news on ramsey street

Holy Hip Hop

2011-10-10T14:09:00.007+01:00

A few weeks ago I was leading in church and the theme for the service was "atonement". I decided to play the following video. I wasn't sure how it would be received but I was encouraged by the number of very positive comments recieved afterwards and people wanting to know more about the video. Have a look...

The rap artist in the video, Shai Linne was once asked (I suspect by a critic) what would the preacher Charles Spurgeon think of his so called "Holy Hip Hop". His reply was very helpful ...

Bear with me as I attempt to answer it. If I could travel back to 1856 and have a conversation with Spurgeon:

Before talking about the "holy hip-hop thing" I do, I would first talk to him about the Lord Jesus Christ, who made me the "holy hip-hopper" that I am. This, my friend, is because the music I do is simply an extension of who I am. And so, before letting Spurgeon hear my music, I would first talk to him about the greatness of the thrice holy triune Jehovah who sits in the heavens and does all that pleases Him for the glory of His great name. I would speak concerning the preciousness, inerrancy, sufficiency and sweetness of the Scriptures, which have made me wise unto salvation.

Then I would speak about that great salvation and how I was once dead in my sins- a blasphemous, prideful hater of God and His people who was comfortable in my rebellion against God and gloried in my shame. I would mention that I wanted nothing to do with God and would have willingly and justly perished eternally in hell under God's righteous wrath had He not intervened. Then, assuming I was able to keep from weeping, I would speak concerning the mysterious, haunting beauty of sovereign electing grace. I would talk about the new birth that the Holy Spirit miraculously worked in me. I wouldn't leave out the wonder of my Savior's redeeming love. I would make explicit references to Calvary and my Lord's bleeding, dying, sacrificial love for a wretch like me. It would be difficult for me to resist speaking of the brilliance and unparalled wisdom and justice of God seen in the reality of Christ's perfect righteousness imputed to sinners by faith alone.

I would talk about the change that God has made in my life and how the glorious resurrection of our Lord corresponds to my being raised to newness of life and the new affections that come along with it. I would talk about my longings for God, cravings for holiness and my Spirit-given love for His person and works. At that point, I would have to confess that I have not progressed in Christ-likeness nearly as much as I would like to and that there is still more idols to smash, sin to kill and self to die to in my life. But then I would quickly mention the confidence I have that the risen Lord through the Holy Spirit will complete what He started in me and safely bring me home to glory where I will worship Christ for eternity, which is the deepest longing of my soul.

Only then might I mention that I am attempting to use the gifts that the Lord has graciously given me for His glory as I communicate the above truths in a context much different than 19th century London. At that point, I would tell him that the Africans who were enslaved in America in his day had children and grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. By the surprising grace of God, some of those great-great grandchildren were redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ, in mighty fulfilment of Psalm 145:4.

I would tell him that the musical form he would have associated with "Negro spirituals" had birthed a number of genres of popular music and that one of its descendants- called hip-hop- is a genre that is in many ways ideal for memorably communicating large amounts of truth in a small amount of time. I would talk about a group of theologically minded, Christ-exalting artists that the Lord has raised up within this culture and that, in addition to being students of the Word, many of them regularly read the works of the same puritans that Spurgeon himself read.
I would then mention that they have leveraged this new form of music for the sake of the gospel and that there was as much- if not more- theological depth in one verse of some of these songs than some of the hymns that even he and his congregation were singing (I would tell him I only knew this because I own [and love] his hymnal :) I wouldn't neglect to mention that this same form of music is used by the world to communicate godlessness and filth and that many dear brothers and sisters in the church are concerned with whether or not Christians who were raised in that culture could (or should) use it for God's glory. Then I would shut up, concerned that sin wasn't absent from my many words.

Would Spurgeon approve? Because Spurgeon is merely a man, his approval wouldn't be my main concern. It means nothing if Spurgeon applauds while the Lord Jesus boos. Similarly, Spurgeon (and anyone else) can frown all they want as long as my Lord is smiling. Nevertheless, my sneaking suspicion about Spurgeon is that He might answer me in the words of a sermon he preached on Psalm 71:14:

"The world sings. The millions have their songs. Many of them are so absurd and meaningless as to be unworthy of an idiot. Yet these things will be heard from men, and places will be thronged to listen to the stuff. Now, why should we- with the grand psalms we have of David, with the noble hymns of Cowper, Milton and Watts- why should we not sing as well as they? Let us sing the songs of Zion. They are as cheerful as Sodom's songs. Let us drown out the howling nonsense of Gomorrah with the melodies of the New Jerusalem" Charles Spurgeon- The Practice of Praise

Then I would play "Were You There" and "Triune Praise" :)

grace and peace,
shai

Getting to the heart of parenting

2008-10-28T16:27:00.005Z

At the weekend Cara and I headed off to Richill Presbyterian for a parenting conference with Paul Tripp (we need all the help we can get!)

