In the end we called it 'The Mall Tour' and what an amazing and humbling experience it was. We had the honour and privilege to sing to hundreds of people in three different locations during the run up to Christmas. A previous blog has already mentioned our first experience, which was at Bluewater. Following this, we spent a Saturday afternoon singing in the Royal Victoria Place in Tunbridge Wells. We witnessed the 'miracle' of 'no power' from the designated power point, with the result that we had to transfer all the gear to another location higher up the mall, which gave us the opportunity to broadcast the sound of the choir and the readings to a much greater area. One of the conditions of our singing was to raise money for two local charities. Whilst we felt that our primary calling was to spread the Christmas story in words and music, we were very happy to also seek to raise money for Hospice in the Weald and for the Bridge Trust, a charity dedicated to helping the homeless. Our programme consisted of four 30 minute slots; during that time people generously gave us over £350 towards the two charities.
Then, the following Saturday found us at Beales Department store, strategically situated near the entrance to Sainsbury's, so we were really performing to two stores! This time we were working with the Rotary Club of Tonbridge, who were raising money for 6 local charities. Again, we were so encouraged by people's response to the singing and the readings. Now, at this last presentation, Bluewater seemed such a long time ago; the weeks had passed so quickly. The experience showed us what a deep spiritual hunger there is and that people do respond to the Gospel. At all three venues we had the opportunity to distribute material to adults and children. Steve, our artist in residence, had a number of opportunities to talk with people about his picture which strikingly adorned our two 6 foot high Absolute Gospel Company banners which stood erect on either side of the choir.
As we have written before, it was highly significant that we should find ourselves at the beginning of the tour outside 'His Master's Voice'. That's what, in the power of the Holy Spirit, we have tried to do: speak with the Master's Voice. We pray that it has brought Him glory and in so doing, opened up hearts to spiritual values and invitations. We look forward to the New Year and what we believe are God-given opportunities to speak out the Words of the Master. As someone challengingly said: "Wise men and women still seek Him".
Wednesday, 28 December 2011
Friday, 2 December 2011
Pizza With Pizzas of Music
The smell was incredibly intimidating, wafting up from below and not just from one place. At times a curious cocktail of aromas surrounded us. Not only that, but the pressure to spend money was all around as enticing wares stared out from lavish displays of merchandise. And we also had what was at times a conveyor belt of people drifting through; old, young, babies - but thankfully no dogs. And we were warm! No rain! This was our first engagement of the Christmas period, in the Bluewater Shopping Mall in north Kent: The Absolute Gospel Choir singing a selection of songs from our musical Stargifts. We also had the wonderful opportunity to read from the Scriptures selections about the Christmas story.
People stopped. Listened. Some turned back to get closer to the sound. Some even wept. It was a wonderful experience for us. The Management team were so hospitable and helpful. Of all the places in the complex, we were next to one of the largest shops: His Master's Voice! God's got a great sense of humour! We were so impressed by the reaction of the people. Many of course walked past, but many others stopped for a considerable while. Thanks to the powerful P.A. system we had the sound travelling through the galleries, bouncing off the high ceiling and reaching much further than we realized.
It seems that the Choir is building up an interesting CV: Singing over the Dead Sea; over Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives; on the Sea of Galilee; performing in the central park in Salem, the 'witch capital of the world'; performing to a messianic congregation in New Jersey and so on. We have been immensely privileged to sing at these and other places abroad, but we have also been blessed as we have sung at various venues around this country: in Derbyshire; Essex and Sussex; as well as Kent. In the New Year we shall move into deepest Bedfordshire.
God continues to give us the enthusiasm to preach the Gospel through music and the public reading of His Word. Later this month we sing at another shopping mall in Tunbridge Wells and then we come back to our home town to sing in a large departmental store. Our position puts us right next to the checkouts in Sainsbury's!
The New Year brings further opportunities for the Company's Choir and also its other activities. So we preach while we have the light. In rain, sunshine, wind, small audiences, large audiences. We were told in Bethlehem, where we had the privilege to sing in a small Palestinian Christian church, that we were no longer a 'raggle taggle army' but we were like Jehoshaphat's singers. Bet they didn't have the smell of pizza as they went into battle!
