Metropolis: Urban Illuminations in Walsall

'Apartment 3', a large scale oil painting by Chinese artist Zhang Enli, is one of the many works of art from international sources which provide dramatic and powerful insights into urban life and growth.... according to the the guide 'exploring the diversity, dynamism and growth of the contemporary metropolis ... representing a powerful shifting strand of contemporary culture'. I explore this exhibition alongside Edson from Brazil and his wife Leora from the Bahamas, both working for YWAM (Youth With A Mission). What an excellent opportunity to reflect on the implications for sharing God's love for our world , to understanding a little more as we witness the largest wave of urban growth on history. Do go - it finishes on 23rd December at The New Art Gallery Walsall .

Lausanne 3

'Possibly the most representative gathering of the Christian church in history', is how the organisers of Lausanne 3 are describing this meeting in Capetown of 4,200 participants from 198 countries, with a further 100,000 individuals at nearly 700 global sites attending 'virtually' in more than 95 countries. I heard the Radio 4 Sunday morning service which was broadcast from All Souls, Langham Place, the home of the Rector Emeritius John Stott who was instrumental infounding this important movement back in the 1970's. What is happening at this gathering is very significant in terms of the whole Anglican Communion. For more details see http://www.lausanne.org/cape-town-2010 ) The Archbishop of Uganda said at the opening ceremony: 'It is an amazing privilege for Africa, which is fast becoming a centre for world missions, to host men and women whom God is bringing from around the world as we begin a new chapter in the 21st Century'.

Sadly the representative nature of the event was lessened by the refusal at the last minute of the Chinese Government to allow the 200 delegates from China to leave the country in order to attend. These Chinese representatives included observers from the Chinese Christian Council, the Three Self Patriotic Movement and participants from rapidly growing urban house fellowships and large rural churches. Like many parts of Africa, China too is surely becoming 'a centre for world missions'. Watch this space.

The history of Christian mission in China takes us back to the Jesuit mission inaugurated by Mattio Ricci in the late 16th century and the 19th century Protestant initiatives, most notably perhaps that of Hudson Taylor in 1865. But how many Christians are there now in China? Answers vary from the official line which says there are 20 million to the World Christian Database headed by Todd Johnson who suggests that the number of Christians in China has risen from 1 million in 1970 to 120 million today, of whom 70 million are in unregistered churches. Perhaps Philip Jenkins - author of The Next Christendom - is right to go for a figure between these and suggest that theer are some 65-70 million Christians. He noted that most are converted to Evangelical Ptotestantism, mainly amongst the Charismatic and Pentecostal churches and include a high proportion of urban, professional and business people.

'The Economist' carried an article about the church in China recently with the title 'Inside China's fastest growing non-governmental organisation'. What a shame that those representaives could not be at Cape Town 2010 for the third Lausanne Conference, but perhaps by the time Lausanne 4 comes about we will all be heading for Beijing.

19: Sun 3 October - Fan the Flame

There are vast crowds at the 6.45 am service at St Thomas’s Cathedral. Last week 694 communicants were recorded which clearly does not include the large number of children who came back from Sunday school for blessing at communion even at this early hour. There's also an overflow seating area as well as screens so that people in the side chapel can see. I read the Gospel and preach on fanning into flame the gift of God. Perhaps I shouldn’t have read the summary of the lectionary passages on the service sheet before I preached as I was left feeling my message was a bit on the simple style. The 'Notes on the Readings', printed on the Pew Sheet, refer to this passage 2 Tim 1: 1-14: 'We begin to read 2 Timothy, which purports to be a letter from Paul to his good friend. Some doubt this, but it is clearly in keeping with all that Paul writes elsewhere, in his teaching'.

