YBA Ministers Conference - Cober Hilll -Scarborough

A year passes so quickly. It does not seem like a whole year has passed since we were last at Cober Hill, and here we are again. This time we are in for a real treat. The speaker this year is Rev Dr John Colwell (Former Tutor of Spurgeons College) John is always a good listen.

Here are some books by John that I have read and been challenged by. (Click on the cover to go to Amazon.co.uk)

It is always good to meet up with leaders and to hear of stories of those who are on the cutting edge of ministry as well as those who minister in more traditional settings. We have a wide variety in the Baptist family in Yorkshire. The conference starts tomorrow and continues till Wednesday. I travel back to leeds on Wednesday afternoon giving me Thursday with family before I fly to the Ukraine on Friday.

Leaving Port Talbot

After having a week in Wales it was time to leave. Breakfast at Zac's and then pick up the bike from Ric's garage in Port Talbot. I set off at 11.00ish. Torrential rain is not the best way to travel on the bike, so the going was slow. It was raining so hard that it was bouncing off the ground, could not see in front of me. It remained like this all along the M4, then the M5, still raining on the M42 and onto the M1, it cleared as I hit Derbyshire. Got back at 5.00pm. All in all it was a good trip. I had a great week. Now for a few days with family. I'm at Cober Hill in Scarborough on Monday till Wednesday and the I leave for the Ukraine on Friday for a ten day trip.

Visit to Carreg Cennen in Wales

Spending time with Baz and Di today at Carreg Cannen. The scenery is breathtaking, some of the best that Wales can offer I think. We left Baz and Di's after a huge "Full Welsh Breakfast" to go and climb up to the castle. I've many other photographs which I will put on the blog in it's own Welsh Gallery after I return home from Wales tomorrow. We had a great time visiting this monument. I began to wonder who were the kind of people who once lived here? What they were dressed like, and what was their world-view. We came down from the hill that the castle was on and had some coffee together in the little coffee house at the foot of the hillside. We them came back to Baz and Di's for Baz's "Butternut Squash Soup" this afternoon i'll be mainly resting before a talk at Zac's on the "Posture of God". Going home (Back to Leeds) in the morning

Visiting St Fagans

St Fagans is one of Europe's leading open–air museums and Wales's most popular heritage attraction. It stands in the grounds of the magnificent St Fagans Castle, a late 16th-century manor house donated to the people of Wales by the Earl of Plymouth. Im going to St Fagans with Ric, Sue, Ben and Ellis. It looks like it will be a good day out together with much to see. Then im moving on to Baz and Di's at Ammanford, which is between Swansea and Carmarthen. Im there till Tuesday and then im back to Swansea for Zac's Place in the evening.

Visit to Bethesda Baptist Church, Haverfordwest.

We had a great visit today to "BETHESDA" Baptist Church. We set off at 8.45am and had a ride of seventy miles. Four bikes, five people riding to share something of the gospel of Christ. We arrived at 10.30 am and were met by the minister of the church, Rev Dr Louise Hearn. Louise has been the minister of the church for Two and a half years. We had a great welcome to the church, by all who came. Right from people arriving at the church they could tell there was something different going on, as there was big bikes parked in the entrance of the church. I was able to lead the communion part of the service. Tony was able to share word's of hope and inspiration and then I was invited to preach. I spoke of "A MISSIONAL COMMUNITY" From Luke 8. We had a lunch which was prepared by the church members. They were so thankful that we came to share with them. The church community this morning was about 40 of a congregation. It's was great to share with this church community and to bring some inspiration and encouragement from the word of God. I pray that much will come from this visit for church as well as for the brothers down here. It's an old saying but "Thanks be to God" I'm now back at Ric and Sue's for a meal an overnight accomodation.



Visiting the Rhonda Valley

I was taken today to visit a real welsh malt distilery "PENDERYN" I went with Martin and had a guided tour of the processes involved, and also the history behind malt whiskey in Scotland and in Wales. Great time seeing a real live malt distilery. The award winning single malt whisky from the only distillery in Wales. Penderyn is unique distilled single malt whisky which is matured in bourbon barrels and finished in Madeira casks to impart a generous flavour of subtle complexity. I wonder what it tastes like? Now to savour what it is like to live in the "Valley's" spending the evening with Martin and Una. Who are great people and who have welcomed me into their home. Click HERE to go to the "Penderyn" website

The City of St David's - West Wales

It was time to mount up and ride out for a day at St David's in West Wales. Rick and I left Swansea at about 10.30am and ended up at St David's about 1.00pm. We parked the bikes on the high street and headed for St David's according to the sign posts in the town streets. When we came through the archways I was not prepared for the view of St David's. Stunning..... And the photograph just does not capture it well enough. St David's Cathedral has been around since the time of the Normans. Unlike other cathedrals St David's does not occupy high ground, but sits low in the hillside. It was wonderful to go round a place where people have pilgrimed to and prayed in over the centuries and still do. On the way back we stopped off for a meal. It was great! As we came out the cafe we met a couple who were having some ice cream, Rick said "it's not really the day for ice cream, is it?" this prompted a conversation about about bikes and faith. It turns out that the woman of the couple(Rev Dr Louise Heard) is a Baptist Minister in Haverford In Wales. "Would you like to preach on Sunday morning. At my church?" So I accepted, and it turns out that Louise and Bethesda Baptist will be looking at "Missional Community" this sunday morning. we left the car park elated, and returned to Swansea feeling that this was a God appointment. Roll on Sunday!

