Before I share a reflection on the past busy week I'd like to express my anger and disappointment over the recent activities of Terry Jones in the USA who put the Koran on trial and burned a copy. There is an interesting parallel news story released this (Sunday) morning from Libya where thoughtless jubilation by Libyan opposition fighters precipitated an air attack by a coalition fighter. Libyans fired weapons including an anti-aircraft gun into the air leading the coalition fighter to believe it was under attack. It responded and at least 13 men died unnecessarily. The worst of "own goals".
That some Muslim extremists use Koranic texts to justify violence against other religions is well known. It is also well known that the vast majority of Muslim people and scholars condemn such interpretations and actions. For Terry Jones to act as he did was at best a mindless act of stupidity and he is culpable for the reaction he then precipitated. Of course, that said it does not justify the attack on the UN staff and premises in Afghanistan or subsequent attacks on churches in Pakistan.
Americans assert that their First Amendment provides legal grounds for Terry Jones' actions but while a court of law in America might find it impossible to hold him accountable, I am confident that a far higher seat of judgement will take a different view. For ourselves, where our own society is increasingly pluralistic, we need to learn how to live out and share the gospel in the Spirit of Christ.
Now to my own news. Firstly, this has been a busy week at Yelvertoft, Northamptonshire where I took a school assembly on Tuesday and led Lent Groups on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning. Both groups are working well and the larger group on Thursday has developed into one of the best Bible discussion groups I have ever encountered. It is a delight!
On Tuesday evening Doreen and I travelled to Hastings for an overnight visit to our sister-in-law in advance of attending the service of thanksgiving for the life of one of our friends at Herstmonceux, East Sussex. The occasion provided an opportunity to visit old friends from the church in Hastings where I ministered for 21 years, and to spend time with friends from Herstmonceux where I ministered for almost 15 years. We shared sorrow at out temporary loss of a very dear friend and sister, and supported her husband, who personally gave the best eulogy I have ever heard. It was personal, touching, endearing, honouring, and full of the Christian hope for that better life still to come. Doreen and Colin Porter were a wonderful joint gift from God to the church at Herstmonceux. Tragically, they lost their daughter only a few weeks ago after a long battle with Leukaemia and I commend Colin to your prayers.
Coming this week
Sunday 3rd - Yelvertoft with a focus on Street Pastors in nearby Rugby.
Monday 4th - School Assembly in Lubenham, Leics.
Tuesday 5th - "Holiday at Home" mission planning meeting and Gartree Prison.
Wednesday 6th - Lent Group 1 session 4, Yelvertoft
Thursday 7th - Lent Group 2 Session 3, Yelvertoft
Sunday 10th - Blaby Congregational Church, Leicestershire.
Also this week: (a) some intensive reading and research for my university work, (b) some articles to write, and (c) some further training preparation for the 13.5 sponsored walk on 16th April in aid of a charity based in the Dominican Republic (sponsorship appreciated if possible please).
As ever, our very sincere thanks for your interest and prayers.
Barry
That some Muslim extremists use Koranic texts to justify violence against other religions is well known. It is also well known that the vast majority of Muslim people and scholars condemn such interpretations and actions. For Terry Jones to act as he did was at best a mindless act of stupidity and he is culpable for the reaction he then precipitated. Of course, that said it does not justify the attack on the UN staff and premises in Afghanistan or subsequent attacks on churches in Pakistan.
Americans assert that their First Amendment provides legal grounds for Terry Jones' actions but while a court of law in America might find it impossible to hold him accountable, I am confident that a far higher seat of judgement will take a different view. For ourselves, where our own society is increasingly pluralistic, we need to learn how to live out and share the gospel in the Spirit of Christ.
Now to my own news. Firstly, this has been a busy week at Yelvertoft, Northamptonshire where I took a school assembly on Tuesday and led Lent Groups on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning. Both groups are working well and the larger group on Thursday has developed into one of the best Bible discussion groups I have ever encountered. It is a delight!
On Tuesday evening Doreen and I travelled to Hastings for an overnight visit to our sister-in-law in advance of attending the service of thanksgiving for the life of one of our friends at Herstmonceux, East Sussex. The occasion provided an opportunity to visit old friends from the church in Hastings where I ministered for 21 years, and to spend time with friends from Herstmonceux where I ministered for almost 15 years. We shared sorrow at out temporary loss of a very dear friend and sister, and supported her husband, who personally gave the best eulogy I have ever heard. It was personal, touching, endearing, honouring, and full of the Christian hope for that better life still to come. Doreen and Colin Porter were a wonderful joint gift from God to the church at Herstmonceux. Tragically, they lost their daughter only a few weeks ago after a long battle with Leukaemia and I commend Colin to your prayers.
Coming this week
Sunday 3rd - Yelvertoft with a focus on Street Pastors in nearby Rugby.
Monday 4th - School Assembly in Lubenham, Leics.
Tuesday 5th - "Holiday at Home" mission planning meeting and Gartree Prison.
Wednesday 6th - Lent Group 1 session 4, Yelvertoft
Thursday 7th - Lent Group 2 Session 3, Yelvertoft
Sunday 10th - Blaby Congregational Church, Leicestershire.
Also this week: (a) some intensive reading and research for my university work, (b) some articles to write, and (c) some further training preparation for the 13.5 sponsored walk on 16th April in aid of a charity based in the Dominican Republic (sponsorship appreciated if possible please).
As ever, our very sincere thanks for your interest and prayers.
Barry
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