the early days, though, no one is sure of exactly what needs to be done. It’s not a job; it’s a passion, a mission, and an experiment. The staff is mixed up, confused, and cross-pollinating like mad, trying to survive. When an initiative starts to work, the company hires in that direction. They keep floundering and initiating until they get big enough to relax. And then they stop."

It seems to me that he is writing a beautiful description of the early Church in Acts, but is this what we see in our Churches, Missions and Ministries today? ... 'Organised Holy chaos' caused by liberated, Spirit-filled, passionate believers - released by leaders to succeed (or fail)?

I never want to be in a place where I think I am big enough to relax ... the world is changing too rapidly, and the unfinished task is still too huge for us to relax ...

I close with some questions taken from 'Space for Grace' for all Leaders to reflect on;

• How do I cope with the paradox of being both utterly dependent on God for change, while at the same time being responsible for making it happen?
• In what ways could I depend more on God’s power to spark change?
• Is my treatment of staff really ‘full of grace and truth’?
• In what practical ways can I better love the people I work with?
• How can I create more and safer spaces for people to reflect, listen, pray and discuss openly about the organisation?
• What defensiveness and desire for control do I need to let go of?
• How might I create more time to listen to God about my organisation? What is he saying and what is his vision for the organisation?
• How fervently am I praying for God to bring change?
• To what extent am I inspiring people in this organisation?
• How am I ensuring we live up to our values?
• To what extent am I following Jesus’ example of being a servant leader?
• Are there any aspects of my leadership that I need to appropriately turn away from?
• How much is my self-identity caught up in what I do?
• How much do I really accept that I may be a big part of the organisation’s problems?
• How willing am I to go through the painful process of change?
• What difference does my faith make to my leadership?
• How can I differentiate my personal desires from God’s will and vision?
• What am I doing to keep learning more about leadership, management and organisational change?

Some days don't go according to my plans ... but count your blessings!

2012-01-24T11:44:00.001-08:00

Have you ever been hit in the small of the back with a baseball bat? Or doubled over in so much pain that you are feverish and nauseous? No ... congratulations. I have - just yesterday in fact ... problem was diagnosed as kidney stones!

Interestingly this has happened to me before - though the last time it happened I was in Senegal in West Africa. (Apparently living in the tropics can be one factor that increases the likelihood of getting them.)

This is not a blog about Kidney stones per se - but it did cause me to reflect on how differently I dealt with the problem and the vastly different treatment I was given by the local healthcare facilities.

Here in the UK I had breakfast and was preparing to get my train to Derby for a meeting ... within 30 minutes the pain begins and builds slowly ... by 9:45 my wife returns from the office expecting to take me to the train station instead finds me pacing like a caged animal ... 9:50 phonecall to GP quick discussion of symptoms instructed to go to A&E ... depart for A&E ... en route stop to wretch due to nausea ... arrive at A&E 10:25 and am booked straight in ... within 2 hours I have been seen three times had two scans, blood tests, monitoring - diagnosed with kidney stones (which I must have passed by this point) ... pain has gone and am stood outside the hospital waiting for my lift home ... my wife duly obliges!!!

In Senegal ... I wait about four days as the pain comes and goes in waves ... (the thought of going to the Doctor is not a nice one as it is not a simple trip) ... eventually succumb to relentless pain and book the Doctors ... trying to describe intricate medical matters and symptoms in a foreign language is a challenge but there we are ... then follows a short walk to the bus ... followed by a 45 minute bumpy ride along a road ... arrive at surgery .. wait for harassed Doctor (my Kidney stones are the least of his worries as he has the primary healthcare responsibility for thousands in his town) ... no scans possible - (well they are but it would necessitate a long drive to another town and then back again with the pictures!) ... so I try to explain my symptoms and he pokes me in the most painful places to confirm diagnosis before dispensing me some tablets ... trip to local pharmacy for tablets ... only one in stock so have to try another pharmacist ... eventually getting both ... trip home to take drugs - drink more water and wait for nature to take it's course.

I am not complaining about either and am grateful for the care I got in each place ... If I were to compare myself to some of my Senegalese friends their answer might be different ... Wait with pain as medical costs cannot be met ... finally decide that something needs to be done ... beg for the 50p it would take to get a packed public transport bus in hot sweltering conditions to the nearest Doctor ... beg also for the 75p charge of seeing the Doctor in the first place ... wait in the baking heat hoping that - in the sea of other ill people - you will actually be seen that day ... get diagnosis and treatment ... catch packed public transport bus home whilst figuring out how to pay for the treatment you have been prescribed ... get home, beg/ask for more money from friends or family ... then decide whether to get the drugs you need to get better or feed your children, or pay the rent, or pay for school pens and paper ... you get the picture!

We once saved a 6 month old child's life ... it cost us 50p for some skin cream and 75p for some antibiotics ... our neighbour had been anxiously waiting for us to return from home leave to ask for money - we were her last resort ... needless to say - I don't find it easy hearing people grumbling about the NHS.

Reflections?
I am so grateful for the NHS ... committed people working very hard for those that they serve - day in and day out.
I am so grateful for the immediacy of that provision ...
I am so grateful for the provision of healthcare around the world ... please correct me if I am wrong but I understand that the Church is still the world's major provider of healthcare facilities.
Poverty sucks ... and leaves people with impossible choices that I have never even had to consider ... if you have never lived in the developing world you will probably never understand ... make a visit and then decide to make a difference ... share your wealth!

BTW The image of Kidney stones are a download from the web and not mine ... though I liked their descriptive names!

Update on progress so far!!!

2012-01-18T11:50:00.001-08:00

As one part of WEC UK's mobilising strategy we have developed the use of Bulstrode our hq, Springhead Park House in Leeds, and Portadown in Northern Ireland as "Centres of Influence for Missions" - places where people can come, meet with God, and be inspired for Mission." Part of this process has been the redevelopment of the facilities.

So, where have we got to at Bulstrode? Are we still in the process of redevelopment? Yes, the practical work is ongoing and we are about to embark on the planning process for the next phase. Is this holding us back from praying and working together to fulfil the vision? No ... Bulstrode already hosts many people, all of whom we seek to influence!!! In the last 12 months we have seen over 7,500 visitors to Bulstrode, 1200 staying for at least one night - church events, pastors' retreats, Mission & Me weekends, missions courses, leaders' days etc.

We seek to serve each person that comes through the door, share our heart for the world, and build relationships that we are trusting will lead to many people challenged to pray, send or go!

So we are moving forward ... every available Saturday is now booked until the 9th of July 2012!

Please continue to pray for
~ Personnel and finance to both complete the redevelopment work and run the "Centre of Influence" activities
Inspired ideas for new events that will draw more folk in!
~ Relationships to build and strengthen ... and for the people we make contact with to sense God's call upon their lives for mission.
~ People to be better informed concerning the challenges faced in completing the task of World Evangelisation, better equipped to send and support others and, of course, for more workers prepared to go!

If you have any creative ideas of what we could do, would like to explore partnering with us to run events, or would like more information generally then get in touch!

Look forward to hearing from you soon!

Mission 2020 - Post 3

2012-01-13T03:06:00.001-08:00

Yet more Foreigners - Richard Tiplady

How ought we to respond to the challenge of migration in our praying and ministry direction?

Obviously with love and grace towards the 'alien' ... But what struck me is the next step ... When the 'alien' comes to faith here in the UK then they can very often be 'alienated' from the 'alien' ... And what do we, the Church, offer in return?

How we grapple with the issue of migration is complex ... And perhaps difficult to do in a cultural box.

Firstly, our response is probably determined by how we view ourselves. Do we consider our primary identity to be British? (Or whatever nation state you were born in?) If we do then there will inevitably be conflicts as allegiances will be divided on some issues. Even today there is a report being published that states clearly that immigration from outside of the EU has indeed affected jobs for British Citizens ... if you are looking for work then this could be a very challenging fact. But, what is of primary importance to us? Our citizenship in Britain or our citizenship of the heavenly Kingdom? - surely we are aliens wherever we go?

Secondly, it is determined by how we view migration? Is it a consequence of human decision and choice or of Sovereign decision. Acts 17:26 encourages me to believe that "He determined the exact times and places where they should live." Thus migration, for whatever reason is an opportunity.

But, what a challenge migration is for the Church in the UK. Are we genuinely prepared to change the way we do things to make them more accessible to those from other nations? Having services translated into other languages is only really scratching the surface.

I am not addressing those who have come from Christian Countries and who are here augmenting and blessing the work of the UK Church ... Koreans, Nigerians etc. I am talking about those who come here from other nations and who encounter Christ for the first time ... and who come to faith with no Christian experience or background to draw on ... do we simply expect them to 'do it like us?'

How do we disciple people from traditionally oral cultures?
How do we engage with people who come from social cultures - who explore new things communally not individually?
How do we encourage them to discover ways of worshipping that are truly liberating for them?
How do we overcome our fear of other cultures?

Being 'nice' is not enough, being 'equipped' is crucial. This is an area where I do believe that Mission organisations can really support Churches dealing with these, and many other, issues. After all we have spent years, decades even, trying to figure out ways of communicating and discipling that are relevant and effective - we have also made many mistakes which need not be repeated.

What an opportunity we have before us!

Press on ...!

Time wasting?

2012-01-12T11:21:00.001-08:00

I am very concerned at the blogosphere being alive this evening with repostes, or worse, of Mark Driscoll's comments on UK Pastors and Teachers. None of which will make a jot of difference to anyone else's opinion - and all of which will confirm what the world thinks of the Church.

Sorry Lord!

There are surely bigger concerns that merit our thought, attention, time and endeavour? Poverty, our neighbours suffering, the persecuted Church .... Etc.

Mission 2020 - Post 2

2012-01-10T09:02:00.001-08:00

Post Colonial and the Changing Role of the West - Kate Coleman

Herein we have an explanation of some of the potential effects of the shift of power, both Christian and secular, from the global North to South and West to East, which leaves us functioning in a post-colonial world and the change in attitude that it will necessitate in our relationships with others, changing from 'Patronage/Paternal to Collaboration/Partner'!

The key word for me, if we are to be successful in responding to these trends, is humility ...

At one stage in my missionary life I was leading a team of some 30 people from 17 different nationalities in a western school establishment in Senegal, West Africa!! Until one has been in a genuinely cross-cultural environment, and brought face-to-face with our prejudices, it is very difficult to accept how deeply engrained racist/superior attitudes can be. We often cover them over with humour but Brits seem to have major differences with every other culture ... French, German, Aussie, US, African, Asian not to mention the English with the Scots, WeIsh and Irish! (I wonder if this is especially true of those people who come from nations who have, at some point in their history, been global forces ... Greeks, British, US etc.)

As I reflected on this I was struck by what a privilege it has been to have been a part of an International WEC fellowship of 2000 odd people from 50 different nations, ministering amongst many different people groups around the world. We have sought to be intentional in expressing a genuine international flavour in our teams and ministries and, indeed, in our International Leadership. It is not easy to make these changes from being an "Historic British Mission", there have been real challenges to being International, and some failures, but we struggle on. It is only humility that allows us to continue to serve one another and see the genuine oneness and unity we desire. I have learnt so much from my friends from other cultures, but only when I was open to do so. Thus it is enriching to be a part of a group that deliberately seeks to be cross-cultural in it's ministry.

Another key is to consider what 'oneness' means ... the biblical idea of 'pleroma' gives not only the idea of oneness, unity or fellowship, but that it is a unity that has a focus ... we come together 'around something'. There might be many reasons why we come together ... a football team, a shared culture, a shared vision or objective ... some of which may be praiseworthy ... but they are all less than the best if they are anything other than our shared faith in Christ - this should transcend vision, denomination, culture, race, theology, doctrine or practice.

When I look at how fellowship and unity are broken it is always when the secondary becomes the primary ... when my race trumps our shared faith in Christ, when my vision trumps our shared faith in Christ ...

As I look across the UK and see the potential to recruit new workers from many diverse cultural backgrounds - and see them joining teams from other diverse backgrounds - I see the need for a lot of grace and humility. There will be many attitudes that need to be rooted out of me, and being in a growing International fellowship, and seeing more diverse nationalities in our teams here in the UK, is one sure way to see them exposed - assuming I am willing to exercise humility and learn!

Press on ... !!

Mission 2020 - Post 1

2012-01-09T09:02:00.001-08:00

Post 1 - Thoughts on Mission 2020 Vision - Mission in times of uncertainty
Eddie Arthur - Exile to Exile

Thanks Eddie for provoking the grey cells ... I commend the message to you all! It raised two interesting questions for me ... on which I have the following thoughts.

1/ The place of the Church in UK Society.
I have long held the opinion that whenever the Church (or any individual therein) holds, uppermost, the desire to be viewed as a popular and respected part of society there will eventually be a conflict of interest. viz. when that desire conflicts with the truth as presented in Scripture. Thus what we should hold as uppermost is faithfulness to the Jesus whatever the cost. There will be seasons where that will be viewed by society around as good and other times when it will be viewed as antagonistic, fanatical or even evil. We are indeed in a season where Christianity is not viewed positively, and our only response should be to continue to be faithful to Christ in all that we do ... rather than changing the model to try and make ourselves appear relevant and positive.

I do long for a renewed Church in the UK. By renewed I mean a Church that is made up of individuals who are stripped of everything and anything that hinders us from having Godly passions, priorities and principles - but that I see as a work of the Holy Spirt and I pray to that end.

2/ The role of Missions Agencies in the UK and their relationship with the Church.
Eddie raises a number of issues here;
a/ He says that the relationship between Mission agencies and the UK Church is changing, which I wholeheartedly agree with. It is encouraging to see the way in which missions have been reflecting for some time on how they can work together with local Church more effectively. Not only in terms of the nature of the Church/Mission sending partnership but also to see growth in the Kingdom here in the UK. What does it look like for Church and Mission groups to work together effectively? This is a dialogue that is ongoing and to which I am personally committed to pursuing. There are already some very good examples of this out there for those who wish to look it out.

However, the dialogue is hindered by two things. Firstly, the continued reinforcement, by mission agencies, of the stereotype of Missions wanting relationship with the Church because of the resources of money and people contained therein. If we were to call a halt to all fund raising and recruitment efforts for, say 6 months, perhaps the real message that agencies are trying to communicate would come through all the clearer ... would we be willing to do that? Do we as Mission Agencies genuinely trust that God's desire to seek and save the lost is greater than ours ... it is His mission, He will call and equip people for what needs doing. Secondly, we have a huge hurdle to overcome in encouraging Churches to view us differently, which I suspect will only happen over time and by Mission Agencies demonstrating in a sustained way, that we want to function differently and that there is no ulterior motive to our efforts to work together with the UK Church.

b/ I still believe that the UK Church has a significant role to play in global missions today and in the future. According to Operation World (2011) there are 5.5 million evangelical believers ... there is huge potential here if we, as the Church, would make God's priorities our piorities ... re-focussing on where the need is greatest and be prepared to go or send and support, sacrificially, those whom the Lord is raising up. Yes, the number of routes into mission are multiplying and the appearance of mission work is changing but the fundamentals remain the same - reaching people, communicating/incarnating the gospel, discipling believers and building Churches that multiply ... technology helps greatly, but people are on God's hearts and He saves us to serve Him, in order to save others to serve Him, in order to save others to serve Him, in order to save others to serve Him ... you get the picture.

The Radical agenda for a fulfilling life ...

2012-01-05T11:10:00.001-08:00

In Matthew 5 Jesus explains His radical agenda and describes the pratical outworking of the life that He makes possible ... which would otherwise be impossible.

In vv3-10 of this chapter Jesus paints a picture both of the type of life we long for, what fulness of life looks like, ... and He also explains the means through which we might receive the expression of that life.

In other words we need not bother praying for the type of life we want if we are not willing to commit to a life that seeks to express the means by which that life comes;

Am I willing to

be poor in Spirit

mourn

be meek

hunger and thirst for righteousness

be merciful

be pure of heart

be a peacemaker

be persecuted because of righteousness

This is such a radical agenda and pattern for life that whoever genuinely commits to living it will get a reaction everytime they interface with the 'world' that beats to such a different drum ... and every reaction gives a further opportunity for us to demonstrate the power of the life within.

God give us grace each day!

MissionNet ... were you there?

