So here's the thing...

Wow - what a few days doing #40acts!


Firstly there was an 'off grid' day - no real problem with laying my phone on one side so I can engage with the local community - but I did really discover how much I use it for all sorts of things: diet, exercise, Dr Google (obviously), Social Media, music - but seriously felt better for laying to one side even if only for a few hours. Definitely something I will be doing again.


Today I will be avoiding staying behind my desk to communicate - so I'll be getting up, engaging, phoning, shouting across the office - you get the idea! Having consciously done this before I know how easy it is to slip back into the bad habits of just doing everything from a distance - so today is the start of a new approach: again!!


All of that is fine but for the fact that yesterday the challenge was around engaging with prisoners through one of the prison charities. Upon reading the challenge yesterday morning I was transported back twenty years or so to Cardiff when myself and Catherine were ministering principally to prisoners families: wives, girlfriends and parents and so on. How their lives were imprisoned just as much as their loved ones was something that became apparent very quickly.


We tried to do all we could to support them - today I will be redoubling that connection with these people, or at least those like them today, by donating to a charity that works with offenders to stay connected and build relationships with their families.


I'll give you an update on the other tasks that are taking a little longer vey soon!

Pack a Punch

On day three of #40acts I need to get to know my local community much better - this is probably a very good thing as I've only lived here for a few months and really don't know much of what goes on. Alongside this I still have to meet yesterday's challenge - I was on the road for much of yesterday so was not able to prepare an assistance pack.

What I'm thinking is tht I'll take a look around the community and then prepare some packs for people that might need them - not sure who they will be or what their needs might be.

I want the packs to be relevant and to be impactful for those who get them.

So really I need to be generous with time and opinion as I get to know my community a bit better so that I will really connect with them.

Lets see if I can really pack a punch!

Set Out

Once again this year I will be participating through Lent in #40acts.

Why?

Because, if I'm honest I can be a very self centred individual who needs to think out wards a bit more, give a little more - if you know what I mean.

I keep this Blog each year as a bit of an accountability tool but this year I am grateful to have someone else keeping me accountable, I will get a call or email each week from one of my friends, Carl, who will ask me if I'm being generous... And I don't know when he will contact me so there is a bit of jeopardy involved as well!

Yesterday, as well as getting Carl on board, I drew up two lists, where it can be generous and we here in know I can be selfish, they aren't exhaustive lists and I guess I will add to them through Lent.

If you feel I can help you with anything - please ask, I want to be generous in every sense, time, emotions, talents and so on.

So thanks #40acts and thanks Carl! Let's see what happens...

Wanna talk? You need to listen...

Today I was preparing myself for my morning prayers (I use Pray As You Go as then basis of this time as well as some reflective Bible journaling). I was impressed immediately that the Holy Spirit was telling me to listen: listen very carefully.

So I did. While scripture was being read I listened. In the space following the scripture I listened and the two themes of 'mercy' and 'grace' came strongly to me. 

I prayed that I would now and show these qualities in the same measure as I have experienced them - which is massively.

Then I turned to @40acts to see what today task is and what the teaching is and there, in black and white, is the story of prayer working and the challenge to pray for others, to let them know, to seek out specific prayer subjects. 

When I meet with my work colleagues at around 9am we will be praying for each other and for several other people and situations in the absolute knowledge that we are doing the best thing in bringing them to God - anything we can do after that is simply being used by Him. 

Money, money, money!

The greatest thing about #40acts to me is that it has caused me to think very intentionally about how generous I am. As a husband, father, son, brother, leader, pastor and so on. This journey of three years lasts beyond Lent. It has stopped some of my bad spending habits and started new ones.

As I am prompted to think about how I spend my money by the folks at Stewardship I am also being nudged by the Ignatian Reflection for today that Jesus is everything I will ever need.

All the rest is just stuff.

The prompting is so strong for me that when I turn on my banking app I have set is so the welcome message says 'be generous'!

