Saturday 31 August 2013

Am I my brother's keeper?

Like many others I have found myself feeling quite conflicted during the past week, both before and since the vote in the UK Parliament on Thursday evening.  How might I have voted if the responsibility was mine?  At times those whom we elect to represent us in Parliament are faced with extremely difficult decisions.  How they need our prayers and God's guidance in their deliberations!  But simply appointing others to take the tough decisions does not relieve of from the responsibility to do our own struggling with the moral and ethical issues.  It is all too easy to pass the buck.

I also find myself deeply disturbed by the commentators who state such things as Parliament reflecting the views of the people.  If the people are not fully engaging with the issues and worse still, allowing ourselves to be influenced by the spin of journalists, what kind of quality does the view of the people possess?  Our Members of Parliament are not delegates, there to express our opinion; they are elected to lead.  This brings us back to reflect on what we understand democracy to be.  I am not sure that I want a Parliament that bases all its decisions on the mood of the people.  Majority decisions are not necessarily always right.  Consider the majority decisions when the Children of Israel were on the verge of entering the Promised Land, or on the matter of creating the golden calf, or the decision to create a monarchy in Israel, or in Pilate's courtyard.

In times of general moral decline I hear far too often "Well, its OK because everybody does it".  Is that sufficient reason for allowing standards to slip and following the crowd?  On what, exactly, do we want the tough decisions to be based?  Good and godly governance is clearly what everyone would want.  Both abusive dictatorial or autocratic government and weak government are harmful.

Cain's feeble question to the Almighty echoes down the centuries.  It finds responses in such accounts as the parable of the Good Samaritan, and in Pilate washing his hands and surrendering an innocent man to the mob.  I grew up at a time when the decision as to who to vote for in the elections was based more on opinions of moral character than party policies.  I regret that this seems to have been lost.  But on this current issue regarding Syria I still find myself conflicted and struggling.  It seems there is no easy solution. I regret that Bashar al-Assad broke the initial promise he made to reign in the oppression of certain government bodies and to move towards greater democracy.  At that time he carried significant goodwill.  Since then we now have some disturbing extreme elements in the bodies opposing his regime.  Politically it is a mess.

But on the human level we have seen and, I fear, will continue to see horrific scenes of people suffering from chemical warfare and now incendiary weapons deliberately targeted on civilians including women and children.  Whether our Government and Parliament will face again the question of taking military action in this situation is uncertain.  What is certain is that we should care and at the very least we should be engaging in earnest prayer for righteousness and wisdom among world leaders and our own politicians, and for peace to come to the suffering people of the Middle East.  Dare we pray, "Your kingdom come.." this Sunday without greater resolve on our own part?

God's response to Cain is surely the same to us today.  "Your brother's blood cries out to me from the ground".  God save us from "washing our hands" and teach us to more often clasp them in earnest prayer.

From my diary

Your prayers during my activities in Sussex two weeks ago were much appreciated.  It has felt that real progress is being made as we work to resolve the problem inherited from poor management by a former trustee and executive of a mission organisation of which I am now a trustee.

I have had useful meetings with church leaders regarding the research I am doing with Winchester University into attitudes and practise in evangelism in English rural churches.  Over the next few weeks I anticipate meeting with supervisors at Winchester as I re-engage with this programme.

Sunday 1st - Ministry at yelvertoft Congregational Church, Northants

Monday 2nd - Planning Meeting for school assemblies in the morning.  Meeting with our Children and Families Worker in the afternoon.

Tuesday 3rd - Attending an important meeting in Nottingham where my role is providing pastoral support.  Please pray for honesty, clarity and wisdom for all taking part.

Wednesday 4th - Participating in a Pastoral care Board Meeting for the Congregational Federation in Nottingham.  This Board is entrusted with important responsibilities and your prayers will be appreciated.

Thursday 5th - We have our Bible discussion meeting.  I missed the last one and the passage we shall look at is challenging.  I am also due to be back in Nottingham for a meeting for Area Workers' line managers.

Friday 6th - in the evening I will be participating in the East Midlands Area of the Congregational Federation's Finance and General Purposes Committee Meeting at Ashby de la Zouche, Leics.

Saturday 7th  and Sunday 8th I will be speaking in Bradford, Yorkshire, to celebrate a special anniversary service in Tony and Sue Newnhams' ministry.  Tony and Sue worked with us in Mission for Christ many years ago, following which Tony entered ministry in the Baptist Union.