2012-01-02T09:15:00.001-08:00

If you are British then the answer is probably NO! ... but if you were you will have enjoyed what seems to have been a blessed time - well done to all those who worked so hard to get there and helped it run so smoothly ... as usual George Verwer did what George does best! (http://www.christiantoday.com/article/george.verwer.makes.call.for.fulltime.mission.workers/29116.htm)

If you don't follow @missionnet then can I encourage you to do so keep up to date with the follow up ... I trust that there will be a huge response to this event and that the Lord will raise up a fresh wave of people from Europe who are prepared to 'Go"! May all those who attended, and those they come into contact with when they return home, be inspired afresh with passion for the Kingdom.

I would like to know how many people from the UK made the effort to go as historically these events are poorly attended by us Brits! Perhaps we are all Europhobes at heart, or perhaps we are saturated with other options, or perhaps we just don't care ... there are others more qualified than I who will be able to comment on that. Yet, the result is we risk standing alone, separated from what is going on elsewhere in Europe.

As we embark on 2012 I am trusting that this will be a year where the UK Church captures a fresh passion for 'Going...' or for 'sacrificially facilitating the going of others'. A recapturing of the full meaning of mission in all it's varied forms and out-workings, including cross-cultural mission to unreached peoples ... whatever we 'do' when we get where we are going, it will require time and commitment that goes beyond the short-term and sponsorship model ... if we are to truly incarnate Christ in all the communities of the world, make disciples and build communities of believers.

I am especially encouraged by the rediscovery in recent years of the primacy of prayer and the Word ... because as we commit ourselves to a lifestyle of praying and reading the word it puts us in a place where the Lord can draw us to Himself and shape our priorities, passions and desires such that they are aligned with His - which will always lead to a passion for missional lifestyles.

I am also incredibly challenged to consider what my response to this is ... how do I pray? How committed am I to the studying of the Word of God, and to becoming a do-er of the word? I recognise that if I am hoping others will move forward then I have no option than to commit myself to the same journey ... that is my personal challenge for 2012. Please pray for me ... I find it challenging too!

Now, as you read the article mentioned above, or follow MissionNet, you might begin to wis you had gone yourself. Well, if you do then do not despair ... we are working with other Missions and Churches to bring together GO2012 - which partly, is the UK expression of the MissionNet movement. So if you want to engage with it here in the UK then you can - explore what God's heart for the world is, and where you fit in with His plan ... AND ... you don't have to cross the Channel into mainland Europe, it will all be in english and the weather will be truly british too! ;-)

So, check out http://www.gofestival.info/ ... better still BOOK IN!
Follow @Go_festival

Press on ...

Time for stillness in 2012?

2011-12-29T07:49:00.001-08:00

I have been reading recently, and taking the opportunity over the quieter holiday period, to think about stillness. Three notable reads that I would recommend are "In the stillness" (Jock Anderson), "Too busy not to pray - Slowing down to be with God" (Bill Hybels) and "In the Name of Jesus" (Henri Nouwen)

None of them present anything particularly new, or radical, in content - however they each point to a lifestyle that is radically different to that which we all seem to be living in this day and age ... particularly as we engage increasingly in social media. "the archenemy of spiritual authenticity is busyness, which is closely tied to something the Bible calls worldliness - getting caught up with this society's agenda, objectives and activities to the neglect of walking with God... time is required."(Hybels p100)

So how do we live the authentic Christian life in a deep and meaningful way?

They each point the reader to some helpful hints and tools to organising our devotional life - but the bottom line is time. It may be the one commodity and resource that is the most precious and valuable, but if we are determined to live authentic Christian lives in the power of the Spirit, and in deep communion with the Living God - which is after all the gospel we proclaim - then we need to take more care with what we do with our time.

What I found to be a very helpful way of looking at it was the concept of giving time as an offering, a vow "Self-giving is a spontaneous part of a true love relationship. It is what leads us to give Jesus the offering of our time." An expression of love, not duty ...

However, for those of a more practical bent, I have cobbled together some resources I have found in these books, and others that will perhaps be helpful. It might work for you it might not, we each have to find our own ways - but for myself I realise that I need a little structure and discipline. So, as from the 1st of January when I will be starting a new reading programme I am going to use the following. Feel free to try it out and see how it helps you! I will keep you posted.

I think this will take at least one hour a day, and requires a Journal - which if you don't do I would recommend anyway - whether it is written by hand or via an iPad! Find a time to suit you or break it down into the various elements over the course of the day ... you may find that an hour is not enough!

Phase 1 (10mins?)
Yesterday ...
Reflect on what you did yesterday ... what went well/badly ... what can you learn? Is there anything you need to revisit with other people or with the Lord?

Phase 2 (20mins?)
Devotional reading of Scripture ... find a plan to suit (loads online) for myself I am reverting to a "one chapter a day programme" (Read one NT book, then two OT books etc) Time to slow it down a little after having been reading large portions of scripture over the past year!

For each passage ponder the following and write notes;

What is the main point of the passage?

What does it teach us about God?

Is there a promise/command/warning or an example to take special notice of?

How does the passage help us to understand ourselves, our situation or our relationships?

Phase 3 (30mins?)
Prayer
ACTS ... (well known system)

Adoration ... take time to worship, glorify and praise your Father in heaven.

Confession ... repent of anything the Holy Spirit brings to mind - actions, attitudes, words etc - we sin one sin at a time, so too should we confess as the Spirit leads.

Thanksgiving ... we have so much to be thankful for, even in our darkest moments.

Supplication (asking in prayer) ... four areas - ministry, people, family, personal needs ... be specific and write your requests down. If you then get in the habit of reviewing you will be amazed at how the Lord has answered prayer.

As I said there is nothing of rocket science in these books, but a simple encouragement to deepen our walk with the Lord and to enjoy more fully the fulness of life that we have been given in Christ.

Look forward to hearing from you if you try this and especially how it ha affected your relationship with the Lord and, therefore, your quality of life.

What is it all about for me?

2011-12-03T04:58:00.001-08:00

Permit me if you will to give a little personal testimony that will help frame my motivation for obedience to Christ and for yieldedness - which I proposed was the key to a fruitful life in my last blog.

I became a Christian at University, at the age of 19. I had little exposure to Church before that and was not 'seeking' or 'in a crisis' ... Therefore I could only conclude that I was 'sought out' ... But by whom and why? The short answer to this is that I believe it was the Living God in order for me, the created, to enjoy a relationship with Him, the Creator.

A passage of Scripture that became very special to me, very early on in my Christian life, and one which has framed all my subsequent decision making was Philippians 3:10-12 (NIV). In this passage the Apostle Paul writes: "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me."

So how does this help me?
I too want to know Christ ...
I am not especially interested in knowing a system of religion or a belief structure, but I am passionate about knowing the person of Jesus Christ ... It is the development of a relationship with the one in whom there is fulness of life, grace, peace, love, mercy ... The list goes on. He is the Holy One who, through His sacrifice for our failings, makes possible a relationship with the Living God - why, I concluded, would I not want to know Him? Especially when He has made possible what I never could have! He is the one who is drawing me ... Hence my need to yield to that drawing ... After all - He sought me out!

... The power of His resurrection ...
As we deepen our relationship with Him He asks us to do things that are beyond our capacity to do ... living natural lives with the power of the supernatural - we need this to pray for healing, to pray for hope and salvation to enter into the lives of others, to overcome evil that is so prevalent in the world today ... So we need to live in the fulness of the in dwelling presence of the Holy Spirit within.

... and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings ...
This is a big faith question ... why, if God is sovereign over all, does He allow suffering? Why does God lead His people, whom He loves, to do things that cause them to suffer as a result of their obedience? Why did He send His son to suffer and die? These are massive questions that would require a lot of explanation - I commend the following article to as a good place to start your explanation to those questions.
(http://www.church-on-the-net.com/reference/suffering.aspx) However, for the purposes of this blog I would simply say that obedience, though it will almost certainly lead to challenges, suffering, perhaps even death, is the key to knowing Christ, and demonstrating Christ to others. Let me give you an example, in the current age where so many are losing their jobs will being a Christian mean that God will stop you from losing your job? I don't believe it will - but when two people lose their jobs, and one of them is a Christian - it gives them the opportunity to demonstrate what a difference it makes having hope and faith in Christ, having a firm foundation to life and a place of refuge. It won't necessarily make the trauma or consequences of the circumstance any different but it can demonstrate that Christ makes a difference.

... becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead....
So we are to live the life of faith by being obedient, this means yielding our lives, dying to self in order to live for Jesus ... Being driven by His priorities, His passions etc. the mystery is that through this process we will also receive the same affirmation as He received ... glorification and reward at the very end!

But, like Paul, we must all have the desire to say ...
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.
Obedience is a choice ... But the reward is great and it gives us the answer to the deepest prayer - "I want to know Christ" ... Through faithful obedience, pressing on, increasingly living in the fulness of life we have already received in Christ ... Taking hold of the life for which we were apprehended.

Awesome!

Press on!

Sons of Issacher ... Are you one of them?

2011-11-28T09:21:00.001-08:00

Can you hear it?

What is God doing in the world today?

What deep God-given longings stir in your hearts?

UK Revival Prophecy: Smith Wigglesworth 1947

Shortly before he passed into glory he prophesied, “During the next few decades there will be two distinct moves of the Holy Spirit across the church in Great Britain. The first move will affect every church that is open to receive it, and will be characterised by the restoration of the baptism and gifts of the Holy Spirit.

The second move of the Holy Spirit will result in people leaving historic churches and planting new churches. In the duration of each of these moves, the people who are involved will say, ‘This is a great revival.’ But the Lord says, ‘No, neither is this the great revival but both are steps towards it.’

When the new church phase is on the wane, there will be evidence in the churches of something that has not been seen before: a coming together of those with an emphasis on the word and those with an emphasis on the Spirit.

When the word and the Spirit come together, there will be the biggest move of the Holy Spirit that the nations, and indeed, the world have ever seen. It will mark the beginning of a revival that will eclipse anything that has been witnessed within these shores, even the Wesleyan and Welsh revivals of former years.

The outpouring of God’s Spirit will flow over from the United Kingdom to mainland Europe, and from there, will begin a missionary move to the ends of the earth.”

Here's the challenge - Many have been in the midst of revival but have remained totally unaffected ... So, whilst we would all like to think that when revival happens recognise it and will have the grace to follow what He is doing, that is not what Church history shows us!!

We might recognise God is doing a new thing, but will we allow ourselves to yield to the movings of the Holy Spirit ... Especially if He takes us in new, challenging and costly directions.

So how can we make sure we are on the frontier? We have to have a pioneering Spirit - We have to be missional people. WEC needs missionaries, God needs missionaries, the Church needs Missionaries ... But what does it mean to be missional?

Is it mainly about doing, or is it attitudinal? I believe it is about ordering our lives according to His order ... Putting first what should be first ... Seeking first the Kingdom and His righteousness ... Constantly striving to keep Him first in our affections.

What makes us missional?

Is it a personal call ... The preserve of a select few or for all?
Is it a command ... The word compels us and the Spirit within impels us ... But we don't all respond, and we don't always respond!

These might be important, but in themselves are not enough I think primarily it is a heart response to God ... To yield - to give up, to surrender or to give in ... To the Lordship of Christ. An unconditionally yielded life is one that can be used powerfully for the Kingdom ... And through which the Lord can move mightily...

It trusts ... We trust the Lord for the strength we need before we set out, and we experience His enabling as we move ahead ... We don't have all the resources we need before we start the journey!

It brings refreshing - both from within, an overflow of who we are in Christ, and which the Lord Himself augments!

It is driven by a different set of rules, passions and motivations.

So let us yield our lives afresh to Christ ... Let Him lead us wherever He wants us to go, whatever He wants us to do ... Lay down our conditions and follow ... He is worthy of no less!

Press On!

Carpe diem ... Seize the day #3

2011-10-17T13:39:00.001-07:00

So what is the final area in which we should seize the day? Carpe diem: knowing Jesus ... Taking every opportunity given to you to get to know Jesus more fully!

Early in our time in Africa an older missionary took me to one side and shared something in a way that only older missionaries can: God had brought me there not because of the things I was going to do. He’d brought me because of the things He wanted to do in me, and through me.

There then followed two of the most formative years that we have ever known. The thing I took most of all from this time was the need to serve God above all else, to commit our lives to doing what He wants to do, and to reap the reward that comes from serving Him and others.

Ultimately, it was a period when something broke inside me and I understood for the first time that I was no longer my own and that he was Lord of my life - in a real sense, not a conceptual one.

Seize the day
Seizing the day is about taking every opportunity that God presents to us. Not just to do things for Him, but also to allow Him to work within us. That’s the ultimate motivation and satisfaction: serving so we know Jesus.

So, what else is God doing in the world today? As you look around do you understand the times in which you live? Can you perceive the hand of Christ as He builds His church? Do you desire to align yourself with what He is doing? Whatever He is doing is for today, and for His people today to get on with ... Carpe diem!

You are on a journey, and therefore there must be a next step for you. Whatever that is I hope you feel free to take it ... more importantly, I trust it will lead to a lifelong commitment to know Christ, to love him, to worship Him and to express that by serving Him.

It is an awesome privilege to be a part of what he's doing in the world. So pray as you read that He will, by His Spirit, enlighten your hearts and minds to His calling upon your lives for this day!

- Press on!
Follow me on twitter @johnbagg

Carpe diem ... Seize the day #2

2011-10-14T00:18:00.001-07:00

Having shared a little of my experience of my arrival in Africa as a Short term worker it might be good to explore why short term work is important ...

Carpe diem: extending the Kingdom

I firmly believe that the Church, who believe and proclaim a message that God lives and speaks, should be the path of least resistance through whom God might speak to communities His words of comfort, hope, truth and love.... Carpe diem!

Short-term mission has an increasing and important impact on the growth of the Church across the world, and is one way in which we can "go into all the world" with our message. It is also a way in which the gifts and skills of a larger number of people can be enhance the long-term work and vision of others. In Missions as in the business world, organizations are having to re-examine their strategies to integrate a generation with a short-term or 'seasonal' pattern to life. This is is not something for Mission agencies to "tolerate", but rather to embrace enthusiastically: finding God’s ways to build short-term missions into strategic kingdom initiatives.

This is easier said than done in a context such as WEC International. Where we are seeking to reach out to unreached people groups and communities, to demonstrate the realities of a life lived in Christ and share stories of Jesus. To do this we need to build relationships, interact with people, learn their culture, their language, their traditions - all this takes a long time. So there is still a real need for workers who will go and live overseas with a longterm perspective - perhaps short-term work is an avenue to explore this possibility. Whatever the motivation behind the decision to serve - it can be incredibly effective ... In essence it is another willing heart being moved and directed by a Loving Father!

Perhaps you have never considered seeking the Lord to ask what He would have you do with your life ... Perhaps you are fearful that He will ask you to do something, or go somewhere, that you really don't want to ... Perhaps you think it will be too costly a price to pay ... all I can do is encourage you to do is trust the wisdom and nature of One who leads and follow in obedience.

Many opportunities to work short or long term, both overseas and in the UK, can be found at http://www.christianvocations.org/online/cv.nsf/home?openform

- Press on!
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Carpe diem ... Seize the day #1

2011-10-11T00:21:00.001-07:00

It is a long time since I posted anything here on my blog ... It is not that my life was on hold - in fact just the opposite! Anyway, I was recently asked to write an article for a mobilizing/recruitment magazine on the aforementioned theme. Which gives me the opportunity to 'seize the day', break the article down into four sections and post it on my blog ... So there will be a little more activity over the next few days.

Of course if, reading this, you want to step out and engage with what WEC is seeking to do in the world today then either check out the website (www.wec-int.org.uk) or post a comment and I'll get back to you!

Our first steps into overseas Christian work started with a short-term posting for two years in Senegal, West Africa. I was recently married, no kids, just graduated and looking for adventure ... Now, 20 years later, I'm still very happily married, with four kids/young adults, still learning and still looking for adventure!

Part 1 - Arriving!

Carpe diem: seize the day
‘Now would be a good time to pray that we arrive safely!’ were our pilot’s words as the tropical storm blew our six-seat Cessna out across the Atlantic Ocean.

That wasn’t all we were praying as my wife and I attempted to live long enough to start a two-year stint of missionary service. We also tried, ‘O God, why did you bring us out here to die?’