People stopped. Listened. Some turned back to get closer to the sound. Some even wept. It was a wonderful experience for us. The Management team were so hospitable and helpful. Of all the places in the complex, we were next to one of the largest shops: His Master's Voice! God's got a great sense of humour! We were so impressed by the reaction of the people. Many of course walked past, but many others stopped for a considerable while. Thanks to the powerful P.A. system we had the sound travelling through the galleries, bouncing off the high ceiling and reaching much further than we realized.
It seems that the Choir is building up an interesting CV: Singing over the Dead Sea; over Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives; on the Sea of Galilee; performing in the central park in Salem, the 'witch capital of the world'; performing to a messianic congregation in New Jersey and so on. We have been immensely privileged to sing at these and other places abroad, but we have also been blessed as we have sung at various venues around this country: in Derbyshire; Essex and Sussex; as well as Kent. In the New Year we shall move into deepest Bedfordshire.
God continues to give us the enthusiasm to preach the Gospel through music and the public reading of His Word. Later this month we sing at another shopping mall in Tunbridge Wells and then we come back to our home town to sing in a large departmental store. Our position puts us right next to the checkouts in Sainsbury's!
The New Year brings further opportunities for the Company's Choir and also its other activities. So we preach while we have the light. In rain, sunshine, wind, small audiences, large audiences. We were told in Bethlehem, where we had the privilege to sing in a small Palestinian Christian church, that we were no longer a 'raggle taggle army' but we were like Jehoshaphat's singers. Bet they didn't have the smell of pizza as they went into battle!
Wednesday, 9 November 2011
Time Gentlemen, Please
I've often imagined the scene: Standing in front of a large orchestra at the Albert Hall, conducting some of our music. Well, I'm not quite experiencing that, but I have been working with a professional producer who has the most amazing box of tricks. With the aid of computerized technology he can, quite simply, muster up a whole orchestra. What a train set! It's amazing watching him summon up a bank of french horns (beautifully sampled so they really do sound right) with the push of a button, or a set of tympani, without the bother of tuning them.
This has taken our work to a whole new level and the idea is to produce a symphony of our music and then turn it into a visual/dance/narration/musical presentation. To get the producer in the right frame of mind and help him bring forth these amazing sounds, I suggested he imagined himself standing on the podium in front of thousands of people at a concert hall, waiting to count in the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. It worked!
The guiding verses for the Absolute Gospel Company are from the book of 1 Chronicles, which include the words: '...every willing man skilled in any craft will help you'. We have a great team of people helping in the work. Some are not Christians, but the Lord in His wisdom provides the skills we need.
Last week we were at an engravers and banner makers, negotiating for two 6 foot high banners with our name and logo on. These will first be used at our outdoor Christmas singing at Bluewater, Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge. The choir at the moment is busy rehearsing Christmas music for those venues.
Soon the year will turn and we look forward to projects in the New Year: The continuation of the Bible School; performances of Yeshua Messiah; the feasts; and possibly the Christmas musical Stargifts. We shall see; we don't want to run ahead of the Lord.
Now where's that conductor's baton?
This has taken our work to a whole new level and the idea is to produce a symphony of our music and then turn it into a visual/dance/narration/musical presentation. To get the producer in the right frame of mind and help him bring forth these amazing sounds, I suggested he imagined himself standing on the podium in front of thousands of people at a concert hall, waiting to count in the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. It worked!
The guiding verses for the Absolute Gospel Company are from the book of 1 Chronicles, which include the words: '...every willing man skilled in any craft will help you'. We have a great team of people helping in the work. Some are not Christians, but the Lord in His wisdom provides the skills we need.
Last week we were at an engravers and banner makers, negotiating for two 6 foot high banners with our name and logo on. These will first be used at our outdoor Christmas singing at Bluewater, Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge. The choir at the moment is busy rehearsing Christmas music for those venues.
Soon the year will turn and we look forward to projects in the New Year: The continuation of the Bible School; performances of Yeshua Messiah; the feasts; and possibly the Christmas musical Stargifts. We shall see; we don't want to run ahead of the Lord.
Now where's that conductor's baton?
