Cardboard Boxes Can’t Cut Grass.

I went down to Manila last Wednesday and came back on Friday night. We really desperately needed to get a pile of stuff for Sefton Village and so Jonathan & I headed down in my van with a local Pastor who came to help. It was non stop shopping! We got new lights for the Fire Centre, new PA for the church, heaps of things for the Children’s Home, 40 ring-binders & notebooks for the students etc. etc. We were jam packed.

One of the things that Jonathan really needed was a new lawnmower. We had two really old ones but they graduated to the big lawn in the sky a few months ago. Jonathan tried to resurrect them, but the old mowers were no mower. Ahem. Well, we managed to get a good deal on a new Briggs & Stratton 4hp lawnmower WITH a grass catcher! Wow, in the Philippines usually the guy who cuts the grass is also the grass gatherer at the end! So Johnny boy was over the moon.

We got back and unloaded all our stuff. Of course, being a good dad and living in the Filipino culture I had brought back my two kids Pasalubongs (gifts). Just a set of 3 cars from ‘Cars’ for Josiah and a Care bear for Lydia. They started playing enthusiastically for about 3 minutes and then I noticed them looking out the window. There, with a humungus (?) grin on his face, was Jonathan unpacking and building his lawnmower. “It’s very big dad”, “Can I have a go?”, and “Do you think Uncle Jonathan will give it to us?” I was initially very impressed at their apparent interest in things mechanical … but I was confused by their desire for a lawnmower.

They ran outside and the next thing I knew they had brought the object of their desire into the house … no, not the lawnmower but the box of the lawnmower! They played and played, tossed and tumbled, laughed (and cried!), jumped and slid around for around an hour. You should have heard their laughter and obvious excitement. They poked their eyes out the sides and pretended they were serving at McDonalds! Such imaginations. Lightning McQueen and Tender Heart were soon forgotten.

Got me thinking. When Briggs & Stratton built this box, they did not have playing in mind. They didn’t have kids in mind. They didn’t have McDonalds restaurants in mind. All they wanted was an attractive but strong cardboard carton that would protect and advertise their product. But my two excited kids they saw it as a boat, a car and a fast food restaurant. They were not interested in cutting grass; they were interested in having a good time.

A bit like us. Spiritually … we love playing with packaging. We love making the minor major. We often make the major minor. We love to miss the point. We love to dwell in the insignificant. We love to talk. We love to play in the shallows of greatness.

Don’t believe me? God has amazing things for us to do. He shows us plans, dreams and vision. He gives us gifts to use to do the job. He gives us all the authority in heaven to use in any given situation. He gives us His name to combat the works of the enemy. He bestows upon us all the power inherited and won by His Son.

And what do we often do? We argue, we debate, we plan, we consider, we procrastinate, we dwell … anything but get the job done.

Take evangelism. We read books, we watch DVD’s, we talk about it, and we debate the different styles and methods. But only few churches have an evangelistic department or programme. Gifts of Holy Spirit – we know all about each gift, how to use each gift, the purpose of each gift, the power of each gift, we can categorize them into different groupings … but so very few actually use the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the church … or just as importantly... on the street. Prayer – we know we should pray, how important it is, when we should pray, we know we should be at the prayer meeting, but … our prayer meetings are empty. Often our time with the Lord is pushed aside.

We love packaging. We love to talk. We love to play. But packaging will never cut grass. Jonah loved packaging. He was more concerned about a stupid little tree than the eternal destination of 120,000 people.

My friend, there is ‘grass to be cut’. There are people to be won for Christ. There are places that have absolutely no Christian witness. Whole towns and villages are going to hell. There are people who are desperate for a healing touch … just someone to visit them with some encouragement. There are broken people, oppressed people, lonely people, damaged people. Just down your street. You don’t have to walk far to find emptiness.

The crunch of my life came when a couple sang a simple song at a youth conference in Fraserburgh. The song was about a farmer who was a father. All his family and friend were in his house having a party. They were having a ball! But as he looked out to the fields and saw the huge harvest he said to himself, “My house is full … but my fields are empty. Who will go and work for me today?” For me, this was the call of God.

Don’t play with the packaging any more. It’s time to ask the Lord of the Harvest to equip you for the work he has for you. It’s time to seek Him. It’s time to eagerly desire spiritual gifts. It’s time to cry out for your purpose, your vision, your destiny.

