Click here to view the embedded video.

There is no doubt this project has been talked about for years now it is happening people are proud of the project. You can see A giant banner alongside one freshly paved stretch of the $2.75bn (£1.7bn) highway declaring “Once a promise, now a reality.”

Many environmentalists and social commentators are warning that the highway will bring a whole string of new problems. One thing many are afraid of is the increase risk of AIDS being transmitted to the populations. The truth is the local people are not prepared for what is happening to them. I spoke with Professor Patricia Garcia of University of Cayetano and she explained about the fear of STDs and AIDS increasing because of the Highway.

In an article written in the Guardian last year one leading academic has suggested, “It’s not roads that destroy the Amazon, it’s the people that come because the road provides better access,” Ernesto Raez, director of the Centre for Environmental Sustainability at Cayetano Heredia University in Lima agreed with this “We shouldn’t blame these people – most of whom are very impoverished. The problem is that the authorities are too weak to control this influx.”

There is also the Madre de Dios region, which has long been a draw for wildcat goldminers, who believe they will make their fortune because the price of gold has risen considerably over the past few years.

The article in the Guardian continues, “Rainforest destruction is not the only concern. Aguirre, the governor of Madre de Dios, warns the road could also aid South American drug cartels. Recent years have seen Peru become one of the world’s leading cocaine producers, with Mexican, Colombian and Brazilian gangs continuing to extend their tentacles into the country. “I wouldn’t be surprised if this road became one of main drug-trafficking routes in the next few years,”

So Peru is changing yet the needs of the poor still remain. Our work in the Vine Trust is to continue to make alliances around the world with like minded people in order that we can change lives for the good I guess our motto holds good ‘ Connecting People To Change lives”

Well it’s really all very exciting! We’re trying to make sure that the work we do in partnership with Union Biblical is the best it can be. Like everything in our lives it is foolish to sit back and expect nothing to change. Life is all about change and we in the Vine Trust recognise that everything we do in Peru has to be monitored and improved upon. We also realise that Peru itself is changing and with it comes governments that are changing their attitudes to the way homes for abandoned children are run. It’s all very positive and great to see a change in policy.

However the changes in policy means that we will be faced with increased numbers of professional staff to be employed resulting in greater costs. Yet it’s difficult to complain when you know that the end result should mean a much better service for the children of Peru.

All these changes will mean in the long term that we may not always have boys staying for long extended periods in the homes. While it is true that many of the boys have been abandoned, others may never tell the real story behind their misfortune. The new rules means that homes will require to have a phycologist and a social worker on the staff of each home.

Having a social worker on the staff means that a greater opportunity will arise for children to be reunited with their parents and their parents traced down and encouraged to find ways to reintegrate their children back into family life. No doubt there will always be a need for children to be looked after but the opportunity for children to be adopted by Peruvian parents is also an option that seems now to be gaining favour in government circles.

Today I met with quite a few inspirational people who have a real desire to be change makers here Peru. Already the change is coming about. It’s ten years since we brought the first Amazon Hope over from Scotland. Ten years on Peru is a much changed place. it’ seems to me that it’s time we all gave this nation a clap on the back for he way they have and are working to make this country a more democratic and tolerant place in which to live

Anyway, back to our theme for the month. I like this theme. Its not the first time I’ve written about it, nor do I expect it to be the last. When it comes to thinking about spiritual things too often we miss the point because we’re trying to find the esoteric, or the hidden meaning. Too often we’re looking for an extra ordinary sign or miracle from God to help us believe. The thing is, it seldom happens that way. God is discovered in the ordinary everyday things of life. Jesus used the every day household diet of bread and wine to describe his presence. He took the ordinary and turned it into an extra-ordinary symbol of his presence.

The important thing to understand about God in the ordinary is that it often involves struggle and a great deal of soul searching and no doubt even a crisis of faith. It is as we live our lives through difficult situations, be it unemployment or a moral dilemma that we come to recognise where God is to be found.

