Arthur hosted "gospel hour" on Saint FM today, together with the usual presenter, Tammy Williams. He presented his sermon from Ecclesiaties - the meaning of life. He would speak for a few minutes, making one of the points in his sermon, then play a gospel song, then the next point, then another gospel song. His choice of songs was a bit unconventional - gospel rap - but with very good lyrics. Him and Tammy make a good team, and the gospel was presented with "no holds barred" - something that will not be tolerated in many countries today.
I later heard that one of his 'pagan' friends listened to the whole program.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Visiting
We have started our ‘visiting drive’, and this time, are concentrating on visiting non Baptist folk, and trying to make friends with new people. Today I went to visit Archit Kumar’s mother. They are Hindu, but send their son to our Good News club and Sunday School. She stays at home looking after Archit and his 2 year old sister, Helena. I was told that she was given a non-Hindu name because she was "made on the island". The father, Sunit, is the island’s physiotherapist.
Later I went to Cape Villa to celebrate Kate Hudson’s birthday. She was not sure how old she was, but Anthony checked the records, and confirmed that she was 82 years old. I have found out that birthdays are a big thing here. I am sure I am going to offend someone one day by forgetting their big day of the year.
Arthur had a group of young people over for the evening, and Graeme and I were delegated to our rooms upstairs so that the young ones did not feel intimidated....
Later I went to Cape Villa to celebrate Kate Hudson’s birthday. She was not sure how old she was, but Anthony checked the records, and confirmed that she was 82 years old. I have found out that birthdays are a big thing here. I am sure I am going to offend someone one day by forgetting their big day of the year.
Arthur had a group of young people over for the evening, and Graeme and I were delegated to our rooms upstairs so that the young ones did not feel intimidated....
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Sermon
Josh was the first to arrive at Sunday School. He was excited because he and Karla had gotten their older half sister to agree to come as well. This meant that they would each receive a special eraser as a prize for bringing a friend. They had baited her by telling her that she would be allowed to visit the dogs after Sunday School....
In the afternoon we held our monthly meeting at the CCC. It was good and sad to chat a bit with Edie. She chats away, all friendly, and then interrupts by asking “Excuse me, but who are you?” She has become very frail, and can no longer walk without leaning on someone’s arm.
Arthur’s sermon went very well. A sermon crit class would have found a few areas where he could polish it up a bit, but for the hearer, the main impression was that he was speaking from his heart. I am still mulling over the way he applied Hosea’s story to us and to our relationship with God, and then to His relationship with us. It is all about relationships.
Steve and Maureen came over to the manse for a cuppa after the service. It is good to have them back again – especially to have Steve back behind the organ for the services.
In the afternoon we held our monthly meeting at the CCC. It was good and sad to chat a bit with Edie. She chats away, all friendly, and then interrupts by asking “Excuse me, but who are you?” She has become very frail, and can no longer walk without leaning on someone’s arm.
Arthur’s sermon went very well. A sermon crit class would have found a few areas where he could polish it up a bit, but for the hearer, the main impression was that he was speaking from his heart. I am still mulling over the way he applied Hosea’s story to us and to our relationship with God, and then to His relationship with us. It is all about relationships.
Steve and Maureen came over to the manse for a cuppa after the service. It is good to have them back again – especially to have Steve back behind the organ for the services.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
SHAPE
There is an organisation called ‘Shape’ on the island that creates work opportunities for the mentally and physically handicapped. They make soaps and shower gels, recycled paper,
do simple woodwork, maintain a vegetable garden,
make mats and bags and things out of flax or aloe fibre, a blind lady strings beads for necklaces, etc. Although they have been in operation for 6 years, they had their official opening this afternoon.
There is a peach tree in the middle of the front garden, and it was in blossom. So pretty.
As the opening speech was being made, the rain came down. I moved under the passageway’s roof, but Graeme and Arthur braved the weather.
do simple woodwork, maintain a vegetable garden, make mats and bags and things out of flax or aloe fibre, a blind lady strings beads for necklaces, etc. Although they have been in operation for 6 years, they had their official opening this afternoon.There is a peach tree in the middle of the front garden, and it was in blossom. So pretty.
As the opening speech was being made, the rain came down. I moved under the passageway’s roof, but Graeme and Arthur braved the weather.
Graeme and I came home and watched the DVD of ‘Fried green tomatoes’. My kind of movie. I ended up watching it with a dog on my lap and a cat on my shoulder.