I think this Cathedral setting is the scenario I was given for a 10 minute sermon I was asked to deliver at my interview for this job; I had to choose between either a vast Cathedral seating 900 for an early morning BCP service or else a tiny rural congregation huddled together one cold winter’s Sunday – I chose the former. As I reflect on fanning into flame the gift of God given to us (2 Tim 1:6) I think of the way in which for me and for many others from the Lichfield Diocese the experience of encountering churches here which are operating in such strategic and missional ways provides enormous encouragement and challenge. It is very telling that people tend to assume my title is Director of World Missions - (plural) with the focus being on global evangelisation and specific mission initiatives which are helping us to fulfil the the Great Commission.

The passage goes on the speak of guarding the good deposit (2 Tim 1:14). It is this desire to guard the deposit, to hold on to what is understood as biblical, orthodox, traditional teaching which lies behind the desire of many in the Global South to break away from the Anglican Communion. Indeed I interpreted the decision by Sabah not to renew their Companionship Link with Lichfield to came from the same motivation. I chose not to reflect on these issues in the sermon........................ when the matter has come up in conversation I have expressed my conviction that we need to work together, to listen together to discern how we are to be faithful guardians of the truth, truth into which God through His Spirit, is continually leading us more deeply as we approach that time when we shall fully know even as we are fully known.

As soon as the service is finished I am whisked off by a warden from St Faith's to preach a their 8.15am service. I arrive just in time for their time of open worship, free flowing charismatic in style led by a band. This leads into a conventional service of Holy Communion around 9.00am.

Just time for a plate of Luksa for brunch before my flight to KL.

Back to the Peace Community Church - a fairly new church meeting as is so widespread in a shop lot - for their 7.00pm service followed by shared food together. Fred David preaches with passion and constantly challenges us to connect with the passage. After the service we go to pray at the home of one of the more recent families to join the church. They had lived in the States for 15 years before returning to KL. They began attending this church having seen the small permitted sign advertising the church at ground level. The father is the only Christian in his family, who are Buddhist, and as the elder son is expected to play a key role in his father's funeral service. Fred tells me that Christians will not carry the joss sticks or bow in worship but they may take part.

18: Sat 2 October - Tabuan Jaya

Billed as ‘Free and Easy’ by John on my programme. He and his wife Jane very kindly come to take me shopping to look for gifts. What a great place Kuching is for that – wooden spoons, batik material, tee shirts, jewelry, white and black pepper corns and spices. We go into the most inspiring art gallery where the light shines down through the atrium where plants and flowing water below give a sense of peace and tranquillity. I wish I could buy some of the artist’s works. Perhaps I could contact him if we develop the idea of a celebration of the arts in future years. The batik material need hemming up so we pop into a tailors. Jane is a bit shocked that the tailor is asking 5 dollars / ringgets (approx £1) for the work and will not be bargained down.

In the evening I visit Tabuan Jaya Anglican Church, led by Revd Kenny Tan. It is a newly built church complex with wonderful facilities. He is one of perhaps only three clergy in the Diocese. The Chinese congregation meets on the top storey in a space which would be more than big enough for the majority of churches in the Church of England. The Alpha course is being used effectively and has been translated into Chinese. The main worshipping space down below caters for 3 times as many people. Kenny introduces me and speaks of the 35 pioneers from St Faiths who some 13 years ago came and formed the basis of this church in a rapidly growing residential area of Kuching city.

17: Friday 1 October - Seol Kandis

Day starts with filming of Bishop Bolly’s 30 second message for Rowan Williams – only it turns out to be nearly 5 minutes. It is thoughtful, erudite and he is hugely appreciative of his role.

August, who has driven for the Diocese for over 25 years, takes me to meet Revd Jugah and the PCC at Seol Kandis. He is assisted by the Revd James, a retired priest, who jokes that no longer are they headhunting, but now they are hunting souls. Revd Jugah has been in ministry for over 20 years and is passionate about people’s spiritual development. ‘It is so important to develop the spiritual faith and life of the people; numbers are secondary.’ He is inspired by the example of the church in Korea. ‘Now they are sending missionaries everywhere; even to Kuching’. He says his library is on the small coffee table in his study – he is reading a book on leadership which underlines our call to exercise a servant ministry and follow the example of Jesus. His church has 400 families. He speaks warmly of the last Bishop of Kuching, Bishop Made as being a very humble man. ‘He preached simply and in a very touching manner’. Jugah appreciates the evangelical and charismatic strands and has no problem with women priests or bishops – 'The issues here are cultural'.

