Unchanging

Each morning I take time to read the Daily Dose of Charles Spurgeon found on the internet. This great 19th century British preacher speaks to my soul.

Several months ago, the reading focused on Christ being the Bread of Life. Spurgeon then drew on the example of The Hospital of St Cross. (Rather than being a medical facility, this oldest almshouse in England derives its name from 'hospitality'.) Instituted in 1132 AD, the brothers of The Hospital of St Cross have been dispensing a Wayfarer's Dole - a small beaker of beer and a morsel of bread to anyone who is hungry. Here at this place is found an inspiring chapel, a lovely gift shop where attendants share their rich history, along with a Hundred Men's' Hall (pictured) where up to one hundred poor received a daily ration of food, particularly during the depression.

Charles Spurgeon wrote of the practice of these pious brothers in the mid-1800s. Gathering up a carload of 21st century Newbold College students, we set off for Winchester one recent Sabbath afternoon to ascertain if this tradition, this service continues today. Indeed, while the beer is no longer part of the dole, every day since 1132 AD the brothers of of St Cross have been giving bread to anyone in need. Imagine, 878 years of uninterrupted service offered to fellow humans in need!

While today's fast-paced society continually calls for change, some things are better left preserved - such as a deep caring for and commitment to one another. May God help us to be as constant in our regard for others as are the brothers of St Cross.

This Week's Historic Political Event

From all appearances this looks to be just an ordinary field. And yet here at Runnymede, just up the road from Newbold College, the Magna Carta (Latin for 'the great charter') was sealed by King John in June 1215. In this document the aristocracy and barons listed 63 specific grievances against the King, calling for an end to his excessive and arbitrary government. Through its statement of liberties, it sought to prevent the king from exploiting his power and made it clear that the king was subject to the law, not above it.

I couldn't help but recall this historic occasion as I sat with Newbold colleagues watching another momentous event - Britain's first ever prime minister debates. Two days ago, representatives from the Labour Party, the Tory Party and the Liberal Democratic Party squared off before a live audience in Manchester and on national television to try to convince the electorate that the policies of their party would contribute best to the health of this nation.

Perhaps the single greatest problem with politics is that we focus more on gaining or retaining power rather than simply 'administering justly, loving mercy and walking humbly with our God' (Micah 6:8). May God grant us such noble leaders!

Yet, as was so clearly evidenced with the signing of the Magna Carta, the path to having noble leaders is to have an engaged citizenry. May God grant us both noble leaders and engaged citizenry as we approach this May 2010 election in Britain.

Springtime in England

The comment is often made that to relish the journey is as important as reaching the destination. That could not be more true than this past weekend as I traveled to a speaking appointment in Liverpool.

Traveling along the back roads of the M49, I reveled in the profusion of blossoms and budding trees, the verdant valleys and hillsides - all nature coming alive following the cold hibernation of winter. But what most delighted my senses was coming upon newborn lambs. They do more than frolic and play - they literally spring straight into the air as if their wobbly little limbs are attached to coils. This action is referred to as gambolling.

Sheep have three curious markings placed on them throughout the mating season. The first scoring - typically a blue powder - is painted on the underside of the ram so as to indicate when he has mounted a ewe - to be alert to her possible pregnancy. A colour marking is placed on the ewe once the shepherd runs an ultrasound to discover if she is carrying one, two or three embryo - so that he can take the steps necessary to prepare for the impending delivery. (Most sheep deliver twins.) And a final marking, a large number is placed on the ewe to match her up to her newborn lambs, so that there is no mistaking who belongs to whom.

Now, doesn't all this make a fine sermon - we being marked by the Shepherd's blood so as to distinguish us as sheep of his pasture. That, in fact, is our goal at Newbold College - introducing sheep to the Good Shepherd (John 10), to convince young people of God's loving care (Luke 15:1-7), and to have them commit to a lifetime of following him (Psalm 23).

Bright British Blokes

I was introduced to Alexander Fleming when yet in primary school. This British scientist developed a substance that would revolutionize medicine when accidentally leaving a petri dish uncovered. The substance - penicillin.

As trawling for fish in the North Sea grew, so also did the popularity of fish and chips with the British working class. In 1860, the first fish and chips shop was opened in London's East End by Jewish proprietor Joseph Malin and, by 1910, there were 25,000 fish and chips shops in Britain. It is impossible to estimate the number of fish and chips places currently in operation! (My favourite is Rock & Soul, established in 1871. It is London's oldest fish and chips shop, located at 45 Endell Street WC2H 9AJ, near Covent Garden.)

In 1925, John Logle Baird became the first man to televise moving images - the precursor to today's television. As is so often the case, he was initially dismissed as a nutter by the British press.

The reflective cat's eye safety devise used along roads and motorways originated in the UK in 1933. The inventor was Percy Shaw of Halifax, West Yorkshire, who was inspired by the eyeshine of a cat sitting by the side of the road one dark night.

More recently, Sir Timothy Berners-Lee, an MIT professor, implemented the first communication between an http client and the computer server thereby creating the world wide web.

I stand in awe of these cleaver Brits and am so grateful for the contributions that they have and continue to make to our lives!