I thought his book "Age of opportunity - a Biblical guide to parenting teens" was superb and I have had friends recommend "Instruments in the redeemers hands." So I thought it would definitely be worth going to hear what Paul would have to say.

After being there I wish I had said to a few more people about coming along because it was very helpful - God centred advice which was immensely practical.

It you are interested you can listen to a recording of similar material here (It you are a parent it would be well worth it)

Red Mountain Music

2008-09-17T13:58:00.004+01:00

I was recently sent a link to an old hymn set to new music. I had a listen and thought it was fantastic. So I searched on the net to find where it originated, and I came across Red Mountain Music. They specialise in putting old hymns to new music. Here is part of their philosophy on "why hymns?"

"hymns connect us with our past. It is wonderful to think of all the people who have gone before us who have sung these songs. Singing hymns promotes the idea that a Christian is part of a historic family of believers, and they remind us that God’s gospel transcends time and place... hymns ring true in a way that many modern songs simply do not. At times, it seems our ancestors had a stronger command of the language than we do. Their words drip with truth and paint pictures of the kingdom that make believers long for heaven."

To have a listen to their music visit here. (also available on itunes.)

Start listening to "It is finished - part 2", "King of saints", "Depth of mercy" and "Come boldly to the throne of grace"

(My recent itunes gift card was well and truly spent on their music!! Thanks Thompsons!!)

Half a year already!!

2008-07-03T23:12:00.005+01:00

Leah turned 6 months old today, the last few months have flown in and the first couple of months seem like a blur now! She got her hip harness removed this week and is loving being able to kick her legs again.

She continues to bring us much joy and delight as we watch her grow and learn!

Leah didnt seem very impressed that her daddy bought her books for her 6 month birthday! still, i'm sure she'll appreciate them someday!

Summer reading

2008-06-26T13:04:00.002+01:00

Three books I've just bought...

Comedy

2008-05-26T22:27:00.002+01:00

Was introduced to the comedian Brian Regan.

Here's a clip - It's hilarious but when I watch it I always feel it is a bit too close to home - the "me monster" inside me likes to come out a bit too often.

Enjoying the sun

2008-05-09T10:50:00.002+01:00

Hope we see the sun again soon!!!

Champions

2008-04-25T11:09:00.003+01:00

Last night, the team I play for, Newtwonabbey sevens played Larne FC in a winner takes all for the league. We were top and Larne were second. If we won we would win the league if we lost Larne would win the League. After a great team performance we won 4-1.

I managed to score and the photographer captured the celebration

Click here for more pics.

YF weekend

2008-03-28T16:02:00.001Z

Just back from the annual yf easter weekend (worked out that this is my 19th in a row!)

Nev has put up some video and photographs here - watch out for ricky doing the worm!!!

more photos

2008-03-04T22:13:00.003Z

I seem to be getting a couple more chins!

Bathtime is getting more fun now!

Me with mummy and a few of our friends

Mummy is always giving me cuddles!

Nanny Ramsey also cuddles me lots!

Getting used to being on the outside!

2008-03-01T18:40:00.004Z

Mummy and Daddy look like they need some sleep!

I love my pink socks but please put some more clothes on me!

Proud Papa (me with my big cousin Sam)

My favourite pose!

Spending time with Dad!

More pics

2008-01-07T11:47:00.000Z

What's in a name

2008-01-05T09:58:00.000Z

If you have ever had children you are probably aware of the delight in choosing a name but also the pressure that comes with that responsibility.

We have chosen Leah for our daughter. It is a Biblical name and you can read about leah in Genesis 29&30. If you read the story (or if you are familiar with it perhaps from sunday school days) you may begin to wonder why you would choose Leah as a name. She is described as not being as good looking as her sister Rachel, her marriage comes about through the deceit of her father and she ends up being unloved by her husband. As you read you get swept up in the tragic Romeo Juliet style love story and tend to side with Rachel and are happy when it works out for her and Jacob.

But take a closer look and you see what is going on. There is a lot of human sin: Jacob is the ultimate schemer but on this occassion he is outdown by his uncle Laban and is tricked into marrying Leah first. Leah is angry because she is not loved by her husband and then because leah bears Jacob children Rachel is filled with jealousy and that brings about scheming between the two wives which eventually involves the servant maids.

Yet despite all this human sin God's grace is wonderfully displayed. He is working out his purposes and we see evidence for that as Leah becomes the mother of the priestly line of Levi and the messianic line of Judah - from whom is descended Jesus!!

Besides all that, we love the name, it goes well with Ramsey and Luke Thompson needs a princess!

Leah

2008-01-04T04:53:00.001Z

Born 3rd Jan 2008 10.58pm

Weighing in at 7 pounds and 6.5 ounces.

I thought you might like to see some pics.

Nephew

2007-12-30T20:07:00.000Z

Cara's sister had a baby boy couple of weeks ago (we're even slow at blogging) His name is Sam and he's big, bad and hairy (and v cute too) Here's a couple of pics.