Quick snack before heading off to Sarawak Cultural Village in the foothills of the legendary Mount Santubong fronting the South China Sea with seven authentic ethnic houses built around a lake. We pile into the Church minibus - every church seems to have at least one - and have lively loud chat as we travel.

Bishop Bolly comes to the Hotel with revised script of his message and we have tea, sandwiches and tapioca and coconut cream in the hotel - he apologises for being unable to see me off on Sunday because of his confirmation commitments. Most generous and gracious hospitality.

16: September 30 - Serian and St Basil's

Trevor recently became vicar of St Helen’s, Serian; a parish some 45 minutes drive away from the city. He came over to Lichfield for the Crosstalk event in 2008. ‘I learned a lot from the old folks. Their love and commitment. I was impressed by their love for God. Once a month we meet for special prayer, the whole church gathers. That would be a good time to share in prayer for our Lichfield partners'.

Trevor spent four years at the House of the Epiphany, which seems dormant at present, before going to Adelaide Ministry training for three and a half years. 'You can pray for us following the Allah issue. Also as we deal with native custom land which is being taken away from us by the Government. A few cases are being won now opposing this but it is a big issue'. I wonder if we can help. The aboriginal case in say Australia has in many ways been transformed and their case increasingly recognised and acknowledged. I subsequently ask Bishop Bolly as to whether we can help with this. He thinks so. ‘It’s hard for us. We are too close. But your voice from outside could be very helpful as we have seen with Myanmar. When they know they are being observed they are more careful’

Trevor tells of a recent mission trip to a long house in the ‘interior’ in which 117 people from St Helen’s went , making their way in cars. 'It was a big house with 26 doors'. Trevor tells me I must next time visit a Long House. 'I grew up in a Long House bathing inn the Lamana river and attending the local mission school. The people in one Long House still remember a visit from some Australians – it’s 23 years ago now but it is a lasting memory when an ‘orang putih’ a white man visits'.

We are taken a bit further on to see the newly constructed chapel of St Luke’s, Kampong Bayor, recently opened by Bishop Bolly. After visiting the church and meeting church members we go to a member’s house where we sing together and pray and share tasty porridge, snacks and small fried fish. I am given a beautifully woven reed mat. All I have to pass on is a card made by my mother in law. It is passed round and one man asks me as he points to her name on the back; ‘Can you say her name’. ‘Oh yes,’ I replied, a bit perplexed. ‘Judy Barker’. ‘Ah you see’, he replied,’ In our Badan culture we are not allowed to say the name of our mother in law or father in law’, and there was much laughter.

The mother of the household told me that her son had gone to Wolverhampton ion order to study law and had come back as a tattoo artist, now with several shops in Kuching. Strange reversals!

Later I am driven to St Basil’s, Batu Kawa where I meet Rev Stanley Bunseng. He has been moved from Miri where his wife has a high powered post in sales for Shell. His wife and children are continuing to live in their house there while Stanley works some 5 hours away in Kuching. Clergy tend to be moved around quite a bit and several times in different contexts the topic of canonical obedience has come up. I also meet one of the church warden’s Johnson Lapok who came over to Lichfield on the first youth exchange visit in 1989. He is now working for the government and whilst being very careful in his presentation he seeks to be as wise as a serpent and as innocent as a dove as he shares with a Muslim colleague. He shares how his wife is Roman Catholic but he seeks to work with all traditions. He is thrilled because his 12 year old daughter really grasped who Jesus is two days ago as a result of a conversation they shared.