You will see this is going to be a very busy week of engagements and Doreen and I would especially value your prayers for safety in the travelling and for grace and wisdom in deliberations, and an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on ministry.

Thank you.





Saturday 17 August 2013

Working through the challenges

Yet another week with answers to prayer.  For me, the outstanding aspect of the past week at "Holiday at Home" in Market Harborough has been the excellent relationships between the team members.  It wasn't that we did everything absolutely perfectly; it was because of the grace God gave us.  I believe this has been a powerful witness for the gospel.  It is also precisely what I asked you to pray for.

Neil giving one of the talks.
Over 50 mainly older people attended the events with the average daily attendance very high.  Some are Christians; some are not.  In addition to the witness through the commitment and actions of the team there were opportunities for clearly but gently sharing the gospel.

I have been publishing the photos on my facebook page and will endeavour to create a slide show if possible to replace the out of date slide show on the right of the screen.  The pictures show the variety of activities we provided and give some idea of the pleasure these provided.  Each morning (Monday to Wednesday and Friday) the morning was split into two parts.  The first part contained a choice of activities.  The second part we shared together and included a short gospel talk.  On Thursday we provided an outing to a garden centre and a ride on a steam train.

Please pray that the Holy Spirit will work in the hearts of all, especially drawing to himself those who have yet to put their trust in Jesus.

This week's activities:

Sunday 18th Yelvertoft Congregational Church

Monday 19th Meeting with Baptist Regional Minister in connection with the research into rural evangelism.

Tuesday 20th Regular visit to HMP Gartree.

Wednesday 21st Undergoing additional security training at HMP Gartree in the morning.  Then Doreen and I  are travelling to Gillingham, Kent where I will be based for the next two days working in East Sussex in connection with Mission for Christ/Action for Christ.

In 1979 Cecil Cotton, a dear friend and a trustee of Mission for Christ died leaving me as one of the executors of his will.  His (substantial) house and adjoining land were left to that Mission but it only benefits following the death or marriage of his daughter, Clare.  The trustees first duty is to provide for Clare.  I ceased in this role somewhere around 1990 but have recently had to take it up again together with my colleague in MfC, Elizabeth Ingram.  There were never any funds to manage the property and consequently it has fallen into extreme disrepair.  There is a whole raft of complaints from Local Authorities, neighbours and other Statutory Authorities.

One of the former trustees under the will now lives in the USA, and has been very helpful.  The other former trustee, who was the primary manager of the trust, is the same trustee of Mission for Christ whose management of that charity has led to substantial loss of funds.  Just getting to a situation where the authorities would empower Elizabeth and I to act has been a challenge.  We had a wonderful answer to prayer yesterday, subject to confirmation.

This is not a role either Elizabeth or I welcome.  However, there are issues of justice and responsibility.  Sometimes one cannot walk away.  Please pray as I visit Clare later this coming week and meet with the various public bodies and neighbours.  Pray for wisdom and grace as we seek the best outcome for Clare, and all concerned.

I also expect to meet with a potential new trustee for Action for Christ and to spend a day working with Heather in the MfC/AfC offices.

Ministry in the family
Some readers will be aware that my brother in law, Paul Daniels, is a faithful servant of God.  His ministry of Bible teaching is very much appreciated.  Some may also be aware that his elder daughter, Vicki Cottingham, maintains a blog in which she share her own reflections on scripture from her perspective as someone who struggles with the condition known as M.E.  I am always blessed by her writing and gladly point you to the website vickicottingham.blogspot.com (no need for www).

Dropbox
For any who have not heard about Dropbox before, it is a helpful internet facility for storing files (such as photo albums) and for sharing them with others.  Among other uses, I use this for work and recorded dictation is passed to those who type this up for me.  They then pass the typed work back in the same way. (This is a reminder to ask you to pray please for Lynne and Heather who do this work for me).

You might also find Dropbox useful.  It is free to use the basic package which is sufficient for most folk.  I can gain extra resources for my own ministry use if anyone signs up to use Dropbox as a result of a recommendation from me.  Watch out, as one will come your way!  If you have a scattered family and like to share lots of photos or important documents you would find this helpful.