Initially I thought this was principally about money but gradually I rediscover (for I think I have known this before) that generosity is about being available, open, accepting, giving.

Do I support numerous charities as a result of this? Not on a regular basis but when possible I like to Sipport Open Doors (persecuted Christians), Bible Society and Habitat for Humanity as well as my own church at The Salvation Army in Cumbernauld.

Do I ever feel I am being generous enough? Honestly, no, but I also know that I am on the way to being more generous with my money, which for some of the causes that resonate with me makes a difference of a few pounds.

And on the way I have healthier spending habits and am more available to others.

Be generous because you already have all you need.

I'm listening...

Today's task for #40acts is about active listening and perhaps initiating a conversation with someone who I have not spoken to for a while and chatting (but mostly listening!) to them.

I have a famous ear - in fact probably everyone who reads this blog in the UK (and I don't know whether that is many or few) will have seen a picture of my ear on a Salvation Army Clothing Bin. 

Maybe as a result of that I have been told I am a good listener, good eye contact and empathic responses. But I know the truth. Yes, eye contact is something I ensure I do, I know how to make the right sounds in answer to statements and questions, I can even think of things to say when there is a lull in the conversation. In truth, however, I am very often already thinking about what I will say as my next point, or how I can shoehorn a funny one liner, or, sadly, how I can draw the conversation to a close.

Today will be different, I will clearly listen, I won't be thinking of me I will be focusing on YOU - whoever you may be.

As an addition I will deliberately seek out people on the edge of my friendship and influence groups, people I spend very little time with and listen to them. They will have wisdom that I have yet to encounter because I have not taken time to really listen to them.

Rubbish Actor

With Lent 2016 barely out of infancy I feel I have let it down. Especially in the context of participating in #40acts. This thing developed by @stewardship to help pilgrims in life live a more generous way by challenging them through thought, scripture and challenges.

The acts I am supposed to have done so far include:

Draw my friendship circles - fail

Do chores for someone - fail

Cook a meal - fail

Honestly I've become rubbing at acting - no BAFTA for me!

But importantly I won't be judged by anyone for not doing these things except myself. The folks at #40acts don't send a condemning email, my friends don't know I didn't do a doodle about them, the people who I should have been generous too are not aware - and that's a generosity in itself: not condemning, not judging.

So I have received great generosity from people who don't even know they are giving which makes me so very thankful that so many of them know the God who is most generous of all - the end of the Lent Road shows that above anything else.

Fresh start today then...

Keep it clean!

Unfortunately I am away from home for another few days so to follow through on today's task from #40acts will have to happen 'on the hoof'!

I tend to want to keep things clean and tidy and some of that comes from a spiritual root of care for the creation that I am a very small part of.

I have become increasingly aware over recent years of the need to take care of the world not because I am an Eco-freak but because it's where I keep my stuff - and where God keeps a lot of His stuff as well! So I like to and need to look after what He has given me - it's a good place to start!

It's been a few days - but hey...

Yes, it's been a few days since is posted on here. Three are all sorts of reasons (not excuses - although for some they would sound like that). Principally it has been about just finding the headspace to get together a coherent thought that is both helpful (hopefully) and reflective of #40acts. Because, if you are just getting here now, that's what this latest series of posts has been about. A Lent season full of hope, help and generosity.

Another reason writing a post has been a challenge is that this years tasks have frequently been things I do as a matter of course. Nothing wrong in that but it's a bit boring to write 'did what I normally did today'! Not really helpful and not really in the spirit of the season either.

So I have spent quite a bit of time over the last weeks trying to think through, prayer and work through my relationships with other people. I don't mean those I necessarily have a relationship with but with humankind. What is my relationship with humankind really like?

Wow, that's a BIG question!

No real answers yet but a couple of reflections that, unsurprisingly, are echoed in today's task and particularly the short video posted on the website for #40acts

I have tried to focus on others not self.

I have tried to give rather than gain.