Because cardboard boxes can’t cut grass ….

Selah ...

The Beauty of a Tranformed Life

Last Saturday at 9am we had another Cornerstone baptismal service here at Sefton. We had eleven people follow the Lord through the waters of baptism. It is always a lovely time when we come together, worship and watch our friends enjoy being obedient to the Lord.

Nine young people from Naga were baptized … and Pastor Danny was so delighted! Pastor August has now left Bible School and is the Assistant / Youth Pastor at Naga and he is making a big difference. Some of the testimonies of these kids are heartbreaking. Below is a picture of Pastor Danny praying with a wee 11 year old boy who is going through a difficult time. Two years ago his dad just suddenly left the family home and has never contacted them again. And every week Wilfredo comes to the front of the church to pray that his dad would be safe and will come home again. He loves his dad. Wilfredo was also baptized on Saturday... please pray for him and his family.

God is doing a great work through Danny and his team in a very poor area of Santiago. Many have given their lives to the Lord and the great thing is that now the husbands of our lady members are giving their hearts to the Lord! Last Sunday they had over fifty attend our church - 40 adults & young people and 15 kids. God is going to turn that place from a place of shame to a place of honour!

There were a couple from Santiago who were baptized – Jimmar & Marie ‘Che’ Gutieres. Their story is a testimony to the grace of God. They were both Roman Catholics but they were never happy and were spiritually seeking for the Lord. It got to a stage where Che wasn’t really attending any more.

I met Jimmar (right) a year ago when we were trying to get my brother David’s broadband working. Jimmar is a computer expert and works for a local Computer company. I asked him to church and shared about the Lord, but it was not the right time.

Last Christmas they went on vacation to Manila and they found out that Che’s mum lived next door to a Pastor. Her mother went to the Cornerstone Church in Manila and gave her life to the lord. So when Che went to Manila they went to Cornerstone Novaliches, pastored by my friend Fred Abad. They loved it!

We came back from Scotland in January and I just could not get my Mac configured to the web. Jimmar came and the fist thing he asked was “Do you know any Cornerstone Church here in Santiago?” Not only did I know one … I pastored one!

So that week they came to Cornerstone with their wee boy Raj. Two weeks later they gave their lives to the Lord and the change in their lives is wonderful to see. They are radiant and so hungry for God. They are so responsive and desperate for more of God. Jimmar is so keen to help us with all our I.T. in the church and Che is now playing guitar in our Sunday services - as well as joining us in our Hospital & Prison ministries! Pastor Winston took them through baptismal classes and on Saturday they were both baptized. On Sunday, Jimmar was baptized in the Holy Spirit! Unbelievable. So amazing.

The unforced rhythms of grace …..

Selah

p.s. - This is my 100th blog!!!!!

p.p.s - Have you signed our Guestbook yet? C'mon, it will only take 2 mins!

Be My Guest ...

How are ya?

So much has been going on over here and it is hard to stop and catch a breath! Mary has been ultra busy with the start of the new school year and it became even busier because one of the Teacher's assistants started a new job without informing us! We are so glad Vivian could step in to help ... she has done amazingly because she cannot speak Tagalog. What a gal!

So Mary has to do interviews ... yyeeeuuuchh ... not what we wanted on top of everything else going on.


Josiah is doing well as school. After 4 days he is going into the class alone and really enjoying it - especially the stories (in Tagalog!) and the songs! Funny story: they were playing this game where the kids have to shout out their name when the teacher points at them. Well, at home wee Josiah has convinced himself that he is a certain cartoon character, and as Teacher Mary Jane pointed at him he shouted, "I am not Josiah ... my name is Pingu!" LoL!!! Wee Josiah, sorry Pingu, is a scream and I think his sense of humour is going to put a smile on many faces throughout his life.

The new students at the Bible School are doing great. I prayed for 40 students ... and that is the exact amount we got! We have 26 full time 1st years, 10 full time 2nd years and 4 part-time students. I will get a picture of them for the next blog. We had our 'Welcome Party' last night - what a laugh! We all enjoyed it so much. Pictured below is Philip, one of our new students, going through the pain of the 'stocking' game! Now, what kind of farmyard animal does he look like???!