We didn’t get a clear answer to this second prayer but thankfully we received a call from the air traffic control who had 'found a hole' through the storm and the pilot was able to land safely.

Having arrived at our new homes wet, hot and frantically processing the new sights and sounds and smells – no orientation can prepare you – we gratefully went to bed. We tucked in mosquito nets and settled our heads on pillows that smelt damp in a way that only pillows that have done time in sub-Saharan Africa can smell. Exhausted and relieved to be alive, we drifted to sleep.

Until we heard the shooting. Raised in rural Somerset, I had not been regularly exposed to a great deal of small-arms fire, so I’m not sure how I came to that conclusion, but then I heard it again: ka-ka-ka-ka. Still barely awake, I tried to leap out of bed, only to rediscover the mosquito net. My wife and I groggily struggled together for a while, and gave up. If this was our time to go, why fight?

Then we heard the words of the Imam calling local people to the five-o’clock prayers, using an old PA system that suffered from crackly, gunfire-like static. So this was our introduction to short-term mission.

- Press on!
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Visible highlights this week?

2011-06-25T11:46:00.001-07:00

Sometimes when we get to the end of the week we can look back and wonder what has been accomplished. Especially when the previous week seemed to fly by in a blur! Busyness can be deathly to a good spiritual life - if rushing from one thing to another becomes the focus of our energies, and we never feel as though we are accomplishing anything. Paul Yonghi Cho wrote "God is omnipresent (everywhere at the same time) but He is never in a hurry." Which I do believe to be true, however, this does not mean that moving quickly from place to place necessarily equates to being a rush ... We can know real peace and be confident of His presence at all times - nurturing that attitude is the key.

So as I looked back on the last week I thought to myself, in the midst of the busyness and travelling what have been the highlights and where have I seen God at work ...

On Sunday we went to St Marks Church in Versailles ... And enjoyed a weekend with Friends in Paris. It was wonderful to see what is going on in the Church and the potential that is unfolding there ... Three highlights come to mind ... Spending time getting to know some of our WEClets better (children of WEC missionaries are an important part of our fellowship) ... speaking to a young lady who clearly has the Lord's call upon her life and encouraging her in the direction she feels led, and a follow up Facebook message from another young person who wanted to share how much she had been encouraged by what we had shared ...

Monday and Tuesday I went to a Global Connections CEOs forum in Northampton ... Good to simply share encourage and be encouraged by people from many diverse charities and ministries ... And having a good nights sleep - some peace in the midst of the week. One or two very interesting networking opportunities have come out of that which could be very important as we move ahead in our work here in the UK and beyond.

I really enjoyed Wednesday and hope it was helpful, but can't share what I did!

Thursday was a day of medical appointments ... Physio for Pauline, diabetic checks for me and dental trips for #1 son! ... Managed to snatch a chat with a volunteer at a local hospital who asked me what I did and why? ... In between I spoke to a couple who are sensing that the Lord might be leading to work with WEC ... So helping them to clarify there leading and trusting the Lord to establish their steps as they move forward. I was late for wash-up here at Bulstrode during lunch-time ... But I turned up to find that a couple had already done it for me - a hug and a kiss to show appreciation seemed appropriate and it was a heartfelt thank you indeed!

Friday, a snatched meeting with the others in the UKO to deal with some of the important/urgent matters needing a response ... Then some time to think through some of the issues relating to the development of Bulstrode as a place of Prayer for the Nations ... And the encouragement of seeing how the Lord has raised up someone who has a burden for this area of ministry ... Then a meeting with one of our department leaders ... Who are a real pleasure to work with and who do a fantastic job ... Then a time with a local Church Leader whom I meet with regularly. We hadn't been able to meet for a few weeks due to travel, so it was a time to touch base, share what has Ben happening and pray together. Good to have 'solid' people around who encourage and challenge us to keep on track! Then, at 10pm to still be walking around Bulstrode talking to some of the 100 or so people here for training as leaders for the upcoming WEC Camps in the Summer ... Refreshing friendships and getting excited about what God is planning to do in the summer amongst the 3-400 young people who will be attending camps!

Then, finally at about midnight having to drive to pick up #1 Son from a Prom that marked the end of his compulsory schooling - on the day of his last GCSE exam!! Very proud!

Saturday, a bit of a lie in!

So, I count my blessings indeed ... God is good, always!

Of course, these are only things that I have seen! I am confident that He is at work all around us all the time, and sometimes we see what He is doing ... I walk by faith and not by sight ... Obedience does not always bear visible fruit - but it always bears fruit.

- Press on!
Follow me on twitter @johnbagg

A walk of faith ... Up for it?

2011-06-11T10:12:00.001-07:00

With the intent of writing something each week at the back of my mind I realize, with a very small sense of disappointment, that it is some time since I wrote anything ... Not that there has been nothing to write about ... Very much the opposite in fact!!

Over the last few weeks I have had the opportunity to spend 10 days in Germany at a meeting of International Leaders from around the WEC world to plan and discuss future strategy and direction of the work of WEC worldwide. It is always a privilege to meet together with others from our international fellowship - and whilst we might not see each other very often our life together in Christ, which expresses itself in shared aims and objectives, is a rich blessing to be enjoyed!

No sooner had we returned from this then we were straight into the UK Conference here at Bulstrode for all UK workers and ministries. Again, whilst there is much diversity it is always an encouragement to regroup twice a year, refocus, share, pray and encourage each other in the things that the Lord has been and is leading us into. A word for those who couldn't make it this time ... We missed you! And hope look forward to seeing you next time in November!

I never cease to marvel at how the Lord can lead groups of people and bring them to a place of peace and unity about a certain course of direction, however 'insane' or 'impossible' it might seem look ... And, borne out of a conviction that the Lord brings vision and direction through the whole body rather than from the Leader down, I rejoice in the liberty I have as a WEC Leader that comes with seeing the Holy Spirit lead and guide. There is no need to manipulate and convince people, if the Lord is leading then He can make that perfectly clear to all who seek to follow Him ... And He so often does. Spiritual people discern Spiritual things! I praise God for a fellowship of discerning people!! We all come to Conference with our struggles and encouragements, diverse circumstances and ministries, desires and hopes ... Yet as we all lay these down and renounce our claims and ambitions, we find something far more precious ... His will and desires for us ...

Now we have to continue to serve to put these decisions into practice, and trust Him to provide what we need to do what He has asked us to do ... Whether that be personnel, expertise, finance etc ... No doubt, when we come back together in six months time, we will have more testimonies to share of His faithfulness ... Because if He doesn't act on our behalf then we are lost, because He stretches us well beyond our capacity and means.

If this is the life of faith you think you would like to live then get in touch, there is plenty of space for more in the fellowship ...

- Press on!
Follow me on twitter @johnbagg

Pilgrimage ... To the Nations!

2011-05-18T11:18:00.001-07:00

WEC's vision is to see 1200 new workers join us, to see Churches established amongst 33 of the least reached people groups, in 180 new locations around the world ... All over the next 8 years!!! - What kind of people do we need to join us in fulfilling this vision?

CT Studd the founder of WEC wrote of the following qualities of people who should think of joining the work of WEC International some 75 years ago ...
People gripped by a vision (Rev 5:9) - not people interested in a theory.
People apprehended by Christ - not people employed by a mission.
People hungry for a fight - not people gorged with educational schemes
People who will obey to the uttermost - not people who wish to "do what they can"!

This has not changed, and whilst it might sound fanatical, these words really only describe the level of passion and commitment that Jesus expects from all His disciples, whether or not they become missionaries ... The need for people like this is still real and the challenge of the task to be completed is still great.

In the recently published Operation World what bottom line facts can be gleaned from the wealth of research material? (If you want to buy a copy, and I strongly recommend you do if you are serious about praying for the world, then please go to http://www.wec-int.org.uk/shop/index.php?keyword=Operation+world&Search=Search&Itemid=1&option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse)

Evangelical Christianity grew at a rate faster than any other world religion or global religious movement. Evangelicals numbered 89 million (2.9%) in 1960, but by 2010 they were 546 million (7.9%). BUT Of the world’s 16,350 people groups, 6,645 are counted in the Least Reached/Unreached category (less than 2% Christian) – 40.6% of all peoples. The majority of the least reached are last to hear the gospel precisely because they are the most isolated from witnessing Christians and the most difficult to reach. Few of the 6,645 least reached peoples have no known Christians amongst them.

Yet, we believe that the Great Commission is not merely an ideal to aspire toward, but an achievable command given by the Lord. In those passages in the Bible where God calls His people to action, including the commissioning of the Church in Acts 1:8, it is accompanied by assurances of God’s power and authority and the very real presence of the Holy Spirit.

The scale of the task before us is matched only by the greatness of the God who promises to accompany and empower us. So as we face the challenges, we also recognise the need to be individuals and fellowships who nurture and encourage faith-filled responses to those challenges.

Psalm 84:5-7 says;

5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
6 As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools.t
7 They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.

Pilgrimage is the absolute desire to pursue Christ and obedience to His leading, a relentless determination to know and serve the Living God!

CH Spurgeon wrote "the blessings of pilgrimage belong not to the half-hearted and listless but to those who throw their energies into it!"

Are we expectant to bring refreshing to the nations, as we step out on our pilgrimage, or journey of faith?

- Press on!
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Good books and software!

2011-04-27T13:20:00.001-07:00

Just come back from a week in Devon, sunning myself, reading and generally refreshing myself for the next few weeks - which are fully booked to say the least!

But, having read the last blog post, I am also working hard to remain in the 'place of rest' ... And even fall asleep with Jesus in the boat as it were. (Read it for these comments to make any sense at all!)

So, this week a few thoughts on good books I have read, and some software I have been playing around with for some weeks - and which have proved to be extremely helpful for me in this role ... I know they won't suit everyone and there are a few things that you need to be aware of;

My job involves a lot of travel ... Locally, nationally and Internationally.
I need constant access to files, docs and email ...
I am not a naturally organised person .... I could never get on with a Filofax, because you needed to be organised enough to remember to take it with you ... And I was never that organised.

So some very helpful software that I have been using across platforms ... BB Phone, laptop and iPad. You might say these are unnecessary but living in a digital age has produced it's own pressures of needing gadgets to function effectively and flexibly (I am not just saying that, a friend texted me today to say "Having a Blackberry has really made life for me a lot easier" ... Another convert to the BB life!)

Top 5 apps for me... None of these are revolutionary and lot's of people already use them ... But they're free!

1/ Dropbox ... What a great way to share files and view and edit things on the go. No more lost memory sticks, no more sitting on train about to start a piece of work only to find that a document I needed is at home on the computer!!! But also, no more clogging up small devices with lot's of documents! Priceless! Check out http://www.dropbox.com

2/ Evernote ... The best way I have found to take notes, share photos, audio notes etc. And have them mall collected together in one pace regardless of where you were when you made the note! Classic! No more forgetting moments of inspiration!! I have written three sermon outlines that way, and collected book quotes, clip websites as I go along. It can also be connected with Twitter to automatically collate any interesting tweets you might come across. http://www.evernote.com/

3/ Twitter apps for both BB and iPad ... I don't particularly like Facebook for a variety of reasons, but as these seems to be two distinct networking groups I chose one and set it up to automatically update the other ... So I only 'tweet' from my phone and Facebook keeps itself up to date. That way I write once and communicate twice! Http:/www.twitter.com to set up and http://twitter.com/about/resources/widgets to connect to Facebook.

4/ Toodledo ... Being very disorganised and needing to share tasks with others and between devices (or else I forget what I have been asked to do!) I have found this app very helpful ... Based on the system of GTD (Getting Things Done) style of personal management ... It both organises tasks into the most effective order and will even tell you what you can fit into the time you have, or the context you find yourself in! http://www.toodledo.com/

5/ Last, but it least, YouVersion bible software ... Great way to connect, take notes, have access to many versions of the Bible, set up devotional and reading plans etc - with built in accountability to keep you on track ...you could even download the NIV for free onto your phone ... Reading recently that over 50% of Gen Y folk read Bibles on phones explains why this has become a very popular app. http://www.youversion.com/

Now onto the books ...

John Stott ... Why I became a Christian ... I think this is an excellent book to give to those who are not Christians ... It is such a clear explanation of the gospel, the motivation behind salvation (ours and the Lord's!) and some apologetic against common rejections of the Christian faith ... I found it a good holiday read, taking me back to the basics!

Brother Lawrence ... The Practice of the Presence of God ... A reread of a classic, and an encouragement to press on into the reality of the presence of the Living God in every aspect of every day life ... As He wrote "That we should establish ourselves in a sense of GOD's Presence, by continually conversing with Him. That it was a shameful thing to quit His conversation, to think of trifles and fooleries. That we should feed and nourish our souls with high notions of GOD; which would yield us great joy in being devoted to Him."

So, in a busy life we can now 'rest' and a little bit of technology, that actually helps, can be a part of the solution.

- Press on!
Follow me on twitter @johnbagg

What to do when Jesus says 'Let us ...'

2011-04-19T14:17:00.001-07:00

Last week I had the pleasure of speaking at the WEC Holland Conference ... A bit of a road trip with my son, which was very good, but also the opportunity to meet with other folks whose commitment to know and serve their Lord has led them through many and various journeys is always an encouragement. The caramel waffles that are so popular is also a great reason to visit this country!!!

In preparation for this conference I was pondering the words of Luke 8 ... Where it is written....
Luke 8:22-25 (NIV)
One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake." So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!" He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. "Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him."

There were a number of things that struck me;

Firstly, their response to His leading - 'Let us .... And they went!'

How often do we have that same response when we hear the Lord speak to us about His plans? We might be keen to ask some clarifying questions in response ... Why? Where are we going? How long will we be gone? How much is it going to cost us? Let me think about it for a few weeks/months/years and I will get back to you!!!

But we should respond like the disciples!

Secondly, the importance of the 'Let us...' in relation to Vision statements ...

Where does the 'let us' fit? There are many different Vision statements around the Church and Mission world ... and I wonder to what degree we are convinced that they are truly of the Lord, or how much we feel they are simply a business management gimmick?

Soon we will have the privilege of hosting up to what we hope will be 4500 people over the weekend at Bulstrode at our annual GO.. Mission festival. http://go2011.org.uk/ as we were developing this we prayed and listened to the Lord and felt to develop the following vision statement ...

“To establish Go as a leading UK mission festival that seeks to communicate God’s heart for the nations and inspire global vision;
o By Partnering with Churches and other agencies that have a similar vision, and by creating opportunities for people to explore and celebrate what God is doing worldwide.
o In order to encourage a growing involvement in fulfilling the command of Jesus to “Go into all the world and preach good news to all creation.”

Which gives us a good sense of direction ... But what really gripped me this weekend was that, for me, there is such a difference in my way of thinking if I append two little words and imagine Jesus speaking them to me ... Such that I hear "Let us establish Go as a leading UK mission festival that seeks to communicate God’s heart for the nations and inspire global vision etc...." I'm labouring with Him, not simply for Him ...

Thirdly, For what were the disciples rebuked? Lack of faith ... Why? Not having enough faith to calm the storm themsleves? Or not having enough faith to trust for "sun and shield" in the midst of trouble? Or to trust that no matter what circumstances might look like, He is still sovereign, still in control, still working out his good purposes ... Sometimes when we are in the midst of the storm we would do much better if we curled up next to Jesus and fell asleep with Him, rather than fight to get ourselves out!

I'll end with a quote which I hope will encourage you to outrageous obedience and trust:

J Hudson Taylor … There are three stages to the work of God: impossible, difficult and done.

- Press on!
Follow me on twitter @johnbagg

Worship that strengthens the church - 1 Cor 14:26-40

2011-04-11T14:20:00.001-07:00

The theme of worship is an interesting one ... It impacts on structure, tradition, culture, personality, expectations, style, attitude ... But if collective worship is done well, it is such an enriching environment in which to grow as a believer ... Experientially not just theoretically ... Note I use the word environment and not experience!

