Roger Aubrey

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).

Here we go again: for the last time

It's come around again. Meet School of the Word's Class of 2008, who started their ten month course this morning. To save you counting, there are twenty two of them and they are ready and willing for action.

This year will be my last as Principal; the School moves to Manchester in September 2008 as part of its ongoing development. I've really enjoyed the last five years and am looking forward to signing off with a bang as these fantastic men and women of God are prepared for the next part of their destiny in Christ.

Back in the saddle

August has come and gone, and still no summer for us here in the UK. The weather has certainly been drier and warmer these past weeks, but no doubt about it - this has been one soggy summer.

August was a month of variety: weddings, funerals, birthdays and anniversaries. It was a joy to speak at two weddings: Kevin and Jo Hardwidge; and Adam and Alicia McKeown. Both are great couples with the hand of God on them. The funerals: two dear men of God - Bob John and Bill Longstaff from our church. They both died in peace and faith after illness; their funerals were times of thanksgiving and celebrations of lives of faith. Birthdays: both Dianne's parents were seventy. All their children and grandchildren and in laws gathered in Northern Ireland last week to honour them. It was very moving to hear my father in law speak with pride about having all his children and grandchildren together like that. Anniversaries: my dear friend Dave Ellis and his wife Betty celebrated fifty years of marriage with a big dinner party at All Nations. It was wonderful to be part of such a night. And last week James and Saskia celebrated their first year together!

I've also managed to get a good amount of writing done and will return to it when I have more time. And finally, lots of preparation for the final School of the Word before it moves to Manchester in September 2008. This will be my final year as Principal; six years of spending time teaching and learning from incredible men and women of God.

Now it's a new season.........