The Golden Compass

2007-12-04T11:16:00.000Z

Due to be released on 7th dec the Golden Compass is an attempt at a direct attack on Christianity. I'm sure there is a good chance we will get the usual "christian picket" at the cinemas - that never works. Anways, many people will be taking children along to see this. If you plan to, make sure you check out exactly what it is you are watching.

Al mohler gives a review of the film and offers some great advice (as always) for those going to see it.

Crowded House

2007-11-27T16:22:00.000Z

Off to see crowded house in concert tonight. Throw back to the 80's. i imagine it will be a sitting, relaxing, listening concert - the kind I like. They played a farewell to the world in 96 in Sydney and bang went my chance of ever seeing them live. Last year they have got back together, released a new album and they are in Belfast.

Duke special is supporting - apart from the hair, I'm looking forward to that too!!

Was checking out their website before i went and was amazed to read that they have "greening initiatives" They seem to be trying to do their bit for the environment but I wonder how many fans respond? They say 80% of the carbon emissions of a concert come from fans travelling to the venue, love the facts, great!! They do say to take public transport - obviously don't know public transport in Belfast!! Anyways, Cara and I are doing our "tree hugging" bit and sharing a lift!!

Tonight

2007-11-13T11:49:00.000Z

I'm off to see probably one of the greatest guitar players in the world and add to that the fact he is an awesome entertainer and it should be a good night. I've seen Tommy 4 times before but for Elia and Andreas it will be their first time - can't to see their reaction!!! Here's a taster...

History of Religion

2007-10-23T14:01:00.000+01:00

Publicity

2007-10-15T18:49:00.000+01:00

A few years ago Matt and Dave did a publicity vid for Baptist Youth summer work. It's a marketing masterpiece (even if mastercard came up with the idea first!) You know you'll get involved with BY next summer after seeing this...

(this was a few years ago and BY is not immune from inflation!)

Wispa is back!

2007-10-06T23:06:00.000+01:00

Cadburys have brought back the Wispa chocolate bar, due to popular demand. They were taken off the shelves 4 years ago and replaced with dairy milk bubbles.

On a recent trip to dublin we were very happy to spot some on a newsagents shelf - yummmmmmm! It tasted as good as I remember, always the favourite in Christmas selection boxes.

Hurry and get one - only 23 million out there!

Tag

2007-09-05T16:07:00.000+01:00

We got our end of season tag rugby team barbeque tonight. Our team is called "hands like feet" and we finished third in the top social league in Belfast - not bad eh?

You can see the league position here (just change the venue to Newforge)

Cause none of us are rugby players (except niall) we are all trying our best to look mean!

Gadget for Dermo

2007-08-31T11:39:00.000+01:00

For those who regularly read dermo.co.uk you will noticed that Dermo recently confessed to drinking 5-10 tins of diet coke a day here.

As he is also into his gadgets I came acoss this for him.

Baptist Youth Camps

2007-08-16T17:13:00.000+01:00

What does a Baptist Youth camp look like?

Loads of Bible teaching!!!
Holiday in a Christian Environment!!!
Lots of fun!!!

oh...yeah...and this...

These are the leaders on the Enniskillen camp - when's the single coming out boys?

Christian music

2007-08-06T13:34:00.000+01:00

I came across the mars hill church media site. You can listen online or download free songs from any of their 9 bands. Check it out here

Calvinists

2007-08-06T10:17:00.000+01:00

Mark Dever has been doing a series on the 9 marks blog called "where'd all the calvinists come from?" I have been reading this with interest. He has now reached part 9 and he outlines John Piper as one of the major influences. This struck a chord with me because as I go around and meet with students and teenagers so many of them seem to be listening to or reading Piper. Read Dever's post here

New Anfield

2007-07-19T14:53:00.000+01:00

Liverpool have submitted plans and are awaiting planning permission for the new stadium - check it out here

More Driscoll

2007-06-27T19:19:00.000+01:00

This time it's "chickified dudes". It brings pink paint to mind!!

Where have all the good guys gone?

2007-06-21T13:51:00.000+01:00

they've started their own church. Or at least that's what Driscoll says could well happen if we don't give young guys opportunity to serve.

Torres to anfield

2007-06-12T19:57:00.000+01:00

Seems like all the best players in europe dream about playing for Liverpool!!

A welcoming church...

2007-05-08T14:45:00.000+01:00

What would you write if you had to write the welcome on your church's webpage. For some inspiration check out the welcome on Woodlands Presberian Church written by Ralph Davis. Here's a snippet "This church is full of sinners. Everyone who comes here is one. You'll need to remember that if you associate with us – or you may be unnecessarily disappointed."

read the rest here

Jesus in a pink dress part 2

2007-05-03T15:04:00.000+01:00

Anthony Bradley the assistant professor of Apologetics and Systematic Theology at Covenant Seminary writes part 2 of Jesus in a pink dress

(If you haven't already done so, read part 1 first)

The Bible and the smoking ban

2007-05-01T11:23:00.000+01:00

The smoking ban came into force in NI yesterday. I think this is a good thing for lots of reasons none more so than it might lead to a reduction in the cost of Bibles!!