Zac's Place - Beatitudes 5

Another the same series, which are on the wall of Zac's

Zac's Place - Beatitudes 4

Another one as well. This is DORIS

Zac's Place - Beatitudes 3

Another good quality piece......

Zac's Place - Beatitudes 2

Here is another one.

Zac's Place - Beatitudes 1

Zac's have commissioned some art work, which is based on the Beatitudes This one of those pieces of art work.

A day at Zac's .......

A few people turned up today to help out at Zac's Place. The Euro mountain of clothes for rough sleepers. It was good to help out with bagging all the clothes up, some to go to recycling and others to be kept for Zac's People. I had lots of conversations with people, as we were working together. We also had a greet working lunch. Soup, Bread and Cheese. much conversation around the beginnings of Zac's.

Arrival at Zac's Place in Swansea

Arrived in Swansea. Parked bike in Port Talbot. Caught up with friends, had a great meal. Then went to the legendary Zac's Place in George Street. Great evening with Sean at the helm. Discussion based Bible Study on "The Gospel". Met a whole load of new friends Zac's place was formed out of a pub ministry which began in the centre of Swansea 12 years ago, and moved to it's longterm home in George Street 7 years ago. The premises in George street is ideal. A former Gospel Hall, had been vacant, and with other Christian groups interested, was purchased with very little in the bank. The bible study on Tuesday night is not the only activity, Zac's also has breakfasts for rough sleepers, a coffee bar on a Thursday night for people on the margins. On the sign in the coffee lounge where The bible study was held it says "Welcome to Zacs Place, a church for ragamuffins" I instantly knew I was home.

Visiting Cymru.......

Now then.......off I go to Cymru........In the pouring rain........riding in the pouring rain. O well lots to see and do when I get there. Looking forward to seeing the brothers tonight, and spending time in South Wales. It Zac's tonight for the weekly bible study, of which I'm really looking forward to attending. Wales is a lovely place, even in the rain. I used to live in North Wales, Bangor to be exact. This is where I met Rachel, so wales always has that spark of magic about it. Also wales is  a Celtic nation, like Scotland is. Now where did i put the passport and the malt.........

Attending Moortown Baptist Church

As Im on sabbatical it gives me a chance to sample what is on offer in the churches that are around Leeds.This morning I'm sampling Moortown Baptist Church.This church is set in a prominent t position at the top of King Lane, Moortown, Leeds and is one of the local baptist churches that are in the area apart from Harehills Lane, Chapel Allerton Baptist and Meanwood Baptist. I hope that I get a good welcome as I attend there this morning. I have the advantage of knowing some of the people there this morning. I wonder where they position themselves on Jesus and I cannot help wondering what is their mission posture? We will see..........I'm like this in every church don't worry.

Travelling next to the Ukraine....

Tickets now booked for the Ukraine. From one extreme to the other. From very hot Australia to could be cold Ukraine. Still it is a good country, and im looking forward to visiting the brothers there.  I'll be there for just over a week. It will be good to taste of the culture and meet new people. It will be great to share some experiences of faith and also to listen deeply and to set my heart in a place to learn. I fly from Luton airport as the airfares out of Luton were the best priced airfares at the time of booking. Keep posted to the blog as there will be many photographs to look at and many stories to tell and relate to.

Jet Lag................................

I think Im over the worst of the Jetlag. I thought it was bad enough going to Australia. It was 10 times worse coming back. I arrived back on Friday night, I seemed to sleep okay and I thought Id conquered it. Saturday was okay, this added even more to the sense of victory over the dreaded Jetlag.......Sunday was a complete wipe out. Woke at 7.00am could not sleep, fell asleep on the setee at 10.00 am till 2.00pm, woke up and had a cuppa, fell asleep at 2.30pm woke up at 4.30pm, had tea, went back to sleep on the setee, then woke up at 10.00pm, went to bed and slept all night. Monday and Tuesday were wipe out days as well. Started feeling okay on Wednesday 9th Feb (My birthday) Feeling okay today Thursday 10th Feb. Jetlag is a strange thing, it creeps up on you and you feel fatigue and tiredness, like hitting a brick wall. You cannot resist. As they say "Resistance is futile" Hopefully my energy is being restored and im ready for a packed week in Swansea from next Tuesday, and then thought about the Ukraine. Bring it on!

