European African Reconciliation Process

I was privileged last week to be part of a wonderful and highly significant two day gathering in Berlin.

It was in Berlin in 1884/5 that Africa was divided up between the European Nations. Without regard to tribe, tongue, rights to their land, or humanitarian concerns, the African people were colonised, exploited, abused, enslaved and slaughtered in vast numbers. The riches of their continent was plundered. Colonialism left Africans ill-educated and subjugated.

It is now felt that the darkness over Europe is a direct result of our sin against Africa. Indeed it is no coincidence that in 1945 Berlin itself was divided. Through a long and painful time of confession of sins and with genuine tears of remorse on the part of each of eleven European nations, reconciliation has begun. The time of praise and thanksgiving of arond 50 nations, was like nothing else I have ever been at.

The next step will be similar conferences all over Africa. It has taken 6 years so far. It will be a long process.

We must look to signs like the fall of the Berlin wall and re-unification as indicators that God has and will hear the prayers of thee saints and that Africa and Europe together can be healed, restored and forgiven.

Berlin

Off to Berlin on Thursday for the first of two visits this month. Some serious prayer business to be done in relation to Africa. Some fun to be had meeting up with friends.

To preach or not to preach?

Reading town centre is getting a bit of an ear bashing from evangelists of late.
On Saturday there were two lots out, one with an amp, one without. The girl with the amp ( yes girl ) was giving it some. So much so that you actually would not understand her if you weren't already programmed with the christianspiel.
The second was an American guy with an awesome cross, I mean made mine look like a toy! Anyway his delivery was un-amplified, measured, audible (projected), full of grace and love as well as truth. I liked him! Preached in tongues for a few sentences - which I found challenging.
He got complaints. And rightly so if you agree that people should be allowed to shop and drink their coffees unmolested by God!
Anyway, I won't be copying him just yet but I was impressed. His name is Eric. His website is simple but nice. http://www.foursmiles.com

"Church"

Church is still a big issue for us.
We seem to have joined the ever growing numbers of post-EPC's.
Penny has never enjoyed church, in the sense of the corporate gathering to sing and listen to a sermon, and so is happy not to "attend" anywhere.
She doesn't get it. For her church is about relationship.
For me? Well I kind of see the value in having a building to meet in which can be used as a focal point to serve the community. "Doing Church" without a building is hard work and often invisible.
I so well remember the problem of actually finding a house church. You knew there was one in the area but which house?!
Penny can't sing to save her life, so corporate "worship" has always excluded her, been an embarrassment and something to be got through.
For me on the contrary I really miss playing in a worship band. Hardly compatible are we?
I've been going to Brookside a fair bit, both on Sundays and for the odd band practice.
About time I emailed Steve Prince I suppose and had a chat with him about whether I'm in, out or shouldn't worry about it.

I'm back! ?

Toying with the idea of keeping my blog here, simply because I suspect you can't be bothered to click to my website! True? If I've got you all wrong then have a look at www.malcpeirce.co.uk

One of the downsides of being an encourager is that you sense how people are (discern their spirits - for those of more religious terminoloy). That opens one up to seeing the negative as well as the positive and can lead to criticising them rather than encouraging them if you aren't careful! When I'm tired or stressed the negative will cut in! Just so you know!

And at last a new photo, courtesy of a young Swedish friend of Steve's who stayed with us recently. Thanks Erica.