I have a favour to ask you. At the right hand side of my blog, just under the pictures, there is a new wee graphic saying 'Please Sign our Guestbook'. Sometimes, as I write the blog, I wonder "Who is actually reading this?" I look at the Cluster Map and see many dots all across the world, but I have no idea who you are. A few people put in comments, but usually nobody leaves their name.

So now ... here's YOUR chance to sign our Sefton Village Guestbook and let us know who you are. Just click 'Please Sign Our Guestbook' and away you go. I would love to know who you are and you can even leave a wee comment there. Maybe you have some ideas for my blog that I could integrate? Let me know. You can also see other people's entries.

Can you take 2 minutes and sign our guestbook for us ... please??

Will blog again pretty soon. So much to share. Right now I have a Leaders Cell group to go to and then a Leaders Meeting to lead. Pray for us as we seek to serve and honour the Lord in everything that we do.

Oh, by the way, did I mention about you signing our guestbook???? ............

A New Day ...

Today is a day of a whole lot of new things! I have been really challenged by my dad because at the start of the year he really challenged himself about doing new things ... or things he has always wanted to do. He sent me a list and said that he wanted to do at least one 'new thing' a month. What a challenge eh? If we all ha that attitude life certainly would not be boring! Mind you, I'll have to check up on him to see if the old dog is still doing new tricks! Ha Ha ... sorry dad.

By the way, it was my mum's birthday this week ... happy birthday mum! You are the best mum anyone could ever ask for and we are all looking forward to seeing you 'face to face' in October. Please pray for my mum as she is having some of health problems at the moment and we need the Lord to heal and strengthen her. Many are praying for you mum ...

Anyway, lots of new things happened today or at least this week.

* It's a new start to a new year at Sefton Bible Training Centre. Over the last few weeks we have been interviewing all those called to our Bible School, and yesterday they began to arrive. They live by Filipino time' here, so we are expecting more to turn up even in a few weeks!

But, Praise God, at the time of blogging we have around 22 first year full time students and around 9 second year students (some are 'stay out' students). My vision was for us to minister to at least 40 students this year ... so keep on praying. I have a real excitement in my spirit again for SBTC and I am going to put my best into making this year - our 10th year - a fantastic testimony to the grace and power of God. Will keep you posted with up to date numbers and pictures.

* Today is also the start of a new school year at KMGLC. Everyone was so excited today as the cars, jeepneys and tricycles began to roll up at Sefton Village. The kids were all beautiful and so happy. I just can't remember being so happy when I was at school!

Mary and all the teachers have been working hard for the last 2 weeks preparing for the start of classes. Well done ladies. They are superb teachers and they really see their 'work' as really a 'ministry'. Lydia has been so excited about being a Kinder 2 girl and she looked so beautiful and grown up as she went to her class this morning. She is longing to be 5 now. When do we actually make the change of looking forward to being older to dreading another year??

* Well, my wee boy Josiah had his 1st day at school today! He woke up half excited but had a bit of a grumphy start .. as you can see from the basket picture above! He is going through the stage of repeating our question and making it negative ..."No, I don't want to wash my hands ... don't want to..." It's funny, I asked him if he wanted his fave sweetie ... a chocolate football and he said, "No, I don't want a chocolate football, yes I do want a chocolate football daddy!" He's a bit like the guy on the vicar of Dibley at the moment! No, No, No, No ... Yes.

Anyway, off he went to nursery class. Actually, he did well but I heard him shout a few times, "I want to go home now." Unfortunately, he started shouting this after around 3 minutes of being in class! Poor soul ... it is so hard to have your house just over the creek. He has also got to get into his mind that aunty Mary-Jane - the lovely lady who takes him out to McDonalds sometimes and who has spent lots of time with him in the toddlers room at church - is now his Teacher! Pray for Josiah as we are really hoping that he can adjust to school life ... like his big sister.

* Our youth Pastor Winston has just started to do a blog about his ministry, Cornerstone Youth and life at Sefton Village. It will give you a wee peek at life from a Filipino Pastor. He is just learning and not many know about it yet. So if you could check his blog up and leave an encouraging message I am sure he would be very happy. The blog address for Winston is : http://winstonbaoin.blogspot.com

So there you have it. So many new things. How about you? When's the last time you did something you have never done before? Think about it ... and take a leaf out of my dad's book!

The Start of the Scottish Invasion!

