Johli Baptist

Bodleian Quad doors, Oxford

2012-02-14T18:31:00.000Z

The doors around the Bodleian Library are beautiful. In celebration of their magnificence and splendour I have selected some photographs. I really love the Bodleian Quad (Schools Quad) doors, visiting them and looking at the photographs. I hope you enjoy them too!

And I thought that photographs of the Divinity School are well worth including.

The door from the Divinity School opposite the Sheldonian Theatre.

Prayers for Syria

2012-02-10T14:02:00.001Z

Let us pray for the people of Syria. They are suffering greatly. Innocent children are now dying in the city of Homs. The Assad regime has murdered many folk. We should pray that those who are responsible for this bloodshed and evil acts of violence would be brought to justice. May they be brought to account for their wickedness.

Psalm 10

Arise, O Lord. O God lift up Your hand. Do not forget the helpless....You have seen, for You observe trouble and grief. To repay it by Your hand. The helpless commits himself to You. You are the helper of the fatherless. Break the arm of the wicked and evil man. Call him to account for his wickedness. Seek out his wickedness until You find none.

The Lord is King forever and ever...Lord, You have heard the desire of the afflicted. You will prepare their heart. To do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may oppress no more.

Christians in Syria: between a rock and a hard place?

2012-01-18T19:36:00.002Z

Christians in Syria apparently fared well under the Assad regime, as they were accorded a good measure of religious freedom. They have not been involved in the protest movement. Until last year there was a long record of peaceful relations between Muslims and Christians in Syria. In fact Christians have been part of Syrian society since New Testament times. St. Paul stayed at Straight Street, Damascus. The Church of Antioch at one time was very influential.

Today Christians are a religious minority, perhaps representing about ten per cent of the population. President Assad belongs to the Alawite Muslim minority in a land that is predominantly Sunni Muslim. Some have suggested that this is one of the reasons why Christians have been sympathetically treated.

Now violence on the streets and heavy gunfire has prevented Christians attending church services. In some areas there has been a growing anti-Christian hostility by militant Islamic factions. Some church buildings have been burnt down. A number of Christians have been killed. People are dying frequently on the streets in Syria.

Christian leaders fear that some Islamic militants wish to implement laws and practices that would threaten their liberty and make life far more difficult for Christians. Syrian Christians therefore are concerned that a revolution and regime change could bring persecution and the implementation of harsh penalties and restrictions on them.

One Syrian sheikh in exile in Saudi Arabia has threatened all those who oppose the revolution and has said that they will be "torn apart, chopped up and fed to dogs". This has been seen as an implicit threat to the Christian community.

Goalscoring goalkeepers in the Premiership

2012-01-08T00:44:00.003Z

Tim Howard of Everton has joined the select few goalkeepers who have scored in the premiership and not from the penalty spot. Tim Howard's remarkable wind assisted goal came against Bolton on 4 January 2012 . There have been three other goalkeepers who have scored: Peter Schmeichel (2001), Brad Friedel (2004), and Paul Robinson (2007).

Details about these goalscoring goalkeepers will no doubt feature in pub quiz questions.

The naughty schoolboy's prayer

2012-01-06T12:24:00.000Z

Three naughty schoolboys were sent to the headmaster to be "severely disciplined". They had broken certain school rules and the customary punishment was six of the best, six strokes of the senior cane across the buttocks. Each harsh stroke would usually land in the same place. The pain of the cane would be more intense after each stroke.

While waiting outside the headmaster's office the fearful schoolboys wondered if there was any way of escaping their impending punishment. They needed a miracle to avoid a thrashing. They knew that pleas for mercy or promises of better behaviour would not change their punishment.

One of them, however, thought that prayer might help. It could not do any harm at all. But the boy only knew one prayer.

For what we are about to receive may the Lord make us truly thankful.

How long will the bloodshed continue in Syria?

2012-01-02T01:15:00.000Z

The Arab League monitors must know by now that the Syrian government security forces continue to kill innocent protesters in the streets. How long will this murder and mayhem last? Will these monitors make any difference? Who knows? Many Syrians seem to have little confidence in the monitors and any reports by them.

It has been said that Bashar al Assad and his regime are on the ropes, but they seem to be able to struggle on and to continue acts of brutality and oppression. Thousands and thousands have boldly and courageously taken to the streets to let the monitors and the world know that many people are dying daily in Syria.

Let us pray for peace in Syria. May 2012 bring better days and more democratic ways.

Downton Abbey delivered

2011-12-26T11:45:00.001Z

Downton Abbey, on ITV yesterday, delivered an excellent Christmas special. Millions watched this popular costume drama, though Eastenders won the Christmas Day ratings war. It had a wonderful blend of suspense, romance, intrigue, tension, humour and joy, plus a very happy ending. Dame Maggie Smith as the Dowager Countess had some of the best lines.

This Christmas special sets up the third season, which is due in 2012, perfectly.

Alfred Williams was wrong about revival in 2011.

2011-12-24T18:01:00.000Z

Well, as expected, Alfred Williams's prophecy about a great revival in or starting in 2011 turned out to be completely false, both in the UK and in Nigeria. ( My post of Monday, 28 March 2011 refers.) We were told to expect "a revival as we have never been seen before". In fact we never saw a revival at all. We did see terrible lawlessness on the streets of England. Wales was mercifully spared such anarchy and disorder. We saw parts of London in flames, looking like a war zone. The fires and flames of a Christian revival failed to materialize.

Nigeria needs our prayers as we intercede for those who suffer as a result of Islamic terrorism. Boko Haram extremists have claimed responsibility, or rather irresponsibility, for the bombings which have caused the deaths of over 30 people in churches on Christmas Day.

I think some humility is called for by Apostle Alfred Williams and his supporters who boasted about their special knowledge and prophecies. We should all show humility as we walk humbly with God, do justice and love mercy, the loving kindness of God - according to Micah 6:8.

1 Corinthians 13:9 should make us wary and keep us cautious.

A Very Happy Christmas and New Year 2012 to all my readers

2011-12-24T12:41:00.004Z

I wish all my readers a very HAPPY CHRISTMAS and NEW YEAR 2012.

May you know the joy and peace of Christ and experience life abundant in Christ Jesus in 2012.
He gives us a peace and joy that this world cannot give or understand. There is a peace that passes understanding in Christ Jesus.

At this time it is good to remember the homeless, as Jesus was homeless at the time of His birth. It is also appropriate to remember the persecuted, the oppressed and refugees. Mary and Joseph were forced to flee to Egypt on account of Herod's evil plans.

Today there is violence, bloodshed and wicked oppression throughout the Middle East. We are told to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

My prayers go out to the Barnabas Trust, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Open Doors and all who labour to help those who are persecuted for their faith in Christ.

Jesus is the Prince of Peace and one day He shall return in glory to usher in the perfect age of His rule and reign over all. There will be scoffers who will deny and ridicule the hope of His second coming. But Jesus will come again. Hallelujah.

Christmas greetings to all viewers of my YouTube channel

http://www.youtube.com/user/Johlibaptist/featured

Patrick McGoohan in Columbo episodes

2011-12-21T14:44:00.001Z

Today on ITV 3 many saw Patrick McGoohan's last appearance in Columbo. He played the part of murderer Eric Prince in Ashes to Ashes, number 67, episode 12 in season 13 (final season). Patrick McGoohan and Peter Falk were good friends and enjoyed working together in the Columbo detective TV programmes. McGoohan appeared a record four times as the murderer, and directed all but the first of these episodes.

For the record, Patrick McGoohan appeared in:

By Dawn's Early Light as Colonel Lyle C. Rumford, number 28, season 4 and episode 3.
Identity Crisis as Nelson Brenner, number 34, season 5, episode 3.
Agenda for Murder as Oscar Finch, number 52, season 9, episode 3.
Ashes to Ashes as Eric Prince, number 67, season 13, episode 12.

Patrick McGoohan's final involvement with Columbo was in directing number 68, season 13, episode 13, Murder With Two Many Faces. He also directed The Last Salute to the Commodore, season 5, episode 6.

Bashar al Assad is in denial

2011-12-17T20:20:00.002Z

Bashar al Assad is still claiming that the UN reports that five thousand people have been violently killed by Syrian security forces are false. He asserts that he is supported by the majority of the people and has had nothing to do with the state sanctioned murders on the streets. Bashar refuses to take any responsibility for the brutality. He is clearly in denial about the killings and misery on the Syrian streets caused by his troops.

It is very hard to believe that an intelligent man can ignore the overwhelming evidence of such repression, bloodshed, torture and deaths. The blood of the Syrian people cries out against him.

Sabra Mezze's new Houmous Extra is excellent

2011-12-14T18:49:00.000Z

I have just tried the new Houmous Extra by Sabra Mezze, a tasty houmous of chickpeas and pine nuts in olive oil. It is the best that I've tasted. I can thoroughly recommend it.

It's clearly time for Sepp Blatter to go!

2011-11-19T19:40:00.001Z

Sepp Blatter should retire from his job as president of FIFA. He is out of touch and brings very little to the beautiful game. In fact, he should have retired years ago. He is no longer up to the job and continues to make stupid comments and decisons. The football world will be far better off without him. I shall rejoice when he goes.

Ian Wright, the former England and Arsenal footballer, has turned down an opportunity to give Le Ballon D'Or football award at a ceremony in Switzerland. Well done Ian, for not wanting to appear alongside Blatter and be used as publicity stunt. Ian Wright says that Blatter must go. Blatter's recent comments about racism are disgraceful, unacceptable and a deep embarrassment to international football. Yes, he must go.

Ken Clarke, jazz connoisseur

2011-11-15T12:29:00.001Z

Ken Clarke is a really good presenter of Jazz Greats, and you can hear him on BBC Radio 4. It is very cool for the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice to be able to talk authoritatively about great jazz players and their music. He is real connoisseur who has a love for Jazz and speaks about this subject with enthusiasm and knowledge. Dear Ken has just the right voice and delivery for the programme.

Wise words from King Abdullah of Jordan

2011-11-15T12:11:00.001Z

Yesterday I listened intently to very wise words from King Abdullah of Jordan when he was being interviewed by the BBC. He clearly has an excellent grasp of the situation in Syria. It is evident that President Bashar al-Assad has lost legitimacy and it is in the best interests of the Syrian people for him to step down. If he cares about his country then he should go.

However, even if Bashar stood down it is doubtful that the current regime would be able to deliver reform and the necessary changes. A full scale civil war is a possibility, but the future is very uncertain. Armed pockets of resistance have been on the streets. Further bloodshed seems inevitable.

Arab League at last takes action

2011-11-12T20:01:00.001Z

The Arab League are now taking action against Syria, where murder and mayhem are committed by the Ashad regime, particularly in the Homs area. Syria deservedly should be expelled from the Arab League. There has been no real reform but empty words and rhetoric. The UN should no longer stand idly by, but they must take a stand against the evil Syrian government. Political gangsters and criminals continue to run the country and the only outcome is more bloodshed and civil unrest. Shame on the Ashad regime and its vile violent security forces.

And still the protesters are camped by St Paul's

2011-11-04T19:35:00.003Z

The key text quoted by Christians is: Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's. Matthew 22:21. This should bring about a good settlement based on moral principles. While the protesters may have a good case against the unacceptable face of capitalism, they do not have the right to camp whether and whenever they please. In a democratic society we have laws and regulations that take account of the needs and welfare of others. Some of the protesters seem to have no regard for the views and wishes of others.

It has been argued that as a result of the serious crisis of capitalism and the need for the socio-economic issues to be discussed, the protest camp should remain. It looks likely that the camp will continue until the new year.

Some of those who will be involved in remembrance services at the Cathedral have expressed concern that the protest camp probably will be spoiling their occasion. The closure of the Cathedral last month was a bitter disappointment to visitors, tourists and worshippers.

Further thoughts about the protesters by St. Paul's Cathedral

2011-11-01T19:02:00.001Z

After listening to views expressed on television by Anne Atkins (columnist and writer on Christian affairs) and Simon Jenkins (editor of Ship of Fools), the Church of England could have done far better in handling the situation; they could have engaged, shared and cared. They had a new congregation literally on their door step. There was an opportunity to use these events to bring the true message of Jesus to the protesters, media and the watching world. Now the Church of England looks uncertain, dithering and confused.

It has been pointed out that Jesus would not have consulted lawyers. He feed the five thousand and knew how to speak words of life and meaning to a crowd. The St Paul's Cathedral clergy seem to be at a loss. They could have been on to a winner.

Had there been an encampment in St Peter's Square in Rome, the protesters would have probably been subjected to water cannons and hostile actions by the Papal Swiss Guards.