Sunday, 9 October 2011
Sheepwash
They were coming straight for us: A flock of Lakeland sheep! There seemed to be 30-60 of them - heading straight for the car! In this modern age they no longer had a shepherd walking humbly with a crook; no, this modern fella had a smart quad bike and was going at some speed. And so were the sheep: Straight for the bonnet! Knowing what stupid animals sheep can be, we had visions of the leader doing a somersault over the bonnet. Imagine that on an insurance claim! However, at the last moment, the flock parted, dividing, it seemed, equally past both sides of the car. When I got out and thankfully found no damage I discovered that the gently rocking sensation as the flock went past, had resulted in a five star polish.
The Lakes looked beautiful. The late summer weather meant that, on some days, the surface of Grasmere was like a polished mirror. The rich autumn colours dripped into the water, burning the reflections into the lake. It was good to get away and have a week chilling out after the busyness of the previous months. The Lakes and Port Isaac in Cornwall are our favourite boltholes. It meant we missed the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh HaShanah), but we understand it was a very good evening and well attended. This Saturday we celebrated Yom Kippur and next week is the Feast of Tabernacles.
Last Wednesday found Ian, Roger and I in the glorious Bedfordshire countryside, laying the first plans for a performance of 'Yeshua Messiah!' at The Park, Moggerhanger, next August. We will also be busy singing at Bluewater and the Royal Victoria Place in Tunbridge Wells near Christmas. In addition, we have been recording incidental music for a performance of the 'Olive Tree' which a messianic fellowship is staging in Essex.
Like that flock of sheep in the Lakes we need to listen out at all times to the Shepherd's voice as He leads us forward in this continuing work.
The Lakes looked beautiful. The late summer weather meant that, on some days, the surface of Grasmere was like a polished mirror. The rich autumn colours dripped into the water, burning the reflections into the lake. It was good to get away and have a week chilling out after the busyness of the previous months. The Lakes and Port Isaac in Cornwall are our favourite boltholes. It meant we missed the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh HaShanah), but we understand it was a very good evening and well attended. This Saturday we celebrated Yom Kippur and next week is the Feast of Tabernacles.
Last Wednesday found Ian, Roger and I in the glorious Bedfordshire countryside, laying the first plans for a performance of 'Yeshua Messiah!' at The Park, Moggerhanger, next August. We will also be busy singing at Bluewater and the Royal Victoria Place in Tunbridge Wells near Christmas. In addition, we have been recording incidental music for a performance of the 'Olive Tree' which a messianic fellowship is staging in Essex.
Like that flock of sheep in the Lakes we need to listen out at all times to the Shepherd's voice as He leads us forward in this continuing work.
Thursday, 22 September 2011
Autumn Leaves
I have often found a prayer bolt-hole at the beautiful church at Tudeley, resplendent with its complete set of Chagall windows. It is a most austere church inside, apart from those beautiful windows, but on a clear, bright summer's day, the colours from the stained glass wash the floor in many rainbows. One of the best times of the year is in darkest winter, on a crisp early morning; the sun is low and as it shines through the large main window the ceiling is covered with a great palette of colours. Out in the churchyard, sitting on one of the benches, it is possible to see the farmer's year turn from ploughing to sowing to harvesting. Beyond the fields are the gentle hills of North Kent.
People come from all over the world to see this little church, which looks quite plain on the outside; many would have been unaware of its dazzling treasure, until they opened the door and stepped inside for a few minutes away from the busy world. It really is a gem, a quiet place, a place where the Spirit dwells. I love to go there to pray about the work, to seek guidance, to seek encouragement. I'm often struck by the effect that the church interior has on those who come. Their sometimes fussy chattering can be heard as they approach the door, but once inside, most visitors are reduced to a hush or a whisper. God is in the house!
Now, here in September, the work takes us into the autumn - the Feasts of the Lord and singing at Christmas. A group in Essex is rehearsing one of our musicals, 'The Olive Tree', ready for summer performances. The days grow shorter but the work is just as urgent. "Work whilst there is still light" says Jesus.
As I write this, myneighbours' tree is bathed in the thin pale sunshine of autumn. Soon the leaves will turn and fall. and we are all a little nearer to the time of the Lord's coming!
People come from all over the world to see this little church, which looks quite plain on the outside; many would have been unaware of its dazzling treasure, until they opened the door and stepped inside for a few minutes away from the busy world. It really is a gem, a quiet place, a place where the Spirit dwells. I love to go there to pray about the work, to seek guidance, to seek encouragement. I'm often struck by the effect that the church interior has on those who come. Their sometimes fussy chattering can be heard as they approach the door, but once inside, most visitors are reduced to a hush or a whisper. God is in the house!