Read more about it on the ESV blog

(That is only if it is introduced to China as well!!)

Let me introduce you...

2007-04-25T14:26:00.000+01:00

... to Tommy Emmanuel

Welcome Home Viv!!

2007-03-23T13:02:00.000Z

Last night we had a small welcome home party for our friend Viv. She was in Papua New Guinea for a year with New Tribes Mission. It was quite strange because it doesn't really seem a year that she was away!! Anyway, it was great to see her again.

Dave got to meet Mary's (elliot) Andy for the first time and once the conversation went onto sport they could talk all night. Andy is a Sheffield Wed supporter. The question needs to be asked, how on earth do you become one of those!!!

Here's a pic of Mary & Viv at our wedding!

The morning I heard the voice of God

2007-03-22T11:38:00.000Z

John Piper heard God speak!!

read about it here

Jesus says go

2007-03-15T11:01:00.000Z

Baptst Missions and Baptist Youth are holding a mission roadshow during March. Here is a short promo video for the event. See you there!!!

Jesus in a pink dress

2007-03-01T14:38:00.000Z

Anthony Bradley argues the portrayal of Jesus as "gentle Jesus meek and mild" drives men from the church

read his article here

Learning Scripture

2007-02-26T14:06:00.000Z

4 months since last post so thought I better put something up here. I though I would go with some interesting things I've found while reading blogs.

I have been reminded recently of the benefit of memorising parts of the Bible and of the fact that I don;t do it enough. How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word Psalm 119:9 (You can make up your own mind if I still qualify as a young man!!)

I wanted to share this video with you of a guy who has learnt off the entire book of hebrews. Here he recites two chapters. Give it a watch for at least a couple of minutes. Great stuff

Ryan ferguson recites Heb 9&10

Another blog i'm reading recently - Between two worlds

Blogs

2006-10-23T18:01:00.001+01:00

So I haven't posted to this blog in about 6 months...but I have been very much in the land of blog!! Below is a list of blogs that i read regularly...check them out!!

Mark Driscoll
One for the girls (and for the confident-in-your-manhood guys out there)
Worship matters
Tim Challies

Hope you enjoy!!

Home sweet home

2006-03-17T18:06:00.000Z

I'm now back home and have had the chance to see a few of you already. Can I say a big thankyou to everyone who followed the exploits of my trip to peru. Thankyou for taking interest and praying for me. Hopefully, you will have benefitted about hearing about the work that many of you support. (If you go to a Baptist Church and you give into the offering then this is actually YOUR work because it is probably supported by your church!!) So you should be taking an interest in it.

For me, this was a great trip. I learned a lot about mission (some misconceptions have been smashed for me), I learned a lot about youth ministry in a different culture and how those lessons can teach us about how we do youth ministry in ireland, I got to build a few relationships with missionaries and peruvian Christians even in this short space of time. Finally, I was reminded that God is great and that in his word we can find meaning to life whether that is in Ireland or in Peru.

I'm not very good at updating this blog generally, usually cant think if much to say. I will finish about peru with a few more pictures and then well you can check back now and again to see if I have managed to write anything.

Journey home

2006-03-13T02:11:00.000Z

The time in peru is coming to an end. Left Tacna at 3.00 today and arrived in Lima at 5.00pm.

On the plane coming in we could see Lima. It is a sprawling city, huge, with shanty towns all around population of over 8m. But its not the picture you might think - there is also a lot of wealth around the city. We went to a supermarket and you can get all your labels and for not much cheaper than at home.

We had dinner in zugattis, and now going back to the hotel for sleep. Gordon is meeting with Graham and Lourdes Williamson in Lima tomorrow before they return to south Peru.

We are due to have breakfast in a touristy spot in Lima, apparently you can drink your coffee while watching the surfers.

I said in the last post I would write one more post to sum up but realised that I would still like to put up some more photos. So there might be a couple more posts.

Hasta pronto (for the benefit of my sister that means see you soon)

Mejia

2006-03-11T20:47:00.000Z

Just back from the beach. Its a place called Mejia where Baptist missions have a house that the missionaries can use for their holidays. When we arrived the waves were probably abour 15ft. There was a red flag so no swimming - I only managed to get up to my knees. Mum, if you are reading, I forgot the suncream and got burnt (its not that bad, I´ll be ok, so don´t be worrying)

HAd a great meal on the beach called lomo saltado. Apparently its very peruvian. Basically, sliced beef with rice and chips. Started a 1000 piece jigsaw with Daniel and Caroline but had no chance of getting it finished. Packed it in after about an hour.

This morning I took a walk along the beach. and took some photos.

