The end

Right, that's it. I'm off to wordpress. Update your links and set sail for a smarter-looking blog with a rather subtly-theological electricity meter as a header....


www.glosbaptist.wordpress.com

See you there!

Bowser-rama

Well, we are told that the water will return some time this week. But not for any use which involves the mouth - no drinking, tooth-cleaning or cooking. My in-laws have already been switched on... guess where I'm going before work tomorrow!

Clare is still very limited in what she can do. I am working (in Gloucester, not Bristol) from tues-thurs this week, and she is going to stay with her parents for this time. We are so grateful to the Lord for all the provisions we have had over the past few weeks. Some believers we had never met before kindly brought us some grey water in containers so that we could flush a little more. What a relief!

Anyway, now for some gratuitous bowser-spotting... and stuff. Just to give you a flavour of some of the scenes here in Cheltenham...

This is the queue for the water distrubution at B&Q in Cheltenham... And the distribution point in full flow...

Water is being moved to the bowsers by the fire brigade, the water authorities, and the army. Some of the fire appliances seem to have come from afar afield as Suffolk and Teeside.

You can see the Army tanker outside Matalan.

And finally, the bowsers. We have a yellow one, a strange conical one, a nasty old faded one, a plain ole average blue one, and a grey... well... 'John Major' one! And there are many, many more. Truly an amazing feat - and still people criticise and moan. It amazes me!

Many thanks

Many thanks to those who have been praying for us. Clare was released from hospital today and is slowly recovering some feeling in her legs. The hospitals are pretty gross as they are not allowing people to flush the toilets. Ick Ick Ick! Still, hats off to the staff who are working in dire conditions.

Just a mention here of my great employers Fortis Insurance Ltd who have continually been understanding and helpful, and have allowed me time off to look after Clare this week. I have also been able to learn how to use the same water three ways. First, wash in it. Then, wash clothes in it. Then, flush the toilet with it. Some brave souls have been using it four ways, inserting washing the dishes after step one. I ... just can't bring myself to do that.

Oh for a shower...

It certainly is an amazing situation. I am told that had the power failed as well, they would have tried to evacuate Cheltenham and Gloucester. Surely that would have required martial law. It is quite sobering even now seeing the endless police vehicles and army convoys running water around the place.

I still have a LOT to do to prepare for Sunday, but it seems that I might be preaching to no more than ten on Sunday morning - many regulars away. I hope we might make the big two-oh in the evening though - not for numbers sake, but the singing is much better when were are more like 20 than 10. It is strange, but we regularly get about 15-18 in the morning, and 25+ at night. Most churches are the other way round.

May I draw your attention to Psalm 46 below? It has been a great comfort this week!

Psalm 46

1. God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
2. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3. Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah
4. There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.
5. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.
6. The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted.
7. The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
8. Come, behold the works of the LORD, Who has made desolations in the earth.
9. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire.
10. Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
11. The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah

Flood Part Deux

I was just sent home from work because all the water had run out and they couldn't flush the loos any more (you need to have flushing toilets or buckets and fresh mains water running in order to comply with health and safety laws).

So, I get a half day to try and get some sermonizing done... but the bad news is I have to work in BRISTOL for at least the rest of the week. They are running multiple coaches to and fro.

The latest we hear is that the minimum prognosis for recovery of the water treatment for us 350,000 glos souls is seven days, but up to fourteen days. Our water will expire within the next 20 hours, and then the bowsers will roll in.

We have sent the child to Westbury in Wiltshire in order that he may drink and wash freely!

JH

Flood update

Just a quick line to anyone who is wondering, internet and phone have just come back up, and we are all fine. First floor living has its advantages (for american readers that is the Second Floor!!). Our area of town is not too badly affected.

We are also now informed that our water supply will soon cease until about Wednesday. Reports on the radio of bottles changing hands for about £8... crazy.

JH

He can be taught!

In 1998, I began study with the Open University. In 2007, today in fact, I graduated with a B.A. (Hons) in English Literature.

In this timespan, I have gone from 23 to 30 years old. I have married a wife and a son! I have relocated from the smoke to the Cotswolds. I have held eight jobs. I have been involved in teaching over one hundred children the Gospel of grace in different places and at different times, and I have begun to preach the gospel in Adult services on a regular basis.

Well, that is what I have done. In this timespan the Lord has done far, far more. He has helped, sustained, guided and upheld me through all of these things. He has given me the energy and mental ability to do all these things. He has provided me with all my employment, saved my wife and brought us together in marriage. He has forgiven me every time I have failed. He has provided all our needs. Nothing that we have done could have been done without Him.

At the graduation, it was all about feeling good about yourself, praising achievement and human endeavour. The music opened with a theme from 'Jesus Christ Superstar' - my heart sank. Apart from that, it wasn't too bad.

I just wanted to say one thing, which no-one else will, on this day of reward, congratulation and success:

Unless the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain who build it.

Psalm 127.1

Soli Deo Gloria!