The Official Blog of Darren Hight

Some Small Changes

2010-05-26T21:46:00.003+01:00

Since my last post there have been some small changes (in no order)

1. Child number 2, Joaquin Lua poped out to meet us in the bathroom at home, after just one hour of contractions. Now he is a climbing little one year old.

2. Shifted to Ittigen, near Bern. Yep.

3. Got a new job at the University of Basel Hospital, and I commute with the train from Bern to Basel.

4. Got given a garden house with bunk and a double bed, and now have a 105 m2 garden.

5. My lovely wife now has dreadlocks, and is very happy about it. I am too.

Yeah, so thats about it

Current reading

2008-12-24T13:22:00.010Z

I really like Ian and Mary Grant. They are so practical, yet very switched on people. Im finding heaps of great ideas and inspiration in this one.

"Klarheit, Ordnung & Stille" by Anselm Grün. "Clarity, Order and Stillness" in English. This is my first attempt at a longer book in German. Im at about 100 pages so far, so Im impressed with myself. Anselm Grün is a Benedictine Monk who runs a monastery in Germany, and is also a popular author. Again, inspiring.

Graham Cooke is a funny guy, classic Brittish. Very down to earth, and yet very strong in prophecy too. Favourite quote:

Prophets are often accused of being weird, tempermental, emotional and abnormal ... Prophets have not cornered the market in abnormality, there are many non-prophetic ministries that seem to fluctuate between the odd-ball and the highly entertaining.

Alp Visiting - Lindital

2008-12-24T13:11:00.008Z

I went for a wee trip up the Lindital the other day, very refreshing. The Lindital is the small valley to the right of the Stockhorn, the centre peak in the picture below. There are two alpine huts there.

Loving Thy Neighbour

2008-12-01T19:51:00.006Z

I caught up with Tom Kurt a few weeks ago. He is a pastor in Interlaken, and totally motivated about environment issues from a Christian perspective.

For some crazy reason he thinks that damaging the environment so that it will endanger the health, safety and livelyhood of others doesn't count as loving thy neighbour.

He recently completed a diploma thesis entitled "The Church and it's Ecological Responsibility" for an MA in Practical Theology.

His conclusion is that for followers of Jesus there is a call to self-restraint with regards to lifestyle, as our actions are causing damage. I'll end this with some of his own words.

"I hope to demonstrate to the reader, because of the double commandment of love, that environmental protection and sustainability should concern us, both as Christians, and also as inhabitants of the nations perpetrating the ecological crisis. I am furthermore deeply convinced that a responsible engagement with creation and resources makes an important contribution to the authenticity of the Christian mandate for loving one’s neighbour."

I will try to find a place to upload the paper to the net, that people can download it too.

Föteli

2008-10-15T17:25:00.005Z

Whats Up?

2008-08-22T20:51:00.004+01:00

What been happening for old Darren, huh?

Working - much more satisifed. I am now responsible for grazing management and fencing, loving it.

Peaceful house - We have no more guests staying in the house (the flat above), and this means we have so much more freedom with looking after Ana. We have tried some rhythym stuff, and it is working! Stoked.

Community - Things have the feeling of slowing down at the moment, and are developing nicely. Not "peopled-out"!

Horse riding - Lizzi and I go once a week, out with Indy and Roscoe, who are both rather large horses owned by Katherine. Can I proudly say that Indy weighs in at well over a ton.

Self-sustaining - Have begun to butcher our own rabbits. A butcher showed us how it is done (6 mm pistol, very quick), and we had a BBQ with out own rabbit meat a few weeks ago. Lovely.

Farming - Got some old horse drawn equipment the other day, a plow, grubber, a drill, and a potatoe harvester. For Indy and Roscoe they will be no problem. Walter, the nextdoor neighbour is a horse man, and says they will laugh at the plow. Good!

Holidays coming - We are gonna make to Ireland for Malcs wedding, to be sure. Hopefully we can spend some good time with Mark Smith too, catching up with old mates.

Scoobydo and Grisha

2008-04-16T18:46:00.002Z

I am proud to announce that the Le Rüdli Community now owns two donkeys, Scoobydo and Grisha. I forget how old they are, about 16ish from memory, but they are pretty cool. Hopefully, they will be able to help us on the farm. Photos coming soon.