Now back in Moquegua. Gordon was supposed t be meeting some missionaries from an organisation in the states but their plan was delayed becasue of fog in Arequipa. Plans have changed, we went out for lunch and Im just chilling around the town.

We have a wedding to attend tonight. SO that should be special. Gordon and I even got invitations delivered to us. Charlie has to marry the couple and preach. It will be in San Antonio church.

Coming near the end of the trip. We are leaving here early in the morning to get to Tacna for a church service at which gordon and I will probably take part in. Then the flight out of Tacna to Lima is at 3 in the afternoon.

I will plan to post a final peru trip comment from Lima at some stage on monday.

Change of plan

2006-03-10T17:17:00.000Z

In peru it is accepted that something isnñt going to happen until it actually happens. That is what happened to some of our plans. We were supposed to be going up into the mountains to visit Puno but due to circumstances (there was a potential strike in moquegua) and also the travelling involved we decided to change plans.

This is a disappointment for me cause as you all know I´m a geography geek and was looking forward to seeing the scenery and the geography and lake titicaca. Anyways

This trip has been about building relationships, meeting, encouraging and seeing the work and not my own desires to be an entrepid traveller and I have really been encouraged by all those that I have met and realise the benefit that has been to me and hopefully to others.

Well, every cloud has a silver lining and I got to spend a bit more time meeting people in Tacna on thursday and today friday we are going to the beach for a night to a house that the mission uses for holidays for the missionaries. So i hope to get a bit of surfing and body boarding in the pacific. (Chris and Jonny donñt be too jealous!! you might get a chance when you are here if you get an afternoon off, not likely!)

Keep reading and I´ll let you all know what the beach was like. By the way it is in the high 20´s!!

In Moquegua

2006-03-10T17:06:00.000Z

Sorry for the delay in upfating for those who have been reading regularly. Blogger was being very temperamental.

Now in Moquegua staying with Charlie and Miriam Anderson.

On tuesday night we went to tha San Antonio church. It is a church that has only been around for about 5 years I think. At the midweek there was about 40 people and over half of them were under the age of 25. I think it is an accepted thing that the young people come to teh midweek. Taught me a lesson.

Also met some guys who do the music in the church. They use traditional instruments, guitar, charanka, pan pipe, flute thing (not sure of teh spanish name) I always thought pan pipes were really cheesy and I guess they are when you listen to favorite hymns on pan pipes. But here in their orignal context they are class. The young guys were blasting out some really cool tunes on these instruments. I got some video so if your lucky you will get to see it. I had to speak here. The people are so friendly and the service is so welcoming and relaxed.

Wednesday night was in Central church in Moquegua. The culture in this church would be I think more similar to that in churches back home. The church is long established, with many of the poeple remembering missionaries from way back. It was great to be with them and eat some empanadas. One young guy spojke publically and thanked Baptist Missions for planting a church in Moquegua becauase he was a christian when he moved to Moquegua and was struggling until he found the church and it was a great help to him.

Highlight, Ite

2006-03-07T03:12:00.000Z

Sorry, these pictures are all over the place but thought I would finish for now with a pic of some kids in Ite. This is related to the post "The highlight of the trip so far" so read it first and then work backwards to here.

Tacna pics

2006-03-07T03:03:00.000Z

These pictures are from a few days ago in Tacna

The church in Pechay under construction (can you see any resemblance?)

Pastor Fredi and family (Luz da Vida church - light of life church) Spot the wicked hairstyle!!

3 more BM workers, Blanca (radio admin) Luz Maria (youth director) and Elizabeth (Admin)

The church at La Pampa, Ilo

2006-03-07T02:55:00.000Z

Giving my testimony in La Pampa

Freddy handing out some drinks

Singing in La Pampa

The youth group in La Pampa (Pastor Mario second row far right)

Carnivale

2006-03-07T02:39:00.000Z

There you go alan just for you - traditional peruvian dress

Passing round the paint stripper

Ite Baptist church

The highlight of the trip so far...

2006-03-07T02:29:00.000Z

I have had so many great experiences in Peru and have learnt so much but the highlight so far came on sunday night at the kids club in Ite. It was the ending of the week of holiday Bible club with a parents night.

When we arrived there was a carnivale in the town which passed right by the little church. This might sound exotic and look impressive but actually it is quite sad. They work themselves up into a frenzy with the music and thew drink is always flowing all in search of happines and also a vain attempt to appease the God. see the pictures.

Such a contrast in the little church, the kids were singing their hearts out "God is love" and they were learning about the true source of happiness and the one place in which the wrath of God is appeased for us. This work stole my heart. 5 memory verses and they knewn them so well and recited them so proudly. Trevor spoke "manana es demasiado tarde"

Afterwards, food was served to 60 people about 20adults and 40 kids and it wasnñt just tea with jammie dodgers, no fried chicken and potatoes. Becasue of the carnivale some of these kids wouldnt get food all day because the parents would be so drunk. And they knew how to clean a chicken right down to the bone.