Well, I am back from Manila (in one piece!). Crazy, crazy people on crazy, crazy roads. Seems like the most logical and acceptable place for some Filipinos with big cars to overtake is

* just before the brow of a hill
* at the outside lane of a hidden bend
* on the hard shoulder when all the rest of us have stopped for roadworks

Yup, I think we have seen a few 'near misses' in the last few days ... but praise God we are still in one piece. I am not joking! Had to laugh though. Many cars in Manila had these car stickers ...


...so funny!

We had a great service at Cornerstone United on Sunday. We had a lot of people there and we had the visit of a YWAM team. A local Pastor spoke about how we need to live in the grace and power of God. Really exciting to be there.

We left on Sunday afternoon to go to Manila. Wow, what a long drive. Monday was the first day of classes here in the Philippines and I think that every car, truck and bus was on the same road as us! We arrived there at 11pm, but safe.

Had a great time with my wee girl in Manila. Lydia behaved so well and really enjoyed herself. She thought she was a really big girl because she helped her daddy and took care of him! (I am only 38 ... not 83!!!) On Tuesday Vivian arrived and Lydia was over the moon to see her 'Aunty Viv-ee'. We left for home on Tuesday afternoon .. and we had a traffic-free journey! Bliss.

From now on it's all systems go as far as visitors are concerned. Vivian is here now and we are also expecting an Australian couple from John Partington's church in a few weeks. I am going down to the south of the Philippines to the island of Palawan to preach at my friend's church. On the way back we will pick up a team of 5 young adults from Cornerstone Singapore. They will be here for a week's mission and will minister in the church and at our various ministries and outreaches.

I will drop them off at Clark airport on July 2nd and then continue down to Manila to pick up a team from Fraserburgh. My cousin Elizabeth and her husband John are coming out with their two beautiful girls Libby & Milly. Another family is coming with them - David & Grace Strachan and their two kids and last but not least is a lovely young lady from Fraserburgh AoG called Kirsty. Lydia and Josiah are so excited to see their 'sorta cousins'!

They will be here until the 19th July and on the 26th July more friends will arrive - Michael & Alison Tait with their niece Jemma. They have been such a blessing in so many ways to Sefton Village for many years and this will be their third trip. It is always great to hear their enthusiasm and encouragement as they see what God is doing. Michael and I also share a love of good food ... believe it or not!

They will leave on 14th August and we have no visitors until October 2nd when some of the Ritchie tribe arrive. I am so delighted that my brother Paul is coming out with his whole family - Ashley, Nathan & Aaron. I am looking forward to some 'nephew time'. My mum and dad will be coming with them (their 123rd trip!!!) and also my cousin Alexander's wife Monica will be coming. She is so gifted in singing and songwriting and she has made two beautiful CD's.

Of course, at the end of September the newest part of our Sefton Team will arrive - the Kerr family. They will be doing the Missions Course at Mattersey and then coming out to join us here. We are about to start renovating their house next week. Please pray that all their practical plans will go smoothly and that everything will fall into place. They are so brave and we know that they will be such a blessing to Sefton Village.

There is word that my other brother David might be coming out with a friend at the end of the year ... so it is all systems go!

And that's not all ... it seems like Sefton Village is in hot demand for Missions Teams. In March, a team from Mattersey, led by Dr John Andrews, will be coming for a fortnight. In April, our good friend Pastor Steve Ritchie is working on sending out a team from Fraserburgh AoG. There has also been contact from a three churches in Scotland who are in the planning stages of sending teams out from their churches next summer.

Phew. It's all happening.

Please pray that, for every person and every team, they would be a blessing ... but be blessed. They would give a challenge ... and be challenged. Be an inspiration ... and be inspired. Bring change .... and be changed. For every sacrifice they make to come here ... God would send the fire on their altars. For every hope and vision they have ... God would do more.

This is my hearts desire ....

Seriously Good Music ....

Tomorrow, after our Cornerstone United service, I am going down to Manila to pick up Mary's cousin Vivien who is coming out to help us over the summer. I am taking Lydia with me ... a real daddy & little girl time! She is all set to 'look after me' and help me buy the hundreds of things that we need for Sefton village that we just can't get up here in the sticks.