Now, here in September, the work takes us into the autumn - the Feasts of the Lord and singing at Christmas. A group in Essex is rehearsing one of our musicals, 'The Olive Tree', ready for summer performances. The days grow shorter but the work is just as urgent. "Work whilst there is still light" says Jesus.
As I write this, myneighbours' tree is bathed in the thin pale sunshine of autumn. Soon the leaves will turn and fall. and we are all a little nearer to the time of the Lord's coming!
Sunday, 4 September 2011
Getting Warmer
It appears things are hotting up. When we look at the increasing frequency of natural disasters, it's beginning to sound like Jesus' description of the end times:
"And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences, and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven." (Luke 21:11 NKJV)
When disaster strikes, people can react in various ways. Non-believers might put it all down to chance. Or, there is the current favourite - Global Warming. Increasingly, I hear Christians pronouncing that God is punishing this or that nation for whatever it is they have (or have not) done. I don't feel entirely comfortable with jumping to that conclusion, not least because in Luke 13:1-5 Jesus seems to be saying that bad things happen, simply because things are bad, not because God likes beating people up. But it does appear He might be trying to catch our attention!
Perhaps you've been in discussion about some disaster and you've received the rejoinder: "I can't believe in a God who would allow (whatever it is) to happen". Let us be quite clear about one thing: We have a good and holy God. He cannot tolerate evil; therefore He cannot send it. In any case, He doesn't have to, because evil is already here, as a consequence of man's rebellion and the Fall.
However, God is in control of everything that happens; nothing can happen without His permission, so there has to be an explanation. My belief is that God, in His mercy, shields us from much of the evil around us. But, if people or nations reject His rule and walk in ways that are abhorrent to Him; worse still, if a large part of those who claim to be His, aren't listening and are ignorant of, or even hostile to, His purposes and are just content with playing at Church, can we reasonably expect Him to continue to do so regardless? Or might He start to withdraw His hand?
The tragedy is that men were created to be God's vice-regents, governing the earth on Heaven's behalf. But because of his rebellion, Adam forfeited his dominion over the earth and handed it to the enemy. The problem now is that, because of that contamination that we all naturally carry, anything we touch or do just spreads the contamination. So there is no way that we can redeem the situation by our own efforts, which makes all the struggling and striving of religion utterly pointless.
Ultimately, the only One who can sort the situation out is the spotless, sinless Son of God. The trouble is, many have bought into the 'gentle Jesus, meek and mild' mind-set, forgetting that the Scriptures also portray Him as the victorious warrior King and Righteous Judge. We often hear the phrase: 'Once saved, always saved', but how many of those who thought they had their fire insurance sorted, will find matters rather warmer than they might like? Those who view salvation as just getting their ticket to Heaven need to take note of Paul's words:
"If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire." (1 Cor 3:15 NKJV)
However, those who are relying on religious observance and ritual, or good works, rather than repentance, need urgently to heed the words of Jesus:
"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you who practice lawlessness!" (Matt 7:21-23 NKJV)
Do you know what's really shocking about these words? These are people inside the Church (outsiders wouldn't be saying 'Lord, Lord'), who seem to be doing all the right things and even performing signs and wonders. Yet, when it comes to the crunch, the King disowns them. Time for a policy review, perhaps?
"And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences, and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven." (Luke 21:11 NKJV)
When disaster strikes, people can react in various ways. Non-believers might put it all down to chance. Or, there is the current favourite - Global Warming. Increasingly, I hear Christians pronouncing that God is punishing this or that nation for whatever it is they have (or have not) done. I don't feel entirely comfortable with jumping to that conclusion, not least because in Luke 13:1-5 Jesus seems to be saying that bad things happen, simply because things are bad, not because God likes beating people up. But it does appear He might be trying to catch our attention!
Perhaps you've been in discussion about some disaster and you've received the rejoinder: "I can't believe in a God who would allow (whatever it is) to happen". Let us be quite clear about one thing: We have a good and holy God. He cannot tolerate evil; therefore He cannot send it. In any case, He doesn't have to, because evil is already here, as a consequence of man's rebellion and the Fall.