Had the protesters camped by St Helen's Bishopsgate, Church of England with an Evangelical tradition, then they would have been evangelized and given Gospel fellowship.

Voices crying in the wilderness by the steps of St Paul's

2011-10-30T16:42:00.003Z

Surely the protesters and the priests at St Paul's Cathedral can come to some sort of arrangement so that people can safely enter the building. The closure of the building could have been avoided. Now there has been the sad resignation of Rev. Dr. Giles Fraser, who was canon chancellor of St. Paul's. He had sympathy for the protesters and wanted no violence to take place if the protesters had been removed forcefully.

This is a time for dialogue and peaceful protest, but some of the pseudo protesters, who have put tents there for a day time occupation, should leave. The area is an eyesore and the protesters need to move on to another location. There needs to be a law against a permanent protest encampment. There needs to be a limit of the duration of an encampment. These protesters have no right to live there for as long as they wish. They need to take the views and needs of other people into account.

Perhaps the priests should start preaching at the protesters, then baptise and confirm them. After that they would hardly go near a church again.

Syrian protesters are slaughtered regularly

2011-10-30T16:04:00.001Z

Peaceful protesters are being killed regularly by government security forces. Scores are reported to be dead over the last few days. The death toll rises and world leaders are appealing for the bloodshed to end, but the country looks like a civil war will occur, especially as the level of opposition is gaining strength. The majority of the people would like to see the removal of the Alawite minority rule under President Bashar al Assad. There is no democratic framework or free press in Syria. Bashar continues to appear charming and reasonable while his troops and henchmen shoot opposition activists in the street. Despite growing condemnation in the Arab world he remains calm, confident, composed, assured and dignified when interviewed by the media. He is quite unlike the stereo-typical tyrant and despot. Some of his comments show that he appears out of touch and unaware of the terrible suffering of his people. He seems cocooned in his peaceful world of family harmony and untroubled comfort. This must be a facade, as he is a very intelligent man with a good grasp of political events and he is no doubt well briefed by his security advisors. But Bashar chooses to play the role of the unassuming and frugal leader who wants reform.

He may live humbly and be a humorous and charming chap at dinner parties and social events, but there is an iron fist and bloody hand beneath the velvet glove. His opponents have felt the daily harshness of his regime. They know the reality of his "reforms": repression, torture, bullets and brutality. They hold Bashar al Assad responsible for so much suffering.

Some may want Bashar al Assad to remain because they fear some of the alternatives, such as a state of chaos, Islamic extremism and bloody factional conflict.

Manchester City thrash United at Old Trafford

2011-10-23T20:10:00.001+01:00

Few people expected Manchester City to thrash their rivals at Old Trafford by six goals to one this afternoon. It was a comprehensive victory that was helped by the sending off of defender Johnny Evans for a foul on Mario Balotelli. City were able to punish the 10 man team and rip the United defence to shreds. It was a joyous occasion for City fans who have never enjoyed such a sweet and massive win on United's home turf. United fans are finding it very hard to take such a humiliating home defeat. This marks a very low point in the club's history, but United will bounce back to winning ways.

Ten years in Afghanistan

2011-10-07T10:28:00.000+01:00

The war in Afghanistan started ten years ago today, on 7 October 2001. Most people in the UK and USA no longer believe, if they ever did, in the Afghan war. It is not winnable. Afghanistan is in a mess of corruption and inner conflict. This military conflict has cost too many lives. In the last five years the loss of life has increased dramatically, as there were relatively few casualties in the first five years. It has not been worth the terrible loss of life, both civilian and military deaths. Analysts admit there have been tragic mistakes, which have been very costly indeed. The public have been sceptical about the goals. The military public relations and propaganda failed to convince us of the necessity and value of this conflict. History indicated that it would end in failure, loss of life and wasted expenditure. It was sadly a disaster ridden enterprise.

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy: 2011 film

2011-10-01T15:07:00.001+01:00

After all the praise from critics, all the rave reviews, excellent cast of top British actors and hype about this version of the John Le Carre novel, I was disappointed with the film. The dismal sets, drab colours, bad hair days and slow pace did not help. Quite depressing and morbid. The seventies were much brighter than this, unless you were in East Berlin. It did lack pace and suspense at times. It was heavy going and ponderous too often for my liking. Some scenes should have been cut as they added nothing to the film. So I am not surprised to hear that cinema goers throughout the land have been walking out before the end and pronouncing the film very dull and boring.

The acting was good and there were some great cameo performances. It does make way for a sequel with George Smiley back at the Circus and on the trail of Karla.

It fails to be as good as the Alec Guinness TV series, but that may not be a fair comparison as the TV series had many episodes to deal with the intricacies of the plot and develop the characters. I much preferred the TV series, which was vastly superior.

Oxford: views from the tower of the University Church of St Mary the Virgin

2011-09-22T16:54:00.001+01:00

Mission Impossible in Afghanistan

2011-09-08T15:45:00.002+01:00

The US attempts to rebuild a nation in Afghanistan by deploying thousands of troops and killing many civilians is sheer folly. According to latest estimates billions, perhaps trillions, of dollars have been spent in Afghanistan on mission impossible. (One estimate puts the cost of Iraq and Afghanistan at four trillion dollars. Such an amount would considerably reduce world poverty for years, but perhaps that does not allow for the corruption at work in poor countries.) The death toll of US combatants is very sad. The USA's reputation remains in tatters. Torture, rendition, Guantanamo Bay, civilian casualties, aiding corruption, abuses of human rights, and other practices have lost the moral high ground.

Americans in Afghanistan have caused what some commentators call the hydra effect. Chop one head and others grow. Killing one insurgent leads to others being recruited and trained to fight to end US occupation of Afghanistan. There is no shortage of young men willing to make and plant roadside bombs (improvised explosive devices) to kill and maim US troops. This is a conflict against a very determined guerilla opposition that cannot be won by conventional means. Yet mission impossible continues and dollars are wasted on this stupid war.

Recent Riots in England: some interesting questions

2011-09-08T15:22:00.002+01:00

We now know that many of the rioters were young criminals, as about 75 per cent have previous convictions.

Fraser Nelson also asks:

How many of those convicted finished school?
How many were brought up in a workless household?
How many by a lone parent, how many in welfare ghettos?

It is not just about poverty, because some very poor families do not produce delinquent children or engage in anti-social behaviour.

It is not a socio-economic problem, but a moral problem. My father-in-law grew up in South Wales where poverty was rife during the Great Depression of the 1930s but the people had high moral principles fostered by the chapel, community and trade union movement. There was a sense of community and those who engaged in anti-social behaviour were subject to effective local sanctions. Today we have lost that sense of close community that shaped good manners, good conduct, consideration and care for others. In good communities people pull together and help each other; there is a sense of decency, concern and care for neighbour and neighbourhood.

I have known extremely poor people and missionaries who lived on low incomes among poor people in rural and urban environments, but they never resorted to theft, looting or anti-social behaviour. During the Second World War and during the 1950s, there happened to be very many people who certainly by today's standards would be classed as extremely poor and needy yet they lived a highly moral life and worked hard for low wages. The children were brought up on the ten commandments, so stealing was wrong; they had a sense of accountability to God, parents, school and community. They did not want to let any of them down. They avoided bringing disgrace and shame.

In some housing estates there is alienation, anonymity, anti-social attitudes, high crime levels, violence, selfishness and inconsiderate behaviour. There is no sense of shame, responsibility or accountability. The youth lack moral guidelines, a moral compass. They do not know right from wrong, but do what is right in their own eyes. They have not been helped to develop a social conscience or good ethical code of conduct. We are now reaping the consequences of bad seed in bad soil. Sunday schools once helped these young people. How many of them had any form a Sunday school education? It has been said that a child who goes through the Sunday school system rarely goes through the juvenile court and criminal justice system.

High population density may have something to do with it, because putting some people in overcrowded conditions can cause aggression. But areas of Holland and Japan which are densely populated have low crime rates. Social deprivation may be a cause, but it is, like poverty, hard to define.

European Football: England's dismal performance against Wales

2011-09-08T09:51:00.003+01:00

England managed a win over Wales at Wembley on Tuesday evening despite a dull and dismal display in front of their supporters. A crucial easy miss by Earnshaw denied Wales a deserved draw. The Welsh had a lot of possession on English soil, which surprised many pundits. But England's failure to maintain possession and dominate in midfield must worry the manager and his staff. The midfield failed to feed Rooney and create enough goal scoring chances.

England's current high world ranking (currently fourth according to FIFA) flatters them and on this latest performance they will fail to maintain it. We have world class defenders, but our midfield looked very mediocre, far from world class. We completely lacked authority in midfield. The Welsh midfield were often much better. At times they outshone the England team, particularly in the second half. Spain, Germany and Holland are way ahead in quality, midfield skill and general performance. Other sides ranked in the top ten have much better midfield balance and quality. They hold the ball well and look comfortable in possession. We cannot seem to do that in so many games. Don't expect England to do well when they come up against international class players. Our midfield mediocrity will let us down again. Our midfield does not gel at Wembley in recent matches there. It has been found wanting. It is high time that we had a convincing win at Wembley.

Berners Roding Church

2011-09-05T12:29:00.004+01:00

The abandoned and neglected church at Berners Roding has fascinated a number of visitors. One photographer has commented on the lamentable state of this once sacred building, which dates back to the 14th century. It is shame that it has not been preserved, perhaps as a retreat or place of prayer. It could have been a poustinia where troubled souls could find solace and comfort for a time away from the pressures and problems of modern/post modern life. A poustinia in the Russian Orthodox Church tradition is a place for prayer and fasting. It was often found in isolated places, where a room had a bed, Bible, desk and a chair.

Travellers at Dale Farm, Church land and Romans 13:1-7

2011-09-05T10:22:00.002+01:00

The travellers at Dale Farm who are threatened with eviction need somewhere to go. They would want to continue their way of life where they could park their caravans and cars etc. The local churches have been involved in the mediation process. I wonder if any of them has thought about offering some land owned by the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church to help these travellers. These churches own vast amounts of land and property. They have a lot of land attached to theological colleges, convents, monasteries, cathedrals, neglected churches, educational institutions, retreat centres etc.

Has Vanessa Redgrave thought about accommodating some of the travellers on her land? Perhaps she has thought about putting them in her back yard or on her property.

Are some of the wealthy travellers prepared to buy some more brown sites, like old scrapyards, to help them? It is alleged that there are some very wealthy travellers who have become rich by evading taxes on their income through some their commercial enterprises. Travellers have been accused of parasitical practices by taking advantage of the free health care, transport infrastructure, local amenities and benefits of society without putting in the funds through taxes, revenues etc.

Some, however, see travellers as a persecuted minority in a complex and structured society that treats them badly and unjustly. According to this view, and others close to it, the travellers have a right to their independent, non-conformist culture and way of life. It has been argued that they are often vilified for petty crimes by a hypocritical and hypercritical society that tolerates enormous fraud and foul practices in the name of commerce, banking and enterprise.

Some of the travellers who claim to be practising Catholics, committed Christians, preachers and pilgrims, and other religious labels and affiliations need to consider the message and meaning of Paul's letter to the Romans in chapter 13, verses one to seven.

We pay taxes to the authorities because they are God's servants who give their full time to government administration. Verse six clearly enjoins these acts. We are to give everyone what we owe them and that includes taxes, revenue, respect and honour.

Those who put themselves above reasonable laws and established rules in a democratic society and deliberately disobey them, should take heed. According to Romans 13:2, they are clearly acting against what God has established, rebelling against God and inviting the judgement of God on themselves.

This applies to certain members of the travellers, but it also applies to the incredibly greedy tax evaders who have lied, cheated and sought refuge in "tax havens", who are guilty of criminal acts that cost the British tax payer far, far more than the small amounts of lost revenue from the travelling community.

Maldon

2011-09-03T09:27:00.009+01:00

A next door neighbour retired to Maldon, where her son had a shop and worked as an electrician. Seaside towns in Essex seem to appeal to elderly folk. Frinton is known as being on the Costa Geriatrica. Some say: Harwich for the continent. Frinton for the incontinent. Maldon is a popular Summer outing and weekend destination for families with young children, because it has wonderful playgrounds and water features for the kids.

Parking can be expensive, but the spacious Promenade Park gets very crowded on warm Summer days in August. It cost me twice as much to park in Promenade Park, rather than parking in Butt Lane in the centre of town. The Butt Lane car park can get full very quickly in August!

I last visited Maldon on a pleasant August day, when hordes of children were enjoying the playgrounds and ponds around Promenade Park. My children enjoyed coming here on warm Summer days during the school holiday season.

Maldon is wonderfully charming and has some delightful quiet spots, even on busy school holidays.