I will write the second part of 'Plans of a Loving Father' next week. Until then, I want to recommend a fantastic CD that I know you will love. It is by a guy called Paul Baloche and the album is called 'A Greater Song'. When I was in Singapore they sang a lot of wonderful new songs ... the majority were his. He led the worship at Reinhard Bonkke's Fire Conference last year.

It's the kind of Cd where every song just hits the mark. No matter what mood you are in, there is a song here that can minister to you. 'Hosanna' is superb, 'I Will Boast' is upbeat & uplifting, 'Your Name' is beautiful, 'What Can I Do' and 'You Have Been so Good' are so challenging. Hey, there's even a verse of 'Just As I Am' in there!

He also has a website - www.leadworship.com - where you can get the lyrics and chords. You can even listen to sound clips free!

Go out and buy it (or in today's society ... order it online!) and give yourself a treat. If you like it ... write and tell me. If you don't like it ... give it away!

Have a great weekend ... and pray for us as we tackle some of the worlds worst drivers on these crazy roads. Pray that Lydia does a good job of looking after the old guy!

The Plans of a Loving Father (Part 1)

Hi folks. Here is a few thoughts I wrote down. Part 2 soon!

The Plans of a Loving Father (Part 1)

My, son … who is like him?

Perfectly made and a bringer of joy.

His smile makes me feel complete.

He is like a tender shoot, reaching upwards,

Finding his steps and letting his frail voice be heard.

Yet, I know, deep in my heart that he is not as handsome as others.

He is beautiful to me, but ordinary to the rest.

Yet, my heart is sorrowful, as I already know his life;

And it is not easy for me to watch. His experiences will almost break me.

He will be despised by many, completely hated.

He will not be known for his joy, but sorrow will follow him.

Bitterest grief will chase after him, day after day.

Many will turn their back on him … even me.

Words fail me. How can I turn my back on my son in his darkest deepest hour of need? My son.

Nobody will care for my boy.

And why? Why? Is it because of his own selfish ambitions? A wrong choice? A moment of madness?

Because of a mistake that he made, a crime he committed?

No, He will inherit the pain of the world.

He will carry the weaknesses of those He loves.

As he suffers, many will blame my son for his own downfall. Not knowing.

Beaten for peace. Crushed beyond recognition. Bruised for the healing of many.

Because of my son, my children will not have to walk in guilt; shame will be cast away. At last I can find a way of forgiveness. The only way.

I am so proud of Him. Even though He could rightly defend himself, he did not.

He did not waste his words on useless arguments. He knew what he had to do. And He did it.

His silent actions shouted louder than powerful words.

He was deemed to be guilty, yet I know that sin never entered his heart.

I know why He stood silently … for the sake of a lost world.

My beautiful one was treated like a beast.

My innocent child … a criminals fate.

The hardest thing for me? The most difficult confession I must make?

All this … the pain, the sorrow, the grief, the loneliness, the hatred, the utter shame…

… was my plan. My idea. My purpose. My proposal. My vision.

Mine. Not the idea of a demon from hell or from the warped mind of a confused father.

Mine. My plan. I can hardly say it.

My heart is breaking as I write and tears flow down my face.

What kind of a father am I? What father would plan such a horrific end?

And yet, I know I had to do it. Though it brought me temporary pain, I know the eternal benefits. I had to plan it this way.

Like a seed that dies and falls … new life will begin. The blood of my son is the seed of hope.

And, even though he went through indescribable pain for a moment … when He sees the reward of His suffering – blind eyes opening, people now free, the oppressed released, the lost being found – He will be satisfied.

When he sees the multitudes of Africa shout to me; when he hears the millions in South America call on me; when he experiences the throngs of Asians singing my name … He will know in His heart, “it was worth it.”

Because of my son, hell is defeated. Because if my son, death is a friend. Because of my son, sin has been destroyed.

If I could have written down another plan for my son, I would have. But I could not. When He cried out in desperation in the garden for another way ... I shook my head.

For the price of reconciliation was His blood. And I signed his papers.

And if you ever think I do not know what you are going through, the pain of a moment …

…think again.

Men's Rules!

No, no ladies. Read it again. It does not say 'Men Rule' it says 'Men's Rules'!

This week has been a bit nervy at Sefton Village. We had our Children's Home inspection by the Department of Social Welfare, which only happens every three years. They check everything and anything in the Home and actually, it is very important. Praise God, the lady who came this year was a lovely Christian lady called Marilyn and she really 'connected' with Mary and our social worker Marilyn.

