Fred’s Funeral

Fred's funeral was held at his home in Spain, on Wednesday 28th February. I've never been to a funeral held in someone's home before: it was very moving.

Reflecting on Fred's life, I find myself remembering his extraordinary humility and his interest in other people – both of which are to me Godly qualities.

I came across this anonymous quotation in Stephen Covey's “The Eighth Habit” the following day, which struck a chord.

“One hundred years from now, it will not matter what kind of car I drove, what kind of house I lived in, how much money I had in my bank account not what my clothes looked like. But the world may be a little better because I was important in the life of a child.” (Anon.)

Thanks to all those who've been praying for Fred and Ann and their family, or offering other support.

Fred

Fred

Ash Wednesday, 2007

Heard this evening that my father in law had died. A very humble and generous man. A big shock.

Bruges weekend

How’s the job hunt going?

Thanks to all those who are supporting me in different ways as I look for new work.

Today someone reminded me that Charles Handy recommended that people have a portfolio of work. I wonder whether I am heading in that direction, which has the potential to be particularly adventurous, as the jobs that I have applied for so far may be either full time or part time.

I have been invited to second interview by a UK mission agency who are seeking a collaborative Chief Executive.

I am also exploring the possibilities of management consultancy, having responded to an advertisement from The Management Centre, London, who specialise in working with not-for-profit organisations.

Accts MMI Weekend Training Event

This weekend I joined military mission agency Accts MMI at Sarum College, Salisbury, for an annual training weekend. They seek to support Christians within the armed forces in a range of countries, in partnership with chaplaincies and military Christian fellowships, and I have been loosely associated with them for a few years since serving myself as a part time military chaplain.

The focus was East Africa, and three speakers had flown in from Africa, as well as one from South Korea, and it was illuminating to hear the situations that they are working in, and stories of their work. Whereas most mission agencies are concerned with the Christian faith in the civilian world, it is interesting to discover how God is also working in the armed forces.

Partnership for World Mission

Today I attended one of the regular meetings of the Partnership for World Mission Group for Oxford Diocese. CMS are looking to partner with this group particularly because of the move of offices from London to Oxford in June 2007.

This is looking promising for the future, because as members introduced themselves and spoke of what is important to them, there seemed to be a meeting of minds between the diocese and CMS, even to the extent of the use of quotes on their web site from former CMS General Secretary Max Warren: “It takes the whole world to know the whole gospel.”

Oxford Diocese's plans for 2007 and beyond are summed up under the heading “At Home in the World Church” – see their website.

“Woking 2”

For the last 24 hours I have enjoyed the second gathering of southern churches that are travelling a “Global Local” journey with CMS. We first met last Summer.

It is exciting to see churches stimulated in local mission through engaging with mission practice in other countries, and through sharing stories with one another.

Good interviews

Today I had what seemed to be a successful interview with Accts MMI for the post of Chief Executive and Team Leader. This followed an encouraging practice interview with Tom on Monday.