We go to a hotel for an Iban style meal in the evening; my favourite was the chicken cooked in bamboo. Suzanne Mppam is keen to organise some exchange with our Women’s Fellowship but I have to tell her that many of our churches do not have any women’s groups.

15: September 29 - Cathedral and St Faith's

My programme has been organised by Revd John Sim. I met him at Kuala Lumpur at the Missions Conference, then at George Tay’s inauguration as vicar of St Andrew’s City Church in downtown Singapore so when he welcomed me at Kuching airport it felt like a meeting with an old friend. As well as being Diocesan Secretary, John also anchors the Mission outreach work in Pontianak, Indonesia.

This outward looking missional activity is such an inspiring feature of the churches and individuals within the Province. Singapore has for some years now developed its missional ministry amongst it’s six deaneries of Indonesia, Nepal, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia. Additionally there is close work with Myanmar (Burma) of a supportive and encouraging nature. Vicars do this alongside their normal parish duties. Certain churches own the work and send out parties to assist with medical work for instance – a group of 70 went from the Cathedral recently for a few days.

These missional initiatives are seeking to extend the Anglican church. Interestingly there is a prominent poster at St Andrew’s Cathedral spelling out the distinctives of being an Anglican. Perhaps we could benefit by reflecting on the positive features of our Anglican identity in England instead of apologising for it and playing it down. Of course there are the dangers of an overbearing colonizing style approach but I see little evidence of this. The regulations mean that this work has to be low key and sensitively handled. The ground rules do not allow sheep stealing from say the Catholics. The church speaks out against Prosperity Gospel teaching and is willing to do the hard graft and slow work of building up these churches.

John Sim says that the congregation at Pontianak started from zero and for two years there was very little to show for it except stress and anxiety on his part. ‘Ask my wife’ he says. John is a Chinese Christian and was brought up speaking English. He says his spoken Bahasa is not very good. His children laugh at him when he tries to speak it. ‘How do they understand you at Pontianak? They must think you are speaking in tongues!’ John tells me of the a baptism service and confirmation and passes on a poerpoint telling the story of the congregation so far.

Canon Nelson Ugas, at St Faith's Church, underlines the importance of approaching these exchange visits with an open mind. ‘Go to learn something new. Dig deeper. If you are in a rural area with very few people and only older people then reflect on that. Try to understand the issues. Otherwise there is no point in going. Perhaps there could be a special place for refresher sabbaticals for clergy’. Subsequent conversation with Fred David underlines the importance of these being particularly directed towards resourcing emerging leaders.

14: September 28 - Kuching

Flying over the South China Sea from Singapore to Kuching. 'The temperature in Kuching is 26degrees and the weather is good. Thank you for flying SilkAir’.

I meet up with the Bishop of Kuching who makes me very welcome and shows me a front page article in the Borneo Post, ‘Insult on Islam: ‘Government will not keep quiet’, says deputy minister Putrajaya. Several video clips filmed in Kuching churches are on Youtube showing a priest called Benjamin Stephen making comments which have been interpreted as insulting Islam. Bishop Bolly is needing to be ready to respond to further enquiries. It seems although the man was known he functioned as a free agent and his preaching was independent and in no way sanctioned by the Anglican church. So one more demanding task for the Bishop to deal with.


In fact Christians are in the majority in Sarawak – amounting to some 40% of the population. However although there feels to be greater freedom for Christians than in West Malaysia where the Malay Government is essentially Muslim led and dominated, nonetheless great care has to be taken to avoid this charge of insulting Islam. At St Faith’s Church in Kuching, Philip who runs a travel agency, asked me what my response to the Archbishop of Canterbury’s recommendation that Sheriah law be implemented. It was quite clear that he was appalled and in the Malaysian context felt Rowan Williams was seriously out of touch with the serious implications of what he was proposing.