I think we need to understand that having faith brings with it many unsolved questions. Reading Philip Yancey’s book “Reaching for the Invisible God” I was impressed with his chapter entitled ” Mystery of the Ordinary” In this chapter he quotes the 18th American Century Quaker Trueblood, ” If a man wishes to avoid the disturbing affects of paradoxes, the best advice is for him to leave the Christian faith alone.” In other words if your not up for living with holy tension don’t begin to follow Jesus. He continually asks us to do the impossible. To love our enemies, to turn the other check. He tells us we have to follow him, then he says, but you didn’t choose me, I chose you. Yes sometimes its confusing, and there is an intellectual struggling with faith as much as there is a moral struggle. Yet we find ourselves drawn into the life and love of Jesus of Nazareth and in the words of Luther we end up saying ‘ Here I stand I can do no other” If if i’m frustrated, even if its difficult, even if I don’t seem to fit into my church at the moment. The dye is cast. I guess its summed up for me in the words of a Bob Dylan song ” I’m Pressing On” Its as we press on through the ordinary we discover there is no ordinary, what was our ordinary, was also our pathway into the Kingdom. have a listen to Regina MCrary’s version of this song. Its absolutely inspiring. When she tells her story , it puts this song into context.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

I came across this quote by Reinhold Neibuhr, ” nothing that is worth doing can be achieved in our lifetime: therefore we must be saved by hope. Nothing which is true or beautiful or good, makes complete sense in any immediate context of history: therefore we must be saved by grace. Nothing we do however virtuous can be accomplished alone: therefore we must be saved by love.” Now there is an interesting idea! Is it not out of the bounty of God’s grace that we are saved. So lets just keep pressing on with faith, hope and love in our hearts living through the ordinary times.

All this got me thinking about the injustices that are happening in our communities and are often not being addressed be it in Scotland, England or Northern Ireland. Could it be that the salaries of footballers are too high in any case? (I can never quite get my head round the fact that ordinary working people on small salaries or weekly wages go to watch football matches and pay large amounts for tickets to watch football that is often way below a good standard). Anyway a contract is a contract and if players have been promised an amount then they are due that amount, regardless what you think of the law that seeks to enforce the principle. For me the interesting thing that has not been mentioned is that the Hearts players may be liable for extra payments due to the late payment of their salaries.

I wonder how many people know that there is a European directive to government departments which highlights the importance of paying bills on time. Recently I discovered that Government bodies are duty bound to pay interest on the late payment of their bills and invoices,in the same way that an individual has to pay interest on the late payment of tax.

I’m sure there must be a number of companies up and down the land who could benefit from knowing about this information especially if they are doing work for the government. However I think the law just applies to Government bodies like Health Boards etc. However I’m sure it might be helpful to all small businessess if a similar law was passed instructing all sectors to pay their invoices promptly. I’m certain it would help a lot of small to medium size businesses.

Let me know what you think.

I also wish to record my thanks to the members of the Committee who made the decision today. If the truth be told, I feel a bit like Peter, I’m thinking about the challenge of getting out of the boat and stepping into the water and I’m praying, Lord help me keep my eyes on you, or I’ll drown.

I wrote a song many years ago along with my song writing partners Iain Jamieson and Campbell Dye, it was all about stepping out and trusting. I have much to learn and find out about the job and no doubt I’ll make my fair share of mistakes but I’m looking forward to the opportunities that will come our way to serve together.

Step into the water

Your heart is beating fast and furious like a drum
And your throat is parched with a very dry thirst
Your time has come you can’t delay you must go
The tide is in, your time has come, go with the flow

Don’t second glance, this is your chance
Step intro the water
Don’t hesitate, you’ll be too late
Step into the water.

Your steps are slow, your faith is low, your on the edge
the fear of failure grips your soul and you turn to go
Yet from the sea adventure calls and mystery wins
the oceans vast your hook is cast love’s got to last

Don’t second glance, this is your chance
Step intro the water
Don’t hesitate, you’ll be too late
Step into the water.

