In the Tunnel of Hope

EU and UK negotiators are rumoured to be engaging in negotiations that are being described as 'entering the tunnel'. This is supposed to reflect the urgency of the hour as a possible date for Brexit approaches. It also speaks of the secrecy and intensity of the talks as leaks and media speculation may spoil or threaten what could be a dicey and difficult deal in any case. 'Down to the wire' diplomacy is being conducted in the tunnel! The people of 28 nations await the outcome.

Our island is marked with many tunnels, some dating back to English troop movements during the Napoleonic wars with France, and some to seventy years or more since the German occupation. All of them serve as useful reminders of what European disunity can cause. A beautiful and peaceful place is undermined by the concrete left by Europeans who fought each other virtually to a stand-still, twice in the last century and even more so before that. Millions of graves across the continent of Europe also cry out to the tunnellers to get it right. The future of a nation's children is being dug in the Brussels' tunnel and now is the time to pray for their success.

Whatever the outcome, and wherever you stand on Brexit, let's call on God for the tunnellers to have wisdom, patience, creativity and boldness this weekend. Then, maybe, the tunnel itself can become a symbol of hope instead of a memorial to past enmity.

Who do you Think you are?

One of the most popular series on BBC television is 'Who do you Think you are?' in which celebrities search for their ancestors. That's one particular cupboard I don't think I should go rummaging about in, not because I think there might be anything to be ashamed of, but just because that does not make me who I am today. I am not just the product of generations of people who 'begat' me. God says that I have been 'fearfully and wonderfully made', (Psalm 139) and that he had a special plan for me when I was conceived. There are no 'accidents' in God's family - each one of us was planned!

The important thing is not so much where we came from - but where we are going. I listened to an amazing edition of Desert Island Discs on BBC Radio 4 this week with the guest Sabrina Cohen-Hatton who is one of the most senior Chief Fire Officers in England. In her teens she was homeless and begging on the streets. Now she leads thousands of men and women and has a PhD! We should never be bound by the past if we follow the God who says 'I make everything new' (I have no idea of Sabrina's faith stand but her example is inspiring).

This week (Sunday 6th October 2019) we are beginning a new series of talks at Vazon Elim Church on the subject 'The New Me'. At 10.45 I will speak on 'Who am I?' and at 6pm Matt Gregor will preach on Psalm 139. This should be a great series and you would be most welcome to come if you are in Guernsey, or to tune in online. You can watch the 10.45am service at www.vazonelim.org.gg or search YouTube for 'Vazon Church'.

It should be 'cracking good!'