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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”

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.

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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.

How can weapons be turned into art? How can ‘swords’ be transformed into ‘ploughshares’? For some scholars and practitioners involved in building peace, the phrase ‘Swords into Ploughshares’ is an overused cliché that has lost its original force. In this illustrated public lecture, Professor Jolyon Mitchell investigates how this ancient text is being brought to life in many different parts of the world through artistic projects promoting peace. He analyses how various artists are transforming weapons that used to kill into tools for farming, useful objects or symbols of peace. He explores how different museums, educators and film-makers are now using these pieces to envision peace. Professor Mitchell considers the significance of these expressions of ‘Swords into Ploughshares’ in local, national and international peacebuilding.

I must confess that I found myself smiling at his choice of topic for I too have seen with my own eyes swords turned to ploughshears. I think he has struck a hammer that resonates with a great many people. If given the choice would not most of us beat our swords into ploughshears?

While Joylon focused on the role of artist engaging with the text from Isaiah ‘beating swords into ploughshears’ I began to reflect on those who make the swords, those in our modern day arms industry. What happens when they catch the vision of the prophet? Lives are changed and enemies and critics become friends. It is not a dream as some critics suggest.

It became a reality when a whole work force, (be it for a short time),turned from making warships to making a hospital ship.In 2004-2005 BAE Systems the maker of arms and war machines became involved with the the process,not of creating a works of art, but of literally recreating a sword and turning it into what can only be described as a “hard core ploughshear” The outcome being an ex Royal Navy Fleet Tender reshaped from transporting military equipment to becoming the carrier of hope and healing to some of the poorest and neediest people in Amazonia.

So what makes a dealer in weapons become a dealer in compassion? Perhaps it is simply because deep down within the human psyche the text of the prophet Isaiah resonates with a longing we all have to be peacemakers.Its a fascinating story how Willie McPherson managed to persuade the CEO of BAE Systems in Barrow to climb on board and begin the reversal; turning his war machinery into creators of healing and hope. Its an inspiring story how over 70 apprentices turned a small ship into a hospital. Its heart warming when specialised artisans gave of their time and their money to make a dream come true. However what’s even more amazing this little ship of hope was sailing the Atlantic when the planes crashed into the twin towers.Even when evil does its best the light will not be defeated.

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All of this may be true, but as Willie McPherson says when his life is judged he’d rather be judged,for doing something rather than doing nothing. One more little aside. When Amazon Hope 2 was leaving Barrow another surprise took place for the workers. Every time a submarine is built and leaves the port the local Quaker Church turn up and silent protest against war holding banner. When Amazon Hope 2 was leaving a little group of Quakers could be seen standing on the bridge but instead of protesting they were cheering.

“Taoiseach Enda Kenny who told the Dail yesterday that the culture of the Vatican was dominated by ‘dysfunction, disconnection, elitism, the narcissism’. Photo: Dara Mac Donaillaoiseach Enda Kenny (file). Photo: Dara Mac Donaill”

Recently in the blog I’ve been highlighting the corruption in all our major Institutions, police, banking, journalism and parliament. To find it in the institution of the church should be no surprise. To have it highlighted this week, by the Prime Minister of Ireland, challenging the authority and the integrity of the Vatican, with reference to the continued cover up of child abuse allegations, is indeed a first and has been welcomed by most people including senior Roman Catholic leaders in Ireland.

The Government Report which caused the PM to speak out, said the Vatican’s actions: Can only be described as unsupportive in relation to the civil authorities. An Irish newspaper reported on the topic as follows, “The 431-page report, launched this week by the ministers for justice and children, examined allegations made against 19 priests in the diocese between 1996 and 2000. Bishop Magee, who resigned last year, was an extremely powerful figure not only in the Irish church but also in Rome, where he had been a private secretary to three popes, including John Paul I and John Paul II. The report follows other damning reports in other dioceses that found a culture of cover-up and denial in the church hierarchy. The inquiry, led by judge Yvonne Murphy, said the fact that some child sexual abuse allegations were not reported to police was the diocese’s “greatest failure”. There were 15 cases between 1996 and 2005 which “very clearly” should have been reported. Yet police were not told about nine cases.”

How this will play out for the Roman Church will be interesting to see. The challenge of living godly and circumspect lives seems to be a challenge for ministers and leaders regardless of their denomination. You have the Roman Catholics at one end of the spectrum then you have the tele-evangelist at the other, and many shades in between.

In many ways the church is a microcosm of society. It is for this very reason that the Reformation took place in Europe in the 16th century. However the legacy of the Reformation is the idea that the church always needs to see itself in transition. We are a people on a journey being changed and honed by the Spirit of God. If we remain static we become stagnant and open to corruptive ideas and practices.

“Ecclesia Reformata Semper Reformanda Secundum Verbum Dei, was the motto of the reformers, meaning this: “The Church Reformed, and Always Reforming According to the Word of God.” In other words the church as an institution can never be allowed to become complacent.
All institution be they Presbyterian or Roman Catholic need to be open to scrutiny and be accountable.