Your Kingdom Come
As we see and hear the dreadful things happening in the Middle East at this time no doubt we are all moved to pray.  We have links with Christians in Syria and Lebanon.  We are also aware of Christians who live in Egypt.  This is an exceptionally tough time for them.  I close this post by asking your prayers on their behalf.  Some are living with the threat of an aggressive expression of Islam.  The majority of Muslims, including some of my friends, would disown what is done in their name.  Please pray for our sisters and brothers in Christ in these difficult times.



PS Giving a Bit
So far we have not received any funds from this scheme.  Please remember that if you shop online you can benefit the charity under which my rural ministry operates if you sign up with www.givingabit.com.  The charity name is Sunrise Ministries.  There are many major stores that support charities through this scheme.


Saturday 10 August 2013

Signs, symbols and Holiday at Home

This week I want to start by directing your prayers to the main activity I will be involved in this week.  But I also want to link it to part of the passage from Isaiah which was the subject of the Bible Discussion meeting in Yelvertoft last Thursday.

During the 25 years I spent working in Mission for Christ (1963-1988) we had a network of associate evangelists and ministers.  Among these were Brian and Clare Kennard.  Later Brian trained for ministry in the Methodist Church,  So when, a few years ago, Brian was called to be the Minister at Harborough Methodist Circuit, based where Doreen and I live, you will imagine how delighted I was.  While his ministry had developed and enlarged, he has not lost his zeal for encouraging others to come to Christ.  He wasn't in the town long when he suggested starting "Holiday at Home".  It has been my privilege to work alongside him and others on this regular annual five day project.

Our version of H@H starts each day with a team meeting and prayer before the guests start to arrive any time around 9.45.  Once their attendance is registered and they have paid the £5 for the morning programme and the lunch, they enjoy coffee and biscuits and a chat with others as we approach the official start time of 10.00.  We will be able to spot those who have been before and those who are attending for the first time this year.  On any day there is unlikely to be less than 30 and possibly as many as 50, most of whom will be of retirement age and quite a few will be widows or widowers.

The morning is divided into two parts with another coffee break in between.  The first session will include the choice of several activities.  These have included such things as painting, model making, or other craft based activity, instant drama, creative writing, story telling skills, learning computer skills, relaxation class, cooking, flower arranging ,,,,, and more.  Everyone comes together for the second session, when there might be something such as an interesting speaker, some community singing, or a film show.  Then before lunch there will be "Lite Bite", which is a short Christian talk before we sit down to an excellent two course lunch followed by tea or coffee.  This pattern operates on days 1,2,3 and 5.  On day 4 we take everyone out on an outing, still for the price of £5.

I wonder whether anyone is thinking, where is the evangelism in this?  Is it better described as pre-evangelism?  For me, the whole programme is about evangelism.  This might mean coming alongside an older person for whom life might be a struggle, or someone who has recently experienced a loss.  It means caring and giving time to listen.  It means showing people that they are valued by us because they are valued by God.  The short talks might be the only bible base input, but the whole experience is the gospel being lived out.  We have a Saviour who cared about his disciples getting some rest, who cared that people were hungry.  It wasn't all about preaching and healing.

We know that God has worked in people's lives through Holiday at Home.  I am asking for your prayers each day.  Please pray that those of us on the team and others who are Christians will genuinely show God's love in our words and actions.  Pray that we will be sensitive to the needs that will be there each day.  Pray for those who attend who do not have a living relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  Pray that the Holy Spirit will draw people, and that we will be ready to share the good news when appropriate,

We were supposed to have studied and talked about Isaiah chapters 7 to 11 last Thursday but only got chapters 7 and 8 covered.  Isaiah starts by telling us that Ahaz is King of Judah at this time.  He was the worst of the four kings who reigned successively during Isaiah's ministry.  The people were apostate and living under the threat of invasion by neighbouring powers.  Instead of looking to God and trusting him in the crisis, they seemed to have turned to occult practises and sought any other help than what God was offering.  They were bringing trouble down upon their own heads in the process.

Into this situation God has raised up Isaiah as his prophet, though he has been told that the people will turn a deaf ear to his message.  Isaiah is given two sons and these become prophetic signs with prophetic names. Isaiah is told to boldly publish part of his prophecy.  It would have been like putting up a large banner or advertising hoarding.  Through it all comes the name Immanuel (God with us) for despite all that will befall this spiritually fallen nation God still cared and had a plan of salvation.  But it is in the midst of the spiritual darkness that Isaiah declares. "Here am I, and the children the Lord has given me.  We are signs and symbols in Israel from the Lord Almighty, who dwells on Mount Zion" (Isa 8 :18).  Their presence was a visual aid that supported the prophetic word.

