The Faroe Islands must be one of the most beautiful places in the world. Devan McGlamery was fascinated by the fact that the Faroese eat whale. Inevitably the locals took this as challenge so after the show we were served with dried whale meat, blubber and potatoes. Interesting. The journey back to the hotel was a white knuckle ride through the mountainous terrain, roads covered in snow doing about 70mph!    

This morning was another early start as we left for the airport and the dash to Copenhagen. This is a great place. Not surprisingly, very cold . Since the international climate change conference met about the effects of global warming, Copenhagen has been plunged into the coldest winter of the last 20 years!

This is the view from my hotel window. The river is totally frozen. The show is in the prestigious Tivoli Gardens . It is taking place in the Glassalen Theatre. Many famous stars have played here including Louis Armstrong and Sarah Vaughan. Good Times!  

Yesterday was a strange day! Following a great show in Norway on Sunday night, we went to the airport Monday morning for a travel/rest day. Well it was definitely a travel day. We for on the plane only to asked to leave as there was a technical fault. This basically meant that we were stuck in the airport for hours. Our plan to have a free day in Copenhagen was quickly changed as we commitred to spend 8 hours in various airports. I love flying to the Faroe Isles. The airline is one of the friendliest going.   

The Faroe Islands is a group of islands connected by undersea tunnels with the most amazing scenery. I have been here with Rebecca St James about 5 years ago but that was in the the summer. Today the weather is somewhat difference with rain one minute and then snow the next. The promoter here one of  of the loveliest people we work with. Nothing is too much trouble and the food is amazing!

This the view from my bedroom window  

One of the delights of my ministry is the variety of things I am able to do. Having done a number of the Gaither Homecoming shows, I was delighted to book the first European Headlining Tour for Ernie Haase and Signature Sound. I am now out on the road, tour managing the dates. The first night was Apeldorn, Netherlands. Over 2,200 people turned out for that one. Last night we were in Jönköping  and today we are in Venessla, nr Kristiansand in Norway. All the shows have been an amazing experience and as Ernie frequently says, he feels like he is making history. The schedule is pretty brutal. We had less than 4 hours sleep last night but the journeys are very pretty because of the amount of snow. I have used some of the time to book the next tour, hopefully in October 2010 and to catch up on some work and study.  

This week Bill Johnson, the Senior Pastor from Bethel Church, Reading, California returned to the City Temple for the Heaven2Earth Wales conference. Having heard Bill before I wanted all the team from Ignite to be at the conference to learn from his ministry and see first hand some of the miraculous healings that seem to accompany his meetings. Bill has a great delivery and and easy style which so belies some of the profound and challenging things he says. If you were to view everything critically there are things that you could theologically disagree with but that is not the spirit that I want to have. Indeed this is in line with a comment that Bill continues to make that we should thank God for what He has done and not focus on what He has not done. 

In the first teaching session Bill looked at how the Kingdom of God advances. He suggested that some of it comes from Inheritance and some of it has to be fought for. Mark 10:15 

"I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

The idea of the kingdom advancing through inheritance is very appealing to those of us who live in Wales. This is a land with a history of revival and many believe that there will be another one and soon!

In Matthew 11:12 that "From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it."  The suggestion being that some things will need to be fought for. Determining the difference in approaches is the challenge!

So what will my city and my nation look like if God shines His light in the darkness? As I reflected on this a number of thoughts came to my mind:

Christians in positions of power

Crime reduced massively

Tangible signs of favour

Cancer statistics reduced.

My desire is to hear God's voice on this.

What do you think it will look like?

We are delighted that Ernie Haase and the Signature Sound will be coming to the UK for their first head-lining tour. We have worked with them the last few years as part of the Gaither Homecoming series that we have done. 

For many fans, these guys represent the future of Southern Gospel and Trevor King Entertainment and Ignite are delighted to be exposing them to a wider audience.

The details are:

February 19th - Assembly Halls-Belfast

February 20th - Findlay Memorial Church - Glasgow

February 21st - City Temple, Holborn Viaduct - London

Tickets are available from www.erniehhasetour.co.uk.

See you there!

In the last few years it has been my pleasure to get to know Ernie Haase and Signature Sound. They are a great bunch of guys and I am excited to be touring with them in February. Below is the press release for Ryan Seaton's departure and the introduction to the group of Devin MCGlamery

Dear Friends,
 
It is with sadness and regret that I announce the departure of Ernie Haase & Signature Sound lead singer, Ryan Seaton.