What strengthens? Whenever we meet together as believers, be it small groups, large groups we should come away feeling
A/ encouraged
B/ strengthened
C/ developed in our gifting
D/ equipped for life/ministry

Personally and corporately - Do you feel that when you leave a Church meeting each time? Too many leave Church feeling discouraged, bored, annoyed, unchanged etc etc

Worship is both a noun and a verb ... Each individual believer has the responsibility to express him/herself outwardly in worship, through whatever means are open to that individual in every area of life. One expression of that is the corporate worship service of a local church, when we all come together as the "worshipping group" - we are the worship group - not those who lead us in praise.

Difficult to jump straight to passage so lets briefly look at the way Paul's argument builds up over the preceding chapters;
Ch 11 - Spiritual authority and cultural norms, Foundation of relationship paramount to effective worship - personal accountability

Ch 12 - celebration of diversity in one body, Mutual recognition of diversity and gifting in others

Ch 13 - Motivation behind all must be Love ... Love is patient, kind, does not envy, or boast, is not proud, rude, self-seeking, or easily angered, and keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

Ch 14 - Explanation of tongues and prophecy, practical usage and purpose

Builds to vv26-40 how do all these elements then tie together whenever we meet together to worship? What kind of worship strengthens the Church?

Here are Five factors to start with;

1/ Sieze all opportunities when we come together to engage in corporate worship/body ministry ... Not specifically the Sunday morning .... Wherever and whenever the local body comes together this 'worship' should take place ... This "encouraging, strengthening, developing equipping"

2/ Take responsibility to be prepared, but don't be upset if you don't speak ...
"each one, every one" – exercising the Gifts of the Spirit through the heart that is overflowing with the fruit of the Spirit, on the foundation of good relationships - expectation to share, preparedness to share, responsibility to share - for the sake of the Church - no hidden agendas, put relationships right, deal with problems – or don't share.

3/ Create opportunity for everyone to be involved ...
this covers environment ... Loving, forgiving, halpy to handle mistakes (young man sharing a 'vision' - needs shaping and developing not licence to say anything), trusting ... Gives people confidence and enthusiasm to share...
As well as structure ... Flexibility, freedom, variety, happy to deal with vacuums - don't build up and prepare if not giving freedom to use and develop gifts - people will make mistakes, but this is not a performance - but as soon as you have a stage you create "audience" and "performer" .... A difficult barrier to break down ... and limits the size of the group ...
And personal liberty ... Freedom in Christ, to express exuberant worship

4/ Exercise love ...
Which include self-control, and submission to each other and to leadership.

5/ Discover together what "fitting and orderly" looks like today ...
There is no one answer to this - it has to be explored together by each group of believers to develop what is culturally relevant and demographically sensitive, focussed, Discussion only works well if relationship is in place ... Exploration of faith together ... Not one person thoughts alone ... there is a need for a framework, onto which the Holy Spirit is able to build...

Conclusion:
Openness, preparation, participation and trust are essential if we are to build an environment of worship that strengthens, encourages, develops and equips the Church ... To be the worshippers that the Father is seeking!

- Press on!
Follow me on twitter @johnbagg

Partnership and the necessity for clarity ...

2011-04-09T05:24:00.001-07:00

In John's gospel we read "Jesus gave them this answer: "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does."

What do we see the Father doing? And do we join in or carry on as usual? Is it something different He is doing 'today' or is it something He has been doing for some time ... a trend as it were? It is a mixture of both no doubt, but to have the capacity to have a discerning heart is a wonderful gift, and one that needs to be nurtured ...

As I sat at home one morning last week, looking out across the fields (I am blessed to live in a very beautiful place) the mist was filling the valley between the hill and the trees ... Eventually the sun rose and broke through, bringing it's warming light, which then had two effects - it dispelled the mist and brought clarity to the vision before me - in other words in place of the hazy vision of greenness I could pick out the detail the grass and trees ... That is what we need in all of the matters that face us each day ... Clarity and vision ... Sometimes that comes through knowing the word and applying it - sometimes this comes through specific revelation by the Spirit.

So, what has that meant for me this week? A big item on the agenda of my mind has been the idea of partnership ... Working together to achieve a mutually beneficial goal, which might not even be possible if i were working alone...

The obvious of partnership being the way in which a marriage works out ... At it's best, when two people are "pulling together" mutually supporting each other and moving in the same direction it is a wonderful thing. As soon as one gives up, for whatever reason, it becomes an incredible pressure and burden to carry. Marriage is hard work at times, but so rewarding and worth every bit of effort ... Perhaps I find it easy because I have such a great wife!! (or perhaps I am just a great husband!!!)

Anyway, in ministry it is the same ... Partnership is hard work, and costs us something of our independence to be in it but well worth the effort ... This last week I have been blessed to be talking with a variety of people about a multitude of possibilities ... Each look as though they could have huge potential ... But it is difficult to know for sure what is strategic - often the mundane can become the most strategic whereas that which initially appears so exciting can 'fizzle out'!

So what has been on the agenda to look at?

Partnering with the Chinese Church in the UK to envision more people for cross-cultural mission.
Partnering with local Theological colleges to deliver an accredited Internship programme for developing "Leadership through Cross-Cultural mission."
Partnering with other Mission agencies to develop the scope and content of the Go Mission Festival.
Partnering with local Church leaders and Missions groups to discover what opportunities there will be to capitalise on the potential that London 2012 brings - when thousands will be arriving on our doorsteps from all over the world. What can we do to demonstrate the realities of our Faith to them?

In each case we have the vision, for some it is still very much in the mist, for other arrangements the Sun (or Son) is shining His light to reveal more of the detail. That's the journey!

As RT Kendall quoted in his book 'The Anointing' ... "it is the responsibility of every generation to discover what the Spirit is doing and then align themselves with Him."

Partnering is itself, I believe, one of the 'things' that the Lord is leading the Church/Mission groups to do in increasing measure. Partly because it is more effective, but more importantly it is a demonstration that we are, first and foremost, one body, united in Christ.

May the Lord grant you wisdom and discernment, and the desire to change in order to move with what you see Him doing.

- Press on!
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The importance of hope... with integrity!!

2011-03-20T12:56:00.001-07:00

In 1 Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV) the Apostle Paul wrote "We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ."

It struck me afresh how important "hope" is ... This was brought home in stark fashion this week as we saw the traumatic scenes in Japan, where thousands are still missing, but hundreds are "camping" on gymnasium floors. However they have a 'hope' that the Japanese Government or International Community have the infrastructure and resources to deal with this and that they will eventually be able to return back to what they had before. I hope there confidence is well placed.

I was struggling as I remembered those millions around the world who would, if given the chance, probably trade their lives for those Japanese people living on the gymnasium floors. Again, the pictures that bombarded all of us who watched any of the Comic Relief footage brought this into our front rooms in blunt fashion. Which, whilst difficult to look at, was almost certainly good for us all to see. How can hope speak into such circumstances?

How amazing, and what a reflection on the British public, that millions of Pounds were collected on the night .... Well done! Wouldn't it be a greater achievement if people gave of their time and money in an ongoing way throughout the year and on into the future? ... To work for those with so much less than we can even imagine. Again, we give because we want to and 'hope' that this will make a difference - and it will to this who are fortunate to receive through this charitable work ... There are still many who will not.

On a totally unrelated note was the unfulfilled 'hope' I had at the start of the weekend that England would pick up the Grand Slam in the 6 Nations championship ... Cruelly smashed by a outstanding Ireland performance ... Totally irresistible. Oh well, they won the Championship if not the Grand Slam - and there is always next year!!! And, of course, the World Cup coming up in six months.

Disappointment can be a disabler, that prevents us from hoping the next time .... But I have found that Christ never disappoints, and as I hope in Him I am also encouraged to persevere ... He will change lives, He will build His Church, He will return and He will judge us and reward us accordingly - He will do this not because I hope He will, but because He has promised He will and He is entirely trustworthy ... And we only find that out when we begin to trust Him. So my hope is not misplaced because it is based on His character and His ability and, that over the last 21 years in my journey with Him, He has proved this to me again and again!

As I was preparing for a talk this weekend on Religious Pluralism I was very blessed to reflect again on the person, work and uniqueness of Christ.

We live in a society where a common worldview is that one's religion is not the sole and exclusive source of truth, and that at least some truths and true values exist in other religions. Where there is general acceptance of the concept that two or more religions with mutually exclusive truth claims are equally valid, or that God created all of the religions in order to speak to people in ways that most appeal or relate to their circumstances in life. As such, even though their customs are different, they are all from the same source. As a theological argument, religious pluralism suggests that if all religions are from the same original source, then all must be possessing of a similar truth.

The problem! Many religions flatly contradict one another on some points, making pluralists stuck in the middle on some arguments .... Christianity would be one of these ... But we should not draw back from robust debate, even when we become unpopular ... It also demands that we who claim to be 'Christians' make every effort to know WHO they believe, WHAT they believe and WHY they believe it! And, perhaps more importantly, that there is integrity between what we say we believe and our character and behaviour .... No-one likes a hypocrite .... Including God!!

It is so important that we, as Christians, equip ourselves with declarations of the truth and not counter arguments against those who may not agree with us ... Point people towards Christ .... Help people to understand what we believe to be truth rather than an explanation of why we believe others are in error etc .... Or else we appear arrogant, and devoid of answers.

- Press on!

Thinking of others ....

2011-03-12T06:38:00.001-08:00

Another week done and a week of watching events unfold in other areas of the world that seem to have a surreal apocalyptic nature the them, having the luxury of viewing this from a distance can lead to a sense of helplessness and disconnectedness.

It is encouraging to see the UK Government offering support, but I am waiting for the inevitable backlash from those who feel that we, in the UK, should not be spending any money supporting those overseas when we have such cutbacks here in the UK. I hope the Government will have the strength of conviction to press on ... a dose of perspective is what is needed at times, to stop us being inward looking!

What can we do to the people of Japan? ... Pray for them of course!

As for the rest of the week, which seems so mundane in comparison with the other events on the world scale!!

On Monday we attended the funeral of a very special lady, Dr Helen Kennedy, who had first arrived on West African soil as a WEC missionary in 1954. What then followed was a life that took her, along with her husband a family, to Ivory Coast, UK and France before finally coming back to the UK to 'retire'. Very moving to see how the Lord uses obedience to do the most amazing things and build Hs Kingdom ... A real encouragement for everyone as we persevere in all that the Lord leads us in to. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends that remain here as they adjust to life without her.

We also spent much time in final interviews for the folks who are coming to the end of 10 weeks here at the HQ. One might think that, given our long vacancy list (check out to see if there is anything there that you feel the Lord is challenging you to do http://www.wec-int.org.uk/get-involved-mainmenu-41/find-vacancies.html) along with our desire to grow by 1200 people over the next 8 years, it would be a simple matter. However as a fellowship it is so important both for those joining and the wider WEC teams they will be working with, that the 'fit' is right, and the timing. Ultimately we are dealing with people's lives - which is a huge responsibility and one which we don't take lightly.

Spent a good evening in a local 'Hostelry' discussing with the members of a local Church who had been running a discipleship group ... Looked at the idea of giving, and how that discipline should be a part of our lifestyle. Together, having looked at the scriptures, we came to the conclusion that our giving should be 'deliberate and intentional', 'cheerful', and 'bountiful'. As we take the next step and consider what specific steps we can each take as we consider our time, money and talents it is an amazing thought to imagine what the Lord can do with Churches and individuals who have that attitude!!

As I watched the footage of the wave sweeping across the nation of Japan, and seeing it wash away all that stood before it ... It was a challenging reminder that the raw power that we could see so vividly before us is nothing compared to the power at work as we pray!

- Press on!

Responding to situations ... Peacefully!

2011-03-06T23:57:00.001-08:00

The turmoil that is going on across the Middle East and North Africa, has dominated my thoughts and prayers this week, and has had an effect on the working week ...

One knock-on effect of the crisis in Libya, is the almost 100,000 displaced people, forced out of their adopted countries due to the fighting. We spent time as a family praying for this situation and everyone around the table was asked 'what would you take if we only had one suitcase into which all we could take with us was placed?' an interesting topic of conversation. (Incidentally, throughout our time in Africa we always had an emergency bag in case we needed to evacuate quickly, so it was not quite as unusual exercise as it might have been for them.) but this is also an opportunity to give of our time and effort to support the people so deeply affected by this, so it was a real privilege to work with other Christians to bring teams together to go and support the humanitarian effort taking place on the border. This culminated in a 4:00am start this morning to take one of the volunteers to join the group heading off this morning for a 5 day stint helping out.

Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

I don't imagine that the situation is going to be short lived so if anyone else is interested in getting involved then please get touch. However, if you can't go then please do pray ... Check out the latest version of Operation World if you want some information on the nations and how best to pray for what is going on. http://www.operationworld.org/

It is, of course, one thing to watch what is going on a and respond as time and circumstances permit, but it is quite another to pray for discernment to seek the Lord to find out what is happening and how best we can align ourselves with what He is doing .... I am reminded of the scripture in Acts 17:24-27 (NIV) "The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. [25] And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. [26] From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. [27] God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us."

Other highlights of the week included a meeting on Friday to plot and plan a way forward for the annual Go mission festival (check out http://go2011.org.uk/) .... The challenge is that the Bank holidays may be changing, but until we have a final decision by the government, we will press on. Looking at 2012, and how we tie in what we are doing to the obvious link with London 2012 the Olympics, and the masses of people from all over the world that will be on our doorstep, is very exciting.

The job of missions leadership can be frustrating, in that you spend a lot of time thinking, planning and supporting others as they do the work and see the lives changed! But had some really encouraging talks this week and reflections on how to develop the work in both Asia and Europe ... Not to mention the aforementioned situation in the Middle East! So, have to constantly learn to be content and trust that an obedient life will always 'be' fruitful, even if I don't see it with my own eyes! That was a little struggle to overcome this week, but it was helpful to remind myself of Exodus 17, where Moses prayed for Joshua, and as He prayed and stretched out his arms, it was Joshua who fought and saw the victory. Important to note that both elements worked together and that neither would have prevailed alone!

- Press on!

Appointment with Death ... and Mustard Seeds!

2011-02-28T12:18:00.001-08:00

So, last week was the half-term holiday! Which meant, of course, that we have the children at home needing entertaining at various stages and in various ways. Thankfully, we have The flexibility and opportunity to have a little change in the normal course of events to have time at home with them.

This week involved many trips, one was to the Library with the littlest one, to get some books, and whilst I was there I decided to indulge myself with some Agatha Christie books. It never cease to amaze me that, even after nearly 30 years of reading them there still seem to be many more titles that I have not yet enjoyed! I don't think I have ever got to the end of a book having worked out 'whodunnit!' - and that includes my trip to the Theatre last year to watch 'Mousetrap' - I know who did by the way, but won't let on!

And so it was this week that I found myself reading 'Appointment with death!' ... That was interesting, but what drew my attention was this quote near the beginning of a book when one character was asked whether or not she was a 'believer' ... To which she replied;

"If I could sweep away all the buildings and the sects and the fierce squabbling churches ... I might just see Christ's quiet figure ... And believe in Him!" - Appointment with Death, Agatha Christie.

Which made me wonder afresh at how many others are missing the person of Christ, who is compelling and relentlessly drawing people to Himself, amidst all the trappings of Christianity that often seem so repugnant to them.

At the same time as this, I was thinking through some of the more contemplative approaches to Christianity that have been part and parcel of the Church throughout it's history. Reading 'The ascent of Mount Carmel', at the same time as looking at the website http://www.mustardseedorder.com/cm/home/?category=1 ... Intrigues me, which I guess has much to do with my character as well as my journey thus far. Trying to find Christ in the midst of busy daily life is a constant battle ... But I am prepared to battle because I am confident of the fact that He wants to burst in and illuminate each second of every day with His presence, His thoughts, His wisdom etc etc. I am confident because He does it time after time after time ... Amazing! All it takes is faith and some of the one commodity that seems in scarce supply in today's world ... Time!

So what crowds Christ out of your life or, like the Agatha Christie character, what prevents you from seeing Him as He truly is, not as someone may present Him to you? Whichever might be relevant to you please don't be put off from seeking the 'quiet figure' who longs to cry out loudly into all your circumstances - if we would only pause to give Him the space and time to do so we can find that this 'quiet man' speaks with the loudest voice in all creation, that can be heard from eternity to eternity!