Hythe Quay attracts many visitors. The Jolly Sailor pub, once used in a Lovejoy episode (Series 3, No Strings) starring Joanna Lumley as Victoria Cavero, is a popular watering hole. The photographs of the lovely Lumley lady have sadly been removed.

I love to walk along the ancient streets. What a delightful place!

Ancient and modern work well together.

The staff at the Tourist Information Office (Coach Lane) and at All Saints' Church are very helpful. They will provide you with plenty of information about Maldon's fascinating history, amenities and places of interest.

Syria: killings continue, resentment rises and abuses abound

2011-09-01T09:36:00.008+01:00

Some sources believe that over 500 civilians have been slaughtered during Ramadan, which has now ended.

The opposition to the Assad regime is growing stronger. Reform is no longer an option. The hearts and minds of the people are now behind a complete removal of the evil dictatorship.

The human rights record of the House of Assad, stretching back years, is appalling. Murder, torture, mayhem, injustice, imprisonment without trial, and political corruption have been experienced by the oppressed Syria people. They remember the days of Hafez, father of Bashar, who was responsible for the Hama massacre in 1982. Well over ten thousand civilians were murdered. There will be much rejoicing when the House of Assad eventually falls. Such is the level of oppression and secret police state practices that no creditable opposition has been allowed to grow. A transition to democracy will be a difficult and painful journey for the Syrian people.

Bashar al-Assad is particularly unpopular on account of his Alawite beliefs and his autocratic government which has favoured the Alawite minority. Alawites are considered to be heretical Muslims by many mainstream Islamic scholars and believers. Alawites are a branch, some would say sect, a rather secretive sect, of Shia Islam. The vast majority of Muslims in Syria are Sunni. The Alawites account for about 12 per cent of the population, yet their influence in government is considerable. Bashar al-Assad has an inner circle of trusted Alawites around him.

Alawites take their name from Ali ibn Abi Talib, who was a cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad.

Dark clouds, despair and designated destruction at Dale Farm, Essex

2011-08-31T21:37:00.002+01:00

Travellers living illegally at Dale Farm, Oak Lane, Crays Hill, near Basildon and Billericay, CM11 2YJ, Essex, are facing eviction. Dale Farm is believed to be the largest illegal settlement in the land. There are proposals by Basildon Council to remove the travellers, who are currently living on green belt land without proper planning permission. A forced clearance is possible. The existing buildings constructed without planning permission will have to be destroyed. According to Basildon Council this dispute has been going on for ten years, and families have lived in these residences at Dale Farm knowing that they are breaking the law. It is estimated that over 80 families are resident there illegally. Some do live there legitimately on a scrapyard site, where planning permission was granted for homes. The land is legally owned by families of travellers.

The travellers' appeals to the High Court have failed, despite pleas for consideration under the UN convention of human rights, relating to children, and the poor health of an elderly resident.

Political activists have been forming a protest camp at Dale Farm. The barricades will go up and an expensive policing operation looks inevitable, though many attempts to find peaceful solutions, involving local churches, continue. The cost of removing the families and bulldozing the buildings on green belt land could be millions of pounds.

Vanessa Redgrave, the actress, has championed the travellers' cause.

An awful Afghan August for US troops

2011-08-31T21:12:00.000+01:00

This August has been the deadliest so far for US troops in Afghanistan. Despite talk of progress in the decade long war, over twice as long as World War II for American forces, the death toll is the highest for the conflict. It is worse than July 2010, which was previously the deadliest single month.

Gun Law in Libya

2011-08-27T02:01:00.000+01:00

There is concern about the amount of weapons on the streets of Libya today. Many young men who are heavily armed could be difficult to control. Care needs to come at this time of conflict so that cohesion rather than chaos reigns. There are reports of violence and vengeance. The stench of death can be smelt in hospital wards. Dead bodies decay around Tripoli.

There is talk of democracy, freedom and a brighter future. But there is also fear about tensions and terrors, death and destruction because some will want to settle old scores. Gun law rather than justice with order may already be on the streets of Tripoli. Civil war is always bitter. Scars and deep wounds last for years.

There is no easy way ahead, but blood, sweat, toil, trouble and tears. Gaddafy and his gang have had their day; they have left a bloody legacy. Still they fight on and deny the people the peace and prosperity they desperately desire.

Sitting ducks in Afghanistan

2011-08-21T08:17:00.001+01:00

We don't seem to get it. As perceived occupying forces, infidels and unwelcome foreigners, those associated with the British government are considered legitimate targets for the Taliban. Their fighters are prepared to kill themselves and others, to rid their country of foreigners who threaten their independence. A Taliban spokesman has said "We will become independent again from all foreigners, especially from the British." Our historical record, which is remembered and goes back to the 19th century, in Afghanistan does not make edifying reading. We have bribed, caused bitterness and shed innocent blood. Last Friday there was a double suicide bombing at the British Council compound. At least ten people have been murdered.

The attack was at the time of the 92nd anniversary of Afghanistan's independence from Britain. And British politicians think that we can do "vital work" there.

We are not welcome and our workers are sitting ducks.

Calling time on the Assad regime. Time for Assad to go.

2011-08-18T17:20:00.003+01:00

Now key world leaders are asking for Bashar, the Brutal Basher, al Assad to step down as he has lost legitimacy. More pressure and more sanctions are being brought to bear on the Assad regime of repression. Sadly the small people will continue to suffer for his sins. The Syrian regime is in crisis. The economy has deep problems. The health service is stretched to cope with the injuries, the many wounded from the troubles, the protests, and the demands for democratic changes. Thousands have already died during demonstrations. The bullets of Bashar's men have been making the situation worse.

Not even rigorous and far reaching reforms can now wash away the blood on the despot's hands. This dictator has lost the respect and support of his people. It is the brutal military and special security services plus the support of some unethical nations that keep him in power. How long will Assad cling on? His days are numbered.

Syria will be well rid of this regime. It's time for regime change.

Brutal Basher Bashar al Assad

2011-08-15T12:07:00.002+01:00

Certain nations have been very slow to condemn the brutality of Bashar, Brutal Basher, al Assad's regime of terror and evil repression. Hilary Clinton, however, has been calling for sanctions against the Assad government.

Assad, the brutal basher, has lost legitimacy to rule, so it is time for him to go. Although he can appear as a charming and well educated young man, he is a political gangster who should to brought to justice for his evil reign of terror. Like his father, he has shed much blood and criminally abused his people.

Shame on any country that harms the innocent, peaceful protesters with legitimate grievances.

Shame on any country that curtails the freedom of the press.

Shame on any country that denies basic human rights and democratic freedom.

Shame on any country that persecutes Christian leaders and true disciples of Jesus Christ.

Shame on their leaders and politicians who are responsible for these evil ways.

Named and Shamed: Reece Donovan

2011-08-13T09:56:00.006+01:00

Reece Donovan of Milton Court, Cross Road, Chadwell Heath, Romford, Essex, has been identified as the person who robbed injured Malaysian student Asyraf Haziq Rossli. Apparently Asyraf was assaulted in Barking; his bike was stolen and his jaw was broken. On CCTV, shown throughout the world, a crowd gathered around him. At first it seemed young people were trying to help him. Asyraf was evidently dazed from his injuries and in broad daylight he had possessions taken from his rucksack by a young man wearing a baseball cap. Reece Donovan, 21, has been charged with the robbery so he will appear before Westminster Magistrates' Court very shortly.

If Donovan is convicted then he will probably be known as Disgraceful Donovan. He is, of course, innocent until proven guilty. Mistaken identity would be serious. I thought that I heard his surname was Sullivan, and the thought of a David Sullivan being shamefully treated for an offence that he did not commit would be tragic.
There is concern that the speedy procedures of the courts could lead to miscarriages of justice. Let's pray that there is not undue haste but due process of law and sound judgement in our courts.

The robbery has been strongly condemned, notably by PM David Cameron in one of his recent speeches. Asyraf has received hospital treatment, media attention, and strong support expressed in words, cards and cash from well wishers throughout the country. He has said that he will remain in England to complete his studies.

A Lost Generation?

2011-08-12T03:23:00.005+01:00

Politicians, church and community leaders, and social commentators are asking the question: do we have a lost generation in England? Do we have an underclass of young people growing up without morality and moral restraint?

There are clearly many theories and complex social problems surrounding the criminality of these young rioters, looters and louts who have taken to the streets over the last few days to wreck havoc, destruction and damage. Some people say that gang culture is much to blame for the recent arson, anarchy and thefts. Others believe that bad parenting and poor home life, where a lack of discipline and decency prevails, explain many of the problems. A few put the cause down to environmental factors, including government cuts, social alienation, unemployment and the loss of opportunities.

One thing is apparent to me. These juvenile delinquents have little respect for others, their neighbours, their neighbourhoods, their country, basic morality (thou shalt not steal), the police, those in authority, the rule of law, and God. They live godless and self centred lives, without a social and moral conscience. Some of them have grown up thinking that they are free to do just as they please and anything what they want, without recourse to established morality, anybody else or the needs of others. Their way of life is, in effect, based on: if it feels good , then let's do it. They wish to do what is right in their own eyes. Selfishness reigns supreme. They are lost, walking the broad way that leads to destruction and spiritual death.

It is time for the true members of Christ's church, those called out of this present evil world where the good seed is choked and harmed, to reach out into the highways and byways to bring the gospel of hope and salvation to these needy young folk.

We need to look again at youth work, youth clubs, youth ministries and youth projects. In the past we have managed to touch young people in deprived areas and places of poverty and poor social conditions. Think of the Mayflower Centre in East London, London City Mission halls on council estates, and successful church youth clubs in the inner cities.

Church leaders and people in Christian fellowships are arranging for special prayer meetings, vigils, prayer and fasting sessions, to take place throughout this troubled land.

It is time to watch and pray, time to seek God's wisdom, and time to see the power of God touching these lost sheep so that they are plucked out of devil's hands.

Catastrophic criminality in Croydon

2011-08-08T21:31:00.003+01:00

Croydon burns this evening. Shops, residential properties and businesses are ablaze as a result of sheer criminality. Fear is on the streets and people are afraid of the fires around them. Young yobs have torched premises, deliberately causing damage and danger to many residents. Parts of Croydon now look like a war zone, especially Reeves's Corner around Church Street. The public need to be well protected from these waves of violence. It must be heartbreaking for the people living there seeing their precious possessions and property being destroyed. Politicians and people in authority are urging parents to bring their children home and off the streets. Croydon seems out of control in some sectors. The Fire Brigade officers are really stretched. Emergency services have considerable problems. This current chaotic situation in Croydon could lead to serious injury and loss of life. It is a catastrophe.

Havoc has hit Hackney

2011-08-08T18:52:00.008+01:00

Law and order have broken down on the streets of Hackney, London E8. And now violent scenes are being shown in South London around the Lewisham and Peckham areas. Shops in Rye Lane, Peckham, London SE15, are on fire and flats are being destroyed. Anarchy and arson are clearly evident. This behaviour is completely unacceptable and we should be supporting the Metropolitan Police in their attempts to restore law and order. Mrs Teresa May, the Home Secretary, is right about the situation: there are absolutely no excuses for this violence and looting. This lawlessness by criminals must stop and they should be brought to justice. These riots are symptomatic of delinquency and moral declension in our inner cities. Youths without morality are revealing their spiritual bankruptcy. They are wild, wicked creatures of darkness. They are a disgrace. They have shamed their families and communities.

Anarchy on the streets of Tottenham, N17

2011-08-08T08:29:00.008+01:00

Images of lawlessness have been broadcast across the UK on our television screens. Arson, looting, stone throwing, vicious violence against the Metropolitan Police and their vehicles, criminal damage resulting in the destruction of homes and businesses, these disgraceful actions by "mindless people... intent on causing violence" have angered Tottenham residents and the nation.

It is claimed that much of the anarchy on the streets around N17 was caused by outsiders and troublemakers who took advantage of the chaos. They allegedly came to steal and to bring havoc to the locality. Some businesses and residents will now find it difficult to continue working and living in Tottenham. It has been said that these riots and destructive events have "ripped the heart out of the community."

There was a breakdown in law and order. Let us hope that the Met. Police and community leaders will be able to restore, rebuild and revive this troubled town. Justice needs to be seen, and criminals need to be brought to justice so that they are punished for their crimes. Some are demanding corporal punishment for major crime. (Major Crime and Corporal Punishment? It's an old joke!)

What kind of upbringing did these delinquents have? Without parental discipline and the good example of a father as a positive role model, they have become wild and wicked.