In general I found that Christians had little to do with Muslims. However in Kuala Lumpur I found that Helina, a former St Chads volunteer, included Muslims and Buddhists in her friendship group. The pressure faced by Christians, especially in West Malaysia, preventing them from any form of direct evangelising is considerable. Many people still referred to the ‘Allah affair’ which blew up in January when Christians were forbidden from using the term Allah for God – something they have been doing since before the rise of Islam. In Surubaya, Indonesia, using Bahasi Indonesian, we prayed to ‘Allah yang mahakuasa, Bapa surgasi’, Almighty God, our Heavenly Father’.

Moses Alegesan works in Holy Trinity, Medan with Hindu converts. For two years he experienced the pressure of being under the charge of insulting Hinduism. Eventually the case was dropped much to the surprise of many people. The three judges were all Muslims, two of them Hajjis who had been on pilgrimage to Mecca. So, Moses reflects, although at first he had despaired over this, the outcome meant that no one could come back and accuse them of a pro Christian stitch up.

I don’t see much future here for my idea of a mixed Christian Muslim group visiting from Wolverhampton or Walsall. Better to start that on a more local level, following Richard Sudworth’s ,the CMS Mission Partner in Springfield, Birmingham, model and approach.

13: September 27 - Surabaya to Singapore

Leisurely breakfast at Villa overlooking golf course before James Bond style race to get to airport in time as we contend with stationary Monday morning rush hour traffic in Surabaya. It's touch and go but we make it thanks to George's advance planning.
David leaves for final part of his journey before flying back from KL.

George and I go to 'Dreamline' to measure up for the batik clerical shirt.
Japanese meal out....
Night in 'The prophet's Room' thanks to generosity of George and Eunice.

12: September 26 - Surabaya

Alarm at 5.00 am as we are picked up from YMCA to get to airport.

Fellow passenger from Netherlands - off to see his Indonesian girlfriend. 'The internet makes it all possible', he says.

The Straits Times - North Korea -The new Kimnology.
Mr Kim Jong Un, son of leader Kim Jong 2 was recently made political heir. 'According to the North Korean narrative, a double rainbow and a new star heralded Kim Jong 2's birth in 1942. Arguably this legend has fuelled his proclivity for brinkmanship. It is hoped therefore, that the chip of the old block, does not buy emerging narratives of his own ascent. If he does the region is in for a rough ride indeed'.


The Commonwealth Games are about to start in India and the media are full of reports of unfinished tracks, stadia and accommmodation. They have just found a snake in one of the athlete's rooms in the 'village' so the South African team are staying in hotels. An Australian athlete is interviewed about this. In that characteristically bullish way he replies: 'Australia has got all of the world's most deadly snakes. We're not going to be put off by one or two snakes around the place!'

Alfonso wins the F1 race in Singapore - 'After thrills and spills, it's Alonso again'.


4.00 Confirmation service in Surabaya.....meal .......
Chat with Pastor Henok

11: 25 September - A new parish / A new vicar

Pastoral worker Jaslyn Loh, of the newly inaugurated St Andrew's City Parish reads the lesson whilst Bishops and Archbishop listen attentively. This is the 27th parish in the Anglican Diocese of Singapore and is made up of two congregations journeying back to the heartland of the city. In his address Archbishop John Chew, newly returned from Fort Worth, speaks of the cost of discipleship faced by Christians in N. America being taken to court and having to leave their properties. The service contains that powerful combination of tradition and charismatic informality as we wait on God at the beginning of the service with a time of praying as the Spirit leads. George Tay is duly installed. The knocking on the door and other symbolic actions take on a new significance as it's all taking place on the seventh level (in the seventh heaven?) of the St Andrew's centre with people gathering too to participate through digital screens on levels 2 and 3. Altogether more than 300 people take part in the service.

A grand dinner follows at the Waterfront Hotel; a 9 course banquet like a wedding reception. We learn of the faithful vision of a Godly humble Christian priest who shared the vision with George which led to this day taking place. I'm invited to share a message of support and fellowship from our Bishop of Lichfield.