I thank him from the bottom of my heart for all his contributions. We wish Ryan the very best in his personal and professional pursuits, wherever they may lead him.
 
While one part of my heart is very heavy, the other half is uplifted by the news that Devin McGlamery, from southern gospel’s Grammy-nominated Karen Peck & New River, is joining EHSS as new lead singer! Devin has been lead/tenor for KPNR for the last five years, following a five-year career with the Dixie Melody Boys.
 
Devin’s debut with us will be on January 15, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio, at our “Dream On” concert featuring The Collingsworth Family – our first performance after Christmas break. We’re really thrilled to be headlining our own show throughout next year.

 

“To say I’m excited is an understatement,” said Devin. “Ernie and I have been great friends for years. I’ve always had a lot of admiration for him as a singer and as a person, and he has always encouraged me. Words cannot express how wonderful I feel about this opportunity for my career and my family.”
 
A native of Valdosta, Georgia, Devin is 27 and lives in Kinston, North Carolina, with his wife Karen Ham McGlamery and their children, Karlyn and Preston.
 
“I want to thank Karen Peck so much for everything over the last five years,” said Devin. "She let southern gospel music get to know the real me, and she let me be who I am. For that and many things, I will always be grateful. I’m really looking forward to the next part of my calling and my journey with Ernie and the group.”
 
I thank God for the opportunity to work with Devin and am grateful to Karen and Susan Peck for their graciousness. Please join me in giving a warm Signature Sound welcome to Devin, and keep Ryan and his dear family in your prayers!

As always, your support and understanding is SO valued and appreciated.

Another good weekend! Returning from a much needed haircut, I was surprised to see that a book written by mate Alun Matthias had been pushed through the door, more of that later.

I spent the day on Saturday painting the woodwork and walls of Ben's bedroom.  Lots of time to think and reflect. Very therapeutic! I then went for a pint with my 79 year old neighbour, John. What a legend. He regales me with such entertaining stories. The fact that Leeds United drew against Tottenham Hotspur in   the FA cup was also a source of great delight. I fancy Leeds taking them at Elland Road!

When I got back I began to read the book Alun had posted through. It's a short read around 100 pages. Initially it reads like a novel but quickly reveals itself as a allegory on how we in the west have the ability to solve poverty in the two thirds world. It has a simple contention. If we were all prepared to pay an extra 5% tax the problem would be dealt with. Not only an entertaining but a challenging read. However, it reveals itself as not just a normal book, but a manifesto. You see Alun intends to stand on this ticket at the next general election. He is suggesting that this is what the people want and all we need to do is communicate this to our leaders. For more information visit www.fiveapples.co.uk

Sometimes God has a habit of bombarding you (or at least me) with different but related messages and encourages me to join the dots! This morning as part of my quiet time I have been considering what it means to be a servant. The is sometimes a thought that rises in my head. It is horrible, not Christ-like and needs to be managed immediately. Typically it is something like "do they know who I am?' It's a ridiculous question, one that indicates a sinful pride.

Jesus is the king of the upside down kingdom. It says in the bible that in washing the disciples feet he revealed something greater about himself. We are called to be imitators of Christ and in order to be great in His kingdom you have to be a servant. Jesus came to not to be served but to serve (Matthew 20:25-28). Richard Forster in his book ""Celebration of Discipline" puts it like this "Therefore the spiritual authority of Jesus is in an authority  not found in position or a title, but in a towel" 

The development of a kingdom of God attitude to servanthood is one that is relatively unconsidered. It shakes off the temptation to consider whether other people will see you serve. It is indiscriminate to the magnitude of the servanthood. It is just as likely to be a small act as a grand gesture. One serves regardless of feeling. Tiredness and spiritual energy are secondary to tenacity and resilience to serve the kingdom being a servant to your one's neighbours. 

 All this is challenging and something I feel I want to explore more. It potentially takes great sacrifice. In his treatise Alun Matthias suggests that we should all pay 5% more in tax. Government statistics suggest that the average salary in the UK is £25,428. The additional tax suggested by Alun is £1,271. My contention is that most people do not have this money in the bank with no plans for it! This being the case then we would need to make sacrifices. For most people it will not be easy to save £24.45 per week. However nowhere in scripture does it suggest that being a follower of Jesus would be easy. Indeed it suggests the reverse!