But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Hebrews 12:8, to quote the 1611 Authorized Version of the Bible, now celebrating 500 years of influence. I wonder how much biblical influence and Christian teaching these "bastards" had? Some of these crime ridden estates are sadly breeding grounds for bastards, kids out of control, where teenage pregnancy rates are unacceptably high. Absentee "fathers" and ill mannered mothers are failing to bring children up with social skills and a good understanding of decorum and decency. I bet that there would be evidence of irresponsible parenting if one looked into most of the backgrounds and home life of these lawless looters and destructive delinquents. There is often a clear correlation between bad parenting and criminal behaviour.

Many who travel to see Tottenham Hotspur playing at White Hart Lane (though the ground is in Tottenham High Road) may be quite unaware of the area's high rates of crime, teenage pregnancy, unemployment with serious social problems: gang violence, racial tensions, drug dealing, and gun possession.

There some large churches and Christian ministries in Tottenham, London N17; they bring a message of hope and good news in what has been described as a "hurting community". May they rise to the challenge to bring Christian caring, sharing, and bearing the burdens of those in need.

We live in times when community care, cohesion, co-operation and Christian ethics are sadly missing. Selfish, sinful and stupid behaviour that does so much harm has been very evident in Tottenham, N17, in the London Borough of Haringey.

Pleshey, Essex. It was a pleasure to be at Pleshey yesterday afternoon

2011-07-30T00:40:00.009+01:00

Pleshey is a peaceful place. It has a retreat centre, a lovely church, an ancient motte and bailey castle, two pubs and many charming cottages. Sadly there is no longer a cricket team; the pitch is currently in quite poor condition, particularly the wicket square, and the last match was played about two years ago.

I spoke to a retired gentleman, born and bred in Pleshey, who was working on his five allotments; it is good to hear an authentic Essex accent. The ugly estuary English accent seems to be spreading throughout Essex.

The Parish Church is, to my way of thinking, rather Dibleyesque. I can see many parallels with the Vicar of Dibley. Visit the church and look into the way things are run. Reverend Geraldine would be happy here.

The ramshackle pavilion has seen better days. The square is in need of tender loving care and some matches played on it. There are not enough committed cricketers and locals to tend and look after the ground.

Cottages are lovingly looked after. The thatch on this cottage is a work of art. Long may this skilful enterprise of quality thatching continue.

The publican is evidently trying to make a go of the Leather Bottle in lean times. Many pubs are closing and are struggling to survive under harsh economic conditions.

The White Horse has been a popular restaurant and destination for the discerning diner for many years.

The old village pump has been charmingly preserved for posterity.

The village school buildings are now a private residence.

The old blacksmith's barn will soon disappear. The plot is destined for a new development.

The village allotments are wonderfully well tended, but will future generations find the time and the energy to maintain them to their present glory?

In the middle of the last century children's voices could be heard singing Christian choruses at this mission hall; it is now a private residence. A certain way of life has disappeared from the village in these increasingly secular times.

Revision and additional information posted on 8 August 2011.

Videos of St Francis Hospice

2011-07-29T23:04:00.001+01:00

I have uploaded two videos of St Francis Hospice, Havering atte Bower, Essex, on my YouTube channel.

http://www.youtube.com/user/Johlibaptist?feature=mhee#p/u/12/5FvxqVQYjao

Prayer walking in the Fields: Wethersfield, Great Bardfield and Finchingfield

2011-07-28T07:04:00.004+01:00

Last Saturday I went prayer walking with two friends. The weather was overcast and windy; it was not particularly warm but that is better than heat when the prayerwalk is over a few miles and takes more than six hours. I was slower this year and not as fit as I was last year, but I am getting fitter and increasing in stamina. The prayer walk did me a great deal of good, physically and spiritually. I felt much more energetic a day later.

The countryside was beautiful after some recent heavy rain. There was a lovely lushness all around us.

In some places the footpaths were hard to find and were covered in thick vegetation.

We even had to consult the OS map to make sure that we were on the right track.

We saw some delectable countryside, magnificent churches and fine views. It was such a pleasure to walk in the Essex Fields, pray, reflect on God's goodness, shares jokes, and enjoy Christian fellowship.

Sometimes we meet some rough and ready rustics. We loved this bloke's accent and rural charm.

Phil, on the left, likes to have fun with a good pun. His play on words is often heard.
Sometimes subtle and sometimes funny, sometimes clever and sweet as honey.
Many jokes were told that day before it was the close of play.
No stumps were drawn but our walk was done.
Next year we hope for much more sun.

St Francis Hospice, Havering atte Bower: birthday celebrations last Friday

2011-07-26T10:44:00.005+01:00

Last Friday I attended the St. Francis Hospice birthday service, which was held at the Pepperell Education (my error corrected on 8.8.11) Centre in the grounds of SFH. It was a lovely afternoon, sunny and warm. The visibility from the gates looking south across to Kent was excellent. I took some photographs of the occasion, the grounds, the old hall and the view south to Kent.

I hope you liked the photographs of St Francis Hospice, Havering atte Bower. SFH has been a labour of love and kindness, made possible by the generous gifts of many dear Christian people and others.
Acts 20:35.

Norway now mourns over the massacre at Utoya and the bombling in Central Oslo

2011-07-25T12:23:00.010+01:00

It is every parent's nightmare, the fear of losing children and having to bury them. Families of the victims of the Oslo bombing and Utoya murders, by Anders Breivik, are feeling such terrible pain and grief. Thousands have gathered around the Lutheran Cathedral in Oslo to show solidarity, compassion, grief and respect for the many lives so tragically taken by a fanatic. Tears have flowed. Many hearts are heavy this morning as Norway is facing its worst disaster and loss of life since the Second World War. Around 100 people, mainly young people, have been swept into eternity as the result of a right wing maniac who had no respect for their lives or pleas for mercy. Breivik showed no mercy but cold and calculated cruelty in slaying so many with his weapons of wickedness. It is clear that there is hate in his heart. This was a hate crime against humanity, which Breivik so evidently lacked. He has claimed to follow some form of Christian teaching, but no one or no theology can justify such outrageous actions. To hate is to do the work of the devil. 1John 3:8,10,14-20. Christian ethics are centred in faith expressing itself through love. Galatians 5:6b.

Breivik has allowed a root of bitterness to grow within his soul; he was following the dangerous way of demonic destruction and did what was right in his own eyes. They were not fixed on Christ, so there is absolutely nothing Christian in his actions. Breivik is a liar like the devil, who is his master. He has listened to lies, believed lies and now evil has come from his life. He does not follow the Way, the Truth and the Life. How dare he claim to do any of these wicked works in the name of Christian teaching!

Update 26/7/11
It is now estimated that less than 100 but over 70 people died in the two events caused by bad guy Anders Behring Breivik, the bestial butcher.

Cliff Richard, Crusaders and Finchley in the 1960s

2011-07-21T09:48:00.013+01:00

In 1965 Cliff Richard, now Sir Cliff Richard, came along to the Finchley Crusader Bible Class held at Christ's College School, London N3, on Sunday afternoons. This Bible class for schoolboys, predominantly private and grammar schoolboys, was run by Bill Latham and Graham Disbrey. Cliff had been invited to "sit in...under the gaze of thirty goggling schoolboys." I was one of them, in the intermediate age group, and I proudly wore my Crusader badge on the lapel of my school blazer. My friend, who sat next to me, had a Crusader Bible, having attended Crusader classes for a whole year, on Sunday afternoons, without an absence. This would have been something that I could never achieve because my Father, who played cricket up to three times a week, encouraged me to be a cricket scorer and occasional fielder/player, when somebody cried off on the day of the match. (The money for scoring and the delicious free teas, with plenty of sandwiches and cakes, were very tempting to a teenage boy.) I was told by some evangelical Christians that I failed to honour the Lord's Day properly. According to this view, Sunday (the Lord's Day or Christian Sabbath) was not a day for sport or recreational activity, and certainly not for any school homework. Crusader Bible class was considered to be a most worthy way for teenage boys to spend their afternoons on the Lord's Day. Dr John Harvey of Imperial College, University of London, was leader of the Crusader Bible class for senior boys.

Cliff was very committed to the class, despite his heavy commitments as an international entertainer. On Saturdays we occasionally went on special outings. On one Saturday we went to Whipsnade Zoo, and Cliff drove some of the boys up the M1 in his Citroen convertible. He had some impressive cars. I seem to recall him arriving at Christ's College in a Jensen Interceptor and an E type jaguar. He once told the boys that he had owned a Cadillac, but it had been a great disappointment.

Cliff moved to Etchingham Park Road in Finchley, London N3, where Mrs Latham and her son, batchelor Bill Latham, lived. I understand that Cliff believes that his conversion took place in this house. Bill attended St. Paul's Church (Anglican), across Victoria Park, in Long Lane, Finchley. Cliff went there too. Paul Betts was the vicar and Terry Nottage was the curate. David Winter, who had been editor of Crusade Magazine, became a BBC producer of religious programmes; he was a very active member of the congregation at St Paul's. ( I remember arguing with him about adult believers' baptism. David Winter robustly defended the Anglican theological position of infant baptism.) St. Paul's Church had a thriving youth club, but nothing like Christ Church, North Finchley, which had a packed large hall (with badminton and table tennis) on Saturday nights. Christ Church had very well attended after church meetings on Sunday evenings, with some excellent guest speakers. Andrew Kirk, an eminent theologian, was a curate then. Both churches were soundly evangelical. Harold Parks became the vicar in the mid 1960s.

I remember talking to Cliff at David Winter's house, near Victoria Park in Finchley, about Cliff's future in showbusiness. David Winter, Bill Latham and Nigel Goodwin wanted Cliff to get involved in the Billy Graham Evangelistic Organization and the Crusade meetings. (Nothing to do with Crusaders.) For a time Cliff was considering becoming a school teacher of religious studies. Bill Latham was then head of religious education at a secondary school in Hertfordshire; he gave Cliff advice about a career in teaching and the need for academic qualifications in order to enrol for teacher training. Some Christians felt that Cliff should quit the worldly pop music business, like Terry Dene the skiffle group singer. Becoming an evangelist or RE teacher would have been a possible way forward. These Christians contended that the evil influences of the pop music industry would be detrimental to an authentic Christian witness. The broad way of compromise and terrible temptations would beckon. There was fear of worldliness and the contamination by the pop scene with its loose morals and sexual promiscuity i.e. sex, drugs and rock and roll. The Nationwide Festival of Light was formed to challenge and stand against the perceived moral laxity, particularly in the media. Some trendy teenagers, however, thought that it was better to be a Keith Richards (of the Rolling Stones) fan rather than Cliff Richard, sometimes despised for his squeeky clean Christian pop star image. When Cliff decided to remain in showbusiness some Christians were disappointed. Others rejoiced that he could witness and proclaim his deeply held Christian faith to a very wide but needy audience. Links with evangelist Billy Graham, a Billy Graham film starring Cliff called Two A Penny, with RADA graduate Nigel Goodwin, followed.

Is the road out of Helmand paved by bad excuses?

2011-07-20T00:44:00.003+01:00

I have heard it said that the path to hell is paved by bad excuses, rather than good intentions. There are good intentions and bad excuses in abundance when it comes to the war in Afghanistan. It seems that people who provide bad excuses are able to justify all kinds of evil enterprises. We are hearing bad excuses in relation to the Afghan War and the failure to see any tangible results. Rogue army personnel manage to kill British troops with alarming regularity. That's what I hear on the BBC news. Despite NATO forces spending billions, Afghanistan seems no better off today. The number of civilian deaths and casualties is totally unacceptable. Disgraceful! Yet the Ministry of Defence continues to spin and send out bad excuses for failures in Afghanistan.

British troops are often regarded as occupying infidels, and those who have suffered from "friendly fire" and stray bombs will be glad to see them leave their country. Far too many civilians have been harmed by NATO
bullets and bombs that have afflicted thousands of Afghans.

I believe that the NATO forces will have wasted billions of dollars on an enterprise that was doomed to fail.
The lessons of the previous Afghan wars and the Vietnam quagmire have not been learned. Sadly the hell of Helmand continues. Foreign invaders will not sort it out.

The Induction of Reverend Stephen Henwood at Hornchurch Baptist Church

2011-07-17T08:06:00.008+01:00

Yesterday afternoon the Reverend Stephen Henwood was inducted as Minister of Hornchurch Baptist Church.

Yes, the Mayor of Havering was there.

It was a very happy occasion, despite the inclement weather outside the church building. Friends, relatives, church leaders and members, regular worshippers and colleagues (some representing St Francis Hospice where Stephen worked as Senior Chaplain) attended the service conducted by Reverend Sheila Martin, regional minister of the Eastern Baptist Association. Reverend Ian Bell of Romford Baptist Church, an old friend from the north east of England (who watched Middlesbrough play at Ayresome Park), gave the address. A cream tea was provided after the service. Strawberries and cream provided the right colours for the Middlesbrough fans.

