Home is where we are!

People like us move around. That is nice but can have drawbacks. One is that no easy answer can be given to the question 'where are you from?'.
The bottom-line is that we're from everywhere and nowhere.
Home is very much the place we're at. Right now home is the UK. During this summer home will be Italy.

Pontefract Mission

I just returned from Pontefract. I was there to take several events during the first few days of a mission organised by the Pontefract Evangelical Church.
Had a great time.
It was encouraging to hear positive comments from many who were present.
One lady was so challenged that she plucked up courage to invite her sister and a friend. This was a major step and indicates a growing missional vision.
The church is at an exciting stage. Much is being prayerfully considered. It is refreshing to find those with whom there is so much like-mindedness.
- Sunday AM preaching on Philip and Nathanael (more than 200 present)
- Sunday PM preaching on the woman healed of the issue of blood (coping with the impossible) (over 100 present)
- Monday AM coffee morning - Jesus calms the storm (dealing with fear) (40 present)
- Monday PM coffee evening - interviewed and sharing on 'coping with whys' (60 present)
- Tuesday AM coffee morning - sharing about Simon 'stop complaining and being bitter' (50 present)
- Tuesday PM coffee evening - sharing on the woman washing Jesus' feet (hope from forgiveness) (70 present)
While there enjoyed visiting the mega-bookshop Borders. Astounded by the quantity of popular literature attacking Christian beliefs. Yet, nothing substantial to replace or improve on it. Sad world.

Kids bak from kamp

All 3 were away over Easter weekend with WHBC.
Came back with happy memories.
We were thankful they went...and that they returned!

2 much 2 do?

If you're like me, then you're always facing the fact that there is 2 much 2 do.
At times it becomes overwhelming.
The todo lists are speckled with reminders to check the other todo lists...
And there is that feeling of never really being on top or 'in control' of all that there is 2 do...

Not that all that is right. But that's the way the feeling is.
I, for one, must continue to learn to live this moment to the full. Not project myself into some future time and live for then.

A few nights ago driving back from a rare day out, Annette and I arrived moments after a spectacular accident. A care was in the middle of the twisty road we were driving along - upside down. The two young people were still trapped inside. As we got out into the freezing Welsh black night and helped them (fortunately neither of them were badly injured) I was reminded of the fact that life is precious, short and to be lived to the max.
It's so easy to let opportunities slip by.
Many seem to vegetate from one day to the next with little sense of purpose of direction.
Many are submerged by the fact there is 2 much 2 do.

May it not be so for us.

Homeward Bound!

Twenty days 'on the road' in little over a month is really a lot!
Annette and the kids valiantly held the fort while I galavanted around.
The Shetlands were wonderful.
Sicily was great (suprise?).
The US big :)
Lots of opportunities to share and challenge about ministry and Italy.
And now a few days home... :)

A new beginning!

This is the age of information 'overload'. So much to consider. So much to get to know.
We are grateful, therefore, that you are taking the time to take a glance at our blog.
We'll try and keep it short and sharp. But it will be of interest, we hope.
We'll share news, plans and needs with you.
Bookmark this space and visit often!

Sempre Avanti!

Jonathan