Walk with hope discover faith on the edge of doubt
Don’t be afraid to be afraid, don’t shut love out
I have a friend and you have a friend
Who can walk on water
faith is the key, lesson are free, to walk on the sea

Don’t second glance, this is your chance
Step intro the water
Don’t hesitate, you’ll be too late
Step into the water.

Click here if you want to hear a blast from the mid 90s

Now I know when David stood up to Goliath, he not only used his sling. He eventually used Goliath’s sword and chopped off his head. Such barbarity doesn’t sit well with our rule of law. Yet it is reflected in the response of the fighters who discovered the wounded Gadaffi cowering in a hole, brandishing a golden pistol. He was pulled from the sewer unceremoniously, where he had been hiding and dragged through the street and eventually faced his end at the hands of mob rule. I noticed that a number of commentators used the scriptural quotation, ” Those who live by the sword will die by the sword.” Others have criticised the manner in which he died suggesting that he should have been brought to trial.

The thing that I find myself uncomfortable with is the way the conflict has been reported. Our 24 Hour News Channels have virtually turned a war into a form of entertainment. The showing of Gadaffi’s death on national television has elements of a snuff movie about it. I find that a bit distasteful. Just because we have the technology to do something doesn’t mean we have to do it. There is little doubt that the vast majority of Libyans are delighted to see the end of this monstrous regime. It is going to take time to see democracy begin to take shape.

Listening to the people of Libya describe their hopes and dreams now that Gadaffi has been removed is inspiring and at the same time a rebuke to those of us who have become a bit jaded and skeptical about the role politics can play in bringing about a more just society.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Could it be that the Arab Spring might in some way spring our economic academics into thinking about alternatives to the economics that conventionally we all seem to have followed without too much questioning. I think reformation could be in the air. I’m continually reminded of the words of Jesus, ” What does it profit a person if in gaining the whole world they lose all that makes them the person God intended them to be.” I somehow think this happen to Gadaffi, he lost his way, lost his people, and lost his soul. Let’s be careful that non of us live in such a way that another is in fear of us, be it neighbour, work colleague, or family member. As we judge so we will be judged.

Click here to view the embedded video.

I’m quite sure we need less of the kind of buildings we have and more creative spaces in which to engage with those who are seeking.

We need to continue to develop and explore new and different ways to communicate the message of the gospel. I’m convinced that the most effective way of faith sharing centres around building of Gospel Communities. Such communities exist not our of buildings but in relationship with each other.

Over the next few months I’m hoping to see a change in the way we do church in St Andrew’s Bo’ness. We’re going to explore different ways in which we can meet in small groups to learn how to become Gospel Communities. I know we’ve done this in the past many times, however on this occasion we’re going to be asking ” What are the marks of a Gospel Community?”

So I’m looking for a bit of discussion here. How about taking a moment and reflecting on the question and lets see what it is that marks out the Gospel Community? Why not check out the opening podcast on the home page of St Andrew’s Parish Church Bo’ness. www.standonline.org.uk

The thing is he couldn’t have picked a better location for instant patter and the amusement of his film crew. last saturday I passed by a van full of Zombies. he driver was amusing the crowd as he interacted with the large dummies.

A few yards away I can hear the quick repartee in George Square as a workman puts up the American Traffic Lights outside the City Chambers. ” Aye the real reason that Brad Pitt came tae Glasgow wis because o the toon zombies . ” His pal turns to him and says, “is that wano they gangs in the Gallowgate ? “. ” Naw ! “, the man replies, “I talking aboot the toon coonsellors!”

The thing is there is quite a serious side to this particular movie. A number of reviewers see it as making social comment on the state of democracies in the 21st century. It has been seen as an opportunity to critic government ineptitude when it comes to financial matters, corporate corruption in the light of sub prime motgages and human greed and immorality . The book ” World War Z , written by Max Brooks makes reference to America’s inclination to follow a policy of isolationism . the book points out the dangers that lurk behind such a policy.