However, God is in control of everything that happens; nothing can happen without His permission, so there has to be an explanation. My belief is that God, in His mercy, shields us from much of the evil around us. But, if people or nations reject His rule and walk in ways that are abhorrent to Him; worse still, if a large part of those who claim to be His, aren't listening and are ignorant of, or even hostile to, His purposes and are just content with playing at Church, can we reasonably expect Him to continue to do so regardless? Or might He start to withdraw His hand?
The tragedy is that men were created to be God's vice-regents, governing the earth on Heaven's behalf. But because of his rebellion, Adam forfeited his dominion over the earth and handed it to the enemy. The problem now is that, because of that contamination that we all naturally carry, anything we touch or do just spreads the contamination. So there is no way that we can redeem the situation by our own efforts, which makes all the struggling and striving of religion utterly pointless.
Ultimately, the only One who can sort the situation out is the spotless, sinless Son of God. The trouble is, many have bought into the 'gentle Jesus, meek and mild' mind-set, forgetting that the Scriptures also portray Him as the victorious warrior King and Righteous Judge. We often hear the phrase: 'Once saved, always saved', but how many of those who thought they had their fire insurance sorted, will find matters rather warmer than they might like? Those who view salvation as just getting their ticket to Heaven need to take note of Paul's words:
"If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire." (1 Cor 3:15 NKJV)
However, those who are relying on religious observance and ritual, or good works, rather than repentance, need urgently to heed the words of Jesus:
"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you who practice lawlessness!" (Matt 7:21-23 NKJV)
Do you know what's really shocking about these words? These are people inside the Church (outsiders wouldn't be saying 'Lord, Lord'), who seem to be doing all the right things and even performing signs and wonders. Yet, when it comes to the crunch, the King disowns them. Time for a policy review, perhaps?
Wednesday, 24 August 2011
Should Have Gone to Specsavers!
At the front of a book called Epicentre I have scribbled the following phrase: 'Join the dots together and see the big picture'. The book has as its subtitle: 'Why the current rumblings in the Middle East will change your future'. It's a fascinating book and I highly recommend it. On the same page is another piece of scribble: 'The 3rd lens; politics, economics and Scripture'. None of the daily papers or indeed the television will see events through the 3rd lens, the lens of Scripture. As I write, a significant earthquake has hit the Eastern Seaboard of the United States. As I write, the world's financial markets are in a period of great instability. As I write, the Euro-zone is deeply involved in discussions regarding bailing out whole countries to keep the monetary system stable. Two dots are joined: Economics and politics. But there is the third dot, the third lens as it were: God's opinion! Three dots need joining; three lenses need looking through. And the most important lens is spiritual sight.
The European Constitution has written God out of its wording. The United States seeks to dictate to Israel how to draw its borders. As someone wisely said: 'When American foreign policy criticizes Israel and seeks to interfere, watch the American stock market indicators'. God is always proactive, always sending warning signs, always looking for men and women who will endeavour to bring people back to God through repentance.
No, the daily papers will not acknowledge the third lens. So we, who have been given revelation as to why things are happening the way they are, must redouble our efforts to speak out the Word of the Lord, like the silver trumpets of old. We must work whilst it is still light; the river is rising and it will take the world unawares. Some say these are the days of Elijah; they are not. These are the days of Noah! Remember, marrying and giving, feasting and dining. We must bring people to the 'Ark' of God's Word before the flood engulfs: Not water, but a flood of fire next time. God is not mocked, but He is merciful. Right up until the time that the door closes and it's too late.
Should have gone to Specsavers!
The European Constitution has written God out of its wording. The United States seeks to dictate to Israel how to draw its borders. As someone wisely said: 'When American foreign policy criticizes Israel and seeks to interfere, watch the American stock market indicators'. God is always proactive, always sending warning signs, always looking for men and women who will endeavour to bring people back to God through repentance.
No, the daily papers will not acknowledge the third lens. So we, who have been given revelation as to why things are happening the way they are, must redouble our efforts to speak out the Word of the Lord, like the silver trumpets of old. We must work whilst it is still light; the river is rising and it will take the world unawares. Some say these are the days of Elijah; they are not. These are the days of Noah! Remember, marrying and giving, feasting and dining. We must bring people to the 'Ark' of God's Word before the flood engulfs: Not water, but a flood of fire next time. God is not mocked, but He is merciful. Right up until the time that the door closes and it's too late.
Should have gone to Specsavers!
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