I have tried to respond rather than react. (There is a difference - think about it)

I have tried to listen rather than speak.

And none of these is easy for me as an activist / pragmatist.

Something else you need to know: the last few weeks have been incredibly demanding in terms of ministry, leadership and personal life. Things have occurred that I could not have foreseen, I have been under both attack and scrutiny and yet I find myself reflecting on this relationship with others that helps me to focus on God - seeing Him in them. And I do.

It may have been a while - but, from my point of view, it was probably necessary.

http://www.40acts.org.uk/the-challenge/heavy-lifting?utm_source=Stewardship&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=5351630_Heavy+lifting+-+01%2f04+-+Act+%2337&utm_content=http%3a%2f%2fwww.40acts.org.uk%2fthe-challenge%2fheavy-lifting&dm_i=P3Z,36PCE,F1LYQY,BEVJM,1

We have it too easy...

Now here's a first: I had done this mornings task before it was issued!

One of the challenges of living in the West, being a church leader in Europe is that we have it very easy. Yes, you might argue there is the challenge of declining numbers, lack of engagement, staid worship. But we are not killed for our belief. We are not persecuted for being followers of Jesus. That's why on a regular basis I pray for the persecuted church. Those who in fear of life and limb, ridicule and exclusion still worship Jesus.

They hide away to do so, they have no books they can turn to for inspiration - least of all a Bible. Yet they remember the words of scripture that are written on their hearts. They repeat them as they occasionally meet in secret places.

They are blessed.

So I remember them in prayer in the comfort of my home knowing that my particular brand of Christianity benefits from public acclaim. I look at the hundreds of books that I frequently neglect - 90% of which are on faith themes, the hymn and music books that are well thumbed on relatively few pages and remember those who have none of these benefits. And I ask forgiveness for myself and my fellow Christians who have allowed our freedom to lead to a cheapening of blessing as we take it for granted.

The very least I can do is pray.

https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/world-watch-list/

Hands up who would like to...

When I was a child I was one of those annoying children who was always eager to please. You know the sort, hand up straight away for any task that needed doing in school or in church. "Me Miss, Me Miss, pick me Miss" was the call of my life.

I am sure, at the time, I was really irritating to those around me. Even now the eagerness to please is still there it just comes with fifty years of wisdom to ensure I don't make a Wally of myself too often! 

Volunteering has become very much of our age. We are encouraged to offer an hour, a day, a week or a year to help others. And that's where the difference in my volunteering and the volunteers of today becomes apparent.

My volunteering was about others noticing me whereas real volunteering is about me noticing others - and then doing something to help them.

These days I rarely do any real volunteering - although I do work for a church and charity - but maybe the fact that today's #40acts task is about this means I should look for a long or short term to help others with no direct benefit to myself.

What about you?

Clive and David

#40acts today is about blessing the boss.

So here's my line managers - Clive and David.

Clive is originally from South Africa and has been my ultimate line manager for around two years, David, originally from Blackheath in the West Midlands, I have known for much longer (in fact my in laws were partly responsible for him responding to Gods vocation many years ago), and he is my direct line manager.

They are great guys. They are not perfect - and know it. We do not always agree. 

But they listen to God and strive to be His men - and for that I am grateful.

I pray for them and ask that God will use them and bless them - and I know that when they pray they pray for me and my colleagues. When my father in law went to heaven recently both of them rang within minutes of hearing this news. They hold me accountable and sometimes ask hard questions - they don't mind being asked hard questions in return.

Their ministry is not easy, they carry a heavy burden and I bless God for them.

Can I help?

In the last couple of years I have discovered a strong liking - a passion even for making things from scrap wood. So far I have created a garden table and bench, a tool rack an AV unit for one of our local churches, a tripod lamp, a shelf, three stool and a tea light holder.

There is something very special about doing something practical when it is not your everyday life. My efforts are not highly polished, they are basic and often flawed - but I have loved the moments of creativity and 'sleeves rolled up' attitude hat I need to have.