One other high point, of course, was another English victory in the Six Nations, two more matches to go before I can really celebrate, but with England you have got to enjoy it while you can!.... And, if you are interested in this sort of thing, you can buy tickets to watch England play the Barbarians at the end of May using Tesco Clubcard points!! Well, every little helps! And I know of a shop near to Twickenham that sells very nice Pasties at a fraction of the price of the stalls in the ground!

- Press on!

Peace vs half term holidays - who wins?

2011-02-21T12:42:00.000-08:00

The last week could be summed up in one word ... Hassle! But was it any more 'hassle-ful' than any other week? I don't think so - or was it how I tackled it? Definately Yes!

Hassle comes from a whole host of sources, some my own making and some the makings of other people ... but wherever the cause of my hassles I have a choice in how I respond to them - that is always my choice!

So what are some of the hassles last week? Losing half a tooth ... (sorted now thanks to Oscar, my Spanish dentist), juggling work between the normal office and home (drop box is great, but you need to remember to put key documents in it.) Snatching moments between dropping one child here, and another there and then finding you don't have the document you need ... good to have Kindle readers and good books on hand! Okay, so really I'm not good at multi-tasking in the way my wife does with such ease!!! Okay ... emails, admin, too! All seem to crowd into the areas of work and life that bring most joy and fulfilment ... so as I say - just the normal run of the mill stuff.

So, in the timely fashion that the reading of scripture always seems to have, I found myself reading in Philippians 4:4-9. In which the Apostle Paul wrote ... 4 Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him!5 Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!6 Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.7 Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.8 Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. 9 Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.

So what good could that be to you and me in our modern busy lives ... all right for Paul, he didn't have a Blackberry! (Actually, they can be turned off!) Anyway, I digress ... incidentally did you read that burning the candle at both ends, trying to get everything done, increases the risk of heart attack by 50%!! (Daily Telegraph report on recent scientific evidence!)

I have had the opportunity on my trips out recently to travel, and talk, to commuters on early trains and reflected on the folks who move around harassed and hassled every day - the train at 6:15am is full of folk who do not exude 'joie de vivre'! Just what is the point? Intensified by the additional pressures of multiple job-cuts, tax rises, etc etc ... troubled times indeed and my prayers go out to all in this delicate and very difficult position.

So what can this old passage have to say to me and you - should we care to listen. There are three things I need to learn from this as I seek to live in a world where many feel overwhelmed by all that is going on around them ...

Do we all want 'Peace'? That sense of wholeness, and wellbeing, and freedom from inner turmoil? If so read on and reflect!

1/ The Way of peace - In the passage there are imperatives.. things to do ... Rejoice always (no grumbling, only celebration), let your gentleness be evident to all ... and do not be anxious, but pray ... easier said than done sometimes but it really comes down with what is occupying your mind ... pray is such a release in this respect as it occupies your mind in a different direction ... that way you find yourself drawn into ...

2/ The place of peace - brought not by the absence of external turmoil, but by the inner presence of the Holy Spirit who is peace ... and it is He who protects us in the midst of life and provides that sense of God's wholeness over everything ... it is a garrison, and secure place from which we need never leave but we do at times, because we neglect ...

3/ The discipline of peace - by exercising our minds aright, directing it to things that nurture peace, what is it that distracts us rom that process? Root it out and deal with it harshly!

Now having read that last week and made steps to living it out, we come to half-term - not only that but the wifi was down all day in my house ... but there we are. Managed to stay in the right place thus far! (Or rather, my spiritual disciplines means the God of peace is able to keep me, where He wants me to be, and I need to be!!)

Press on!

Limescale ...

2011-02-06T15:53:00.001-08:00

And so we come to the end of week 5 ...

I have had the challenge of juggling many different balls as my wife continues to recover from the operation on her shoulder. It was a very busy week of meetings anyway, but the additional demands have meant that at about 3pm on Saturday and Sunday I hit a wall of tiredness that was best succumbed to .... I always considered that siesta was a good thing throughout my seven years in Africa!!! Perhaps I should start a campaign to see it established as part of the working day here in the UK!

One thing that constant demands from other people can bring the surface is our pride. Especially when, as is my case, you are a borderline introvert/extrovert ... Needing to retreat regularly to be refreshed ... As this can lead to a sense of justification when we cry out 'what about me?'

But have been thinking this week about the effect of pride ... And have come to conclusion that the effect of pride can be explained using the analogy of calcium carbonate that we find in water and that leads to the limescale in our kettles!!!

We live in an area where the water is particularly 'hard' and so there is always the potential for limescale to grow in the kettle ... And this needs to be constantly chipped away or dissolved ... if not it reduces the effectiveness of the kettle or ultimately damages it. It is ever present and needs to be controlled.

So, in the same way there is something ever present and all pervasive about pride ... There is always the potential and temptation to exert self, either directly by ignoring the needs of others or putting ourselves first or, perhaps more subtly yet equally damaging, allowing feelings of self-pity ... Any expression of pride will have an affect on our relationship with others and with the Lord. A build up of 'pride' creates layers that reduce our effectiveness and can cause damage to others and to ourselves if left unchecked.

I find this a particular challenge when I am feeling tired ... Hence it has been a challenge this week. So, what is the antidote?

Well, if it was a kettle I would advise on purchasing something like 'Calgon' ... That dissolves the limescale, and start all over again, but this time try and filter the water so it is softer in the first place!

For pride the solution is different, there are no 'magic bullets' or 'tablets' - rather the simple process of 1/ Repentance and 2/ humble obedience ... Serving others, preferring others needs, choosing to do this when we perhaps don't feel like it, constant small decisions in daily life.

And that is only a start, the break through comes when, like the apostle Paul, we come into a place where we too can say ... "even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me." (Philippians 2:17-18 (NIV))

So for all you out there with a busy week ahead, dealing with demands from all sides ... Resist the temptation to pride, or risk the limescale reducing you effectiveness or even damaging you!

Really enjoyed the start of the Six Nations, although the onslaught of the wave of tiredness at 3pm did hinder my viewing somewhat! However, as it had been ordained that England should play Wales on Friday evening I managed to catch the main event (for me anyway!) ... I hope there is no pride in that!!

Had the opportunity to take the new workers through the foundational principles of WEC this week ... Which is always a blessing for me as I refresh my vision for the purpose and ways of working on which we have been based for the last 100 years ... And although they are that old, I believe they are as current to today, in maintaining our spiritual vitality and purpose, as they were when being developed. Some of the practices might need some review ... But the heritage must remain. I trust that as the next batch of workers goes out they will maintain and desire to live out lives that will model and encourage the values of faith, holiness, sacrifice and fellowship that have stood us in good stead as we seek to bring this glorious gospel to the remaining unevangelised peoples of the world, as quickly as possible!

We also spent much time this week with our new deputies as we build a new leadership team. As I shared with the new workers earlier in the week, if a new person joins a well established team, there is a new team! So it was important for us to live up to that and look afresh at how we do things ... Exciting days ahead! Was sharing with the team that I was hoping for a little more time to give to itinerant ministry, to which they agreed, and by the end of the week three speaking opportunities came into my inbox! God is good, always!

Not done much reading this week, beyond the Bible and the newspaper ... But there is so much going on in the world at the moment, especially in North Africa and the Middle East that there is no shortage of 'prayer fodder' ... We need spiritual insight as we look at these things ... The pursuit of democracy is not a cure-all for everything that ails the world and does not always produce the freedom that some believe we all have a right to! Just what is going on behind the scenes, who is pulling the strings? It might appear that individuals or groups are changing the course of history, but we know the truth, there is but One who is absolutely Sovereign, and He alone determines the times and seasons, and establishes the boundaries for peoples ... That they might hear the good news and have the opportunity to receive Christ as Saviour ... In that there is true liberty!!

Have a great week!

- Press on!

Shoulders, Ethnomusicology and Burgers!

2011-01-30T09:19:00.001-08:00

Where has the week gone? It is already Sunday afternoon and the week 5 is about to begin!

So, once again time to take stock, reflect and see what the last week held. Bit of a busy week, so grabbing some time between helping the youngest with her homework ... The daily life of Celts! ... And preparing for tea! (anyone know where I can get my hands on a copy of Jamie Oliver's 30 minute meals? Even if they do take and hour and a half!)

On a personal note, my wife had her operation on the shoulder, which I understand is an incredibly painful procedure ... The Doctor said it would be, and my wife confirms it!! This has meant that since Thursday I have also been chief cook, sandwich maker and everything else that we normally do together for the family. The kids have rallied round and filled in the inevitable gaps that I leave between what 'Mum' usually does, and what 'Dad' remembers to do! Also had a great time queuing for a KS2 Disco with my youngest daughter ... The fever pitch of excitement and squealing voices was almost too much! On Monday evening we had the delight of going to the Theatre, courtesy of Tesco club card points, to watch 'Blood brothers' - an excellent production with some interesting themes - google it if you're interested in exploring them.

So this has meant that I am working from home ... Of course the emails still find me there ....

Have been really blessed on reading John Stott's 'The cross of Christ' ... Not the lightest of reads, but well worth reading in chunks, rather than a dip in and out as some books will allow! Recommended reading for both Christian and non-Christian alike! Also a small article from the Evangelical alliance ... Check it here http://www.eauk.org/snapshot/read.cfm - has been well worth a read. Good to get a broader perspective, and again good for both Christian and non-Christian alike.

On Tuesday I trekked up to the Manchester area to meet with two of our UK team leaders. Always encouraging to touch base and talk about what is happening, and thinking ahead to hear what we are trusting the Lord to do in the coming year. Keep your eyes pealed for our forthcoming Online Missions bookstore, and we have a band that have come together to demonstrate to the UK church the development of ethnically relevant worship music ... Excellent. A long day on the train, but well worth it .... All I need to do now is type up the outcomes!! (There's always tomorrow!)

BTW if anyone is interested in hearing the band then they will be playing at the GO2011 - Mission festival in May ... Come along and hear them! Or, invite to come to your Church ... Get in touch!

Thought for the week ...
1/ How wonderful my wife is .... And how much I miss all that she does when she has to stop doing it!

2/ Ephesians 3:12 (NIV) In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

Do we walk in this liberty? Always? Or are we crippled by guilt when we sin? What overwhelmed us, sin or grace? Paul's prayer is that, in order to walk in the liberty we have in Christ, we need to have an ever increasing revelation of the overwhelming power and strength of the love of God in Christ Jesus. Not that we receive more, we already are rooted and established in that love ... What we need to to more fully appreciate what we have been established in ... Amazing!!

Well, let's trust for week of ever increasing revelation, and of walking in the freedom and confidence we have in Christ ... Great!

Now, what do Celts do for entertainment? Also, I reckon I can bash out some burgers in 25 minutes - without Jamie's help!

- Press on!

Splendour, obedience, interns and books!

2011-01-22T04:58:00.001-08:00

Aarrrrggghhhhh! No this is not a reflection of my week ... But of the fact that I had already written this blog out once when I inadvertently pressed the wrong button and discarded it instead of saving it ... Still I have now learnt what buttons to press in case it should happen again.

Now .. What did I say last time?

I had intended to write something each week so that I could break my record of blogposts in one year .... Which I think currently stands at 24! ... But here we are in week 3 and I am only on post 2 for 2011 ... It was not a resolution so I don't feel bad in any way!!

The last few weeks have been manic to say the least, not because of workload but because an operation that my dear wife has to have on her shoulder has been brought forward by a month to next week. So the arrangements I had had in place to be available for the extra driving, shopping, work and household chores that will fall upon me as she is convalescing are now needing to be changed, and four weeks work needs to be crammed into three days ... Next Thursday here we come. Thankfully we are surrounded by very helpful people who will no doubt support us very well and offer to fill gaps ... But anyway, the best laid plans of mice and men and all that!!

Recently I was reading in Isaiah 55 of the people of Israel who are "endowed with splendour" - the splendour of the Lord, what an awesome privilege ... in Isaiah 56 we read of those who are true servants, and what that looks like, but we also read of those who presume to be servants, Is 56:10-12 ... Lord, let us not be like this but rather help us to do what pleases you in our service, love, and worship. This morning on the Tozer twitter feed (check out the link https://twitter.com/tozeraw/status/28612603127275520) we read "the most unhappy Christians in the church today are the ones who are walking in disobedience" which challenged me to reflect on those times when I feel a little down or unhappy ... It is interesting to ask the Holy Spirit for insight ... Sometimes He doesn't want to pat us on the back and say "there, there!" sometimes he wants to show us what we are doing wrong!

Talking of obedience and service - this last week we have welcomed 26 folks to Bulstrode who are all in the process of stepping out in faith to work in missions ... 13 of those are going out with Frontiers, but it was great to host them and pray together last week ... The WEC workers are here for the next 10 weeks ... All with their own stories of leading and the challenges that obedience brings ... Homes, family left behind ... But also the excitement of looking forward to all that the Lord is leading them into both here in the UK and overseas!

Have also had meetings to plan the programme for GO2011 with other missions ... Great to work together and see what is coming out of that ... Some details to finalise but check out the website for more details and get the message out http://www.go2011.org.uk/ .... Send the link to any that you think might be interested - better still organise a coach load from your youth group or church!!

Working on internship programme to start next September ... So if you think of anyone who wants to give a year for missions and who will also receive training and equipping then point them in my direction.

On the book front, I have recently been swamped by the introduction of the Kindle reader and the plethora of free books available .... Now beginning to include Agatha Christie I note! However, I am reading John Stott's "The Cross of Christ" - a welcome dip into the centrality of our message as believers ... Saved by grace not effort or because we deserve to be ... But by faith in the works of Christ for us.

So, it only remains for me to say "aaaarrrrgggghhh" again, this time because now I have finished this I know I have the monthly accounts to work through!!! Longest two hours of the month - but the tax man loves me for it I am sure!!!

Have a great week!

- Press on!

What's new for 2011?

2011-01-09T10:40:00.001-08:00

At the start of the year I seek the Lord for some verses of encouragement, and as I looked back over the last three years I noted that the Lord has led me to Isaiah. This year I am currently reading through the book of Isaiah as part of my normal reading - so it comes as no surprise to realise that this is again where I have been led to look afresh and receive for this year.

I encourage you to read the whole of chapters 49 and 50 ... Relating to 'The servant of the Lord', which has obvious Christological meaning, but is also addressing the attitudes that all the 'servants of the Lord' should display ... Ie. You and me and all His people!

I pick up the chapter in Isaiah 49:4 the prophet writes "But I said, "I have labored to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing. Yet what is due me is in the Lord's hand, and my reward is with my God." " We all have phases when we feel like this ... And ask questions which I am sure are common to all - even if they are done in the quiet place and not on the twittersphere! Questions such as 'What is the point?', and 'what am I doing here?' This is normal, and it is important that we ask them, but what is more important is what we do with that feeling. The prophet goes on .... Declaring that, despite how I feel, or what fruit I see, I have confidence in you my God! In other words I will walk by faith, and I will keep walking in obedience regardless of what I see ...

So, because of this response, this humility of heart and acceptance of the servants role the next word comes ... Isaiah 49:6 "he says: "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth." "

It is too small a thing, I will give you more .... Wow, the Lord chooses to give the increase and expand the vision and ministry because of the attitude of the heart.

On this basis we have confidence to declare along with Isaiah 50:7 "Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame."

So what does this say to me? I can look at the first verse and respond to the calling of the Lord and declare my intent to have confidence in the one who calls ... Regardless of what I see before me. This does not mean that the increase must come, that is His sovereign choice .... As a servant I accept what I am asked to do, but when we exhibit this humility we are in the best place of peace ... So, the second verse may be my experience this year, or it may not ... I am content to leave that in the hands of the Master.... But I can declare the third verse by faith! And set my face like Flint in obedience to the one who calls and equips us ... With that spirit and attitude of faith I look forward to the coming year!!

Also, the first week back at work was the normal readjustment after a very refreshing week of holiday ... The body was in the Office but the mind and emotions will probably catch up next week!!

A recent read that I found quite stimulating was Richard Tiplady's 2003 book 'World of Difference' in which he reflects on missions and missions organisations in the post-modern world. Good to read how others interpret the changes that are happening in the world around us today and the possible affect on how we might work and function in the years ahead.

Anyway, that was week 1 of 2011, tomorrow we have an orientation day for the new workers who have recently joined us here in the UK ... Up to 20 people over the past year .... As well as preparing for the new workers coming to join WEC for work either here in the UK or overseas ... Another 15 people who have sensed the Lord leading them to get involved. Exciting days ... As well as challenging!!