The smiles would warm your heart.

Domingo

2006-03-06T15:53:00.000Z

Sunday morning was another early start 7.00am. Church was in La Pampa. It was a brilliant morning, we can learn so much from church life in Peru. From what I have seen the peruvians donñt tend to come in and sit in silence before the meeting starts they mill around and chat and welcome each other and often with a kiss on the cheek.

The meeting is very similar to a service in NI singing and praise, message and communion. The noticable thing for me was the kids of all ages were in the meeting right through even communion!! I like that. I shared my testimony and spoke a bit about BY and encouraged the young people to take an interest in the yp in Ireland and I will endeavour to make sure yp in ireland know about and pray for yp in Peru.

Gordon spoke on the life of faith in Moses from Heb 11. It was a timely message for some. It was great to share communion with those "in otra lado del mundo" other side of the world and see God´s work is bigger than our small corner.

Sabado en la noche

2006-03-06T15:44:00.000Z

Saturday night was a chance for me to meet up with some of the young people from the the church in La Pampa. La Pampa is a new part of the town of Ilo.

We played Bang Bang Sheriff (or whatever else you like to call it) I learnt this from Sion mills and it has reached Peru!! We sang a few choruses and Ricardo from the church gave his testimony. I had the chance to speak to the young people and challenged them on counting the cost of following Jesus. Although, pressures on young people in both Ireland and Peru are similar, I tend to think that young people in Peru have a slightly better graspp on exactly what it means to count the cost. They are so enthusiastic about telling their friends about Jesus that it would put many of us to shame in NI.

We had some food and biscuits after and chatted for a while, even given the language barrier it is amazing how much you can be encouraged by even talking about random superficial things.

After, the meeting we went back to the Morrows (Trevor, Christine, Rebecca and Andrew) and after the kids went to bed we played Phase 10 cards until about 1.30am. I was warned that Chrstine is a bad loser so I think us guys just let her win. (that´s our story anyway)

Quiz time

2006-03-05T19:41:00.000Z

Some of the kids as they are doing the quiz outside

This was supposed to be a photo opportunity for Gordon and Dave apparently - I thought this was really sly and would never think of doing anything like it, never!! Notice it´s the Baptist Missionary sprinkling children (don´t let that get round the churches!!)

La Iglesia en Ite

2006-03-05T19:38:00.000Z

The kids club in Ite - It was amazing to see their eagerness to learn the memory verse and also for the workbooks. It was incredible to see their enthusiasm and to hear them sing.

Numbers for Dermo

2006-03-05T19:35:00.000Z

Two numbers for dermo from the campsite at Ite. To find out what this is about visit www.dermo.co.uk

Ite workmen

2006-03-05T19:31:00.000Z

Trevor shares from the Bible to the workmen at Ite each week as they finish at 12.30 on sats.

From Tacna to Ilo

2006-03-05T18:03:00.000Z

On friday we took time around tacna to go into the city and see the centre and market etc. Then we got some video footage and pictures of the radio station and seminary to use when we return to Ireland.

We had lunch in John and Lourdes Brew´s house of chicken and potatoes and stuffed pimiento all cooked in a clay oven. We had the tour of the Pechay church )the roof is not on yet but it is almost ready for the roof. It will look immense when finished with a real resemblance of a belfast city centre baptist church!!

After luch we traveled from Tacna to Ite (I´ll put photos from tacna up later) This whole area is the atacama desert. It is barren, sand everywhere, but tremendous scenery along the cost. Ite is where the new camp and conference centre is based. It is an amazing site. The building work is coming on well. If only we could have something like this in Ireland (seriously). It will be superb. We arrived in the churhc in Ite just as the kids holiday bible club was finishing. The kids are so attentive and their singing is a real joy to hear.

In the evening we had a youth meeting in the church, milagros (BM worker) lives in Ite and was playing volleyball in a town tournament just as the kids were arriving so we watched her team winning before we started the meeting. I spoke.

The morrows live in Ilo which is about 1 hour from Ite. Thats where we are staying. They are showing us real hospitality. So far I have not had to eat 1 guinea pig but I have had, ham sandwiches, beef caserole, pork burgers, scrambled egg, sweet and sour. Misconception #2 blown away - missonaries can actually eat "normal" food.

I{ll stick up some pictures of the kids meeting in Ite and the builders at the camp site.

Day 1 Tacna

2006-03-02T22:41:00.000Z

We were greeted at Tacna airport by Ken Scott (if nothing else some of you might learn something more of the BM missionaries by reading this blog!!) We had a great dinner made by his wife, Jeannie, of potatoes, and beef caserole.

Last night was a time for Gordon to catch up with the Scotts. I spent time preparnig for a talk with some of the peruvians who work with children and young people. When eventually my brain was fried I turned on teh TV and caught the last 2 mins of highlights from the England match. Yes missionaries have cable TV!! Misconception number 1 blown away!!

