After spending a few years in that church I joined the plant made [...]]]> For many years I have wanted to go and get involved in planting churches.  It was the main reason I initially moved to Bristol. At that time there was a relatively young church in the centre of Bristol which had a vision for planting further churches within the city.

After spending a few years in that church I joined the plant made into the north of the city in 2001.

For the last 7 or so years I have been in steadily declining health, culminating in a diagnosis of fibromyalgia towards the end of last year. This has meant that, despite my dreams, I have been unable to get involved in any further planting initiatives.

However, earlier this year, I experienced a measure of healing.  My energy levels are now significantly increased and I began to pray and talk to my church elders about the possibility of moving on.  Into this context God spoke very clearly to confirm that now was the time to go.

There are two countries (I use that term in a fairly loose sense) that have been on my heart for years.  Scotland and Iceland.  We’re not ready to go to Iceland yet and the Scottish city of Inverness has been very much in my thinking for the last 6 years or so.

Earlier this year I met with Eric Cairns who is leading a small church planting team in Inverness – about 8 people including Eric and his wife. Kirstine and I both felt very much connected to Eric and his wife, Alison,  in heart and feel that God is leading us to move up to Inverness and join them. There was some talk from Eric and the guys who lead the region that perhaps I could pick up the leadership of the church in a few years.  However, I feel that God is calling me more to pioneer than to pick up a work that someone else has started.  That being the case; I feel that our move to Inverness is a springboard to somewhere else – probably in the north of Scotland. It seems to good opportunity both to regather my strength and to learn from someone new about the adventure of church planting.

In terms of time scales everything depends on work. We’d like to move as soon as possible – ideally before the end of the year. Due to the fact that my health is not 100% I will, initially, be looking for work that I can do from home – perhaps even starting a business.

Once the job situation is sorted we will begin the process of moving in earnest.  We would value your prayers in this!

One of the problems I face with my recent health problems is that I rarely have any energy (and I mean any!) or concentration.  This means that I [...]]]> This morning, while going through all my Twitter updates, I came across a short article by John Piper on why he doesn’t own a television or go to movies.

One of the problems I face with my recent health problems is that I rarely have any energy (and I mean any!) or concentration.  This means that I frequently spend my evening watching DVDs;  simply because they require very little of me and provide an entertaining pastime.

I really don’t, however, want to waste my life in this way.  What I want to do is spend time with my wife & kids, read books that will envision and inspire me, watch videos of excellent sermons and, above all, I want to pray and seek to enjoy the prescence of God.  The problem is that all of these thing require more energy and commitment than I have available for the most part.

I have decided to try and take a slowly slowly catchee monkey approach.  Although my energy levels may still cause me to waste an unfortunate amount of time, I’m going to try and make sure that I read a page or two of a good book most days.  I’m going to commit to talking/playing with my children – even briefly, every day.  I’m also going to try and seek the Lord as much as I am able – especially on my days off.

The sivler lining to our situation is that it often drives Kirstine & I together to simply chat and share the burden together.  I am appreciating my wonderful wife more than ever these days.

I can’t pretend that I’m going to improve much in any of these areas but, perhaps, I’ll be able to use what little energy I do have in a constructive way before I lose it and crash out in front of the telly…

There are also good things that I do occasionally find that I have the time inclination for.  Writing a short blog post for example.  Being creative  – writing music etc. – is a good use of time.  These things relax me and, on my days off, provide something useful to do. I also refuse to accept that watching rugby is anything other than a glorious use of my time!

I can’t contribute enourmous things to the the Kingdom of God but, perhaps, I can move forward, albeit slowly.  In that way I will try to not waste my life.

Life for me and my [...]]]> Last week I listened to a sermon by John Piper called What Is the Recession For?. I was exceedingly challenged by some of the things he said, not just in terms of the recession and any present financial difficulties, but also from the point of view of general suffering and troubles.

Life for me and my family  is quite challenging at the moment.  I have various health problems, which seem to be increasingly serious, and am finding work very stressful at present.  As a result, I often find myself crying out to God for healing and/or a change in my job situation.  One of the things that God particularly impressed on me, while listening to John Piper speaking, was that I also need to use this time as an opportunity to seek God.  In fact that’s actually what really matters at this time.

Don’t misunderstand me – praying about my job and health are good things and I will certainly consider doing so!  But, if they, are the focus of all my praying, they may reveal that my identity or idols are in my health or job.  What I need more than anything is to know Jesus more; to hear his voice more. If I have that then the rest doesn’t matter half so much.

If I was to have the best health I’ve ever had, but not know Jesus; then I’ve settled for second best.  Similarly with my job situation.  In fact,if it was a straight choice between knowing Jesus more and having great health;  If I could only have one or the other then I would be extremely foolish to prioritise my health.  Even though that would help at work and would also make life at home much easier.

As I say, that doesn’t mean I won’t pray about my job or my health.  It does, however, mean that my praying needs to reflect knowing Jesus, hearing his voice and enjoying his precence as my highest priority.