Everything was in order and there are a few adjustments to make, but generally she saw and experienced that the children ate well, were well dressed and she felt the love and care from the lives of the aunties. The ministry in the Children's Home, I believe, is close to the heart of God. And what Marilyn and her team do 24/7 is incredible. It is really a high calling.

Anyway, it has been a busy week, especially for Mary. She was up until the wee hours over the weekend getting everything organised and re-writing our 'Manual of Operation'. Today, the teachers have arrived back at school to prepare for the new year, which starts in a fortnight. So it is all go.

Well, with all these ladies frantically working so hard here at Sefton, I thought that I would include a set of 'Men's Rules' that a certain John Partington left on my computer when he was here. They are a light hearted bunch of pretend rules that will put a frown on the face of any lady reading this.. but definitely it will give the men a real laugh.

Enjoy ...

1. Saturday = sports. It's like the full moon or the changing of the tides. Let it be

2. Shopping is NOT a sport. And no, we are never going to think of it that way

3. Crying is blackmail

4. Ask for what you want. Let us be clear on this one:

Subtle hints do not work!

Strong hints do not work!

Obvious hints do not work!

JUST SAY IT!

5. ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question

6. Learn to work the toilet seat. You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down. We need it up, you need it down. You don't hear us complaining about you leaving it down.

7. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's what we do. Sympathy is what your friends are for

8. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In fact, all comments become null and void after 7 days

9. If you think you're overweight, you probably are. Don't ask us

10. If something we said can be interpreted two ways, and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one

11. Christopher Columbus did not need directions and neither do we

12. ALL men see in only 16 colours, like Windows default settings.

Peach, for example, is a fruit, not a colour. Pumpkin is also a fruit.

We have no idea what mauve is

13. If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing," we will act like nothing's wrong. We know you are not being honest, but it is just not worth the hassle

14. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, expect an answer you don't want to hear

15. I am in shape. Round is a shape.

What do you think ladies ....? Any one of you want to suggest some 'Ladies Rules'?

See you later .... boy, I'm glad I'm thousands of miles away from some of you ladies right now!!!

MALIGAYANG KAARAWAN (Happy Birthday!)

Well, it's true. I am now 38!! Seriously ... 37 sorta feels youngish, but 38 sounds truly-almost 40! If you think I feel old ... what does my poor old mum think? Every birthday she starts off by saying, "I can't believe I have a _ _ year old son!" You'd better believe it mum, I was born in Summer of '69!

As I have said on previous blogs, Birthdays are BIG events here. They really push the boat out. Here's what happened yesterday ...

At 4:30 (yes, that is a 4, not a slip of my fingers) I was awoken out of my sleep by a loud droning noise. I thought I was in a bad dream until, half awake, I recognised the dulcet tones of Pastor Alex from San Isidro! And there they were, singing " Through It All" on my porch in the dark! Around 20 lovely folk from Cornerstone San Isidro. They are so wonderful, led by their handsome leader Pastor Adonis. They sang a few songs and we brought them inside for a cup of tea. To my surprise they produced this huge basket of homemade cakes. Yum. They prayed for me and disappeared into the night sky ...


Later, the kids wanted to get a MacDonald's breakfast for daddy's special day. By the end of this, I was already feeling a bit full up. Next, I was invited to go to Pastor Marlou's house for a fellowship time with all the Cornerstone leaders. Again, we talked and ate ice cream and hotdogs. At 11am, I was shocked to find Cristina setting up the table outside as we talked. She produced two huge portions of Peking duck that she had cooked ... amazing. I only took a wee bit ....

...'coz I knew I had to be home at 1130 for a special birthday lunch at the children's home!! Sure enough, the table was full of amazing food and all the kids and staff were excited as they waited. What a meal! Beautiful. By this stage, I had met so many people and eaten so much food I felt a bit groggy!

In the evening Winston & Mary Jane took the kids out and Mary & I went for a lovely meal by ourselves ... a rare treat! After we got home I watched some of the Derby v West Brom game and had a cuppa. What a day! Good old Derby! (I wanted Derby to win because my sister in law Alison is from there and is a big supporter. Also, they have a Scottish manager ...)