Arthur stayed up late, going over his sermon, and rose very early. He made me nervous for his sake. Thursday, August 19, 2010
Bible needed
I went for my usual coffee with Bev Kilner. I really enjoy her as a friend. She asked me to be one of her surrogate 'mothers' when she delivers her baby at the end of next month. The hospital only allows family to visit in the maternity ward, unless, if you are an ex pat, you have appointed 'family' before the occassion. I have been duly appointed. So now I am expecting my first surrogate grandchild...
On my way home, a lady called to me from the door of one of the shops. When I came in, she sort-of nervously asked me whether I had a New King James Version of the Bible for her. (Not the question that I would have expected.) I told her that I would check, but if I did not have that version, I would bring her a NIV Bible. Who knows... a friendship might develop.
Arthur is very busy preparing his first sermon for the Saints. It will be on Hosea. I am looking forward to hearing it. He has an enthusiasm when talking about the Old Testament that makes it come alive. (When preparing a message, he sometimes uses me as a sounding board)
On my way home, a lady called to me from the door of one of the shops. When I came in, she sort-of nervously asked me whether I had a New King James Version of the Bible for her. (Not the question that I would have expected.) I told her that I would check, but if I did not have that version, I would bring her a NIV Bible. Who knows... a friendship might develop.
Arthur is very busy preparing his first sermon for the Saints. It will be on Hosea. I am looking forward to hearing it. He has an enthusiasm when talking about the Old Testament that makes it come alive. (When preparing a message, he sometimes uses me as a sounding board)
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Change of plan
It was decided that Arthur should preach this coming Sunday. Tammy also asked him to host Thursday's 'gospel hour' on radio St FM - it means giving a sermonette, as well as choosing and playing the music. He has asked that we move his part of the spring cleaning to next week, so that he can prepare properly. Gospel work always takes priority over mundane, boring, hay fever producing, house work.
I wonder how much of my planned spring cleaning will actually happen during the next 3 weeks. I often start off the day with a bit of energy, and good intentions, but run out of steam fairly early in the day. House cleaning reminds me of my sinfulness - always there, and always needing 'working on'; it builds up very quickly if I let it slide; it requires constant self discipline; good intentions are often replaced by convenience; etc, etc.
I wonder how much of my planned spring cleaning will actually happen during the next 3 weeks. I often start off the day with a bit of energy, and good intentions, but run out of steam fairly early in the day. House cleaning reminds me of my sinfulness - always there, and always needing 'working on'; it builds up very quickly if I let it slide; it requires constant self discipline; good intentions are often replaced by convenience; etc, etc.
Monday, August 16, 2010
New confidence
Clawd’s first kill has definitely pushed his confidence levels up a notch. This morning, as the 3 pets were walking down the passage towards the back door, he put his arm around Abigail for a few paces, then walked ‘hip to hip’ with her for the rest of the passage length, before darting outside. ‘Saucy cat’ is what the Saints call him.
It is the end of the UK academic year, and the schools have broken up until early September. The Bible studies are going into recess for this time. I hope to spend the first week spring cleaning the manse, shampooing carpets and setting up a veggie garden with Arthur’s help. Graeme has undertaken to assemble 2 flat packed cupboards that we ordered. The 2 weeks after that, we will be concentrating on visiting as many people as we can.
Jean and Trevor called at the manse to report back on the 'talk in the street' about the coffee morning. It appears that the bit that most folk enjoyed the most was the sing along! A suggestion was made that we organise a 'Gospel Sing Along' one evening soon. We could take a free will offering that could also go towards the rockfall relief fund. (Well, I never!) Comments were also made about the lovely spirit that prevailed. (God's doing)
It is the end of the UK academic year, and the schools have broken up until early September. The Bible studies are going into recess for this time. I hope to spend the first week spring cleaning the manse, shampooing carpets and setting up a veggie garden with Arthur’s help. Graeme has undertaken to assemble 2 flat packed cupboards that we ordered. The 2 weeks after that, we will be concentrating on visiting as many people as we can.
Jean and Trevor called at the manse to report back on the 'talk in the street' about the coffee morning. It appears that the bit that most folk enjoyed the most was the sing along! A suggestion was made that we organise a 'Gospel Sing Along' one evening soon. We could take a free will offering that could also go towards the rockfall relief fund. (Well, I never!) Comments were also made about the lovely spirit that prevailed. (God's doing)
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