Something noticeably different about peru (and I hear south america in general) is noise. This place is noisy, if it isnt dogs, or vans or taxis its probably the security guard blowing his whistle. I was woken at 6.55 by a cockerel!! But it was very easy to get up at that time partly because of the weather and partly becasue of the jet lag.

I gave the talk at 9.00am and I think it was received well. I trust that those working with children and young people were refeshed and encouraged to keep serving well. Lunch was with the missionaries in Tacna, the Scotts and John and Lourdes Brew, and the national workers. When you count the peruvians working in tacna it amounts to 37 (including wives and children) They are a great group and so welcoming, even despite my muddled spanish.

Im off to a meeting tonight with chilren and young people in one of the local churches, so hopefully I will have photos to show, when I next update the blog.

Hope your still reading and praying!

In Lima

2006-03-01T15:30:00.000Z

Arrived in Lima last night at around midnight. We had a great taxi ride to the hotel the driver was very friendly and gordon talked away in Spanish. But when we got out to pay the fee of what we thought was 20 sols the driver insisted that the fee was 20 dollars. Gordon managed to muddle through and I think gave him a bit more. COnsidering the ride back from the hotel to the airport this morning was under 10 sols I think the guy last night hit the jackpot.

Anyways we leave in about an hour or so to fly to Tacna - I hope that we have a window seat "a la izquierda" so that we can see the mountains on the flight south!!

It is a real pleasure to be in this city that I first learnt of through sunday school teaching me about the missionaries in Peru.

Must fly (literally)

PERU

2006-02-27T13:48:00.000Z

I'm off to Peru on tuesday morning at 9.00. I am travelling with Gordon Darragh.

The flight will arrive in New York at 11.25 local time. We depart from New York at 14:50 (local time) and arrive in Lima 22.50 (local time).

The total journey time will be 18hr 50mins.

Then on wednesday morning we will fly from Lima to Tacna in south peru. Apparently, the weather is high 20's (just to rub it in!!) but I won't see much sun, I am going to work!!

Back to work

2005-10-10T18:49:00.000+01:00

Monday was back to work for the Ramseys. Some might say that I have a full time holiday (It's harder than you think!!)

Cara was back at Oakwood

Shame - but then holidays have to come to an end sometime.

The rest of the holiday - the beach part

2005-10-10T18:39:00.000+01:00

So for those of you who are interested we spent the last couple of days at a town called Sitges south of barcelona on the beach. Our hotel was smashing here's a picture

On the first day it was really cloudy and quite cold so there was no lying on the beach. Cara really wanted to visit this town called villafranca cause it sounded so quaint in the guide books. So off we headed to get a bus to the train station and then a train to villanova where we would get another bus to Villafranca. Eventually after all that travelling below was the scene. The place was deserted with only some we old man in the main square. We didn't stay there long!! Don't ever go to villafranca if you get the chance - there's nothing there!!

Fortunately the next day was smashing and we managed to get a few hours lying in the sun with "SU DOKU" and "Knowing God" Great!! Here is cara on our balcony with the view over the sea and the golf course.

Holiday snaps

2005-10-10T18:30:00.000+01:00

SO here are some pictures of Barcelona
This is la sagrada familia (the sacred family)

Cara at the door of la sagrada familia

barcelona from parc guell

Dave at the Nou Camp

Shopping

2005-10-04T22:51:00.000+01:00

We woke up this morning and cara was feeling better. Breakfast was in the hotel as usual. We decided that we had done enough sightseeing (although there is still lots more that we could see) and decided to go shopping. We just couldn´t resist the urge to go visit the shops.

I wasn´t particularly fussed about the shopping until I found this shop which had really good clothes at dirt cheap prices and then I was hooked! That was my kind of shop. Shopping in Barcelona is great! Cara was overwhelmed with all the shops and all the styles. This was definitely harder than a days work. Although, at the end of the day I think I still managed to spend more than Cara did!

We came back to the hotel and dropped off all the gear and headed back down into the centre and gothic area for a bit of late night stroll and some food. We ate in "Les quinze nits" in la plaza de reial. We had to queue for about 45mins but it was well worth it - real good food at decent prices!! Cara had salmon and I had herb chicken with patatas fritas. The cafe con leche was superb.

Now back at the hotel after a trip on the underground. Tomorrow we head down to the beach for a real holiday, to a place called Sitges. I need it after all that walking round shops!

Not sure about internet access down there so you might just have to wait till we get home to be updated

Adios, Amigos

Sightseeing!!

2005-10-03T21:40:00.000+01:00

This morning Barcelona experienced a partial solar eclipse but it didn´t put the ramseys off from taking a sightseeing tour of BArcelona.