On Holiday

2008-04-16T18:43:00.002Z

The Hight family have been on holiday for a week, awesome. We went to Herisau to stay with Lizzi's Auntie and Uncle for a week, and a lovely week it was. Apart from some serious spewing from Ana, that wasnt lovely.

The little one has been a bit sick lately, so, more trips to the doctors, but it does just seem to be this nasty long lasting flu at the moment.

I'm touching back down into normal life again, taking my time.

Truly Inconvenient?

2008-04-15T18:44:00.002Z

Here is a Weekly Word by Jeff Fountain, leader of YWAM Europe, writing on the Environmental issue ...

"Truly Inconvenient?

“As a climate scientist who has worked on this issue for several decades, first as head of the Met Office, and then as co-chair of scientific assessment for the UN intergovernmental panel on climate change, the impacts of global warming are such that I have no hesitation in describing it as a ‘weapon of mass destruction’ ”– Sir John Houghton

Perhaps, like me, you find the conflicting arguments around this subject confusing. The upcoming Winter School of the Jubilee Centre (Jan 2-4, 2008), offers a rare opportunity to explore the question with global experts who are committed believers. Experts like Sir John, who will be a special guest speaker at the Winter School. Co-chair of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) working group, Sir John was lead editor of first three IPCC reports.While many still doubt the human factor in recent global climate changes, as for example presented in An Inconvenient Truth, Sir John is convinced, along with Al Gore, that events such as heat waves, floods and droughts will be more frequent and destructive as more carbon dioxide enters the atmosphere from the burning of coal, oil and gas.

A committed believer, Sir John is chairman of the John Ray Initiative, an organisation ‘connecting Environment, Science and Christianity’ where he has compared the stewardship of the Earth, to the stewardship of the Garden of Eden by Adam and Eve. He is also a founder member of the International Society for Science and Religion.

When IPCC is accused of underestimating non-CO2 explanations of climate change, Sir John responds: “We do try to look very hard at alternative explanations. We actually spend more time, for instance, on the solar variations, about which we have very little real scientific evidence but which some people have exploited in the media a great deal.”

Does Sir John believe the imperative of urgent action is a message that is getting through? At the World Economic Forum in Davos, when Sir John debated climate change as a weapon of mass destruction, he did not encounter the expected denial. “Virtually everyone accepted the fact of climate change,” he reported. “But sadly, worse than denial, they saw it as a problem for the future - no need to do anything now.”

“Christian churches that between them make up the largest of non-governmental organizations have not on the whole had green issues high on their agendas,” wrote Sir John in an article for The Guardian. “But big changes are afoot in their attitudes to environmental issues.” Sir John believes religious conviction has potential to change attitudes more fundamentally than political messages. Statements on the seriousness of global warming from the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, was one positive sign. Another was his meeting with Christian leaders in the US representing 45 million believers, who recognised creation-care as an important and urgent Christian imperative.

A further indication of changing attitudes among Christians is the focus of the Winter School to be held again in Cambridge, on New Patterns of Growth: Christianity, climate change and sustainable living. YWAM, along with several other organisations, supports Dr Michael Schluter and his team at Jubilee Centre in holding these Winter Schools as public forums to explore biblically-based vision for society. Sir John is a late addition to an already-strong line-up of speakers and resource people at the Winter School. This includes Professor Sir Brian Heap, of the Capability and Sustainability Centre, St Edmund’s College, Cambridge.

Also, Nick Spencer and Professor Robert White, authors of the newly published title from the Jubilee Centre, Christianity, Climate Change and Sustainable Living, will unfold their arguments that our current habits of consumption and production in the West cannot be maintained. ‘The way we live, the way we produce and use energy, is no longer environmentally or socially sustainable. We urgently need to reconsider our lifestyles and the policies that shape them,’ say Spencer and White. According to the Jubilee Centre, this book is the first serious Christian engagement with the emerging issue of sustainable consumption and production. The authors are interviewed in four short very usable videos on ‘Insight’ at: www.youtube.com/jubileecentre.

Like the book, the Winter School explores what can be done at the personal, community, national and international levels to make sustainable living a reality. Topics include:
• Evidence for, causes and consequences of global warming;
• Interface between environmental and social sustainability;
• biblical vision of sustainable living;
• new patterns of growth based on the biblical social model;
• international and national policy issues and solutions;
• household, church and community responses.

