Roger Aubrey

Oral Roberts: 1918-2009

Today I want to pay tribute to the memory of Oral Roberts, who died yesterday at the age of 91. Roberts was one of the most significant, ground-breaking and controversial preaching evangelists of the twentieth century. It's been interesting to see the wide range of responses at the news of his passing: everything from vitriolic hatred of him through ridicule to deep appreciation and love.

I believe Oral Roberts was a man of God: imperfect, like every one of us, but with a passion for Jesus and a desire to see the miracle power of the Lord at work in people who were sick. It's easy to kick a man and criticise him from the comfort and safety of an armchair, pulpit, study or blog. I have learned that I earn the right to criticise when I have walked in a man's shoes. So today, rather than all take the opportunity to bash a man, let's thank God for Oral Roberts: for those who came to know Jesus through his ministry; for those who were healed by Jesus through his prayers and faith; and for a man, who despite great personal suffering and tragedy, stayed true to his faith in Christ.

(If you only read one of Oral Roberts' books, read 'Seed Faith'. It changed my life).

Faith matters

Yesterday I happened to see an interesting programme about Tony Blair. It was called 'Fern Britton meets...' and is a series examining the faith of famous people. Tony Blair recently became a Catholic; but the programme was more about his faith in general and how it affected his political life, especially the decision to go to war against Saddam. Included in the programme was an interview with Blair himself.

Putting aside a number of aspects of the programme, one part of it impressed me. When he was Prime Minister, wherever he was in the world, and no matter what the situation, Blair would insist on going to a church service on Sunday. Even if he was physically exhausted, emotionally drained, or had to make world changing decisions, he would do his very best to be there. This was attested to by his aides and colleagues. It was the one non negotiable. The effect on him was evident to all: he would be refreshed, even rejuvenated by his time in what he described as a humbling act, acknowledging that he was in the presence of God.

What impressed me about this was that, despite the intense pressures and the physical demands of his office, Blair always found time to get to Sunday services; and regarded himself better for it.

I have to admit that sometimes I get frustrated with those saints who find it hard to crawl out of bed on a Sunday morning because they have had 'a hard week', or are feeling a bit under the weather, or just decided to take time off for no particular reason. I am all for relaxation and rest; but there seems to be a tendency among some that being together with other brothers and sisters in the presence of God is an option that can be exercised at one's own discretion. But the Bible says, 'Let's not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing...' (Hebrews 10:25). That word 'habit' actually means 'ethic'. As I watched Blair, I thought, if this man thought it was important enough to be in the presence of God, along with other believers, that it became part of his 'ethic', and he had enormous pressures, is it too much to ask believers to get out of bed and join together with their family to worship God? And be there on time?

Image of the day

This is Heinz Zak, a high wire walker. I personally think he's crazy; but he has my admiration for where he chooses to show his craziness.

I get vertigo on a pile carpet; so there is absolutely no way that I would even countenance doing such a thing.

This shot is part of a photo essay that appeared recently in the Guardian. For more of Heinz, go here.

Marmite Jesus

Apparently Jesus loves Marmite. His image has just appeared on the inside of a lid. For those of you who can't stand the taste of Marmite, this must be a shattering blow. For us Marmite lovers it's great to have the Lord's endorsement. The sad thing is that the family who have made this discovery are from Wales. And we were doing so well.

If you really want to read more about this headline-grabbing story, here's the link.

A new blogger

It's not very often these days that I get to welcome a new blogger to the scene. So today I'm pleased to announce a new one: it's by James Aubrey. (Well if you can't promote your family, who can you promote?)

Check out James' site here.

Fire destroys Philippine village

Many of you will be aware of our work in the Philippines under the direction of Noralv and Tone Askeland. They have just sent this news about the village of Mangot, where a fire has destroyed the whole village:

This village is one of our neighbor villages in Mindoro. Several of the men in the village are working in construction at our centre at Core. We are giving emergency help together with the local government, Red Cross and one other NGO. For those that have visited Core, this is the village on the left hand side 800 meters before we reach Core. The fire started in a kitchen, but because of strong winds it spread through the whole village. We give thanks to the Lord that neither people nor animals was killed or injured, except for one pig that died.

 

Peaked

Off for a few days to the beautiful Peak District with Dianne. The weather is set fair; the walking boots are cleaned; the hotel is booked. We may even need some sun cream. See you next week.

Thirty years and counting

Only one thing for me to write about: today Dianne and I celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary. I know: we don't look old enough to be married that long (well Dianne doesn't). We just want to thank the Lord for all his goodness to us over these years. And here's to the next thirty!

Life in six words

Ernest Hemingway (pictured) once bet that he could write a complete story in six words. He wrote, 'For Sale: baby shoes, never worn.' He won his bet. Now the online magazine Smith is asking its readers to sum up their own lives in just six words. The BBC is following this story; you can read more about it along with some of the contributions here.

Of course, it made me think...dear readers: could you sum up your life in six words? I'm off to have a think and a stab at it myself....

Honour them

This is Don and Muriel Matheson, who last weekend were honoured by All Nations on the occasion of their sixtieth wedding anniversary: a genuine diamond couple.

Don and Muriel were the original and founding members of All Nations, over thirty years ago. They had been in the Brethren for many years, but were then baptised in the Holy Spirit. Muriel spoke in tongues and interpretation in the Sunday meeting; as a result they were told to leave. Thus began a pilgrimage, along with other friends, that eventually brought them into contact with Arthur Wallis, Bryn Jones, and Keri Jones. Don and Muriel suffered much in those early years - rumours, enmity, isolation and hatred. But they determined to follow God's plan for a church that would be filled with his glory. Sometimes I sit with Don and watch the people on a Sunday morning. He is just so grateful to God to see the fruit of his and Muriel's faith.

Now they are well into their eighties but still fully involved in the life of All Nations. Those of us who have joined the church in subsequent years owe them an incalculable debt: they forged a path that we now walk along. All their children and grandchildren are believers and walk strongly with God. Praise God for men and women like Don and Muriel Matheson.

(Thanks to David Gallimore for the photos).