The Bible reading was from Ephesians chapter 4, which was expounded by Ian Bell.

Please note that the Reverend Stephen Henwood should not be confused with Stephen Henwood the chairman of Britain's Nuclear Decommissioning Authority 2008-2011.

Syria, a country in crisis

2011-07-16T07:34:00.005+01:00

Syria is a country in crisis. The protests are getting larger and more vociferous, but the killings by security forces and murderous thugs continue. These armed bully boys are brutalizing the common people. There have been waves upon waves of angry demonstrations against the Assad regime. Rebellion is in the air, but the repression is fuelling the resentment and bitterness. Bashar the Basher cannot pretend to be mister nice guy who wants to bring reform and renewal, when he allows the madmen to roam the streets and shot to kill at random. Brutality by the bullet is completely unacceptable. The people realize this so they are calling for Basher al Assad to go. They do not accept his contention that the troubles are caused by saboteurs and terrorists. His armed thugs and vicious secret policemen are the terrorists, committing crimes on the Syrian streets.

Amnesty International is doing sterling work to stop the bloodshed. May God help them in their important mission. They have evidence of torture and murder by the current repressive regime. Blood is on the hands of the President of Syria and his associates. Decent dissenters and determined dissidents are dying.

In love with Oxford, city of dreaming spires

2011-07-14T23:24:00.014+01:00

I admit it. I love Oxford. Sometimes it's hard to go home, and there's no place like home. To study at Oxford is a great privilege. It is a great university city with a wonderful library, alpha plus architecture, lovely lawns and gardens, two rivers, fine restaurants, a covered market, quaint buildings, historic monuments, terrific bookshops, fascinating people, a small cathedral, magnificent museums and many more delights that take time to discover.

It was the university of John Wycliffe, John Owen, John Flavel and John Wesley, and many other influential theologians. It is now popular through its association with CS Lewis, JRR Tolkien, Lewis Carroll's Alice, Dorothy Sayers' Lord Peter Wimsey, Colin Dexter's Inspectors Morse and Lewis, and I could go on and on mentioning the literary links. Harry Potter fans like to visit Christchurch's Great Hall.

Last Thursday I attended an event arranged by the highly regarded Faculty of Theology, which has attained a standard of excellence (even by Oxford standards). It was held at the University Church in the High Street.

Lord Bragg, formerly of the People's Republic of Wadham, and Professor Diarmaid MacCulloch, eminent church historian and Fellow of St Cross College, were the speakers on the 1611 King James' Authorized Version of the Bible.

Well done Derek Jeter, a baseball legend in the New York Yankees #2 shirt

2011-07-13T11:23:00.006+01:00

Derek Sanderson Jeter has achieved greatness in baseball with over 3,000 hits. His career began in 1995 and since then DSJ has a batting average of .313; DSJ celebrated the great milestone of joining the 3,000 hit club on 9 July with a home run at Yankee Stadium. It is a remarkable success. Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle all scored over two thousand hits but DSJ broke the three thousand barrier, the first NY Yankee to do so. It has been reached only 27 times before in the history of Major League Baseball. The record number of hits is held by Pete Rose (4,256).

Derek Jeter has been a great servant of the New York Yankees in the American League. He is impressive when fielding at shortstop, using his reach (he stands 6' 3"), speed and skill in catching and throwing accurately.

I have been a fan of the New York Yankees since 1964, when I watched the World Series on television in Canada. Sadly the New York Yankees lost to the St Louis Cardinals, and Yogi Berra was sacked as manager. Many people wear the classic New York Yankees baseball cap, but few in the UK have ever seen them play or know about Derek Jeter. When he retires his famous number 2 shirt will also be retired.

Another visit to The Kilns, CS Lewis' home in Risinghurst, near Oxford

2011-07-09T07:09:00.010+01:00

On Friday 8 July I joined a guided tour of CS Lewis' home, The Kilns, in Risinghurst.
It is now in the care of the CS Lewis Foundation, which has lovingly restored through much effort and enterprise the famous home where Lewis lived, loved, wrote and died.

The Music Room, where CS Lewis died in 1963

I also visited the CS Lewis Nature Reserve, which is on land once owned by CS Lewis and his brother Warnie purchased from the proceeds of their property in Northern Ireland.

Wonderful long weekend at High Leigh, which looks better than ever.

2011-07-04T09:35:00.011+01:00

This past weekend I spent many happy hours at High Leigh, near Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire. I have been going there to various church events since the 1980s, and it is better than it has ever been. The grounds are beautiful.

We had perfect weather and it was a joy to get up early to walk in the gardens, on the lawns and in the quiet places by the ponds.

I have selected some photographs taken at different times of day and I enjoyed the changes in the light and conditions. Memorable, happy days in early July.


My younger son fell in this pond when he was two years old.

My older son loved playing in the bushes on the left and started a Bush Club in the 1980s.


The Oak Room

Taken very early on Saturday morning 2/7/11

Providence and our employment

2011-06-27T15:53:00.001+01:00

John Flavel wrote:

Another excellent performance of providence, respecting the good of both your bodies and souls, concerns that employment and calling it has ordered for you in the world. It has not only an eye upon your well-being in the world to come, but upon your well-being in this world also, and that very much depends upon the station and vocation to which it calls you.

When God puts men into a lawful calling, in which the labour of their hands or heads is sufficient for them, it is a very valuable mercy; for in so doing they eat their own bread. (See 2 Thessalonians 3:12.)

To have an honest and lawful employment, in which you do not dishonour God is benefiting yourselves, is no small mercy.

If God has fitted you with an honest employment in which you have less toil than others, and more time for heavenly exercises, ascribe this benefit to the special care of providence for you.

The Lisbeth Salander Phenomenon

2011-06-24T13:31:00.024+01:00

I have mentioned that Lisbeth Salnder has been a goth feminist icon and has inspired teenage hackers all over the world, but the phenomenon does not end there. The Millennium Trilogy by Steig Larsson has sold many million of books. (A March 2010 estimate is 27 million. Some 2011 estimates are over 55 million for worldwide sales.) The films in Swedish starring Noomi Rapace, arguably the definitive Salander, have been seen internationally, with and without English subtitles. Now Hollywood is filming an English version around Stockholm with Daniel Craig as Mikael Blomkvist a.k.a. Kalle Blomkvist. (Craig has been cinema's James Bond since 2005.) The first Swedish language film in the trilogy has already grossed over 100 million dollars, and the three videos are selling extremely well. DVD and blue ray box sets will probably be out for Christmas 2011. December 2011 is also the expected release date for the English language version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

The role of Lisabeth Salander will be played by Rooney Mara in this adaptation of Stieg Larsson's Ma"n som hatar kvinnor ( Men who hate women), which we know as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. We shall see how she measures up against Noomi Rapace's amazing performance, which some say deserves an Oscar.

Now there are Lisbeth Salander tours and tourist walks in Stockholm. They have created a bonanza for Stockholm's tourist industry. Stockholm is a very beautiful city on Lake Ma"laren

and the sea, to the east, which leads the wonderful ska"rgarden, skerries in the Baltic. The Stockholm archipelago is beautiful, perfect in high summer. It's a very popular weekend destination in the holiday season. The Finnish archipelago around Abo is also lovely. I love the boat trips from Stockholm to Mariehamn and then on to Abo (Turku) in May and June, when the days are so long and the weather is warm. Hours and hours of sunshine. Fint va"der! Det a"r vackert. I recommend the Viking Line cruise ships. I have been several times and have had such happy and memorable journeys.

Getting out of Afghanistan and Libya

2011-06-23T01:21:00.001+01:00

UK politicians are coming to their senses in realizing that we cannot afford to fight these wars in Afghanistan and Libya, fighting on two fronts and costing the British taxpayer a fortune when our economy is in deep trouble through debt and serious inflation.

The Afghan war cannot be won through military intervention, weapons and the current ways of our warfare. British forces and NATO will leave without winning, though politicians and pundits may try to spin a positive line and use persuasive propaganda. The military investment in Afghanistan has been an expensive waste of money, men and munitions. Too many civilians have died tragically. Day after day foolish and costly decisions have been made and fine young men and women have been sacrificed.

Bring the troops home and let's spend the money on the NHS. Fighting for a better life at home for many sick and suffering would be money well spent. So much has been wasted on weapons and warfare. It's time to wake up and call time on this Afghan failure.

Wickford Web Wonderkid is wanted for web attacks.

2011-06-22T13:59:00.005+01:00

Essex Police have arrested a teenager living in Wickford for various web offences known as hacking and cyber attacks. Ryan Cleary is allegedly the web wonderkid who has been linked to cyber attacks on Sony, the US Senate, and the CIA plus our beloved NHS. These organizations are clearly concerned and out raged by the scale of the data breaches thought to be carried out by the "hactervist" network, LulzSec, that Ryan allegedly belongs to.

Apparently he was a computer obsessive since he was 12 years of age. Hacking has been considered to be cool and clever by teenagers, and older hackers, who have been influenced by films and books that glorify and put such web wizardry in a positive light. The Millennium Trilogy by Stieg Larsson has made the super-hacker Lisbeth Salander into an urban folk heroine and goth feminist icon, certainly in the form of Noomi Rapace. The fictional Salander hacked her way to a fortune and fabulous lifestyle, and, in the novels, brought male chauvinists to justice. She had martial arts and fitness training so that she could really look after herself and give a good account of herself in a violent confrontation. Many teenagers love her illegal modus operandi and wish to emulate her.

Ethical considerations and a true sense of responsibility are needed when a powerful tool is employed. Greed, pride and the lust for power have hidden dangers which put people on the road to the broad and easy way that leads to destruction, spiritual death.

Does Basher Assad's sad speech show that he is a sad ass?

2011-06-22T00:28:00.002+01:00

Robert Fisk has written that Bashar al-Assad's latest speech was sad and ridiculous, showing him to be out of touch with the people and the reality of the sadness of the many bereaved Syrians. They are grieving over the cruel murders on the streets of Syria by armed gangs and special forces.

Protesters are rioting on the streets of Damascus and other cities. There is no turning back. The waves of discontent and rebellion will eventually overwhelm and remove this dictatorship; human rights, the freedom of the press and democratic politics are all denied to the oppressed people. The toothpaste is now out of the tube and the Basher cannot stop the tides of change and opposition to his evil reign of terror. Assad's response is asinine. His days are numbered; the writing is on the wall. He will have to go, for he has been weighed in the balances and found wanting. Bashar is responsible ultimately for the evil bloodshed on the streets and in the towns and cities. He has done evil in the sight of the Lord and has not walked in the ways of righteousness. There is a lack of justice, mercy, and humility before God and the people. The House of Assad will fall. The people are saying "No to dialogue with murderers."

The Mystery of Providence: marvellous, majestic and mighty.

2011-06-15T13:49:00.007+01:00

Reading from John Flavel's work, The Mystery of Providence, which has been published by the Banner of Truth Trust (BTT), is a joy. It was first published in 1678, when John Flavel was in his early fifties; he died in 1691. I bought a copy of the 1963 edition, which cost me four shillings and sixpence, when the BTT operated from Chiltern Street, London W1.

Over the years this book has helped me to understand and to appreciate the wonderful workings of divine providence in my life and in the lives of other Christians. There are areas of mystery when one looks back on decisions, doubts and disappointments as well as the manifold blessings, benefits and the bounty of God's care.
God's providential care has been very evident in conversion, employment including church ministry, family life and marvellous answers to prayer. Hallelujah! To serve the Lord is to love Him, and to love the Lord is to serve Him! He is faithful and just. He cares for us and He corrects us.

In providence we see the hand of God at work in human hearts and lives. He cares for our needs and our spiritual development. He shares His grace and loving kindness, so that we enjoy true inner peace, even in the turmoils of life, and salvation bringing us into eternal life, life that has the quality of eternity. He bears us up when we falter, fall and fail, giving us strength to endure to the end and to carry on to the eternal kingdom, where our true citizenship resides.

Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.

ημων γαρ το πολιτευμα εν ουρανοις υπαρχει εξ ου και σωτηρα απεκδεχομεθα κυριον ιησουν χριστον

Philippians 3:20.

John Flavel wrote:
Consider your spiritual mercies and privileges with which the Lord Jesus has invested you, and complain at your providential lot if you can. One of these mercies alone has enough in it to sweeten all your troubles in this world. When the apostle considered them, his heart was overwhelmed with astonishment, so that he could not forbear in the midst of all his outward troubles to cry out, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings (Eph. 1:3). Oh, who that sees such an inheritance settled upon him in Christ, can ever open his mouth again to complain at his providential lot!

