Christian politics

I have just been watching the evening news. A statue of Nelson Mandela has been erected in Parliament Square in London and the man himself was there to see the unveiling. Certainly he is a man of politics with a difference.

After spending almost 3 decades in prison because he believed that everyone should have the same rights regardless of the colour of their skin, we all know how he was released and subsequently became the leader of South Africa. When I think of all he must have endured in those years of imprisonment, his political life after release is all the more amazing.

Instead of reprisal and revenge, he introduced strategies of reconciliation.

He is a man of absolute integrity in everything he does.

He is forthright, not mincing his words, but does not choose words in order to deceive, score political points against rivals or give an incorrect impression.

He doesn't lie but speaks the truth, even if it isn't popular.

He is approachable.

I tried to think of other political figures both in the UK and in other countries and tried to imagine them with those characteristics. Quite difficult - even for those politicians who claim to be Christians. Some would say that in politics, you can't display your own faith publicly and you cannot always live according to Biblical standards. There are other faiths to consider. It would appear that Nelson Mandela managed to do a pretty good job! What if ... ... all 'Christian' countries had leaders who really lived the Jesus way, then we would really make a difference for good in the world.

Blair Wingo

I recently listened to a powerful video I found on Sarah Rooney's blog. Click on the link to her blog and then on the video of Blair Wingo - Poet Missionary. I found it very thought provoking.

The changing shape of church

I've been doing a bit of browsing on the internet this afternoon.

A recent post on Martin Scott's blog tells of a research that suggests there are 111 million Christians outside of local church. The question asked is, 'Are they all in rebellion - or is there a (God) movement taking place?' Martin Scott is a very respected prophetic voice and he suggests a number of books on the subject. You can read his post by clicking on my links and on his blog for the post 'Books - or an excuse to ramble'.

I have also read how the church in China is sending out thousands of missionaries in twos to Muslim countries. And a report by Chris Mitchell on

CBN news

tells of hundreds of thousands of Muslims accepting Christ. You can click on the link to watch a video of the report. Many come to know Jesus through the internet and others have had dreams about Jesus.

Another website I like is http://www.god.tv/ It was founded by Rory and Wendy Alec.

The shape of church is changing!

Time for a smile

I read these in the August edition of Inspire Magazine. they made me smile so I thought I'd share a few with you. Hope you enjoy them.

A boiled egg is hard to beat.

A backward poet writes inverse.

In a democracy it's your vote that counts; in feudalism, it's your Count that votes.

With her marriage she got a new name and a dress.

The guy who fell on an upholstery machine was fully recovered.

You are stuck with your debt if you can't budge it.

A plateau is a high form of flattery.

When she saw her first strands of grey hair, she thought she'd dye.