This is the reason why many of us in the Church of Scotland believe that we need to always have a yearly General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. It allows us to bring the church to account. It is also the reason why the Church of Scotland has a Moderator for one year. This is also part of the checks and balances of power. It is believed that no one person should hold power and retain power for any length of time. This of course doesn’t sit well with the media and media advisors who seek to influence those who want the church to have a good public image. They argue that the church needs a figure or a face that is recognised and is able to communicate well with the various media formats that are around in todays world. Many others think that a well organised local church connecting with people at grassroots is the most effective and biblical model. When power is centralised too much the seeds of corruption start to grow. I believe this is what a decentralised local media is the greatest defender of democracy, be it internet blogging or the local free paper.

Going back to the Church of Scotland and the role of a yearly moderator. The danger is that the permanent secretaries of the Church Councils can end up with this power. It is for this reason that Conveners of Councils need to be the ones who lead the Councils in their strategy. It is not the role of the staff to set policy or strategy and council secretaries need to be aware of not over stepping the mark. Council members also need to be more attune to their responsibilities. A weak convener and an ill informed Council can lead the church into all kinds of problematic areas. In the past we have many examples of such behaviour. So while the presbyterian system has its merits in practice it has its great pitfalls. It is within Councils that cover ups in the church of Scotland can happen. The Irish criticism of the Vatican surely is a wake up call to all religious institutions to take seriously the need to be continually reforming.

I thought it was a good question and it got me thinking. We’ve lost the moral compass because we’ve removed faith from the public arena. Morality has become a private affair indeed in our secular society our morality slogan is promoted by the Nike Sports Company ” Just Do It” Do what feels good to you at the time. When questioned about your past actions you can always rewrite the history of what you did, is that not what our politicians and leaders do?

This particular case has highlighted it would appear organised corruption among journalists and police officers. A couple of years ago it was corruption among MPs and bankers. The interesting thing is in the year that we celebrate the 400th Anniversary of the King James Bible,( the one book that has changed the world for good), no one yet has mentioned that even the Bible has been taken over by Rupert Murdoch. Yes he owns the company the prints the NIV. Mmmm do you think there might be a conflict of interest ?

For me there is just something so wrong with the commercialisation of “Christian Aids to Devotion”. We have a whole industry built up around sacred music, Christian discipleship and the lists goes on. Murdoch’s control of the NIV is just one example. here is the question will we ever be able to get back to a less commercialised Christianity? I’d love to think we could. I wonder if the internet could be part of the answer . just remember that so many things can be produced at a local level with an amazing professionalism that couldn’t have happened ten years ago. Anyway what I was wanting to say was perhaps the decline in moral standards reflects a society that has decided to write its own bible and we are now beginning to see the effects.

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Back to last night, the great thing is that Paul Dougal one of the members of We See Lights,( who also played a tune with his dad and uncle), hopes to head out to Tanzania this Summer as a member of the first Vine Trust work party in Africa. Paul he’s such an adventurer a true trailblazer. And yes of course we all like the Smiths my great granny was a Smith. Hence I always eat a Granny Smith when I get the chance!

These tribal people live in the North West part of Peru on the Ampiyacu River. Before Amazon Hope visited this part of Amazonia both tribes who live across the river from each other and speak completely different languages had very little contact. Now thanks to the medical ship coming into the area both tribes have become good friends. They meet and socialise when the ship arrives. Last week both tribes put on an amazing dance and we were welcomed as always by both of the chiefs. I had a bit of fun calling out “Ola Victor” to the chief of the Bora I remembered him from past visits. Unfortunately to him all we gringos look the same. So not only are we saving lives in the rain forest we are also doing our bit for international relations. I’m pictured here with well known art designer of furniture Alastair Munro from Inverness who was looking to develop a whole new Amazonia line in furniture for his winter collection of 2012. Mr Munro was also greatly interested in the ancient low tonal jungle drum of the Bora. This drum is used for communication between members of the tribe who might be isolated in the forest. The drum might be calling them to return to the main tribal camp for refreshments after a long hard day at work. Mr Munro who finds texting and mobiles somewhat challenging is exploring this drum as an environmental alternative to the intrusive mobile masts that are appearing all over the highlands of Scotland. Mr Munro commented that he believed he could reproduce the drum and it could be used as an alternative communication strategy for the Highlands during this time of austerity. Munro continued to suggest that this solution to communication should not be promoted as primitive but rather understood as appealing to the minimalist approach which so often is the source of good design and art.

Oh and of course we are helping the local economy as we purchase the ancient tribal art which ranges from painting to the poison arrow and blow pipe if required. I myself stuck to the art work while one of our party Hazel Taylor who works for a charitable foundation,bought a blow pipe. Now I’m not quite sure who she is planning to kill. All I can say is if you recognise her please what ever you do don’t turn your back on her. And above all watch your neck these arrows are deadly. The thing is looking at Hazel you wouldn’t believe that poison could melt in her mouth? But if you look closely you’ll notice that the tribal woman in the rear of the picture is eying her up rather suspiciously. The thing is the Bora woman are noted for their insight into human nature.