The film turns out to be a kind of parable explaining that it is too easy to allow the Zombies to take offer our world. We need to engage with the issues of our time and engage our brains and come up with compassionate and human answers to some of the greatest issues facing the world. It is not enough to follow theories wither they be political or theological. People matter more than any process.

Unthinking politics will lead us into the world of Zombies. As human beings we are people who are alive, we have a soul, we have a responsibility to each other in the words of Cain who murdered his brother, trying to cover up his actions he asks, ” Am I my brother’s keeper?” That question is still being posed as a smoke screen to hide guilt in our political and corporate world. The answer is still the same – yes you are!

However we know it doesn’t work like that . People only come when they know there is a place for them. The quote of course comes from the film ‘Field of Dreams’. Why am I thinking about all this ? Well yesterday I visited the ‘Field of Miracles’. This is the name of the site on which the Leaning Tower of Pisa is built.

There is great controversy about the tower. Architects and historians have been debating the issues surrounding the leaning tower for centuries. Some have argued that it is folly. A tower built without counting the cost. Others of-course take another view all together. They argue that the clue is to be found in the name “Field of Miracles” On this site all three buildings are leaning one way or another to a lesser or greater degree, so perhaps the architects were saying something about perpendicular buildings?

They argue this was all intentional. No medieval mason would have continued building a slanting tower unless he was making a point.

They continue to argue this is more than a site showing off the cleverness of human ingenuity. It is seeking to point the human mind to the God who can do things off the wall – the God of miracles.

Could the architect be saying here is a kind if miracle – a tower leaning some 17 degrees yet still standing. Like the God who says here is a ‘burning bush still burning’

The thing is believers and non believers all come. They come from all over to see something different. To see a folly but perhaps to return home believing a miracle!

I guess the builder would identify with the quote. ‘ You build it; they will come. Yes they still come after 700 or 800 years. So do they come to see a folly to look at an architects mistaken enthusiasm or do they come to wonder?

Could it be the same intrigue that continues to attract men and woman to Jesus Christ? Is he the folly or is he more?

Is it not that he refuses to conform to what we think God should be. He offers an alternative narrative to life. He says “try to keep it – you lose it. If your prepared to lose it you find it. Do the unthinkable therein lies the miracle.

It’s interesting why people come to look on the folly of the cross to wonder at the point of such amazingI can never forget the picture that I saw on a Mega Church wall on one of my visits to the United States. It simply read ” You Build It : They Will Come.” Underneath was a picture of Noah waiting for he animals to arrive. It has stayed in my mind because I fear that too often we all play safe we want the people to come to whatever, before we’ve built the Ark. However we know it doesn’t work like that . People only come when they know there is a place for them. The quote of course comes from the film ‘Field of Dreams’ Why am I thinking about all this well yesterday I visited the ‘Field of Miracles’. This is the site on which the Leaning Tower of Pisa is built. There is great controversy about the tower. Architects and historians have been debating the issues surrounding the leaning tower.

Some have argued that it is folly. A tower built without counting the cost. Others of-course take another view all together. They argue that the clue is to be found in the name if the field on which all three buildings are leaning p
one way or another to a lesser or greater extent.

They argue this was all intentional. No medieval mason would have continued building a slanting tower unless he was making a point.

Come here is a miracle a tower leaning some 17 degrees yet still standing. It’s a miracle and they come from all over to see something different . To see a folly but perhaps to return home believing a miracle. I guess the builder would identify with the quote. ‘ You build it; they will come. Yes they still come after 700 or 800 years.

It’s interesting why people come to look on the folly of the cross ? In the Kelvin Hall Glasgow the most viewed exhibit is Salvador Dali’s St John if the Cross. It has been reviled even slashed yet many return believing the miracle. God has redeemed a lost world and in Christ he has reached out to touch people like you and me.

There is a distinct history in belief being connected with follies. The Pisa Tower shed light on another meaning of miracle for me.

There is a distinct history in belief being connected with follies. The Pisa Tower shed s light on another meaning of miracle for me.