Today Christians are called to be exactly that - signs and symbols of the kingdom of God.  You may already be aware that the writer to the Hebrews quotes this verse from Isaiah as he (or she?) writes of Jesus who was made lower than the angels to become our Saviour.  We are called to exercise a prophetic ministry not just by the proclamation of God's word but by living a life filled with the Holy Spirit and in the Jesus way.  How we live is vital to the effect of the message we share.  Paul stresses the importance of this in chapter 13 of 1 Corinthians.  Just as the life of Jesus revealed the character of God, so we should be standing with him (as the sons of Isaiah stood with him) and like him so that the world would be able to see the kingdom of God lived out before them.

If we care that people should hear and believe God's word, then it is incumbent upon us to do all we can to live in a loving relationship with one another.  When we get it wrong we weaken the word we share.  This is profoundly challenging. If we are God's children we should demonstrate that relationship in family likeness.  Our all too common failure to draw of God's grace and power should make us weep.

Perhaps it is worth taking a moment to search our hearts as to how and why we fail, then to seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit afresh that people might see Jesus in us.

Which brings me back to our meetings each day this week in Market Harborough.  Please pray that we might truly be a corporate testimony to God's grace: sign and symbol of the kingdom of God.

Thank you for your prayers.

Barry

Saturday 3 August 2013

What inspires our giving?

More than once recently I have come across Christian organisations that have held or are about to hold special fund-raising events to which supporters are invited and from which they expect to raise significant amounts of money.  These might involve professional entertainment or an elaborate banquet.  This form of fund-raising has been common for secular charities but it is becoming increasingly common in a Christian context.  Sometimes they have been arranged, or influenced, by professional fund-raising organisations.

I find myself having mixed feelings about this practise.  What does it have to say about the spirit of generosity that is expected to be a hallmark of Christian life?  In order to get us to part with our money do we have to be coaxed by some kind of treat?  Such events are expensive in themselves but raise more money than they cost, of course.  But they still involve significant outlay.  I am aware of Christian charities that spend a significant percentage of their income in order to raise more support.  Frankly, I find it disappointing and distasteful.

In Mark 12 41-44 we read about the widow that Jesus observed putting money into one of the thirteen trumpet shape depositories in the Women's Court of the Temple.  It reminds me of the story of a man who used to put a miserable amount (compared to his wealth) into his church offerings.  Each time he would whisper to the steward taking up the collection, "The widow's mite". One Sunday the steward returned to the man a second time.  The man was surprised and probably shocked when the steward whispered to him, "The widow gave two mites!"  Not many moments later the steward returned again.  "What now?" asked the man, to which the steward replied, "The widow gave her all!"

In what we call the Second Letter to the Corinthians chapters 8 and 9 Paul addresses the issue of responsible giving. In it he makes reference to the exceptional generosity of the Macedonian Christian who, despite their own financial difficulties ("severe trial and extreme poverty") had given super-generously to God and thus to Paul. See Philippians 4: 14-19 for another commentary on this sacrifice to God  Paul is using the example of the Macedonian Christians to stir the Corinthian Christians to greater generosity.  It has been said that when God has our hearts he has our wallets and purses.

Both the widow in the temple and the Christians at Philippi are describes as being in severe poverty, but giving beyond their ability.

Miss Lloyd was a little frail and blind Christian lady I came to know when I started out as a teenager in Christian work.  After our weekly mission prayer meeting I would walk her to the main road where she could catch a bus back home.  If there wasn't a bus in sight she would insist on my walking her to the next bus stop, thus saving "another penny for the Lord's work".   Miss Gage, a great prayer partner from the past,  had sold her family home in West Sussex to release money for overseas mission work.  She moved into two sheds at the bottom of the garden where there was only a stand pipe for water, no proper drainage and no electricity or gas. For many years she lived like that, selling off what remained of her furniture for the Lord's work, largely living off vegetables she grew in her garden, and growing flowers to beautify the local cottage hospital.  Visiting her was embarrassing as I never failed to come away without her opening the tin that contained money she had set aside for the Lord's work.  On one occasion when I visited her she said, "Isn't that Mr Wilson a nice man."  She was referring to Harold Wilson who at the time was the UK Prime Minister.  It was unusual to hear her pass a comment about politics so I asked why she thought so.  She replied, "He has given me £100 to put into the Lord's work!"  She was referring to a government grant for helping older people pay heating bills through the winter. This woman gave sacrificially.  When she died I wrote the story of her life in a newspaper and entitled it "From a hut to a mansion".  It has found its way into other articles and at least one book (but no acknowledgement of the source!).