The programme is designed for all interested in social, political or economic issues in general, and will involve plenary sessions, panel discussions and special interest group interactions, as well as presentations from sponsoring organisations.

Jeff Fountain "

Environmental Stuff

2008-03-31T19:33:00.006Z

Somehow, the whole issue of global climate change is becoming more and more important to me. I have been following the 'peak oil' issue now for a while and have come across some very challenging information. If even half of the stuff they say is true, we are in a bit of trouble, and have the responsibility to act now.

Some stuff that has got me thinking:

Since the start of the industrial revolution we have seen an global average of 0.8 degrees warming, and we are seeing some of the consequences now. Through the heat stored in the ocean, we are already committed to another additional 1 degree warming, even if we cut all CO2 emissions immediately. The increase in temperature in the Arctic, an area more sensitive to climate change, has been 6 degrees Celcius. Hmmm.

If the sea level rises 1 metre, then 30 million of Bangladesh's 90 million people will be displaced. If this is due to our actions, it's not exactly what we would call "loving your neighbour".

In the summer of 2007 an unbelievably large chunk of the Arctic Ice cap melted away. Some Arctic scientists are saying that the things they are seeing now are 100 hundred years ahead of schedule. The rate of melting in the 2007 summer was far more extreme than any of the IPCC models had predicted. Some are saying that the North Pole might be ice free in summer by 2012! (I'll get the references later)

I'm feeling it might be time to get off the couch. What kind of world might we be leaving Ana and her generation?

Anyway, I plan to blog more on this in the future, and work through some musings on the theology undergirding this thinking. Should be fun.

2008-03-14T21:00:00.002Z

"The point that has to be recognized, it seems to me, is that nobody alive today has the least idea how an ecotechnic civilization – a society that can maintain relatively advanced technology on the basis of sustainable resources – might best be constructed. All the experience of the last three centuries has focused on the opposite end of the possible spectrum of technic societies, where you’ll find the civilizations that burn through nonrenewable resources at the fastest pace they can manage. We’ve followed that road just about as far as it can go, far enough that the dead end at its terminus should be visible to anyone who is willing to notice it."

from John Michael Greer http://www.energybulletin.net/41567.html

More Photos

2007-10-12T07:25:00.000Z

Photos by Malcolm Rutherford

Ana Elanor Hight

2007-09-26T14:45:00.000Z

Well, I am pleased to introduce to the world our little Ana Elanor Hight. We are soooooo proud of her, and I have to say, she has completely captured my heart!!! She is such a little sweet thing, and I am so stoked when she falls asleep in my arms, or enjoys the bath I give her. Awesome eh!

2007-07-09T16:25:00.000Z

The mountain up above partly shrouded by cloud is the North Face of the Eiger, and the tree on the right is a prayer place on our property. In the foreground is wheat.

You know, we are in the middle of our high season, and always welcome good workers, so any of you kiwis feeling the urge, get in touch ....

2007-07-09T16:16:00.000Z

I finally got around to planting the first part of our little vineyard. They are a local variety grown for donkeys years by our nextdoor neighbour, and he never sprays and they seem to do very well. Groovy huh. Stoked.

2007-07-09T16:12:00.000Z

Hey, in case you have forgotton what we look like, here we are, and with the little puku as well ...

Im so Sorry

2007-06-20T21:09:00.000Z

I know, I know, my absense from the blog-o-sphere has been so sorely missed. Well, perhaps not. And lately I have been feeling the blogging urge again. But its the urge to completely restyle my blog, all new, fancy, super duper.

But its just not happening. Probably it never will.

Anyway, here are the headlines.

New Zealand Wanna-Be Farmer Makes Own Hay Completely By Hand.

Local Farmers Suspected Of Laughing At Kiwi Wanna-Be Farmer.

Kiwi Trying Not To Care Cos His Hay Costs No Oil And Who Will Be Laughing When The World Collapse Comes Huh?

Six Rabbits Purchased For Christian Foundation

Doctor Says "Baby Growing Well"

Fave. Site of the week: www.scytheconnection.com (bunch of hippies, but good stuff ...)