The pleasure is added to when they are given away.

Doing something for others is a fantastic way of feeling for them while also feeling better for ourselves. In itself it gives us a positive mental attitude as well as often seeing others out of a fix.

Today I am on the lookout for those to help - maybe with a build project or maybe just offering a hand of assistance in the moment (I'm already committed to taking someone to the airport at the end of our Mission Conference ). Maybe if I see you and I can help - then just ask!

Being different

Yep - I can definitely associate with this one!

'Spend time with someone who is very different from you'. I know that there are some people who wind me up and get me down. For me these people are generally negativists - I can cope with an odd sense of humour, I can absorb weird tics in character but people who are negative are like JK Rowlings Dementors in Harry Potter : it's like they suck the life out of me. I just don't want them around me. I consciously choose to avoid them or move away from them.

But today I am challenged to spend time with them...

Maybe my optimistic views are burdensome to them, perhaps my sometimes unrealistic expectations wear them down... Maybe I am weird as well.

I am made aware that we all are different and we are all equal. Spending time with others (and I have plenty of opportunity to do this in the next 48 hours) not only reminds us of how different we are but also how similar we are. Maybe the negativists don't get time to spend with positive people; maybe I should be a bit more realistic. Spending time with others changes our perspective if not our values - but sometimes they may change as well. I guess that's why actively listening to the other person becomes so important - I'm not looking for someone who is just going to agree with me but for an interaction that will shape me - and the other person.

If you are different to me then watch out - I'm looking for a conversation!

"Here’s to the crazy ones. 

The misfits. 

The rebels. 

The troublemakers. 

The round pegs in the square holes. 

The ones who see things differently. 

They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do." (Steve Jobs)

It's a hugging good day...

There's been no blog for a couple of days - apologies for that! If I am honest it has been because I felt a bit overwhelmed with everything. Just life - but overwhelming life at times.

People are at the centre of what I do and when they are in pain I hurt as well. But it is a different type of hurting - it's a hurt that is motivating and challenging. A hurt that spurs me on - but it is still a hurt. That was what was overwhelming me.

I have been trying diligently to carry out my #40acts tasks and with some success and one or two failures but there is something really important with doing something for others - there is immediate payback for the do-er (admittedly it is sometimes an odd look that says 'you're a nutter'!). This receiving as I give is a real force multiplier, a game changer if you will.

When you come to a task like today's which is a hugging challenge it comes natural to me because I am a hugger, I like to reassure people that they are fine and valued by a simple act - and it's so much less British than a handshake. So I'm going out of my way to hug today! 

(Just for noting my hugs will be entirely in accordance with the appropriate safeguarding guidelines !)

Playing Catch-up

What a few days!

Conference, birthday, Mothers Day, worship, flights and so on.

You would think there wasn't time to catch up on a few missed #40acts tasks - but not so!

Managed to get into a conversation with smile staff members at the conference centre we were at, also made one of then laugh by calling her 'Beetlejuice' (it was funny, honest, but you had to be there).

Shared generosity with someone who was generous in return.

Experienced generosity through others for my birthday and tried to be generous to others through the opportunities of Mothers Day. I feel all caught up.

And then today's task is focused on prayer - what better way to 'recover' after such a busy time. This task, however, doesn't feel like much of a challenge though - simply praying for the people and issues that come up through my news feed on Facebook. I try to do that anyway. So today I will do so with more consideration and try to share my concern or let the individuals know I'm praying for them although I may do that discretely.

So as I head into South London today I am already to scour the screen for those things that speak to my heart and soul - and the first will be a prayer for all of those involved in #40acts this year!

I was in prison...

One of the things that I disliked about being a minister in a local church was occasionally visiting prison. Maybe someon had requested a visit from a Salvation Army Officer, or the chaplain felt I was the right person. I never enjoyed it - or felt fulfilled by the experience. Many pastors love this aspect of ministry - I am very blessed by them for I cannot bear it.