The book is available at www.five apples.co.uk

Feel free to comment.

Today I attended the funeral of a good friend, Kelvin Murray. I have known Kelvin and his wife Linda for about 10 years. He died of a hear attack on the morning of New Years day 2010. It was said that as he was pronounced dead by the paramedics, his sons Jason and Andy prayed that although they were confused and hurting they would continue to serve the Lord. What a legacy! Hymns included "Here is love vast as the ocean" and "It is well with my soul". Kelvin's brother reminded us that although we may be grieving and hurting, ultimately it is well with our souls.

The author of that song, Horatio Spafford lost just about all he owned in the great fire of Chicago in 1871. Deciding that his family could use a holiday he booked them on a liner to  England where his great friend Dwight Moody would be preaching. Horatio was delayed and the family left without him. On the journey the vessel was struck by another and all 4 of his daughters were drowned. His wife survived on an arrival in England sent a telegram that read "saved alone". Spafford left for the UK and as his ship arrived at the point where his daughters drowned, he wrote these words:

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

(Refrain:) It is well (it is well),
with my soul (with my soul),
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
(Refrain)

My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
(Refrain)

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pain shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
(Refrain)

And Lord haste the day, when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
(Refrain)

These are remarkable words, laced with grief but with eyes firmly fixed on the goal of eternal life through Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:14) 

So as family and friends gather around Linda, Jason and Andy, there is comfort in grief and hope in tragedy. 

It is well with my soul

My mate Nigel posted this on his blog site. I thought is so good I wanted to republish it here. For an excellent read, check out his site http://nigeljames.typepad.co.uk/

Nigel, what do you hear these prospective next generation leaders asking? What are they hungry to learn? What challenges do they say lie ahead for them?

So I've found some down-time on the road with Third Day, and come up with these thoughts- more about what I see and perceive rather than what young leaders have actually articulated:

1. COMMITMENT ISSUES- it seems that the current generation have a problem committing. Whether that be to a life-partner, a job, a cause, and particularly to a church. It's almost as if they are so wary of commitment, and so used to seeing older people hurt by commitment breakdown, that the next generation of leaders are afraid to jump into a relationship full-on and forever.

2. VIRTUAL INTIMACY- today's emerging leaders are used to having 'friends' by the bucket-load on facebook and a long list of email addresses and phone numbers, but can often resort to 'virtual' online connectivity rather than real in-depth friendship and relationship. Social networking isn't always as 'social' as it appears. Next generation leaders easily slip into 'the worship time' of contemporary songs, but need to avoid the mistake of believing that intimacy with the Lord can be achieved through 30 minutes of worship on a Sunday.

3. BIBLICAL ILLITERACY- I was recently at a meeting of UK Christian leaders where 2 heads of Bible Colleges admitted that the lack of Bible knowledge from their new students each year was frightening. It's never been easier to own a Bible, to find a Bible reading plan, and to have a Bible app. on your computer or phone-yet for all their passion and enthusiasm, many next generation leaders are not reading their Bible with much meaning or depth.

4. CULTURAL CONNECTIVITY- the challenge of being 'in the world but not of the world' is perhaps more difficult now than it ever has been. I marvel at the way many young people are able to engage in society, to maintain friendships with non-believers, without compromising their faith in Jesus. In a constantly changing landscape, next generation leaders must be helped to discern what is culturally acceptable and what is not-even more than that, they must be equipped and enabled to shape culture themselves.

5. LEADERSHIP TRANSITION- next generation leaders (whether they realize it or not) embrace a post-modern leadership dynamic, but are mostly operating within churches or structures that still feature more of a modern leadership style. So I'm teaching the next-generation one paradigm but they may still have to struggle on in an 'old school' situation. In case you don't know what I'm going on about, here's what I mean:

Modern Leadership Mindset	Postmodern Leadership Mindset
Presentation	Participation
Excellence	Authenticity
Performance	Realness
Does it make sense?	Was it a good experience?
Rationality	Mystery/Transcendence
Planning	Preparedness
Program	Relationship
Abstract	Concrete
Consecutive/Linear	Concurrent/Layered

  

My new iPhone 16 GB 3GS arrived today. I am loving how easy apple have made it to set up!