Finally it was the selection of Alice Stewart that caused the greatest of concern to Her husband Gordon. Alice caught the eye of Chief Victor and he insisted that Alice join his group of women dancers to explore the Bora mating system through the dance of the cobra. First of all Alice had to have her make up applied by one of the tribal artists. Immediately after the dance Mrs Stewart who is a giant of a man compared to Chief Victor made it plain that Alice would be returning to Scotland. However some people on the ship reported that they heard Alice sigh a little as the speed boat pulled out to head back to Iquitos some four hours down the river. Later in the day Chief Victor who is a fan of the 1970s band Dr Hook, was beating out the tune “Living Next Door To Alice” on the Jungle Drums. have a listen to the tune below.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Now here is the point the serum cost $300.00 how grateful this little boy is that someone in the UK was prepared to give some money to Vine Trust to make a difference. So the next time someone says to you giving money to charity is pointless tell that to little Jakob. Yeah that’s right he didn’t have a name, so Dr Ronald called him Jakob. For Jakob an abandoned boy in the Jungle Monday was a day of extraordinary extravagant generosity.

You’ll have noticed that I’ve been making one or two comments on the blog about the 400th Anniversary of the King James version of the Bible. Its actually been quite wonderful to begin to rediscover the shear wonder and magic of the language especially when it is read out loud in church. We’ve been doing this in St Andrew’s Bo’ness to highlight the 400th Anniversary of this particular version. Its a book that has literally changed the world. I guess this is the simply reason why Scots based, Bafta and Emmy award-winning film director Norman Stone has entitled his latest docudrama – “the book that changed the world.”

It is a superb, authoritative docudrama that celebrates the influence and significance that this particular version of the Bible has had on the English language. Its quite wonderful when you begin to hear about all the various events that are being organised around the country to celebrate the 400th anniversary which will take place on the 2nd May this year. I noticed this quote in the Scotsman last month. “Indeed, Britain is about to go Bible bonkers, with radio programmes and several television documentaries (presented respectively by Melvyn Bragg and Adam Nicolson, who has said that the KJB is “a kind of national shrine, built only of words”). Shelvesful of books (The Book of Books by Melvyn Bragg, for instance) are promised.”

Well I received a copy of Stone’s latest production as a gift the other day and I must admit that I was spell bound watching it last night. It is a masterful piece of historical storytelling, presented by The Lord of the Rings’ Gimli the Dwarf, John Rhys Davies. Its also interesting that the role of James V1 is played by RSAMD student, Andrew Rothney, Andrew plays the part convincingly and resembles James in looks.

I’ve been so impressed that I think I’ll have an evening in the Church perhaps on the 2nd May where we’ll celebrate the Anniversary by showing the film. I may even try to convince our local cinema the historic Hippodrome here in Bo’ness to put on a showing. I hope you enjoy the trailer.

It was way back in 2001 that I first heard the name of Tom Dunn being mentioned by my colleague Willie MacPherson. Willie had first met Tom when he was the Chief Naval Architect for BAE Systems on the Clyde. Tom caught the vision of the Vine Trust and has helped to make the vision of taking a ship to the Amazon to change the lives of the poor a reality.

For the past ten years he has been our principal advisor in reconstructing the ships we have at present on the Amazon. I have always been amazed at Tom’s willingness to help with this work until I learned that all his life he had harboured a desire to serve God in some way in Amazonia. Here was a man who designed ships to be used in war zones now turning his skills to design and redesign Amazon Hope 1 and Amazon Hope 2 in order to take health care to over 100,000 people in the remote Amazon. I truly think Tom believed that God had given him this unique opportunity to use his naval skills in this way.

I remember having a conversation with Tom when we were sailing Amazon hope 2 around the UK in 2005/6. “Tom” I said, “What size of ships do you normally work on?” He stopped for a moment looked at me in the eye, then turning and pointing to a huge war ship berthed in Leith said quite unassumingly ” What about that one”

I want to go tomorrow to pay tribute to a man who connected with the work of the trust and through that connection has been able to change the lives of many people in Amazonia for the better, but more than that he has had a profound effect on many people who live in his home town of Greenock through the work of the Bernard Court Mission of which he was proud to be Superintendent, a job which his father and grandfather had before him.

Sadly as we’ll say farewell to a great friend of the Trust , we know he is starting out on another life changing voyage. As his ship sails over the celestial horizon, and we say “there she goes”, passing from time into eternity and our voices are silenced, others on the shoreline will be singing hymns of triumph and other voices will be heard saying ” See here she comes” death for the christian is not the end it is the gateway that leads to a new perspective on the meaning and purpose of living.