The Simple Pastor
Simplicity & Generosity
The early church: unbelievably generous: I’m reading Henry Chadwick’s history The Early Church and there are some ... http://bit.ly/a5CIUn 11 hrs ago
On Sunday 25th April I’m running in the London Marathon for the second time. Last year I ran it in 4hrs 47 minutes and I’m hoping to beat that time by some distance. We shall see. (if you’re interested I use another blog as a way of keeping track of my training)
Anyway 26.2 miles is a long way to run just for the fun of it, when I can do that and raise money for an excellent cause at the same time. I’ve left it late deliberately because I just want you to make a decision now to give £5 (or more) away to help vulnerable children and the vulnerable aged in east Ukraine, do something about it while before further distractions set in. The charity is called Breadtrust and they’ll ensure the money is put to excellent use through their partner churches in Ukraine.
You can give online safely and easily here. Last year readers of this blog were very generous in your support which was hugely encouraging and it would be wonderful if you felt able to do the same again. If you’re a taxpayer please make sure you tick the Gift Aid box as it’s extra money to the charity at no cost to you.
Thank you so much. On the day I’ll try and remember to update the twitter feed and if you’re very keen you can find out how slow I’m going by using the runner tracker. My race number is XXXX
Ukraine, like so many other countries is broken. It’s economy is on its knees and that’s the least of its problems. 20% of the population suffer from some form of mental distress, it’s population is rapidly declining and vodka is the best friend of too many. In too many places it’s a bleak vision of industrial decay. Like many of its roads the nation has too many holes in its collective soul.
Amongst all this trouble are stories of hope. Igor is a pastor and a friend and recently he bought a car with a dollar loan. It’s the only car in his church of 80 people and the first one they’ve had in the congregation in 9 years. Our congregation is slightly smaller but we probably have 30 times as many cars. It’s a new definition of a one car family. Since the financial crisis his repayments have nearly doubled. The greed of bankers in London and New York is having a profound affect on this Ukrainian pastor.
Unable to make the repayments Igor has become a taxi driver. For four days each week taking home about £10-20 for a 12 hour day Pastor Igor ferries his passengers about. Passengers like 24 year-old Irina a prostitute, who offered herself to Igor for just 10 Grivna, or about £1. Her life and body had become virtually worthless. Igor pointed her to the one who thinks she is of great value and worth dying for.
What’s our response to a pastor who works an 80 plus hour week because he lacks £100 a month car repayments? What would the apostle Paul urge me to consider? What is my response to a woman who values her life for less than a Saturday newspaper? What would your response be?
Today I’m on way to Ukraine to visit some churches we’re in partnership with and see the work that they’re doing. I’ve made the strategic decision to leave the laptop behind. Hopefully this means more reading and a good technology break for me. I’d appreciate your prayers for me and for my family while I’m away. I’ll file a report on my return in a week. Check back then, although there may be some Twitter updates along the way
I believe Jesus when he said 'life does not consist in the abundance of our possessions'. I believe he offers something better. This blog is mostly about that search.
I'm also a church pastor, a bookshop owner, a husband, a father, a keen runner, reader, and motorcyclist. These and a few other things make guest appearances from time to time.