Of course there are biblical incentives: "Give and it shall be given unto you, pressed down, shaken together, and running over" and "My God shall supply all your needs..."  But in these tough times for us all when Christian charity trustees wonder how they will get through another year (or even another month), do we need to be enticed to give through being given expensive treats?  If we do need such enticement then I am ashamed.  The cost of just one such fund-raiser would probably feed and house many of the poorest people in the world.  Surely, the generosity of our God in sending his Son into the world to suffer on the cross to free us from our guilt and grant us eternal and abundant life - surely this should be enough to loosen our purse strings!

A young boy was seen by his mother to be setting aside some of the nicest bits of his Sunday lunch, planning to give these to his pet dog.  His mother quickly told him that he was to eat this up and that she would put something down for the dog later.  When the meal was over the boy saw his mother scrape what was left on all the plates - the burnt bits, the un-chewable bits, the unwanted bits, all onto a dish which she then gave to the dog.  The boy slipped off his seat and put his arms around the dog's neck.  "Sorry, "he said, "I wanted to give you an offering, but mummy has taken up a collection instead"!

While I bemoan the need of Christian charities to finance fund-raisers, I much more bemoan the fact that for far too many this is the only way of getting people to part with their money.  I hope that I'm preaching to the converted!

Now for the News!
  • We praise God for a wonderful conference throughout last week for members of the International Congregational Fellowship.  Great Bible Studies.  Wonderful speakers at the main sessions.  Helpful workshops.  Unspeakably precious fellowship, and so much more.  God is good.  Well worth the hard work that it cost.
  • We praise God that Heather (Administrator for Action for Christ) is in the process of moving into her new home.  This is a real answer to prayer.
  • Please pray as Action for Christ offers the bookkeeping and typing service that could keep this work going at a time when many of its supporters have gone to glory, and income is low.
  • Last Sunday was a precious time at Yelvertoft with the congregation about 50% larger than usual.  Please pray for the ministry there for the next two Sundays and on this Thursday as we continue the Bible discussion based on Isaiah.
  • An Ophthalmic Consultant at the Leicester Royal Infirmary told me today that some 15 years or more ago I was wrongly diagnosed as having macular degeneration.  What I actually have is a rare condition called Adult-onset Vitelliform Faveomacular Dystrphy.  This is a more benign condition that is slowly taking my sight.  There is no treatment or cure.  Of course, God could cure me miraculously.  Meanwhile I am motivated to press on with my university research into rural evangelism, and the promotion of Tailored Mission Strategies as fast as possible.
  • During the ICF Conference church leaders from the USA, Greece and Lebanon took copies of Time for Action", the book I helped to write on the pastoral care of people sexually abused.  More would have gone if I had the copies with me.  I also have requests for copies on my books on rural evangelism.  All of which is very encouraging.
  • Apart from returning from the Conference encouraged by the interest shown and expressions of appreciate for the small ministry I provided by God's grace, I returned home deprived of sleep but (wait for it....) having past two responsibilities on to others!  In both cases they are very able people who will no doubt do a better job!
  • My week includes Yelvertoft on Sunday, HMP Gartree on Tuesday, Rural Evangelism Network Committee on Wednesday at Birmingham, Yelvertoft Bible Discussion on Thursday, and preparation for Holiday at Home in the following week.
  • Please pray for Monica, my colleague in Sunrise Ministries, as she will be involved in ministry at a place called Pant y Dwr, Powys.  Pray also for Rebecca and Maureen, mission workers in the East Midlands for whom I am line manager.
Please try to be an "Andrew" this week and bring someone to Jesus for the first time.  Good news is for sharing.  Success in evangelism comes not from overworking, but from overflowing.

My thanks for the warmth of your fellowship.

Barry