Apostasy and Pseudo Revivalism

2011-06-12T09:30:00.005+01:00

Since the 1990s I have heard a number of high profile preachers and church leaders make predictions about a mighty coming revival. There was talk and prophecies about revival being imminent and "just around the corner", or coming in the next decade. I have known some Christians, now deceased, who were absolutely convinced that they would not see death but would be "raptured". These Christians were convinced that God had told them personally about end time events, but they were clearly mistaken. They believed in their own private and personal "revelations from God". I have even heard the term "downloads from God" used about these private and personal messages from God.

Now I believe in revival, but not the pseudo revival of Todd Bentley and his ilk. Revival, in fact, is not a word found in the Bible, and certainly not in the New Testament. But certain events described in the life of the early church in the Acts of the Apostles, to my way of thinking, would constitute a revival, a mightly move of the Holy Spirit bringing new life, power and miraculous works among the Christian community and beyond.

Today Christian leaders, in some fellowships, are predicting and prophesying mighty revivals, especially in the next few years. They are claiming special revelations and messages from God.

I do not agree with these revival mongers. I contend that the reverse is nearer the truth. We are living in days of apostasy and spiritual declension. I maintain this position based on the following facts and observations:

For hundreds of years criminals would not rob from churches, having some respect for the Church and Christians who often helped them. Now wall safes are removed, lead is commonly taken from roofs, altar items, furniture and artifacts are stolen for the antique market. Collection boxes are taken to pay for drugs and alcohol.

There is increased activity by sex offenders and criminals using the Internet, social networks, improved communication and travel links. The mystery of lawlessness is now at work.

Our prisons are full to capacity and seem to be bursting at the seams.

Adultery and fornication (including many forms of sexual immorality) are being promoted as normal, healthy and acceptable ways of life.

Some housing estates have very few male role models living stable and responsible lifestyles. Many fathers have simply gone AWOL from time to time; they have failed to provide and promote a good environment for their children. Many teenagers have had to grow up without the support, security and sustenance of a stable two parent family.

We have many broken homes, dysfunctional families and domestic disasters. Thank God for the work of the NSPCC, Spurgeon's and Barnardo's children's charities.

There is a famine in the land: a famine of the Word of God. Ignorance abounds. Bible knowledge, that was once taken for granted, is foreign to many schoolchildren.

The media often now sneers at and cynically ridicules Christian morality and beliefs.

So there has been a falling away, and that's apostasy!

Pray for the serious situation in Syria

2011-06-12T01:32:00.000+01:00

We need to pray for the serious situation in Syria where refugees are leaving the land to go to refugee camps in neighbouring countries. Helicopter gunships have been firing on the civilian population. There is a humanitarian crisis because medical aid and hospital treatment are needed by injured people and those suffering from the violence of the brutal Assad regime.

O Lord, please hear the cries of the afflicted, the wounded, the wanderers on the borders, the refugees, the bereaved, the sick and the sorrowing. Make haste to help them and send assistance to deal with their needs.
I pray for justice and for action against the shameful Assadian reign of terror. It is time for regime change, and for Assad and his criminal cohorts to be brought to trial for their heinous crimes.

O Lord, in Your mercy, bring justice and help to the Syrian people. Amen.

Brutal, belligerent, bashing by soldiers and security services persecute the poor Syrian people.

2011-06-11T15:39:00.004+01:00

The situation in Syria has been getting worse over the past few days. Innocent civilians, protesters and people with legitimate grievances have been mercilessly murdered by Syrian government forces, sanctioned by military and political leaders. The bloodshed and the bitterness call for UN intervention. Soldiers have apparently defected rather than continue such bloody violence against the civilian population. The Syrian ambassador to France, Lamia Shakkour, allegedly resigned in protest against the Assad regime. Reports now deny that a resignation took place.

Syria is in turmoil as thousands are fleeing for their lives, having crossed borders to settle in refugee camps. The UN seems to be dithering while killings continue on the Syrian streets.

Bashar the Basher? Basher al Assad

2011-06-08T06:08:00.002+01:00

The Syrian people, especially the protestors, have taken quite a bashing from Bashar al Assad. Bashar has bashed them with troops, torture and tanks. Bashar's secret police and security services are brutally bashing, bullying and butchering the brave bondsmen and bondswomen, builders of a better society.

Basher's father chastised the people with whips, but Basher has chastised them with scorpions.

Cotswolds are lovely, especially far from the madding crowd

2011-06-07T03:20:00.004+01:00

It is a joy to visit the Cotswolds on a bright sunny day in June. It was slightly overcast when I arrived but I loved the walks by the streams and by the quiet waters.

Some of the cottages are beautifully kept with such lovely gardens.

Swansea City is so very pretty by the sea and among the hills.

2011-06-06T19:37:00.004+01:00

Last week I spent some lovely sunny days in Swansea city, which is currently rejoicing in its elevation to the top flight of football - the Premiership. It was over 25 degrees celsius on Friday, 3 June. The sea in Swansea Bay sparkled majestically.

Lord Taylor has felt the fury of his ex-wife.

2011-06-02T09:46:00.005+01:00

Poor Lord Taylor. He has been sentenced to prison for fraud relating to his Parliamentary expenses and has felt the fury of his ex-wife's tongue. Yvonne Louise has soundly tongue-lashed him, calling him the Warlock of Warwick.

She said: "He is an incredible actor, the best liar...Everything he does is for money."

Her comments that have been reported widely in the media do not put Lord Taylor in a positive light at all. It is a sad and searing judgement on a high profile politician who proclaimed his Christian faith and commitment.

Perhaps there is a future for John Taylor on the stage or on the screen. He may even perform well in the prison Christmas review.

This is a tragedy. A very talented man has been brought low by his folly. Lord John Taylor showed much promise and potential. He performed well in Parliament and in business. Now it is time for his punishment in prison. It is his time for reflection and repentance in order to find the path to rehabilitation and renewal.

Support the demands for the GAGAing order

2011-05-30T10:03:00.002+01:00

Private Eye has reported that there have been growing demands for the issue of a "Gagaing order" on the publicity-seeking celebrity known as Lady Gaga. (Some people have complained that her music drives them gaga.)

This superstar injunction would attempt to shut the chanteuse up for a bit; perhaps it would make her disappear from feature articles and red top newspapers until further notice. Is this too much to ask?

It is considered to be a matter of genuine concern and in the public interest. The British public has a right to know a lot less about Lady Gaga and spared the sight of intimate photographs of her wearing weird clothes and sometimes hardly any clothes at all. Vegetarians and butchers have complained about her outfits made out of meat. One butcher objected to the outfits because they would have a bad taste. But to be fair they would become very attractive...... to flies.

FC Barcelona triumph over Manchester United at Wembley this evening

2011-05-28T23:37:00.001+01:00

FC Barcelona, the Catalan masters, were worthy winners when they beat Man. United at Wembley by three goals to one. Barcelona were simply too good for the English Premiership Champions. The standard of football was wonderful and it was great to see a brilliant side win the Champions League trophy with such aplomb.

Barcelona are the best team in Europe, perhaps the best club team in the world. Some commentators and critics believe that they may be the best team of all time. They have players who are world class with exceptional ability.

Lionel Messi has been praised very highly and crowned as the best player in the world. Xavi, the team captain, and Iniesta, his magnificent midfield partner, are ranked among the greatest players in world football.

Well done Barca. Well done Pep Guardiola. You have shown us the beauty of football.

Lord Hanningfield, you are guilty as charged!

2011-05-26T19:16:00.006+01:00

Lord Hanningfield, who had claimed his innocence time and time again, was found guilty earlier today at Chelmsford Crown Court. He was, evidently, not whiter than white but a liar and a cheat according to the evidence presented by the successful counsel for the prosecution. His dark deeds have been exposed.

Lord Hanningfield is considering an appeal but the evidence against him seems to be clear. He falsely claimed for bogus travelling expenses and other funds that he was not entitled to receive under strict government accounting regulations. There was deliberate fraud. He was found guilty on all six counts of false accounting. Essex Police are now investigating his claims for expenses as leader of Essex County Council.

Paul White, Baron Hanningfield, is in disgrace. He took tax-payers' money wrongly, so that makes him a robber baron. He robbed from the poor tax-payer to enrich himself. I have no doubt that he loved his dog and did a lot for charity.

Lord Hanningfield thought that his hard work and years of service entitled him to commit fraud. He has trotted out the old excuse: "others were doing it."

Some wit has suggested that a ducking in Hanningfield Reservoir should be an appropriate part of his sentence if his appeal fails.

It is tragic that a hard working and highly motivated politician went astray; it seems he became entangled in a web of self deception which corrupted him.

Delectable Dedham Vale - pray day photographs

2011-05-24T10:46:00.004+01:00

Last Saturday, when the weather was really beautiful, I spent the day out in Dedham Vale. It was the day of the annual prayer walk, a pray day.

Psalm 85: 4-5

Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; they are ever praising You.

Blessed are those who strength is in You, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.

I took photographs, as is my custom. I hope you like them. It was a pleasure to be there on such a lovely day.

Dedham Vale is a delectable area of England. I often reflect on John Bunyan's description of the country of Beulah, "whose air was very sweet and pleasant, the way lying directly through it, they solaced themselves there for a season. Yea, here they heard continually the singing of birds and saw every day the flowers appear in the earth, and heard the voice of the turtle in the land."

" Now as they walked in this land, they had more rejoicing than in parts more remote from the kingdom to which they were bound."

The Jos Crisis in Nigeria

2011-05-24T06:31:00.003+01:00

Comments by a Christian friend should have a higher profile. Please read these comments and then pray for the situation in Jos.

It is sad that wealthy Nigerian churches in the UK have not openly or perhaps quietly raised funds to assist the victims of the Jos crises. However, it will be good for the readers of this blog to understand some fundamental truths about the Jos crises. This is no more a civil/political unrest than the crises in the south-southern Niger-delta regions of Nigeria. The root of this problem is a political war between the original indigenes of the ‘plateau’ (Jos) and migrant core Northern Nigerians who are predominantly Moslems. These core northerners do speak out that the war in Jos is not between Christians and Moslems but a tribal dispute. It is well understood that Moslems in Nigerian would always seek such opportunity to turn to Christian institutions to unleash their anger. This is so because a typical Nigeria Muslim sees any provocation from a non Muslim to be an attack from a Christian. So without an effective control these go overboard in their demonstrations. Therefore at the surface, Nigerian Muslims were ‘killing Jos Christians’ but the reality is a fight between two tribes. It is unfortunate that some gullible church leaders have also seized the opportunity to seek donations from foreign churches falsely in order to divert the money to their private use. I would advise any foreign organisations willing to help the actual victims to go through international organisations with great reputations such as International Fellowship of Evangelical Christian (IFES) with HQ here in the UK. The Nigerian arm of this organisation is the Nigerian Fellowship of Evangelical Students (NIFES) with HQ in this same Jos. NIFES is the second largest national member group in the IFES after the IVF of the USA. During those crises which I understand is continuing, NIFES locally called on all her graduates worldwide (yours sincerely inclusive) to donate money for ‘mercy outreach’ to those villages. They bought large amounts of food items, materials and money, and recruited students and available alumni to physically visit the villages and the people to do ministry amongst them. Foreign Churches and Organisations that might have given money to private local church leaders for this course might have as well enriched some ‘smart’ wolves who are not prepared to lift a single cry to God for those poor people. Ask before you act!

Verses for today and time such as this?

2011-05-23T15:23:00.001+01:00

Matthew 10

²⁷ What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.

Luke 8

¹⁷For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.

The current privacy laws and gagging orders are unsustainable. Fornicating footballers who play away from home causing marital mayhem and domestic discord, and who also cloak and dissemble, will be found out.

Thank God for the freedom of the press. Woe to those who try to suppress the truth and peddle lies plus poisonous rumours.

CS Lewis' house in Risinghurst, near Oxford

2011-05-16T22:10:00.002+01:00

On my way home from Oxford I decided to see the home of CS Lewis. Having read many of his letters and books, I wondered where The Kilns was situated near Headington Quarry. When I was at Regent's Park College, as a postgraduate student, I met a young lady who was a custodian of CS Lewis' house in Risinghurst. I recall that she wished to undertake postgraduate studies in apologetics and CS Lewis' thought.

Today I telephoned the number on the gate and spoke to one of the current custodians, who is a member of the CS Lewis Foundation. I asked permission to take some photographs, gave her my card and expressed a keen interest in the CSL Foundation. It was a very pleasant May evening and here are the photographs.