Press on!

Church as Business?

2010-12-21T08:28:00.000-08:00

Note I am not saying 'Business as Mission' ... but reflecting to what extent current management has influenced mission planning and whether or not this is a good thing. ie Management by objective etc etc.Personally I have found both John Kotter and Jim Collins helpful in thinking about managing the process of transformation - but always with the nagging certainty that neither God nor Kingdom building can be managed and that He is always at work doing the unexpected, that what is important to Him is often not quantifiable at all, and all we are ever doing is playing catch-up with Him! I think it was R T Kendall who wrote "The purpose of every generation is to find out what God is doing and align itself with that."There is much to reflect on but it 'pains' me when I read or hear leaders who have stated "I define the vision of the Church clearly, in other words say where the bus is going, then people can decide whether or not they want to be on the bus!" Now this sounds plausible, in fact we might hear it in any other sphere of our lives - be it Sport, Politics, Business, etc. But it demands success, and demonstrable fruit .... yet much Kingdom fruit is hidden - which can then so easily be dismissed as unsuccessful. What pains me still further is when I feel the tendency to say it myself ... I hope I will always have the grace to recognise that my mind has been conformed to the world beyond that which it is helpful to be.I see how this could/should be the case in terms of a ministry or organisation ... ie WEC focuses on Unreached people - so anyone committing to work with us should have a heart commitment to that aim. If they don't then when the trials come, and they will, then there is a temptation just to walk away and find another cause to attach to. But, and this is my 'pain', is this appropriate for the Church as the body/family of Christ?Is that sentiment a luxury of leaders in the west where people who leave have a choice of having somewhere else to go. What if your Church is the only Church in your people group/City/Region - your only link to the body of Christ? What about Church as body or as family? If I so clearly define what 'my family' is to be like and my Son/Daughter choose to not be like that they do not cease to be my son/daughter or part of my family... etc etc.The problem is that Churches that adopt this approach appear successful because they become, by definition and design, full of people committed to the cause ... but what about those who are left by the wayside as the process unfolds? Perhaps hurting, feeling rejected, etc etc. Is this acceptable to Christ or business thinking gone too far?The Church can seem to be full of 'bright, shiny people' ... 'celebrating celebrity' ... no matter how often it is stated that this is not what it is about - read the Twitter feeds ... how does 'holiness, humility, righteousness' express itself in such context, or how can 'fear, failure, suffering' ever have the freedom to be expressed and explored?What does success look like in terms of Church? More people? Deeper levels of devotion to Christ? Are the outcomes quantifiable at all? Who decides ... us or the One who is Head of His Church?Really enjoyed the first of the web articles noted below especially reflecting on the fact that good Organisational Development is but one stage ... not the first, and not the most important ... Character and Godly behaviour will always be more important than slick business practice - even if organising ourselves better can 'sometimes' make us more fruitful.Still much to ponder ... I wonder what Father thinks of all of this ... as He continues to build his Church through all of us!In preparing I found the following two web articles helpful - which I commend to the reader!http://www.missioncouncil.se/download/18.244c2fbe120dce4c6af80002276/Churches_in_Development.pdf (esp p28 0 implications for OD) and http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/151/what-would-jack-do.html?page=0,0 (Some reflections on the Willow Creek GLS)

Just Courage? Is justice enough?

2010-12-21T07:47:00.000-08:00

Have just finished reading an interesting book called 'Just Courage' ... by Gary A Haugen, President and CEO of International Justice Mission (IJM). The back cover has a cry that must be that of many people ... "There must be more to the Christian life than this..." and of course there is.

I do have some fundamental questions that were left unanswered in the book ... mainly along the lines of whether justice is an end in itself. It must be truly wonderful to be involved in a group that sees the emancipation of people from horrendous abuse situations and slavery - but if it is only for this life is that what Jesus is about when it comes to transformation? I would of appreciated reading more of how these expressions of Christian work impact the world in real and practical ways and how they work together with others to see people entering into the true freedom that is only found in Christ ... I am sure there are some great stories out there.

What was great were the testimonies of people who had taken there faith in Christ in both hands and stepped out ... amazing what the Lord can do through faithful, obedient, bold people- and this should be an inspiration to all.

He quoted one man, Sean, who says that he recognised four things held him back from serving the Lord wholeheartedly ...

1/ Comfort - contented well-being

2/ Security - freedom from danger

3/ Control - having power over our circumstances

4/ Success - the appearance of wealth and success.

However, once he conquered those fears and stepped out, he found he exchanged them for

1/ Adventure

2/ Faith

3/ Miracles

4/ Deep knowledge of Jesus

Many who have stepped out would probably say the same thing ... and I guess few would desire to go back once they have tasted the fruit of obedience!

So to all you out there wanting this type of life, step out and do what the Lord is calling you His child to do - whatever that might be. It's worth it!

Conference Dec 2010!

2010-12-03T08:05:00.001-08:00

I am now sat down in front of the TV watching a repeat run of Top Gear pondering how much I really want a cup of tea ... but not being bothered to get up and make it! Not what I usually do on a Friday afternoon but after a week of Leader's meetings, Trustees meetings and WEC UK Conference it is all I can muster the energy to do at this point!

So what are my initial reflections ... beyond 'Wow it's tiring leading a conference!'

Praise - Great, Teaching - Great, Equipping - Great, Debate - Robust and fruitful, Prayer - Moving, Business - Strategic, Fellowship - Encouraging, Weather - Cold, Biscuits - Too many!

If I had to choose three things that struck me most powerfully over the week they would be 'Worship - Movement - Progress'

Worship - because there is something very moving about worshipping together with a group of people who have committed their lives to serving the Living God. Regardless of ministry, culture, age or Church background - the underlying passion to do whatever it takes to see Christ glorified and His Kingdom extended throughout the UK and the world - leads to a fellowship of people liberated in Worship ... it is a privilege to be a part of such a fellowship - and very humbling to lead within it!

Movement - because when we looked at the challenge that remains in seeing the completion of the 'Great Commission', and recognised the ways in which we will need to adapt in order to be as effective as possible , we are willing to take those steps ... regardless of the personal/organisational challenge it will be.

Progress - To stop and see how past obedience has led to fruit today, we are filled with hope for all that is going to happen in the future. We hear a lot of talk about 'Change' and 'transition' and hopefully embarked upon in the hope of being more effective, or more relevant ... however, rather than use words to describe the process I prefer to use one word - obedience. As R T Kendall once wrote 'The job of every generation is to find out what God is doing and align themselves with it." If we want to be fruitful and relevant we don't need to change per se - we need to be obedient ...why? Because we serve the One who is eternally relevant and always in the process of building His Kingdom and transforming lives.

Quite simple really.

So Conference was a time to do just that ... listen, receive guidance and commit to doing ... can't wait to see the fruits over the coming months!

Now for a cup of tea ... a time to regroup over the weekend before pressing on!

Real Hope or Wishful thinking?

2010-11-15T01:57:00.001-08:00

Some verses in the Bible that are difficult to understand ... requiring a lot of prayerful thought and searching out - even then the answers may not be entirely satisfying. There could be a whole host of reasons for that, but as we keep searching the Lord has a wonderful way of giving answers.

Some verses, and this is today's thought, are quite easily understood, plain in meaning - but perhaps hard to comprehend/accept. Take Isaiah 13:11 where God speaks through the Prophet saying "I will punish the world for its evil, the wicked for their sins. I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty and will humble the pride of the ruthless."

For many, this may be difficult to reconcile together with a God of Love, Mercy and Grace. How could someone who 'Loves perfectly' do such a thing?

The challenge is to maintain a balance in the whole character of God - which is threefold - He is a God of Truth, a God of Holiness and a God of Love - all in perfection, without over emphasising any of them to the exclusion of the others.

The degree to which we appreciate how far short we are, is the degree to which we marvel and the love, mercy and grace of the living God - who made that which is unacceptable, acceptable in Christ.

We might hope that Isaiah 13:11 won't happen, or might not believe it will - but neither will alter the course of the future. We have a way out, accepting Christ as Saviour, which makes it all the more important that we take seriously the command of Jesus to go into all the world and propclaim this gospel message.

As Oswald J Smith once wrote, and I paraphrase - "No-one should have the privilege of hearing the gospel twice, before everyone has had the privilege of hearing it once!"
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The week ahead ...

2010-09-17T08:04:00.001-07:00

"So, what do you do?" ... I consider this, then reply "I'm the UK Director of WEC International, a Christian missionary group." .... Pause .... "That's interesting..." They say ..... Then move on, find someone else!!

So where's the touch point? What can they latch on to, get a handle on, know what to ask next?

The issue of identity is an important one, if I said I was a Pastor or a Vicar then this gives someone in the UK a handle, albeit full of stereotypical thoughts, on what I do ... But missions Director? What's that all about?

It's about encouraging, organising, equipping, strategising in order to see our final goal reached as quickly and as effectively as possible ... In WECs case that of sharing the good news of the gospel of Christ amongst those communities and people groups who are yet to hear it for the first time!

Challenging of the week ... Due to population growth there are more unreached people today than ever before ...

Fact of the week ... Missions works ... Look at the growth of the Church in the global south ... The fruit of hundreds of years of mission work ...

With that challenge and encouragement we keep going ... "Because He's worth it!"
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Rising Generation � The Minster

2010-09-11T14:21:00.000-07:00

Rising Generation � The Minster

It all starts tomorrow at 10:30am ... watch this space!

Grace is amazing ... and so is the gift of repentance!

2010-09-11T13:42:00.000-07:00

"Repentance is godly sorrow for our sins, because of the wrong done to God, and therefore the hurt inflicted on Him (Gen 6:6) ... if there is no conscious repentance, just an acceptance of grace then there is no awareness of what we have been saved from ... which leads to a corresponding lack of depth and commitment ..."

I read this in a book whilst I was at Bible College some 16 years ago. It must have struck me quite powerfully at the time as I wrote it on the inside cover of the Bible I was reading. It resonated with an experience I had recently had of being led by the Spirit into a season of repentance the like of which I had not experienced before. This did indeed lead to a deepening of my faith and a greater commitment to Jesus and the growth of His Kingdom throughout the world ... avery rich time indeed, and foundational in all that has followed.

Up to that point I had been 'saved' some four years, I had experienced the wonder of forgiveness, but had not really appreciated the gift that repentance is, and the fruit that comes when we avail ourselves of the liberty we have in Christ to turn away from things that hurt God, others and ourselves. Thankfully the Spirit led me on a walk along that road and, by grace, I'm still walking it! It's not just a quick polish on the surface every now and again, but a deep work that changes us from the inside out ... often that is a painful process ... but always worth it if we are prepared to walk through it.

I believe this is the key issue whenever we encounter Spiritual 'apathy' - whether it be in groups of people, in other individuals or in our own lives! The Christian faith is much more than a veneer of respectability on an otherwise unchanged life ... it is a root and branch change of motivation, purpose and meaning in life ... Christ being the motivation, the purpose, and the meaning.

I wonder why we choose to nibble on scraps when we could be feasting on the abundant life that is ours?!

What do two weeks in a tent in France do for you?

2010-08-31T07:01:00.000-07:00

I guess that depends on what you do with your time!!

For me it was a time for spending with the kids, swimming, cycling, playing cards etc. No screens in sight for anyone ... And so we were "forced" to talk with each other!! Good to have nothing to do with a day except whatever presents itself ... Well, for two weeks anyway...

Reading also played a big part of the time - two Harlan Coben novels (weekend reads) then Hunger for Reality (G Verwer), Outpouring of Grace (Roy Goodwin), Discerning the Spirit of the Age (D Tidball) followed by the completion of The Everlasting Man (G K Chesterton) ... An excellent riposte to the wave of aggressive atheism based on the 'science' of evolution. The scientific argument may have moved on since 1925 but the underlining arguments for a creator God remain unshaken and, indeed, unanswered by science.

Having space ... no emails, texts, phone calls, facebook, twitter etc ... So what happens in space? In my experience, if you are looking for Him, then the Holy Spirit fills these spaces ... Presses meaning into them and speaks ... Silence and space are very important gifts that we throw away at our peril.

I recently read another leader's blog, which explained the degree to which he was bombarded with information from the moment he arose to the moment he went to sleep ... This is part and parcel of modern day living I am afraid and we cannot ignore it, but we can 'manage it' rather than letting it 'manage us' ... We need space to think, ponder, dream, listen, hear and let the Spirit speak truth, light, meaning and direction into all aspects of our world.

I wonder how good I will be at maintaining that when I get back to life and work at home!?!?

Oh ... and eating! ... who can resist Blue Cheese, Pain au Chocolate etc etc. (Though not on the same plate of course!)

The week behind and the week ahead!

2010-08-13T04:51:00.001-07:00

Last week I had the privilege of spending a week with about 100 teenagers in a field!

I was at WEC Teen Camp for the week ... and what I saw and experienced fills me with such hope for the future. Young men and women, despite all the 'stuff' that is going on in their lives. The world's value system that is force fed to them, that shapes their thinking and affects their daily lives ... for some in traumatic ways which are all too raw and apparent to them and, for some, in subtle ways that are damaging yet not currently apparent to them. (When the time is right the Spirit will reveal these things to them and deliver them from them ... after all He did, and still is doing it with the rest of us isn't He!)

But still they worship, still they pray and still they have a passion for the Lord and for His kingdom coming to the ends of the earth ... I can't wait until it is unleashed! Lord let it be soon!

The week ahead is one of relaxation and refreshment as we put all that's needed into a trailer and head off to a field in France. Hope the pool is warm and the weather kind!

Dealing with the 'downs' amongst the 'ups'!

2010-08-02T07:51:00.001-07:00

I am a pragmatic person, who wants things to be real ... I want integrity. If something promises to be life changing then I expect it to be! The gospel is no different ... I did not become a Christian because I agreed with a creed or theology - I heard a message of 'fulness of life' in Christ, along with the promise of an intimate and imminent relationship with the Living God, my Father in heaven - through faith in the life, death and resurrection of Christ. I responded and have spent the years since increasingly understanding that 'fulness' and the One who made it possible.

So on that level I want integrity, but integrity works itself out on another level as well. It is great went things seem to flow and the Lord hears and talks to you. But, what about those times when it all seems like hard work? and the heavens seems as though they are a brassy, impenetrable barrier? How do we deal with that? We have to show a level of integrity at those times and acknowledge they are there and work through them too. This can be exacerbated if you are in leadership as others still want encouragement and support - even if it feels as though you are pouring out of an empty pot!

So, this is how I had been feeling for a few weeks, but now don't - so what made the difference? Why did it happen? What did I do to get through?

Having reflected on this experience - came to the following conclusions (at other times ther answers are different - so always good to ask the question!)

Answers - Don't know, Don't know and nothing different! But there are some reflections that have been helpful.

1/ It is Christ's power to keep me that is more significant than my sense of feeling 'kept' - He holds onto me with an irresistible power, that is far greater than I hold on to Him. So trust in this anchor keeps us from drifting.

2/ What is the deeper purpose of the Lord's dealings with me? To form Christ in me ... Godly behaviour, attitudes, actions etc. He knows how best to lead this process and what that process should look like, so times of trial and testing bring forth growth.

I liken it to standing on a beach with the water up to my knees - I want to go deeper and Father knows that. So at times the water recedes - I then have a choice, do I walk out further or stand still and wait for the water to return. If I choose to go further then when the water returns I find I am in deeper than I was before - which is my desire. If I stand still then, when the waters return I find I am in the same depth and making no progress.

3/ What did I do differently? Nothing, I continued to read the Bible and other books (hard work) and pray (though without much hope for answers!) and do the things I have been called to do. The Lord was still at work through my obediance - because it is not about me, it 's about Him. Prayers for healing were answered, people encouraged and blessed.

The key is to keep going, persevere to the end - do the things that we should do, then once we have walked through the season we find we are deeper in Him.

James 1:2-4 is helpful.

I am sure this will happen again - though next time He will have other things to teach me! This is victorious living!
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Helpful thought!

2010-07-08T00:56:00.000-07:00

Any work for God that depends on our own efforts, our own zeal, our own ability, and resources, will fail! - George Verwer.