The one moment of light relief was when I went as part of a music group to visit Swansea Prison for a Carol Service shortly after moving from Cardiff. As the inmates were led into the meeting room where we were already sitting a ripple ran through a particular area of the gathered group. One of them stood up and waved shouting 'hiya Russ' then three or four others did the same! To Prison Officers were bemused as I waved back and sheepishly said something like 'good to see you again'. These were all partners or relatives of people we had ministered with in Cardiff as we ran a Prisoners Families Support group at our Salvation Army church. 

These people were human just like me they hurt like me and the have joys just like me - it's just that they have done something that is against the law and they are paying the price. their families pay a price as well.

Today's task requires that I at least pray for prisoners or victims of domestic Violence - 0ften prisoners in their own homes. Or that it write to someone in this position, or that I keep writing.

I'll try - I don't think it will be easy... 

One little word

Yesterday someone apologised to me. Their 'offence' really is not important, their apology unexpected (I am not a grudge bearer). The conversation that followed was full of compassion for another colleague. Easy talk, relaxed concern.

Would it have been the same without the apology at the beginning?

I don't know but I definitely know that it wouldn't be worse. The word 'sorry' is heavy with with responsibility - use it carefully but definitely use it.

I hope that I give no one offence in any way, I hope no one begrudges some word or action of mine, but if I have offended I am truly sorry.

How about you? The liberation of one five letter word can change lives.

Something from me to you...

I am writing this blog in the evening - well, almost night really - as we spent most of yesterday travelling, finding our hotel and getting sorted out and getting ready for a four day conference which started this morning.

I did have chance, however, to read and then pray through today's #40acts challenge (read it here: http://www.40acts.org.uk/the-challenge/BOGOF? ) 

It's about bargains - and anyone that knows me will know I LOVE a bargain! But it has to be a real bargain - not just something that I buy because it's cheap but something I would have bought anyway but is massively reduced. Like when I looked in a charity shop for some black shoes and found an unworn pair of black Loakes for £12. List price £130 - bargain!!!

So I have to do a bit of a buy one get one free - and pass the free one on...

No problem - I think...

Except I'm at a conference centre and everything is provided for me for the next four days! So it looks like I'll have to bank this challenge for later on, maybe at the weekend, and do it then.

However i do have something to pass on: my faith. Even though I am with forty or so senior leaders from my denomination it is too easy to get hung up on church governance and structure and forget the one that we are doing all of this for. 

Jesus - it's all about Jesus.

His generosity of living and dying reflected in our generosity of giving. So I will share what I have - the most precious gift that is mine. My devotion to Jesus.

Across generations, across the years, across the world

Very deliberately I made connections across generations yesterday - and I don't know whether any of those who contacted me is doing #40acts but that led to helpful conversations as well - even learning something into the process.

I sent FB messages to a couple of second cousins who were part of my life thirty years ago but really we haven't seen each other for at least the last twenty - I learned from one that they have children (didn't know that!) and the other will contact me today I reckon.

I discovered that one of the 'ever present' kids from our first church - you know the sort of child I mean: if the doors are open they are there - was driving through Scotland - we're going to try and meet up in the next couple of days.

And then there's the young media staff member based in our London office who, in spite of just asking when a meeting was, enabled me to develop a different approach to using our social media for ministry!

None of this is really mentoring and, honestly, I didn't have deep and meaningful conversations that were peppered with weighty silences and consideration was given wisdom and insight shared. It was, however, good to connect and reconnect. Undoubtedly there are more conversations and shared life to come.

It also caused me to think about a boy I met in Paraguay last year who, along with the other children at the centre where he attended because his home life was so difficult, held the record for learning the most memory verses. In excess of fifty verses had been committed to a mind that had witnessed the depths of poverty and despair. He had done what the Bible says to do and 'filled his mind with whatever is pure, noble, upright... Etc'. As today is about sharing scripture and yesterday was about crossing generations the thought of that youngster comes fresh as an example of someone I should have learned from...