We bought a €17 ticket on a open top bus service that allows you to get on and off as and when you wish. Our first stop was la sagrada familia (the sacred family). This is probably the most immense building that I have ever seen. Even outstrips the empire state, world trade and CN tower! It was started by Gaudi and is still being constructed (Gaudi´s plans are so grand it takes a lot of time and money). When it is finished it will be a cathedral with 12 towers depicting the disciples, 2 larger towers (one for the 4 evangelists and one for Mary) and one massive tower above them all depicting Jesus Christ. If you go to Barcelona you have to visit here. We took the spiral staircase and not the lift. Fantastic

If you come to Barcelona you will realise that Gaudi had a big influence on the place. After we left la sagrada familia we went to La Park Guell. This was a park that some rich dude commissioned Gaudi to design for the upper classes to enjoy. It is up in the hills with great views over the city. It is so fancy. But guess what it was never finished because they ran out of money!

Then we took a trip to the Nou Camp (home of Barcelona FC) Gues what they have only won the champions league/european cup once. Not like a great team that I know of who have won it five times. When I realised that, the tour was pretty boring. But the stadium was fantastic. I was hoping to go and see a game while we were here but they moved the match from the sunday night to the sat night and we only got here on saturday.

Eventually, we got back to the hotel and decided to chill out here. Cara isn´t feeling too well so we just ate here and will hopefully get a good nights sleep.

Hasta la vista!

A day of food!

2005-10-02T20:34:00.000+01:00

This morning began with a large breakfast in the hotel. The strange thing is that the spanish like to have all sorts for breakfast like - brie, cold meats and even wine! We manged to get a feed of fruit, cereal, fry(scambled eggs, sausage, mushrooms and bacon) I guess you could call that a fry.

We left the hotel and jumped on teh subway to the plaza de catalyuna. (Thats in the centre of barcelona) and walked down the main street in barca called las ramblas into the gothic quarter. We went into the big cathedral and got caught up in a mass. It was weird. There was a choir of young people from Germany singing "My Jesus, My Saviou" in english during the spanish and latin service. Hillsongs gets everywhere!!!!

We then saw some jazz in some of the squares and cara wanted to go to the picasso museum. I went along for the ride. The pictures were dull, but I guess that even though I am totally uncultured I appreciated his work.

Lunch was in la plaza de relial in the sun. We managed to find a bar that was showig the football match. Chelsea were lucky. The score in no way relflects the match. We had them.

A walk down to the beach followed. We sat and watched the waves for a bit and decide to get some dinner. We jumped on teh metro again to find a lovely tapas bar called Qu Qu. It was great.

Anyway, after all that food I need a lie down.

Hasta Manana

In Barcelona

2005-10-01T22:36:00.000+01:00

As I write this blog I am sitting in the hotel lobby in Barcelona. We arrived here about 3hrs ago after a delayed jet2.com flight from Belfast. When we were getting on the plane Cara bumped into a girl that she met recently at a wedding. This girl was going to visit her boyfriend in barcelona. When we arrived in Barcelona airport this girl offered us a lift to our hotel. How golden are we!!

Anyways, we went for a walk to find somewhere to eat. I had tortilla de jamon con patatas fritas and Cara had bocadillo de jamon in some small spanish joint. Great!

You can pop back each night to keep up with our spanish exploits!!

Hasta luego

Wedding bells

2005-09-19T18:18:00.000+01:00

So saturday saw cara's sister, jana getting married to Jeremy Galbraith. The wedding was in Ballynahinch Baptist with the reception in the Clandeboye Estate courtyard.

It was a great day with the wedding ceremony striking the balance between being relaxed and formal when it had to be. The guests at the reception were treated to a bit of land rover challange out around the estate, that was great.

In the evening they had some games and dermo provided some tunes for the guests to let their hair down. Here's some pics

Pink kite flying

2005-08-28T23:34:00.000+01:00

Today we went pink kite flying! great fun, you might have seen it in the sky. Nearly managed to hit a seagull, a small furry dog and a man with no hair - maybe next time!

SA reunion

2005-08-27T23:41:00.000+01:00

My friend debbie from South Africa is staying with us for the weekend. Here is a picture of me and Debbie.

She had planned to come over on friday night but she had a run in with the aircraft company after being 3 mins late and they wouldn;t let her on the plane. Fortunatley she managed to get a flight first thing on sat morning.

Tonight we took her to the Pirate Golf at the ice bowl with the youth fellowship from the church. It was immense. If you haven't been there then you have got to go check it out. Dave was the winner with 44 shots!! (can you guess dave wrote that)

A night of sport

2005-08-25T07:55:00.000+01:00

Wednesday night was a night of sport for the ramsey's!

It all started with Tag rugby at mallusk with the rest of our team, "hands like feet" did I mention that we finished 2nd in our league.

Cara went home and made soup - vegetable too! It's taken 8 months but the wifey responsibilities are finally hitting home.

Dave went to footie down at Carrick.

But even given all that excerise we still ain't fit!!!

On line at last

2005-08-25T07:49:00.000+01:00

We have eventually bought a computer for our house and have a new broadband connection. So hopefully we will get back up to speed with all this techie stuff.

Hopefully this will be the first of many posts on this site!!