Self-Sufficiency 101

2006-12-16T16:07:00.000Z

I think I had a test today for the "Self Sufficiency 101" course. We had two hens (Whitey and Steve) who we thought had arthritis, but when we talked to the breeder, we found out that they had marek, a disease where they get worse and worse and eventually die. He said we really should put them down.

OK.

Well, I decided I would do it, and it was not so bad. Some quick axe work and they were released from this life. I committed them back to the earth from which they came. Not really nice work, but glad to have done it. Lizzi is proud of me, and I think I passed the test. Its funny, so many people eat meat, but don't like to think of the reality of animals dying. Me, I would rather eat meat that I know was once happy and well looked after, and killed quickly and well.

The Wollschwein Saga

2006-12-14T19:11:00.000Z

It's a sad tale, but it must be told.

For a few years now Lizzi has wanted to keep pigs. A few weeks ago Lizzi and I purchased 2 wollschweine, or wool-pigs in English. They are pigs, and they are wooly. They are a breed from Hungary originally, and can handle the cold very well, so are well suited to Switzerland. They are a very old breed, with dwindling numbers, so we were very keen to get them.

Anyway, we bought two of them, Mary and Martha, both nine weeks old. Remi and I had spent a good week building them a nice house, and getting the place ready for them. But the first night we got them we were woken up at 6.00 Am to the sounds of pigs screaming. Not a pleasant alarm, believe me. We rushed outside to find a dog in the pig pen attacking the pigs. It was a real wolf-like dog and had gone crazy. The lady owner could obviously not control it, and I had to pull it off the pigs. When we finally saw all that had happened we saw that poor Martha had been badly wounded. You don't want to hear the details. We rushed her to the vet, but she had to be put down. Poor poor Martha.

We reported the incident to the community and now the dog has to wear a muzzle if free, it's a pity that one of our pigs was killed, because it was not the first time this dog had caused trouble in the area.

Anyway, we have bought another companion for Mary, little Mona Lisa, her sister.

They are good little diggers. One of the reasons they are so great is that they can work over a garden bed really well, they eat all the plants, roots and all. And they dig about a foot deep, so it saves us a lot of work in the Autumn or winter (and will provide some very tasty bacon in the end). We are stoked to have them and can finally sleep well again.

Finally, Snow!

2006-12-14T19:08:00.000Z

Yep, it finally came, and I feel like a 6 year old again (except for the fact that I just turned 28). Last Sunday we went up to Aeschiried to get a bit of the action. It was great, still, the weather prophets predict not much snow, a mild winter, and snow mainly in March. Well, Im sure there will be some to try out the snowboard I acquired from Lizzi. Wahoo! The little dog in the pic is our Felice, who goes a bit crazy in the snow.

No Snow

2006-11-25T21:56:00.000Z

Autumn is mad here, pretty much no snow whatsoever, only on the high mountains. We had the town market today, sometimes they have snow, today in some places its was 22 degrees, thanks to the Föhn wind (Europe's answer to the nor' wester).

Remi and I are in the process of building a stable for the two woolly pigs we will be getting next week, its cool, they come next weekend.

Hibernation ...

2006-09-02T14:01:00.000Z

This blog is officially in hibernation. I don't know, I seem to be in a non-publishing phase at the moment, perhaps it will end, perhaps it won't. Peace to all my (former) readers.

For some wedding pictures, you can go here.

Darren

Touchdown

2006-06-01T06:33:00.000Z

Well, yes, I made it to Switzerland. The trip was quite long, and I was pretty wasted for the first week, but i am feeling a lot more alive now. And Switzerland has even put on a lovely snowy display for me, snow down to 700 m (we are at 600 m), they say it is very unusual.

I'm well occupied around the base too, lots of work and learning German in the afternoons, its good, I am beginning to understand more of the conversations around me, just wait till I blog in Deutsch. Not that I will be blogging much, my life here is busier than my life back home, aber sch guet!

Blessings to you all back in NZ!

Flooding in Dunedin

2006-04-26T01:32:00.000Z

It is crazy down here, we have had 112 mm of rain in the last 30 hours and the Leith was running very high through Uni (see below), even parts of Mosgiel have been evacuated. Im guessing Ols wont be kayaking this one for a few more hours yet. More here and a video feed here.