Melbourne and Victoria Gallery

MELBOURNE - Handbrake Turn

NSW- Yass Gallery

NORTHERN VICTORIA - Glenrowan Gallery

NSW - Canberra Gallery

TASMANIA - Hobart Gallery

TASMANIA - Dales Farm Gallery

TASMANIA - Launceston Gallery

Back in the Uk.

I'm back in the Uk. Got back last night at 10.30 UK time. It was good to be back with Family and Friends. Pete came to pick me up from the station with my son James. It was raining when I got to Leeds. (What Else would be appropriate weather) I'm hoping for a few days rest before planning the next two legs of my journey. Wales and the Ukraine. Thanks to all who have been praying. IT'S NOT OVER YET.

Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu

I was introduced to Geoffrey's Music while I was in Australia  and I'm hooked. Here is an extract about his life. I've also posted (below) two of his songs, One sung with Sting in Paris.

Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu (born 1970) is an Indigenous Australian musician, who sings in theYolngu language. He was born on Galiwin'ku (Elcho Island), off the coast of Arnhem Land, Northern Australia about 350 miles from Darwin. He is from the Gumatj clan of the Yolngu and his mother from the Galpu nation. He was born blind, has never learned Braille and does not have a guide dog or use a white cane. Yunupingu speaks only a few words of English, and is said to be acutely shy. He plays drums, keyboards, guitar (a right hand-strung guitar left-handed) and didgeridoo, but it is the clarity of his singing voice that has attracted rave reviews. He sings stories of his land in both languages (Gälpu, Gumatj or Djambarrpuynu, all Yolŋu Matha) and English. Formerly with Yothu Yindi, he is now with Saltwater Band.

Geoffrey Gurrumul Unupingu and Sting-Every Breath You Take live in Paris

Gurrumul Yunupingu I Was Born Blind

Arrival at KLIA in Malaysia.

Arrived at KLIA in Malaysia at 5:45 amFriday 4th February.. Left Melbourne at 00:45 on Thursday night. Which was the 3rd February. Im here waiting for a transfer. I've got a five hour wait. Now, what mischief can I get up to. It is fairly confusing, timewise. We have been chasing the darkness across Australia and into Malaysia. Looking forward to getting home to see my wife and children. A month is a long time. I'll take a few days off, and then get to grips with the next two legs of my sabbatical walk about. Wales and Ukraine. I'll be posting most of the photographs on the blog over the next few days, so look out for them.

Talking and thinking about faith in Melbourne.

I woke up early this morning as it's my last day in Melbourne. Had a wonderful coffee and a chance to catch up with Bubba. We were comparing books on mission and theology. We are off to Peter Stevens which is the main dealer for Harley and Triumph in Melbourne. Going to try and get a TRIUMPH dealer tee shirt from Melbourne. I fly out of Melbourne at 00:45, but I have to check in two hours before. We are having a meal tonight with the "Doc". I'm all packed up and I'm hoping that I've not gone over my weight limit. I've been reflecting on some of the things that I have seen since my visit. One of the things that I'm going to do some reflecting on is the whole ethos of "Communities of faith" that have grown up alongside the ministry of squad. I've visited two in Melbourne ( Both St Martins in Collingwood and Lilydale) One in Glenrowan, 2 in Canberra (Yass, and Canberra) One in Launceston and the possibility of another in Hobart. I have some thoughts about all these, which I'm going to reflect on deeply when I return to the UK. Spending some time with John Smith today to have a final discussion before flying out for the UK.

The city of Melbourne.

 

Spending the day in the heart of  Melbourne. I found Chinatown! Melbourne is a large city, and I found out today that the steps of Flinder street station are heated in the winter, so you can imagine that this would attract people who spend there lives on the streets. St Martin's Collingwood have a project which works out of Flinder street station which is aptly named "STEPS" It is now only two days till I return to the UK. The month is nearly up. I have had a wonderful time. I fly out on Friday 4th February at 00:10. On Thursday I'm going down to Ocean Grove on the Harley to have a final time with John Smith. I'll miss Australia, the people, the food, the weather, the welcome, the faith communities, the sense of hope in some places, and desperation in others.God has been Good to me since my arrival, I've experienced the love of club brothers and I've made new friends.My thanks goes to all who have given hospitality to me on my visit. (There are to many to mention, you know who you are) I'm humbled by your care for me. Many Thanks.

Back in Melbourne

Flew back from Launceston after an amazing weekend with the brothers. Dale took me to the airport we were met there by Andrew Jones who had come to say goodbye in person. It was a really full on weekend. Dale and I arrived at Howie's place on Friday. We have visited a couple of clubs and I've preached twice on Sunday. (Deloraine and Squad church) we have had great food, great company, great laughs, and great weather all in all Taz was fantastic. I'm in Melbourne till Thursday night and I fly back to the UK at 00.45 on Friday.