It is right to work hard, have zeal for the kingdom, apply all our God-given talents, abilities and resources to the task in hand - but never be dependent upon them ... How tragically wanting that would leave us!
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Are we all wrong?

2010-07-06T15:12:00.001-07:00

Recently I was meeting with a group of leaders who had never met together before. To start the meeting we each shared a little of our life and ministry ... Always interesting to hear a/ How Jesus draws people, from varied backgrounds and experiences, to Himself and b/ What varied directions He leads people who are willing to be led ... Fascinating, anyway, I digress!

We then each shared what we felt the Lord had been saying to us recently ... And we all had the same thing to say (albeit in different words!) ... Namely;

a/ A growing sense of urgency to see the great commission completed as quickly as possible!

And

b/ A growing sense of anticipation and imminence ... That the Lord is about to move in a amazing way here in the UK and into Europe.

So, what do we say to this?

Are we all wrong? Or just desperate? Or is the Lord indeed giving us each that sense of prophetic urgency?

I believe the latter is most accurate ... But, as my Pastor friend shared on Sunday morning ... Let us all resolve to say 'Yes!' to the Lord - even before He has asked anything of us ... That way we will be prepared and ready to go when He starts to move.

So, Revival - why not here? Why not now? And why not us?

Keep pressing on ... He is worth it!
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Deliverance ... For what?

2010-06-01T00:59:00.000-07:00

Luke gives us some answers to the bigger questions in life - like 'why are we here?' and 'why are we saved?'. There might be many answers to this question, but viewing it from man's perspective Luke wrote: '... that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days' (1:74)

The reality of finding complete fulfilment in being a servant is in stark contrast to the idea of seeing how we can fit Jesus into an otherwise unchanged life. In the former He is enthroned as Lord, in the latter I remain enthroned as Lord of 'My life'.

Where does His will fit in our list of priorities?

Are we sure that what we are doing today is what the Lord has asked us to do? Have we ever asked?

Jesus food was to do the will of His Father, so too it is our food ... In other words we will be malnourished if we simply go on our own way, giving no heed to His leading, or never even stopping to ask in the first place!

We have not simply been 'set free' ... But 'set free to serve' - the expression of the claims of Christ over all we are, have and do.

When we consider the challenge of proclaiming the gospel to the remaining unreached people's of the world it raises the question 'who will go?' ... Only those who recognise that He is Lord of all and that they are servants, for Christ's sake. Only those who ask 'Lord, what do you want me to do?'

He will then send some, others will hear the affirmation to stay where they are - either way they will know they are 'about their Father's business'.

Being set free to serve ... What a blessing!
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Pressing On or Pressing In?

2010-05-26T06:45:00.000-07:00

Have just returned from our International Conference which was held in Thailand this time.

We managed to dodge the troubles around Bangkok and saw some fires, and heard some gunfire ... but nothing dramatic on that level. Watching elephants paint ... that was something else! (See photo - believe me, the camera is not lying here!)

But what did I take away from the two weeks we were together, 200 leaders from around the WEC world?

The theme of the conference was 'Inspired and Compelled' ... and I certainly was, as the Spirit moved to inspire and the love of Christ for the unreached peoples of the world compelled. There was a renewing of our commitment to the core of who we are as WECers;

Core passion - Christ and the gospel
Core values - Faith, Holiness, Sacrifice and Fellowship
Core aims - reaching people, planting churches and mobilising the body of Christ to complete the task of sharing the wonder of God's message of love, forgiveness and reconciliation in Christ.

Recognising the need to undergird anything we do with a commitment to persistent and consistent prayer.

Sensing afresh the need to sense the moving of the Holy Spirit and aligning what we do with what He is doing, and organising ourselves in ways that allow the flexibility that this requires. The common themes that recurred throughout the two weeks were;

The river of life (Ezekial 47 and Revelation 22)
The flotilla of boats ... an expression of the need to have loose structures that allow the flexibility to move together, yet distinct. (As opposed to a large super tanker that requires great effort to change direction.)

So how have I come away from these weeks?

Wondering how the Lord is going to meet the 'outrageous' faith goals that have been established ... 33 new people groups reached, 180 new church-planting locations, 1200 new workers and new prayer networks for every people group we are engaged with ... and all within the next 8 years!

So, yes we PRESS ON ... in faith, but we also PRESS IN ... towards the one who is worthy of our absolute trust!

Refreshed? Yes. Excited? Yes. Wondering what is going to happen next? Yes.

I can only communicate the detail of what happened in a blog, but I trust that the Spirit of the Lord will inspire you as you think and pray about this ... and that you will have the liberty to ask Him 'Is there anything I can be doing in this?'

More thoughts on the 'Sleeping Giant' ...

2010-05-05T04:53:00.000-07:00

I write this to give a little more explanation to what I posted yesterday;

There are two comments that I have heard often when talking to Pastors or Church Leaders ... "I have a Church of 200 going on 20!" ... or ... "20% of the people do 80% of the work" ... they might express these ideas in different ways, but they amount to the same thing.

Mobilising Christians to mission has to start by encouraging Christians to be sold out for Christ in every area of life ... Charles Finney wrote "A revival is nothing else than a new beginning of obedience to God ... the first step is a deep repentence, a breaking down of heart, a getting down into the dust before God, with deep humility and a forsaking of sin."

We can pray for revival as much as we like, but it will never happen until we take this work seriously. Thus Pauline's picture is a very powerful image that encourages me to pray. Here are some notes from Pauline to flesh out what I wrote yesterday ...

"John and I had been thinking and praying about what we should share during the UK Directors' report as part of the GO2010 mission festival. As I was praying, the Lord reminded me of a picture that he had given me several years ago as I was praying for the Church in the UK. It was a scene from the film "Gulliver's Travels" where Gulliver, the giant, has been tied down with tiny ropes and immobilised by the Lilliputians.

I believe God was saying, this is the Church – that all believers together have the potential to be a powerful giant in the land, but that believers have allowed themselves to be immobilised by many things.

The things themselves are not necessarily big things (the ropes in the picture are comparatively very small), but all of them together have rendered the giant less effective than it should be. This giant has the potential to be a real force to be reckoned with in the land, but doesn't even seem to realise it.

What are the ropes? Could be a whole host of different things - pride, apathy, complacency, disobedience, fear, discouragement, disappointment, love of money, laziness, unrighteousness, wrong motives and priorities, unbelief, materialism, consumerism, incomplete teaching….the list could go on.

The point is, when believers fully understand their liberty in Christ there is LIMITLESS potential in the Church in this country, if only it would cut itself free from these ropes that tie it down. Obedience and total surrender are key in this. However, it seems that the world and the enemy have, by very subtle means, got the upper hand in too many Christian lives.

I shared this picture in the morning meeting (although not in quite so much detail as there was very limited time) as an encouragement to the folk there that there was great potential in the marquee, and in the churches represented, and challenged the folk to think what the ropes in their lives (and churches) could be.

Each time John is reminded of that picture he feels a big burden to pray, and this was again the case on Monday ... then followed the encouraging sign from the Lord!"

If this challenges you personally, or if you are in any form of leadership, and you would like to contact us to talk more about this then please do.

GO2010 ... my initial thoughts!

2010-05-04T11:44:00.001-07:00

I want to get this of before I go on some travels and whilst it is fresh in my mind ...

What a weekend!

I should imagine that there was approximately 2,500 to 3,000 people who attended the Missions festival over the course of the three days - to hear the specific challenge of "Praying for the Nations!". The ministry of Pete Greig, George Verwer and Michael Jaffarian of Operation World was challenging on all levels ... and inspiring.

Only time will tell what fruit will come from the weekend, and from all the hardwork ... but can I please encourage all who went to send out through your blogs, facebook pages, twitter feeds, emails, letters etc. through all your networks, what the Lord said to you, how encouraged/challenged/inspired etc you have been ... and, perhaps more importantly, in the days, weeks and months to come what changes it has brought to your life.

Keep the buzz going! Role on GO2011!!

BTW - What a great team effort from the wider WEC fellowship, and all those others who helped from other mission groups and local Churches ... I pray that you will all receive back many fold what you sowed into the weekend.

Does God still speak and act to encourage His people today? Read the following and decide for yourself.

2010-05-04T11:19:00.000-07:00

In 1991, when the Lord first spoke to Pauline and I concerning the challenge to go overseas as short-term missionaries with WEC, He used the verse in Ephesians 5:14 'Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you’. At that point in time I had only been a believer for 18 months, and had no idea what the Lord was leading us into … but nonetheless the challenge came to me – Was I willing to wake up? To rise from my religious comfort and slumber and let the Lord be ‘Lord’ over my life, what I do, where I go etc etc? There was much I did not understand but what I did understand was that – above all else – I wanted His blessing to be poured out on me, and that waking up to His claims upon my life, and following His lead was a key to this. Thankfully the Lord gave us the grace to be obedient and 6 weeks later we were in Senegal with WEC!

A few years later in 2005, after we had joined WEC as long-term workers and had returned from our second spell in Senegal in 2005, we were praying and asking the Lord to mobilise His Church in the same way as we had experienced … when the Lord gave Pauline a very clear image that has stayed with us since. That of the a sleeping giant, tied down by many small ties, akin to Gulliver’s travels when he visited the Lilliputians!

We took this as an encouragement, to see the unrealised potential that exists in the Church in the UK and to trust for the wind of the Spirit to speak and release His people into His purposes …. In other words that we all might indeed ‘Seek FIRST the Kingdom…’

This Sunday evening, whilst preparing to speak at the GO2010 missions festival here at Bulstrode, we were reminded of this ‘picture’. Subsequently I was praying again, and asking the Lord to awaken His Church, and I felt the Lord say that this is happening, and to confirm this He would give me a sign!

At the same time George Verwer has been speaking here at the GO2010 festival … now George has been used mightily of the Lord to mobilise many hundreds of thousands of people to engage with the Lord and His purposes. One thing that George is well known for is his jacket (see the photo) …

So, back to the sign … I felt the Lord speak clearly to me saying that ‘I have heard your prayers and am going to answer them, and as a sign to encourage you I will ask George to give you his jacket as a part of the meeting!’

So, George gets up to speak to the assembled masses, and almost as soon as he starts to talks, he shared a testimony related to his jacket …. Then I felt ‘Here it comes’ - and at that moment George shared how he felt prompted to give me his jacket! So I went up on the platform to receive it. At the time, I am sure that for all except me this was an amusing if somewhat strange thing, unaware that it in fact represented an amazing fulfilment of a prophetic word.

Thankfully, I had the opportunity later in the meeting to explain!

So, what does this mean?

I take this as an encouragement to all … not just me! The Lord speaks to His people, the Lord has heard the cries of our hearts and the Lord is in the process of mobilising His Church … So be encouraged, keep praying, keep working … the Lord is at work.

Press on!

Confidence in the promises of God ... never misplaced!

2010-04-01T10:46:00.001-07:00

I was asked to prepare some ministry on the guiding principles of WEC - Faith, Holiness, Sacrifice and Fellowship - and how they work themselves out in a contemporary world. In preparing I was encouraged by my conclusion that in as much as the principles are based on biblical truth, then they are eternally relevant.

What each generation has to grapple with is bringing His promises and His truth into their contemporary world, and come to the place of realising that we can confidently build our whole life and sphere of activity on them. Why? Because they are an expression of who He is!

Let me give you a practical example of what I mean.

In our principle of faith we state that ... We are totally dependent on God as supplier of every need in our lives and ministry, and totally trust in Him to bring His revealed purposes to pass in spite of opposition, difficulty and apparent impossibility ... Psalm 23:1, Mt 6:33, 2 Cor 9:8, Php 4:19, Heb 11 ....

Now the passages are familiar for most Christians, but there is a world of difference between believing that our Father CAN supply all our needs, as we seek to work in obedience to His leading, and believing that He WILL supply and so pressing ahead in what He calls us to do.

So what does this look like in practice? In the first instance, we don't need to make appeals to funds to anyone other than directly to Him, as provider. He will, in His wisdom move others to give, at the time and in the amount of His deciding. Secondly, we can make plans not based on what we have already 'in the pot' but rather by what conviction we have that the Lord is challenging us to move ahead - trusting His promises.

What liberty comes when we can make decisions on this basis, and what joy and celebration when He proves Himself faithful time and time and time and time again ..... but why are we surprised by this? ... He is a faithful God!

I truly believe that the Father is longing to demonstrate to all His people that He is faithful and able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine, but how can He when our lives are sometimes so tightly managed, with so many support structures around us - in case things don't work out?

Moan or Longing? ... Read and decide for yourself!

2010-03-11T04:24:00.001-08:00

I love reading! Everything from books and magazines to competitions and recipes on the side of cereal packets if I am desperate.

I see this as a good thing, and being in this role - I find that people are always passing articles and books to me with the recommendation 'You should read this!'

Now I read quite widely, but want to focus these thoughts on the nature of Christian books that I have been encouraged to read recently. (I should clarify that these have mostly been in the devotional genre.)

These books have been both contemporary and classic - and it is this that I want to reflect on. Most of the contemporary books I have stopped reading after one, perhaps two chapters. This has been for two reasons, both of which increasingly irk me.

1/ The author has said everything they want to say in the first chapter and the rest of the book seems to be restating the same thing in different ways ... Ie - there is a lack of spiritual depth ... Instead we get sound bites!

2/ These books also seem to me to be very formulaic ... If you want this, then do this ... And God will answer all your prayers. However the doing never seems to 'cost' anything, as if somehow our Father's world is centred on us, and He is just waiting to answer our prayers, and make our lives 'nice'. Spiritual life coaching for those who want to improve their lives ...

I'm afraid I don't see that this message is reflected greatly in either Church history, or in the world in which I live (ie my messy reality) nor, more importantly, in the pages of the Bible - despite valiant efforts by authors to make it appear so!

Contrast this with the classics which seem to expound and exhort us to Biblical and, dare I say, deeper spiritual realities, such as humility (utter dependence on God in ALL things), consecration (giving over of all that I am, and have, to His Lordship) etc. etc.

Is this a moan or a longing for something deeper in contemporary, western, Christian faith?

Perhaps what I now consider classics were themselves surrounded by books such like those I have been reading recently ... But which have long been forgotten. My fear is, however, that in this 'modern world' anything contemporary has value simply because it is contemporary ... What is the latest must read? What is shaping Christian thought today?

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The harder path ... Less travelled!

2010-01-12T02:34:00.000-08:00

I was walking home in the snow this morning, having dropped the smallest member of the family off at school, my normal habit when doing this is to walk in a straight line across a nearby common to get home ... Which I started to do this morning. This was harder work than normal due to the snow which was deeper where I wanted to go, so I found myself deviating in order to find a path that many had already used ... Thus it was well worn down, flatter and easier to walk on ... Then the challenge came to me 'Is this how I have been called to live my Christian life?'

Not following the normal paths and cutting afresh into new areas is always harder work ... But it is worth it - in fact, if we are being obediant to the word of the Lord we will always be following another!

It then reminded me of the time in, 1993, when the Lord gave me what I can only describe as a 'prophetic burden' ... which has been foundational in the shaping of my life and ministry since ... Occasionally it finds it's expression through a 'prophetic word', but always it is in my mind and heart.

I don't think it is profitable to share it as it is so personal, and would probably mean little to any reader ... But from time to time since 1993 people have shared words and thoughts with us that confirm this 'burden' ... This happened again recently at a meeting in Germany.

The full expression of the burden I have yet to experience, but I feel it is coming, even though I am not entirely sure how it will look ... I continue to trust the One who is faithful.

The idea of walking in obediance on a less travelled path, regardless of the cost ... Especially in terms of reputation in the eyes of men, whether inside or outside the body of Christ ... should surely be the aim of all believers ... By His grace, it is mine!

So, we Press On!
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Will you have some of it?

2010-01-06T03:30:00.001-08:00

I trust that you are feeling refreshed and ready for all that the Lord has prepared in advance for you to do in 2010!

As I was seeking the Lord for a word for 2010 I believe He led me to Isaiah 30:15-18, which says;

This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.
Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!