Even on the drive into work today there was a great deal of surface flooding, and police were there to make sure things were OK, lots of small slips on the road to Mac Bay. I have heard that some cars parked by Uni are nearly falling into the Leith as there has been a huge slip on Montgomery Street, I might be one of those annoying people and go have a look. Hope I can get home tonight!

2006-04-05T04:50:00.000Z

The sunrise over the Matterhorn was lovely this morning ...

From a (not so) live cam here ...

Sunset Strip

2006-03-27T07:44:00.000Z

One of my favourite climbs as a young man was called "Sunset Strip", but this pic is from the lounge of Gregs place last night, where I am staying until I leave. Choice.

Riding on the Peninsula

2006-02-13T21:10:00.000Z

Luke and Lizzi and I went for a ride on the Peninsula a few weekends ago, fantastic weather and good times. The pic is of a little favourite spot of Lukes.

For those who didnt know, I have been looking after a Suzuki GSX 600F, oh yes! It is especially responsive above 5000 rpm, riding with mates with my lovely fiancee on the back was awesome. When we stopped in at Sandfly Bay we made a point of taking our helmets off and letting our hair flow free in the wind, shampoo-ad style. Awesome

Re - Arranging the Lounge

2006-02-08T20:15:00.000Z

It was a night Luke wished we could all forget ... so I decided to blog it. Luke, you are spatially fickle, my arms still hurt after shifting the heavy wardrobe TWICE (there, and back again). For those who do not believe, there is photographic evidence, characters in the play include Michelle, Lizzi and myself. Cinematography: Luke Arkapaw.

Inflated

2006-02-01T19:56:00.000Z

An inflatable pupil goes to his inflatable school and is having a really bad day. Bored in his history lesson he gets up and walks out.

Walking down the corridor he sees the inflatable headmaster walking towards him so he pulls a compass out of his pencil case and stabs him.

He runs out of the school. As he gets outside he thinks again "I hate school" and pulls his compass out and stabs the inflatable school.

He runs off to his inflatable home.

Two hours later his inflatable mum is knocking at his inflatable bedroom door with the inflatable police. Panicking, the inflatable boy pulls out the compass and stabs himself.

Later on in the evening he wakes up in the inflatable hospital and sees the headmaster is in the inflatable bed next to him. Shaking his deflated head more in sorrow than in anger, the headmaster gravely intones

"You've let me down, you've let the school down but, worst of all, you've let yourself down"

What's been happening?

2005-12-12T20:51:00.000Z

Here's an update for the curious ...

Lizzi arrived in NZ on the Saturday and Sunday was a blistering Nor-Wester, great hot Ashburton weather. She landed into the busiest week of my year, we had a Motor Control conference we were hosting and I was there for that during the day, but Lizzi has been devouring her Greek studies, so she hasnt been too bored.

I have been a little sick too, its not Glandular Fever the doc says, but I am pretty tired or wiped out a few days in every 9-ish. Ah well, not much I can do, its nice to have a nurse (!)

But (Ryan) we will be heading to Invercargil on Saturday for the Christmas period, and will be there till early Jan. For those who weren't aware, Lizzi is staying in NZ for 3 months now, great, and I will emigrate to Switzerland in May '06. Bring it on!

Peace to you all ...

Darren

I am Irish!

2005-11-10T04:54:00.000Z

Wahoo, I got my passport in the mail yesterday, I am officially a citizen of Ireland now, and also a member of the European Union (EU). Awesome eh, its going to make things a whole lot easier, esp. when Lizzi and I will be in Holland.

But I will be in NZ until May next year, so hold those tears back for a few months yet people.

Speaking of leaving, the young blogging upstart Justin Latif is leaving the Southern Shores, leaving Dunedin and moving to the fair climate of Auckland. I'll miss that fella, with his witty statements and good humour. Funny, he says its been 3 years in Royston Street, I guess that's true huh? Well, Im sure he will do well in Auckland, God bless mate, and see you at the BBQ tonight.

More cuteness

2005-11-10T04:49:00.000Z

Wow, all my friends are having kiddies, makes me want to join the party. Woah, steady mate... This is Dan Lees, with new addition Eva ... lovely eh.

Allow me a little cuteness ...

2005-10-31T05:39:00.000Z

Babies babies babies! I thought I would show a couple of them to you all. First up, sporting some fabulous evening attire is Thomas Duthie, Jim and Skye's wee one, cute indeed.