In the Philippines they don't have a lot to share, but they have huge hearts. They always want to give their utmost. Their attitude is to make special days special. To all you Filipinos reading this - you're the best!

I just want to give a quick 'Happy Birthday' to my younger brother Paul who is 36 today. He is a special guy with a great family and I am so excited because they are all coming out to the Philippines in October.

Please promise me that none of you folk from the NE Scotland will show this blog to my nurse Nicola in Fraserburgh. If she finds out what I ate yesterday ... I may not see 39!

p.s. - here is a funny story from Keith ...

"Last Sunday morning we were at a service in Nagassican, one of the outer villages within Santiago. During the service a group of young people was performing a dance. I noticed that one girl had a coin in each ear. Thinking it might be some kind of folk medicine for sore ears, or some other traditional custom, I asked the pastor why she did that. "Because she doesn't have a pocket," was his reply. Ah, well, ask a silly question ...."

More Than Words ...

Been thinking a lot about worship these last few weeks. A few interesting things happened at our Week of Refreshing that really challenged me and has really got me thinking.

We were all together in the Chapel at the beginning of the week and we were singing that beautiful Hillsongs song - "To the Ends of The Earth"

And I would give the world to tell Your story
Cause I know that You've called me
I know that You've called me
I've lost myself for good within Your promise
I won't hide it
I won't hide it

Jesus, I believe in You
And I would go to the ends of the earth
To the ends of the earth
For You alone are the Son of God
And all the world will see
That You are God
You are God

As we were singing this song, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart and said, "They are singing the song but not living the words." I was shocked! But I felt as if the Holy Spirit was saying that they were singing about going to the ends of the earth for the Lord but had absolutely no idea of the cost or consequences of what they were singing about.

So next day I challenged them. You see, when a Filipino thinks of the 'ends of the earth' they almost always think of a place better than the Philippines. I would think that around 99.99% of Filipinos who leave these Islands go to a far better and nicer place - Hong Kong, Dubai, Singapore, Canada, UK, USA etc. But I challenged our students and Alumni - who among you would take a step down to serve the Lord?

Keith did some teaching on 'What is Happening to the Church in Asia" that morning and I know it really rocked them as they heard about the suffering that followers of Jesus go through just for being a follower of Jesus.

Vietnam

Officially religious freedom.

Two minority group (Montagnard, Hmong) Christians have been detained and tortured in Vietnam's Central Highlands after security forces discovered they had been collecting names of the most impoverished people apparently to better target aid.

Security police "tortured" one of them "by hanging him upside down" and used "martial arts [such as] boxing, karate chopping and kicking...until he was unconscious," in prison.

They then poured water over him "until he awoke" only to "repeated the torture again and again." His family "is extremely concerned for his welfare as he is still in prison," following his arrest April 25.

Indonesia

Mainly Buddhist, but many Muslims.

On the night of 1st September, a Muslim mob burned down the Indonesia Evangelical Mission Church building in Siompi, Aceh. News reached local Muslims that the church was planning revival meetings. This angered those who are intent on making their province strictly Islamic. The church is now meeting for worship in a local home.

Cambodia

Cambodians who have turned to Jesus Christ from Buddhism or animism have been accused of betraying their country.

Church in Cambodia is growing, but lacks many of the resources that Christians in the West take for granted, such as trained pastors, Bibles, Christian literature and well equipped church buildings. Many church workers need a paid job outside the church in order to support their families.

Myanmar (Burma)

Posted on March 5th, 2007
PASTOR BARNABUS: ‘If you are a Christian then you have the “C-virus”… which means you are automatically considered a second-class citizen’
PAUL, EVANGELIST: ‘They handcuffed me and hoisted me above the ground by my handcuffs until my feet no longer touched the ground and there they told me to preach’
PASTOR JOSHUA: ‘If nothing happens to us we are surprised. We are waiting for persecution; we are waiting for problems from the authorities. And God has been so good to us and we are not afraid of persecution and difficulties.’
PASTOR ABRAHAM: ‘Because of persecution we get more unity, moreover the house churches are increasing more and more.’

Government would like to eliminate Christianity.

North Korea

Kim Jong Il worshipped as a god. So worshipping God makes you his enemy.