What struck me most powerfully from my initial reflections on this short passage was the immensity of the promise. We face many huge challenges in the coming year - some we are already aware of, others are yet to be revealed, but we can look forward with confidence as daily we learn to 'return, rest, be quiet and trust' that we might know deliverance, salvation and strength. However, as powerful as the promise is so to the sense of sadness if we should ever be like the Israelites who 'would have none of it'! Certainly there have been seasons where I have tried to 'work things out for myself' and insodoing exhausted myself and quickly realized that my human resources are totally inadequate - only to eventually come to my senses and find a Father who is just waiting for me to look to Him, that He might glorify Himself by fulfilling His promise. Let us wait on Him and be Blessed!!

Happy Christmas!

2009-12-23T06:57:00.000-08:00

It is the middle of the last afternoon before going away for a few days to celebrate Christmas with family in the south west ... I hope the snow will permit the travel!

I just wanted to write to say 'Happy Christmas' to all of you who work, pray and support the work of WEC International here in the UK. (And, of course, any who have stumbled across this website - get in touch if you have any questions about what you are reading.)

As I come to the end of the year I am reaching the end of my 'read the Bible in a year' programme - which has been tremendously inspiring and ultimately very satisfying. I already have my plan for what to do next year and am starting with a 30 day study of John 15 'The True Vine' - Andrew Murray... can't wait.

As with most Bible reading programmes the book of Revelation comes last - much of which is difficult to understand to say the least ... however some aspects ring through loudly and clearly, and are an encouragement to us all to press on and persevere, such as the victory and authority of Christ ... Rev 5:5 states 'Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and it's seven seals.'

I am sure, like me, there is much that you are trusting for as you look to the new year ... and much you are longing to see happen as Christ builds His Church. So be encouraged, keep pressing in and have confidence in the One who HAS triumphed and who IS able.

I hope you enjoy your celebration of Emanuel ... God with us ... and live in the reality of 'Christ in you' Col 1:27.

A peace-full Christmas and new year to you all.

WEC UK Conference

2009-12-18T10:07:00.000-08:00

Spent the last week in the UK Conference at our UK HQ ... A good time to meet the wider WEC fellowship and to seek the Lord together for His leading and direction for our future work and ministry ... But more precious still was the sense of His presence with us as we worship and praise Him ... How refreshing!

Our half night of 'prayer for the nations' was also a high point for me ... As I was reading in Revelation recently 'You are worthy .... Because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God members of every tribe and language and people and nation.' (Rev 5:9)

Lord fulfill your plans for the nations ... But what an honour to be joined with Him in the task.

The theme for the Conference was 'Establishing the fondation ... For the next step' and, whilst it may appear to us that we are sometimes moving ahead, sometimes working hard to stand still and sometimes going backwards, Paul's word in Corinthians are an encouragement to us all ... 'But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ's triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of Him everywhere.' (2 Cor 2:14)

The walk of faith is striving to stay in the place of faith ... Believing the truth regardless of how it feels, or how the temporary, visible circumstances appear.

Re.Genesis

2009-11-29T07:06:00.000-08:00

Perhaps surprisingly this has nothing to do with first book of the Bible and everything to do with a well known 'prog rock' group!!! I had the opportunity to go to a concert in London to watch a cover band playing the music of one of trhe favourite bands of my youth ... Genesis ... And I was not disappointed ... Great evening of quality musicianship and music!

One of the things that struck me was that it was the quality of the music that superceded the 'names' of the band ... It didn't matter that it was not the original band members, we were left savouring the quality of the music ... I wonder how we might reflect on this?

I was reading in 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 last week ... Where the apostle Paul wrote 'thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ's triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.'

This is where we need to get to that place of trusting ... That what people are left with, after an encounter with us, is the aroma of Christ. Christ, the aroma, takes the centre stage ... Not me the vessel!

This how it should be, even as I stumble and make mistakes, the quality of the presence of Christ in me remains the same ... Thus we can always walk in triumphant procession ... in humility and not arrogance, because it is His victory not mine!!

A good reminder of the basics!

2009-11-28T05:19:00.001-08:00

One of the great things about living at a Mission headquarters is the access we have to hear what the Lord is doing in people's lives ... Whether that be experienced missionaries, new workers or short term volunteers ... This week was no different.

One of our voluntary helpers led us to look afresh at James 5:16 which says '...confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.'

A simple testimony brought home a profound truth which is so powerful, yet so rarely experienced in the body. True humility and vulnerability ... Allowing the Spirit freedom to go into the dark places, reveal the truth, shine light and bring things into the Light, that we might confess before the Lord and our closest friends ... To know healing AND a powerful and effective prayer life .. Sounds too good to be true doesn't it?

Maybe it is so simple that we too often miss out, figuring that it must be more complicated than this ... Surely?!

Losing teeth ... What can I learn from this?

2009-11-02T07:57:00.001-08:00

My littlest one has spent the last few weeks 'worrying' her two front teeth ... Knowing that things don't feel right ... But not having the courage to do what was needed (despite much agitation by her siblings, and Father, and many assurances that it would not hurt!!) ... eventually one fell out! ... then, realising that it didn't hurt, she swiftly pulled out the other!

So what can I learn from this?

How many times to I allow myself to listen to my doubts and fears, which then prevent me from doing what I know I should ... And all that despite the constant affirmation of the scriptures and the Spirit within telling me to trust .. 'Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me, Jesus!'

Trust and obey ... Simple isn't it??!!

Eurocon #2

2009-11-02T07:43:00.000-08:00

What a challenge we face in Europe ... But what a Father we serve, who equips us for the task!

Discussing ways in which we can engage all those who live in europe, demonstrating the reality of the gospel message and sharing the hope we have in Christ!

The key seems quite simple ... Seek the Lord ... And do all that He says!

Be refreshed, be relevant!!

2009-11-01T02:26:00.001-08:00

Well ... Another month and another conference! This time with the wider WEC teams working in Europe. We have come together to reflect on the contemporary scene in Europe ... and, more importantly, to seek the mind of the Lord as to how He would shape us in our lives and ministries in this continent such that we are doing what He would have us do .. in a relevant way.

How awesome too, to hear stories of Jesus, and all that He has been doing in Europe since we last met as a group, totally awe inspiring ... from the small intimate testimonies to the larger impossible things that He has accomplished ... all testiment to His greatness!!

Trusting to hear the leading of the Lord!

The work goes on!

2009-10-19T07:47:00.000-07:00

You may have been wondering if the redevelopment has ground to a halt! Well the answer to this question is most definitely not ... Whereas the updates did slow for a while ... Sorry!

But for those who have been following the redevelopment, and especially those who have any familiarity with the house, you will be interested to see the latest pictures.

The freshly completed rooms are already in use as seminar rooms, with one as a prayer room! The last residents to move into the new buildings have vacated rooms that are now in the process of being gutted before awaiting final painting.

The Lord, as always, has been so faithful in His provision of skilled workers to compliment the team here, and so progress has continued apace. However, we don't presume so please continue to pray that the Lord would release His abundant provision on us for this season ... All that we need not only to do the task at hand, but also that we might be in a position to bless others!

Recently I was reading the following verses in Psalm 112:1 'Praise the Lord, Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in His commands.'

It is one thing to know the mind of the Lord, and another to commit oneself wholeheartedly to the fulfilment of it, but the next step ... the place of fullest liberty and blessing, is to find great delight in our service.

Please pray that, as a fellowship, we would all break through to that place and remain there even if the work seems boring, mundane or difficult.

If you are not sure what this is all about then check out the website for full details http://www.wec-int.org.uk/cms/pulse/bulstrode-redevelopment-intro

Mousetrap!!!

2009-10-19T07:28:00.000-07:00

It is my birthday this week - so Pauline and I went to watch Mousetrap at the theatre in London ... Preceded by a walk round a bustling Covant Garden ... I am now a member of a cultural subset ... I know who did it!! (but, of course, my lips are sealed ... I can say that it wasn't Professor Plum in the Library with a Candlestick ... Because that's Cluedo!!! ... But I can say that the end was unexpected, but what else would you expect!)

Global Leadership Summit #3

2009-10-19T07:24:00.001-07:00

Well, that is the end of this years GLS ... And what key thought can I take away with me? ... The first must be how humbling it is to live in a culture that is so rich in resources ... When I know that there are so many areas of the world where leaders are lacking the opportunities to be resourced for the tasks they are fulfilling in the Kingdom .. But the last session contained an excellent talk by a Pastor working in Detroit, his main point was this ... Equipping is okay, as long as it leads to doing the work, and not just the gaining of another 'binder' that sits on the shelf in the office ... So, what real differences will it make to me, my walk with the Lord and my ministry with WEC? ... The answer is ... Watch this space, and give me time to reflect and ask the Lord ... And if nothing has changed by the end of next month then please contact me and ask me why not!

Global Leadership Summit #2

2009-10-16T10:53:00.000-07:00

Mmmm ... Trade vs Aid, and how to lend money most effectively into a majority world environment ... It all sounds so simple in a seminar room ... My experience in Senegal, and elsewhere, seems to give me a different expectation ... But, the challenge is to not become cynical and unaffected by the poverty around us in our global village ... How can the Christian dollar in my hand be most effective? ... Here are some thoughts which might be helpful pointers.

A/ Recognise that what I have is His not mine ... I am a steward.
B/ Trust in His ability to provide for my needs, and give generously ... Beyond that which I can afford.
C/ Make giving a priority, the thing I do first each month not last, distributing out of the firstfruits and not from what is left over.
D/ Be deliberate, intentional in my giving.
E/ Be joyful, what a privilege it is to be free to give.
F/ Ask Him 'what do you want me to do with this money you have given me!' - and then do it!!

If we all did this I am sure it would make a difference.

Check out www.kiva.org For an excellent way for everyone to support micro-enterprise initiatives around the world - with the opportunity to connect the donor and the recipient - thus personalising the process, and making a source of blessing for both.

Global Leadership Seminar #1

2009-10-16T10:48:00.000-07:00

Spending two days at the GLS, run by Willow Creek ... It is always very interesting to see how the Lord organises these things in a perfect, timely fashion!! ... The first session was looking at priorites and our 'replanishment strategies' ... As leaders this is vital but too often the 'urgent' overtakes the important (see last blog as an example) ... So we now reflect, make changes, and trust that, as a result, our leadership is more fruitful and therefore honouring to Father! ... Rom 8:6 says that 'the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace' ... Let it be so for us all ... Father, lead us on!! ... Time for the next session!

Grabbing some time out!

2009-10-15T11:56:00.000-07:00

Just a quick snap, taking in the dingy light of a local restaurant! Having dropped a number of the kids off at various clubs ... Church youth group, Scouts etc ... We have managed to fit in a quiet hour together ... No mean feat! ... It is funny to think that whilst we know that time alone together is very important it seems to be low in our actual 'to do' list ... Swamped by other 'urgent' things ... Life is like that, the urgent often overtakes the important.

Holidays ...

2009-10-12T11:13:00.000-07:00

This is a little snap of our littlest 'Baggie' - enjoying the sun in the South of France ... really just trying out the camera and mobile posting to the blog ... couldn't bring myself to delete it after the test worked ... too gorgeous! ... truly children are a gift from God!

Boys road trip ...

2009-10-12T09:02:00.000-07:00

Had the opportunity for weekend of ministry in the Isle of Wight recently ... so Ollie and I decided to go together ... the weekend was made up of a multi-cultural evening with food from many different countries ... the Senegalese Chicken Yassa was a firm favourite ... Ollie managed to take a chunk out of my finger with a cantankerous roll-out display ... he thinks it was my fault ... then we had a Church service in the morning before returning home ... the hospitality was very warm ... the weather was great and it was good to spend some time together ... as well as meeting friends from our time in Senegal ... should do these road trips more often.

I think I may have converted him to Prog Rock ... many hours confined in a car with your Dad's limited collection of CD music can have that effect ... though he now listens to it voluntarily I notice ... is this brainwashing?

Working together ....

2009-10-12T08:48:00.001-07:00

Just spent a short time ... too short ... talking to another leader of a Christian organisation. How encouraging it is to talk about doing things together ... and seeing the potential for fruitful ministry that this brings.

Of course, the Church is not renowned for working together ... in fact, quite the opposite ... but when this genuinely happens and people are prepared to set aside personal agendas for the One agenda that matters ... His agenda ... we will increasingly see the huge potential for fruit realised.

There is much that could separate us ... doctrine, practise, conviction, denomination ... but there is one thing that must unite us ... Christ, who is the head ... and there is only one body, His Church ... in all it's glorious diversity ... but one nonetheless.

There is still a lot we can be doing for Christ ... yet too often we resemble two ants arguing over the carcass of an elephant!

I promise that if you and I are faced with sharing the great news of the gospel with the last person on earth who has yet to hear ... then I will let you go first!

Watch this space for any developments ...

Why do we feel down ...?

2009-10-12T08:27:00.001-07:00

Have just had a few hectic weeks chasing round the country .... many miles in trains, planes and cars ... too many different beds. However, at the same time it has been great to meet many new people, encourage some (I hope) and see things moving ahead. Very encouraging for me to see! God is at work!

Then came home last week to have a flu jab ... I'm not old, just diabetic! ... which, as usual, gives me mild flu symptoms - this on top of all the travelling leaves me feeling fatigued and washed out.

I tend towards being melancholic by nature, to see if you are check out which type of music most appeals to you, as some old sage suggested 'music touches the spirit it finds...' or something like that. So when I am feeling a little low I have to work hard not to continue feeling low.

So what is the solution? Always to take a step back, reflect on the Word, and see all that is happening around me. How God's grace touches someone else in the midst of seeming despair, brings comfort to the hurt or liberty to those in bondage ... whatever that might be ... and recognise that this same God, my Father, is working in the same way in my life.

I don't bless others ... He blesses others through me ... the focus is on Him not me ... and so should my focus be.

Snakes and Ladders

2009-04-13T03:55:00.000-07:00

As it is the Easter holidays we have taken the opportunity to pay a visit to our sending Church in Paignton, Devon. Had a great day at Church yesterday and am now sat around a table playing the classic family game 'snakes and ladders' - has there ever been a game more designed to frustrate or bring you to tears as you hit the head of the last snake at square 99 out of 100??!! Well that is the affect it has on a certain small member of my family - who knew that the game could have such importance?

What a difference there is between this game and a walk of faith. When we listen to the voice of the Living God we are never led up blind alleys only to fall at the last hurdle! Hope is Him is never misplaced, and even if we stumble along the way, we never fall - because He is faithful. We will all get to the 100th square as it were!

One similarity however is that we have to keep going - I must confess that after the seventh failed attempt at square 99 I went off, under the pretence of making a cup of tea. The kids persevered and finally made it to 100 - a lesson for me to learn there!

Hope to see you all on the 100th square one day - when we will have an eternity to explain how He got us there, in the meantime can I encourage you to keep telling others the only way to get there!

Light evenings!

2009-04-02T12:07:00.000-07:00

This is the second blog entry - unfortunately the last blog got lost in cyberspace whilst I was waitring in an airport en route to Albania. Anyway, here we go again!

This year I was up to date with the changing of the clocks - springing forward - which meant that I got to Church on time on Sunday morning, rather than being an hour late, which is not unusual. It is funny but since living in Africa this is one of the things that I still havn't really readjusted back to.

So this evening I have been outside with Pauline, sat in the garden enjoying a cup of tea. Somehow there seems to be more time in the day to do things ... which is great when there is so much to do. More time for family ... sport (45mins of football three times a week)... and work/ministry. Great!

Having a sense of more time gives us the 'luxury' of reflection - a timeless activity that, by definition can't be rushed. The space that this gives provides an opportunity for the Spirit to share a simple or profound insight ... either way it's precious time, more fully knowing the one who truly and fully knows me!

Variety and the spice of life

2009-03-11T02:36:00.000-07:00

Am currently sat on a wall enjoying a cup of coffee, Costa decaf latte - coffee of choice!, pondering two things.
1/ If I use my phone to write my blog it will make each entry shorter - as my thumbs are short and fat making the keys more annoying to use over a long period of time .... and
2/ How varied my life is, and how much I enjoy that. Working full time as a Christian Missionary is a joy and a challenge - in varying amounts - but it is always a privilege. Being invovlved, by His choice not my ability, in something that is always changing and always growing, His kingdom - is just awesome. Especially when the Masterplan is always going to be fulfilled because it is determined by Him and not me! How liberating and encouraging.

Anyway, thumbs are sore and coffee is gone - so on to the next thing ..... Father, what are you up to today? Can I be a part of it?? (Not my words - just a great quote, thanks Rubi.)