John the Baptist: some theological reflections

2011-05-16T09:17:00.004+01:00

John the Baptist, who died a martyr's death, lived a remarkable life.

Although he came from a well to do priestly family, he chose to follow the true path of discipleship, humility, obedience and spirituality. He could have enjoyed the comfortable life among the priests and leaders. We know that he had great influence for he had disciples, had the ear of the mighty Herod and the Pharisees, and he attracted many to his baptismal area at Bethany (John 1:28) and Aenon near Salem in the River Jordan, where the waters ran deep (John 3:23). I would argue that he used "much water" to give his followers much more than a sprinkling!

Unlike certain high profile prosperity gospel preachers, John the Baptist did not wear expensive garments. His diet was not haute cuisine. He did not travel, as far as we know, in the most expensive means of transport available. He did not pull his punches when it came to speaking the truth, even if it meant offending those in authority and those who had secular and religious power over the people. He did not seek financial prosperity by toadying and asking for enormous contributions for his ministry. He even advised the soldiers to be content with their wages. He did not offer them a plan for career development, financial prosperity plus wonderful relationships with people who had status, wealth and honour in high places/luxurious palaces.

John's path took him to prison and death. Properity preachers often plan a path to get ahead in this life. John the Baptist lost his!

Blogger Problems and Current Concerns

2011-05-14T09:49:00.003+01:00

A result of problems with Blogger, which made blogging impossible for a wee while, I lost some information and work in cyberspace. Consequently comments from Catherine about Pastor Odulele, who is now in prison, appear to have been lost with my response/thanks for the comments.

I had thought about writing something on the desperation, discord and death on the streets of Damascus and throughout Syria. Government gunmen evidently are on the streets, and there is the lawlessness by snipers and secret policemen. So many protestors have been killed for raising their voices against an oppressive and evil regime. Journalists and media crews have been banned, so there is no freedom of the press or expression. For some in Syria, life is and has been a living gehenna.

Last Monday I went to the Tate Modern just by the Millennium Bridge and south of the River Thames. Just by the riverside entrance, on the left hand side, is an exhibition on the photographic work of Burke and Norfolk. Impressive. Moving. Challenging.

The video by Simon Norfolk, which lasts 17 minutes, is full of excellent insights. I would say that because I agree with his analysis of what he calls "the fourth Anglo-Afghan war". Afghanistan now looks far worse than it did in the 1990s. Tens of thousands of Afghans have been murdered, and billions of pounds and dollars have been wasted. Camp Leatherneck in Afghanistan is now the size of a small American city. The carbon footprint and logistical trail are indeed colossal. One scene that Simon Norflok filmed reminded me of the rest and recreation part, with the Playboy Bunny Girls and entertainment arena on the army camp, in Apocalypse Now. Will the decadent display help the war effort, raise morale and gain the sympathy of the local population? Military madness continues.

Annual Prayer Walk in the Constable Country

2011-05-09T11:42:00.018+01:00

The Annual Prayer Walk in the Constable Country is, D.V., on the third Saturday in May. That's 21 May! We start at Dedham, where we meet by the War Memorial in Royal Square at 10.30 a.m. BST. We usually visit the churches of Dedham, Langham, Stratford St. Mary and East Bergholt. (All are dedicated to St. Mary.) We pass the little (Datchet/Rural Ministries) chapel in Stratford St. Mary and the Congregational Church in East Bergholt, which is near John Constable's studio (in years gone by). Constable was born nearby in 1776 and died in London in 1837. (His wife died at the age of 41, after the birth of their seventh child.)

I am very interested in the life of John "Roaring Rogers", lecturer (not vicar as some scholars believe) of Dedham and puritan preacher. He had an extraordinary ministry in the first half of the 17th century. His grave is on the north side

of the Church of St Mary, Dedham, and there is a bust of him on the north side of the sanctuary. (Please see my blog of 26 March 2009 for further details.) The church's muniment room has some of his works, which I hope to study some day. I used to borrow John Rogers' Doctrine of Faith from the Evangelical Library near Baker Street and read his Commentary on the First Epistle of Peter in Dr Williams' Library in Bloomsbury. These were 17th century books and very rare ones. In 1918 the roles of lecturer and vicar were combined. In John Rogers' day there was a clear distinction between the vicar and the lecturer. There is a board inside the church, by the north door, which records the vicars and lecturers of St. Mary's Church, Dedham.

This photograph, taken on 17 May 2011, of the list of vicars and lecturers was added to this blog on 19 May 2011.

It is hoped that we will end the prayer walk by the car park near the bridge and River Stour at around 5 p.m.

Psalm 84:5.

Another night out with Romford Street Pastors

2011-05-07T11:14:00.004+01:00

Yesterday, after an enjoyable evening by the barbecue on a memorably warm day, I led devotions for Romford Street Pastors. We started soon after 10 p.m. when five members of the team had gathered on premises belonging to St. Edward's Church. Sadly The Deeper Lounge was closed as a result of illness of the volunteer workers. (The DL is usually open on Fridays from 10 p.m. until 3 a.m. It provides a safe environment for people in need of food, fellowship and hot beverages on Friday and Saturday nights.)

My devotional talk was on the stilling of the storm according to Mark (4:35-41). In the passage we find the wonderful words of Jesus: Hush! Be still! (There are only two words in the original text: σιωπα πεφιμωσο.) These words were spoken when He rebuked the wind and spoke to the sea (stormy water on the lake). Even today scientists and others do not fully comprehend the wind's movements, especially its future manifestations, and certainly they are completely unable to control it. Who is this then that even the wind and the sea obey Him? Jesus brings peace and blessing in the storms of life. We are not exempted from them. We can face them with confidence for the Lord is our helper, and if He is for us then who is against us? Many in Romford seek peace and pleasure in drink, drugs and other recreational pursuits, but God has made us for Himself, so there is no rest, no peace until we find our rest and our peace in Him.

Osama Bin Laden is dead after a raid by US special forces

2011-05-02T07:18:00.005+01:00

Thousands have been outside the White House in the early hours of this morning celebrating the momentous news. US Special Forces had carried out a successful raid at a property in Northern Pakistan, less than 100 miles from Islamabad. It was near a military academy. There were no US casualties.

President Barack Obama announced the news of Bin Laden's death on television in Washington yesterday evening. Former US presidents have sent their congratulations to President Obama and the US armed forces.

Bin Laden and his son were killed, and the special forces took the body of the terrorist away. Images of a dead OBL have been put on hold, but they are expected to surface on the internet. Fresh terrorist activity and various reprisals, in response to this momentous event, are now expected. The US State Department is issuing warnings and travel advice.

OSB will be regarded as a martyr by Al Qaeda and supporters. We live in dangerous times.

1 Peter 5:8.

Welcome to my YouTube channel to see Hornchurch Passion Play videos

2011-04-25T06:51:00.007+01:00

Dear Friends

I have uploaded videos of the Easter 2011 Hornchurch Passion Play, from my camcorder.

Please click on the hyperlink and enjoy. (The chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy Him for ever.)

http://www.youtube.com/user/Johlibaptist?feature=mhum

http://www.youtube.com/user/Johlibaptist?feature=mhum#p/u/14/FL3lBXAi93g

http://www.youtube.com/user/Johlibaptist?feature=mhum#p/u/13/IKzjo2u-Ius

Many think that the HPP 2011 was the best ever since 1995. Kevin Walsh was the director and with his team he deserves much credit for the high standard of performances and commitment. Didn't Simon look the part, particularly on the cross? Memorable!

Nasty Priests - granted. Nazi Priests - come off it!

2011-04-24T13:54:00.020+01:00

I was highly amused, after reflection, by a blog by Arkadyrose (Morris dancer and "critic" of the Hornchurch Passion Play), which appeared on the world wide web after the Maundy Thursday dress rehearsal.

The blog referred to the "Nazi Sanhedrin" and contended that Jesus was condemned to death by "Nazi Stormtrooper Jews". I can assure you that there was not a Brown Shirt or swastika in sight!

According to the Arkadian Path that this woman follows, Jesus was wearing " a natty pair of white boxers and a neon green party hat". Seriously? Well, there seems to be real economy with the truth. Jesus was, in fact, wearing a white loincloth. The neon green party hat must have been a trick of the light, or something else. Something from out of space, or planet arkadia? There are clearly some serious factual errors in the blog.

The Hornchurch Passion Play does not take place in Billet Road but Billet Lane, and not in the car park.
The location is on the Queen's Theatre Green between Billet Lane and North Street in Hornchurch.

The Sanhedrin sit beneath a star of David and two menorahs. The Roman SPQR banner and the two very long Roman banners are away from the Sanhedrin in the Roman area where Pontius Pilate appears. The HPP choir are between the Sanhedrin and the Roman area.

The HPP Sanhedrin have long beards. The Nazis, in fact, would attack Jewish men with long beards. Have you ever seen evidence of a high ranking Nazi or low ranking member of Sturmabteilung wearing a long beard?

And I don't look like a yok!

This does not resemble a Nuremberg rally. The parallel invites ridicule. The regalia is Roman and has no links with National Socialism or the Third Reich.

This evening a new friend from Jews for Jesus praised the HPP. He was not aware of any anti-semitism, which I have experienced when supporting the original North London team in the Premiership. (Come on you Spurs.)

Shalom. Yeshua lives!

Hornchurch Passion Players - riders on the storm

2011-04-23T23:59:00.005+01:00

Earlier this evening storms around Hornchurch threatened the fine warm weather and ideal conditions. Some feared that rain, thunder and lightning would stop play. But the second evening of this year's Hornchurch Passion Play went ahead successfully, though there were far fewer in the audience compared with Good Friday's
viewing public. Yesterday's performance has been praised as the best ever in the history of HPP, dating back to 1995. (There have been performances in 1995, 2000, 2006 and now in 2011.)

Kevin Walsh, the director, told his cast that some observers wrongly thought that he had professional actors connected with the Queen's Theatre. He has been delighted with the high standards of acting and commitment shown by his cast to date. Kevin played Jesus in previous years; it is Simon Pugsley's first year as the Son of David and Saviour. And didn't he do well! Some of the photographic images of Simon on the cross are really iconic.

Please see the HPP website for news, photographs and developments. The Church of the Hornchurch Passion Play is riding the storms of life and witnessing to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Resurrection and the Life.
He is alive and reigns in obedient hearts. He is coming again.

Good Friday 2011 - a special day in Hornchurch

2011-04-23T00:39:00.002+01:00

Good Friday in Hornchurch was a special day. There was a march of witness, a morning service on Queen's Green and a very well attended Passion Play performance in the evening. Unforgettable. Thousands, over three thousand, came to see the Hornchurch Passion Play, and many went away moved and deeply touched by a tremendous visual experience.

Conversions to Christ have happened in the past and it is expected that a work of God in human hearts will continue. The whole HPP has been grounded in prayer and a commitment to the extension of God's kingdom, His reign in people's lives in Christ Jesus the Lord and Saviour.

The above photographs were taken on Maundy Thursday evening, the final dress rehearsal. Please see the HPP website for more photographs and the latest news. Happy Easter weekend!

Hornchurch Passion Play - the hardwork is paying dividends

2011-04-18T04:52:00.003+01:00

Yesterday afternoon, the hard work in rehearsals, in planning and preparation, paid off during the creditable technical rehearsal on The Green by the Queen's Theatre. The weather was sunny, warm and dry. Some of the "priests" were feeling the heat of the day, in thick and dark costumes, when they were sitting in their unshaded area which faced due south. High standards were attained on such a lovely day. Rikki Walker, HPP Committee Secretary, managed to take some outstanding photographs in the excellent light. They are well worth seeing.

I have attached some photographs of the sterling preparation work done on Saturday 16 April. It was an overcast but dry day. Hats off, including hard hats, to the workers at the Hornchurch Passion Play site.

Hornchurch Passion Play - update

2011-04-13T17:59:00.007+01:00

I have inserted some photographs from the rehearsal at Campion School last Sunday, which included the choir. (Please see my YouTube channel to see a small part of the rehearsal.)

http://www.youtube.com/user/Johlibaptist?feature=mhum

We have the technical rehearsal on Palm Sunday afternoon at 2.30 p.m. on The Green, and the final dress rehearsal is on Maundy Thursday at 7.30 p.m. Kevin Walsh, our director, has been on Premier Christian Radio to publicize the performance over the Easter weekend.

Good weather is needed.

O Lord, hear our prayers for fine weather again. Amen.

It occurred to me that Simon who plays Jesus (in the Hornchurch Passion Play 2011) looks a bit like Lothaire Bluteau, the French Canadian actor, when he starred in the movie Jesus de Montreal (1989). Apologies for not putting in the acute accents!

