A film to see

'Amazing grace' is a film to see. It tells the story of William Wilberforce, a man with a magnificent obbsession - the freedom of the slaves. He was much influenced by John Newton the slave ship captain turned parson and the writer of the song, 'Amazing grace'. The film is particularly relevant today as slavery is again rearing its ugly head. Right thinking people should be inspired to join the crusade against the traffic in people which is a big and bad feature of life today.

Loss of a friend

I have just lost a friend. For years Alida Bosshardt of the Netherlands has sent me cards and letters written in somewhat quaint English (much better than my Dutch, be it said!) and always showed interest in my family. At over ninety years of age Alida was a legend in her lifetime. For years she worked in the red light district of Amsterdam and identified with the prostitutes. But with that identification she maintained her Christian identity. I am grateful for having known one who epitomised Salvationism.

Thank God its Sunday

The sun is shining and the signs of spring are to be seen. With all the suffering and sadness in the world there is much for which to be thankful. The words think and thank are first cousins and if we think we will find plenty for which to thank. Today I am going to my place of worship and I would urge others to do the same.

HIV and all that

Nikki Capp, a fellow soldier of mine in the Camberwell Corps of The Salvation Army had what she described as a waking dream. She wanted to further the work of the Army among AIDS victims around the world and felt that Rupert Murdoch, the media mogul, could help in this. She sought and was granted an interview with the great man and with his backing a professional writer, Rhidian Brook, was commissioned to write a book after spending nine months with his family travelling the world to see at first hand what the Army was doing about the problem. The book is now out under the title, 'More than eyes can see' (published by Marion Boyars) and is the remarkable result of one Salvationist following her dream with dedication and determination. Isn't it surprising what can be accomplished when individuals follow the leading of God's Spirit?

The is is the day.

Thank God it's Sunday. This is a day when I join with friends in worshipping God and enjoy good fellowship. Just as punctuation enlivens prose so observance of a day set apart for praise and worship enhances life. This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. Hallelujah!

/a bew book

I have just read the recently published autobiography of General John Larsson (rtd), 'Saying yes to life' Having worked closely with the author for a few years and having shared some of the events described in the book it has proved a particularly good read. The pages have seemed to turn themselves!The quality of the writing is excellent and there is both information and inspiration for the reader.

We could all do with more of the grace of gratitude! I have just had a clean bill of health from my cardiologist and that almost 18 years after I had a quadruple heart by-pass operation. I have been grateful to God for the added years given to me and appreciate the medical science which has helped so many of us to live longer. But of course, the important thing is not the number of years we have but what we do with them. On a daily basis I ask God to help me to make a difference for someone even if it is in some small way.

There are those who say they are not interested in the past, only the future. But of course, the past affects the present and provides lessons for the future as well. In the Bible God is portrayed as the God of history. He has been at work through good times and bad, undertaking and over ruling. I believe that he is still at work in the troubling time through which we are living. He is not remote or removed but active with us even in the midst of problems. Trust him, he knows what he is doing!