Worst country in the world to live in. Christians tortured & killed. Many flee to China. If caught returned & face even worse conditions than before. Entire families sent away to concentration camps where they work twenty hours a day, seven days a week for months and even years upon end. They are sentenced to sickening and dangerous jobs in cesspools and iron foundries and beaten, tortured, and killed in the most horrifying ways;

Many public executions of Christians. They called them "insane believers in God." They would call them out to the field and hang them.

One former prisoner had seen a guard pour molten iron over living Christians in an effort to force the other Christians to renounce their faith.

Christians in political prisoner camps are also subject to a decree that their faces must permanently face the ground, so their heads are continually held at a ninety degree angle to the rest of their body. Because they believe in a God in Heaven they must not look up. As they work, sleep, and eat, they must always face down. A former prisoner reports that after years of keeping this position many of the Christians' necks were permanently deformed. Even in death, their necks were broken by the guards and they were buried face down to prevent them from "seeing Heaven".

In Wachon Prison, a prisoner witnessed the treatment of the children of Christians. Upon arrival families were separated according to age and sex. The children were put into cages where they spent the rest of their childhood. Each morning their mothers would be forced to walk past these cages where they could see their children, starving and cold. The former prisoner recounted her experience: The noise was awful as the children screamed and cried out for their mothers. Sometimes the women, at great risk to themselves, would knit socks or gloves with scraps and would throw them to their children to keep them warm. Sometimes they would even hide some food inside, even though they themselves were starving. If the mother was caught doing this she would be dragged outside, alone, and beaten until she could not hear or see anymore. Then the other prisoners would drag her back in. Even then I would hear her call out to her children, to make sure they were all right. Only a mother could understand this feeling.

To the ends of the earth? Still want to go? I remember listening to Pastor Yang preaching at Cornerstone and he said that when they were singing those words he would stay silent because he knew he was not at that place where he could tell the Lord ... "I will go." How refreshingly honest.

For the truth is that we sing far too much about what we will do, who we are, how we feel and how totally and absolutely surrendered we are. We sing so easily "You are all I want" or "I live for you alone" or "Take it All" - but do we actually believe it and is our walk consistent with our talk. Many of us cannot go to the end of the street to tell people about the Lord, let alone going to the ends of the earth! Maybe you feel like an old lady I once heard shouting out at a black church in the USA, "Ouch that hurt ... but preach it anyhow!"

Later on in the week I was leading the worship and the keyboard player was an ex-student who I knew loved 'the old stuff' in terms of music. Anyway, he started playing 'He is Lord' and as he played my heart began to cry out to God. We began to sing and soon we were weeping with joy before the Lord. The meeting lasted for ages .. just in His presence. The Holy Spirit began to minister and prophetic words were spoken and people's lives were broken.

But what I am talking about is nothing to do with old songs v new songs. There are beautiful old songs and beautiful new songs. I am talking about our heart. Our desire to touch Him. Our passion to meet with him. Not just singing songs, but meeting with the King.

I began to ask the Lord, "How do you feel Lord when 200 people sing 'I will go to the ends of the earth' ... but only 2 people are singing these words from their heart?" What do you really think Lord? How do you feel? How do you react? ... Do you think, "Nice song? Nice tune? But it doesn't really matter... they don't really mean it."

The Lord pressed upon my heart the story of the lady with the issue of blood who just wanted to touch the hem of his garment. Even though there were probably hundreds of people there, she was desperate to touch Him. And Jesus knew it. The disciples did not realise that one person was reaching out with sheer faith; but Jesus did. He always knows when someone cries from the heart. Always. No matter how many people are there.

Same with our worship. There may be hundreds in our church singing songs and enjoying the music. But we can easily hide behind words. And the Lord knows who is singing with sincere and broken hearts; He knows those who are desperate for Him; He draws near to them who draw near to Him. Always.

I don't want to be negative today. But I want to be real. This Sunday, don't just sing for the sake of singing. Look at what you are singing. Listen to the promises you are making. It's not about music, bands, lyrics and catchy tunes. It's about Jesus. Reach out and touch Him. More than words ...

When the music fades
And all is stripped away
And I simply come
Longing just to bring
Something that's of worth
That will bless your heart

I'll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the ways things appear
You're looking into my heart

I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You
All about You, Jesus
I'm sorry Lord for the thing I've made it
When it's all about You
It's all about You Jesus

Selah ...