Hornchurch Passion Play - rehearsals are tough for Simon

2011-04-05T21:30:00.010+01:00

We are getting ready to perform the Hornchurch Passion Play on Good Friday, Easter Eve (Saturday) and Easter Sunday evenings. It will take place, God willing, on the Green by the Queen's Theatre.

Rehearsals have been hard work but it will be worth it, and we pray that all will go very well on the night.

You are most welcome to come. The HPP performances start at 7.30 p.m. at the Easter weekend and you won't be disappointed. I shall be, in the words of Rabbi Daniel, "most heartened to see you."

http://www.hpp2011.org/

Prosperity preaching poisons the churches

2011-04-03T00:46:00.004+01:00

Prosperity preaching poisons the churches because it teaches people to serve mammon and seek worldly wealth. Some are drawn to conferences on prosperity because they believe that they can become, by miraculous means, a money magnate. This teaching appeals to their greed and avarice, the flesh and carnal desires for selfish gain. It can rob them of godliness with contentment.

Verses in 1 Timothy 6: 9-10

Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction.

For the love of money is the root of kinds of evil; some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves with many a pang.

These words are a sobering warning that should be remembered when we hear the poisonous pontifications of the properity preachers .

A Sad End for Dr Albert Odulele: is restoration to ministry possible or is it game over?

2011-04-01T13:45:00.009+01:00

Dr Albert Odulele, founder and pastor of Glory House Church in Plaistow, east London, was sentenced yesterday at Woolwich Crown Court to eight months' imprisonment. He had pleaded guilty to sex offences involving a teenaged boy and a young man. Albert Odulele will be on the sex offenders register for five years.

Such a sentence spells an end to his influential ministry as a church leader. It is very unlikely that he would be put in a position of trust and pastoral care for a church congregation in the future. There are those who would never allow him to have any church leadership position at all. The considerable risks, it is strongly argued, would be far too great. Such temptations should be avoided at all costs. Others believe that a complete restoration to the ministry and leadership is possible. One argument is that God can heal completely and can miraculously restore the fallen person from the most heinous sin. Is there objective and reliable evidence for such a miraculous event? People can deceive themselves and others. There have been cases of sex offenders claiming deliverance who re-offend. Safeguards, supervision strategies and circles of support cannot guarantee complete success.

Perhaps he will preach again and produce Christian literature.

But the question is, should someone who has an urge to commit a sexual offence be given any chance of leadership in Christian ministry when they might do it again?

When it comes to sexual offences, especially those involving young people, children and vulnerable people, most Christians wish to be very careful and they would say "no" the the above question. It's game over for their church/pastoral ministry.

Our prayers should be for Albert Odulele in prison, where he will have a tough time as a sex offender, his wife and family who must be devastated by the situation, and the Glory House Church which has had large congregations and very well attended meetings. Love does not rejoice in the wrong. We weep with those who weep. This is a sad time for them all. May God help them to go forward in His grace and strength.

Arthur Carver's book on eschatology: The Great Consummation

2011-03-31T16:39:00.005+01:00

I have very happy memories of Rev. Arthur Carver (when he helped London Bible College at Northwood, now LST, with maintenance duties) and regret not buying a copy of his book The Great Consummation from him. At the time my pre-millennial prejudice prevented me. I have found some of this book posted on a blogsite

http://elijah-the-tishbite.blogspot.com/2006/07/great-consumation-by-arthur-carver.html

but finding a complete copy of this rare book was difficult. I contacted the library London School of Theology (LST) and found that they have a copy. I will be going back to my alma mater soon and will enjoy reading Arthur's book.

Arthur was once an Elim Pentecostal minister, but his amillennial views on eschatology did not fit in with the doctrinal basis of Elim, which was then very staunchly pre-millennialist, so Arthur had to resign. Many LBC students in my day remember hearing Arthur's hymn singing as he worked. He was a lovely man of God.

Nigerian Christians: you are needed to help those in Jos!

2011-03-31T13:31:00.007+01:00

There are many Nigerian Christians in the UK. They go to large churches and raise much money for Christian ministry. In the fellowship where I preach we have some lovely Nigerian Christians. I still do not understand why so little seems to be done for Christians in the Jos area by wealthy Nigerian Christians. A year ago Christians in Jos suffered badly through persecution and violent attacks; some were murdered. I heard that Dutch Christians (Open Doors, so hats off to them) were helping them, but relatively little seems to be done by Nigerian Christians. Why are they reluctant to get involved in relieving the pain and hardship?

I have not heard of appeals by Nigerian church leaders in the UK for funds to help these folk in Jos. Please tell me if there have been such appeals and funds raised.

I have asked a leader of a charity working to help the persecuted church and I have asked an eminent Nigerian Christian doctor. I still do not know why Christians in Jos receive little support from UK churches run by Nigerians. The widows and orphans in Jos are still there.

Sometimes charity does not begin at home!

Westboro Baptists should take heed to the parable of Pharisee and the Tax Collector

2011-03-29T13:35:00.002+01:00

The Lord Jesus Christ told a parable against those who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else.

Εἶπεν δὲ καὶ πρός τινας τοὺς πεποιθότας ἐφ' ἑαυτοῖς ὅτι εἰσὶν δίκαιοι καὶ ἐξουθενοῦντας τοὺς λοιποὺς τὴν παραβολὴν ταύτην·
Yes, it is the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. It is in Luke's Gospel 18: 9-14.

This parable is wonderfully applicable to the self righteous, pharisaical and hyper judgemental attitudes of the Phelps sect. They thank God that they are not like other men - robbers, evildoers, adulterers or even like those in the groups they particularly hate (like the tax collectors of old). We've heard the hateful chants and vitriol. We've seen the distasteful signs. Do they understand the meaning of this parable?

Where is the love and humility?

Christ Faith Tabernacle claims of a revival in 2011 may be false.

2011-03-28T20:25:00.010+01:00

Currently, to be quite honest, I see absolutely no evidence in 2011 of a "revival as we have never seen before." The Christ Faith Tabernacle churches are claiming that such a revival will come and it is based on the "revelation" of Apostle Alfred Williams who was caught up to heaven in 2010. We must test his prophesy to see if it is true.

http://www.cftchurches.org/flashvideo/tvad_di11.html

I struggled to understand some of Alfred Williams' words, especially around the 1 minute 20 seconds section of the above video. His diction is not clear to me, but in the social context of his church they are probably used to his strong accent and have no difficulty at all.

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth. He will guide the church into all truth. He will convict, convince and reveal sin, righteousness and judgement.

I believe His judgement is on those who lead the flock astray, fleece the flock and make themselves fat and rich through clever words and misleading teaching. In the 1990s there were those who made money and a name for themselves and their ministeries by proclaiming a coming revival. Some have claimed special revelations and "downloads from God". The holy prophets of God speak from God and their words are full of grace and truth. For prophecy never had its origins in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

There are a few people who will remember the Hebrides Revival (1949-1952), but if this 2011 revival is to be "a revival as we have never seen before" then we should be looking for evidence of a considerable and clear work of God. If the claims are true then one should expect an even greater revival than the Hebridean blessing when there were great conversions, a deep conviction of sin, the power of the Holy Spirit, an increase in godliness and a remarkable move of God in the area that brought about significant change.

I would dearly love to see such a revival.

Porkies about Portman?

2011-03-28T19:05:00.003+01:00

Fox Searchlight maintains that Natalie Portman did most of the dancing in Black Swan. Sarah Lane, however, of the American Ballet Theatre claims that only five per cent of the full body shots are Natalie. All the other shots in the film are of Sarah, the body double. And Benjamin Millepied claims that 85 per cent of the dancing is by his fiancee Natalie. Someone's telling porkies.

Westboro Baptists ignore clear Bible teaching to their peril

2011-03-28T14:52:00.005+01:00

Westboro Baptists are very selective in their theology, which is distorted. They ignore Bible commands, such as "do not repay evil with evil, insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing."

The previous verse in 1 Peter 3 tells true Christians to "live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble."

On the day of judgement the Lord may say to them, "...whatever you did not do for the least of these (the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the person needing clothes, the sick and the prisoner) you did not do for Me."

Solemn words are also found in Matthew 7: 21-23.

Westboro Baptists are spending huge amounts of money in travelling around the USA provoking people and making them swear and use foul language. It is therefore causing people to sin, which God hates. WBC members clearly ignore the teaching of Romans 14:13 and 2 Corinthians 6:3. They are not acting in love. They are not bringing the true Gospel message, the good news of salvation and peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ God wants Christians to bless, be compassionate and bring love which covers a multitude of sins. Westboro Baptist are conveniently disobeying that teaching.

There is strife and discord within the Phelps family.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNmnTdCcOoo
I pray for their repentance. May they seek the way of love and peace through Jesus Christ. Amen

The Lunch for the Persecuted Church: it went well yesterday

2011-03-27T19:31:00.003+01:00

Hornchurch Baptists and others attended the lunch and gave generously to the appeal for financial support in aid of the persecuted church. Hundreds of pounds were raised at the event.

Guest speaker Godfrey Brown shared his experiences with a challenging and moving talk about the problems Christians are facing in rural areas of Columbia. Many pastors and church leaders have been assassinated by militias and death squads operating in tribal areas. Godfrey urged folk to sign a petition concerning human rights and religious freedom in Egypt.

A "No Cuts" Policy is economic folly

2011-03-27T13:53:00.009+01:00

Vince Cable, a man of considerable economic understanding, has defended the cuts and will not shift his political stance concerning the cuts. The cuts are necessary and the "No Cuts" policy of Mark Serwotka, apparently a man of little economic understanding, offers no viable alternative. Difficult decisions with cuts are clearly ahead. We should therefore have more confidence in Vince Cable than Mark Serwotka when it comes to economic policy.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12442470

We should be very glad that the extreme left wing elements, that do not grasp simple economic realities, have very little influence when it comes to choosing a Government or running the country or sorting out our serious national debt. Serwotka et al speak for a small minority when it comes to making cuts. Many of his union members do not share his political views at all. They voted for mainstream political parties who believe in cuts. Planet Serwotka is a bizarre place to inhabit; it's a fantasy world.

The Met Police did well in dealing with vandals in London yesterday

2011-03-27T13:41:00.001+01:00

Vandals who have little respect for the rule of law and democracy behaved badly in London yesterday. They attacked police, shops, cash machine and banks. These criminal rabble-rousers did much damage. They are waterless clouds, tumours and wild waves foaming up their shame. They are blemishes on the peaceful protests.

They deserve strong community punishments that make them do something constructive and useful for society.

We should be grateful to the Met Police for protecting the public from these vicious hooligans who are so destructive.

Muddle-headed Metropolitan Police messed up the early apprehension of Delroy Grant

2011-03-24T19:35:00.003Z

It has come to light that shoddy work by the Metropolitan Police allowed a serial sex offender to continue a reign of terror for years in south London. The shameful errors of the Met in apprehending sex offenders have cost millions of pounds, terrible suffering by victims and hours of extra police time. Had officers done their jobs properly then Delroy Grant and others would have been caught years ago. This is certainly true in the Kirk Reid case, which Deborah Glass (the IPCC Commissioner) said was a "shameful chapter in the history of the Metropolitan Police Service." The John Warboys case is yet another dreadful episode in the Met's hall of shame. These cases have come to light. One wonders how many others cases have been botched and mismanaged by the Met.

Conflict in Libya: can we afford it?

2011-03-22T10:23:00.003Z

It is very expensive playing the role of a world policeman. We seem to be spending a great deal of money on conflicts in far away lands, when our people are suffering from lack of hospital care and medical interventions. Hospitals are threatened with closure and NHS waiting lists are very long. Treatment can take a good deal of time and people suffer the consequences. Yet we can find the money to send jet planes and fire expensive missiles abroad. People are rightly questioning our priorities and spending. The wealthy Arab nations should be much more involved in the Libyan conflict. It may be a long and protracted situation. Should we be spending millions of pounds on this conflict? We have more than enough on our plate with little to show for it. We may be paying the piper, but we do not seem to get the right tune! Things are very out of tune in Afghanistan. The Libyan situation could take a lot of time to resolve.

Gaddafi will not be going quietly. He has paid his supporters well and they are often fanatically loyal to him. To some he is an iconic and cult figure who stands against the West. He may behave like a crime boss, a mafia don, but his henchmen are willing to shed blood and use violence to keep him in power. They really believe in the Gaddafi family dictatorship. It has served them well and they have a vested interest in the Gaddafi criminal fraternity. The International Criminal Court will investigate the crimes of the Gaddafi gang.