And following is my very own nephew, Jack, giving you all a big hi-5 in his sleep. Thanks Jack.

Prophecies for New Zealand

2005-10-05T07:49:00.000Z

My flatmate Jarod came home totally buzzing last night. He had just read some prophecies of Cindy Jacobs for New Zealand, so I thought I would show you all where they are, what do you think ...

There is one here called Gods glory in New Zealand. Here is an excerpt ...

"And God is going to bring that fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom. It's going to rise up in your midst, and so God says shake off the apathy, but realize the reason you have been complacent in some ways, and apathetic, is because you didn't believe in yourself."

Another is here, written in 2002.

Also, Rick Joyner has some prophecies for New Zealand too, try here or here ...

Im an Uncle!

2005-09-23T10:13:00.000Z

And I have never been one before! Congrats to little sis and her husband (Robyn and Phillip Dibble) with their son Jack! (pictured). Hes doing well, a good feeder Robyn says, and weighed in at about 7 pounds. Needless to say Im proud as punch!

Mission in Russia

2005-09-16T11:00:00.000Z

Hey, I like what Johannes Reimer has to say, some choice quotes are ...

"Rationalism has impoverished the Western church by taking away the heart of biblical Christianity--true spirituality"

"The medieval Russian monastic missionaries also defined mission in terms of a Gebetskampf, i.e. prayer warfare. Western missionaries in Russia today are known as actionists. They do, and they do a whole lot. The Russians, however, seldom admire doers and go-getters. Their culture is more poetic, contemplative, meditative. Western missionaries would do much better if they organized less programs and spent more time in prayer. The Russian normally looks for a holy, much rather than for a successful human ..."

"The last thing post-marxist Russia needs is more talking. People are looking for live models. The real need lies in a fully transformed and community-oriented church."

Interested? The rest of the article is here ...

The visions are online!

2005-09-05T22:19:00.000Z

My friend Roswitha Bayne has put her visions up on the net, its at her lovely new blog here. They are visions that the Lord gave her over the last few years. She has painted them and published them for people to see and be encouraged.

For example, the picture above is of some angels building an arch of light over Dunedin. She saw this soon after a group of people from many different denominations began to pray together. Lets not forget or underestimate what God is up to in our city and individual lives ...

Brother Roger Killed

2005-08-18T23:51:00.000Z

Brother Roger, founder of the Taize communty in France was killed last night. The full story is here ... Hard to believe...

Dullest Blog

2005-08-17T23:38:00.000Z

The dullest blog ever is here. Its dull. I like it.

Bored?

2005-08-17T01:19:00.000Z

The prolific blogger Justin Latif has a great post on being bored with church here. It makes me wonder what Jesus thinks of us all sometimes, and the programs we run for his people. The photo above is from Marcs blog and has had me grinning for weeks, its kinda where Im at at the moment ... Oh, and Marc had a post that had me "too right!"-ing and "Amen!"-ing all day. If there is no sense of personal engagement with God, then it needs to be found ...

Absent Blogger

2005-08-10T08:27:00.000Z

Ok, as you can guess I have had a little on my plate, working to make up the lost hours, emails to some foreign country somewhere, you all know how it is. Anyway, just thought I would show some pics of where lizzi and I went as a gift from Roger and Ursula, her parents.

On top of that peak in the picture (the Schilthorn, 2970 m) is a revolving resturant that can only be reached by cable car or climbing. Lizzi and I had a lovely lunch and a good time together. This was the resturant seen in the James Bond movie, "On her Majesty's Secret Service", awesome eh! Thanks to the Langels for the trip!

We are Engaged!

2005-07-27T05:42:00.000Z

Well well well, I hear you say. Its true, Lizzi and I are engaged. After only 3 short weeks of going out, we are on the road to life together, and it is great!

So what's the story eh?

Lizzi runs the Bed and Breakfast at the YWAM base in Einigen, Switzerland where I went to help out for a wee while. Part of my plan was to "see a bit of Swiss culture", and "get a feel for the people". I think I succeeded! We just hung out for the first few weeks, and things moved along quite nicely. A few more prayers and some long chats and things were becoming very clear. We both feel we will make a great partnership for life, our values and sense of calling and direction are so similar, its quite exciting - and, of course, we feel strongly that God is in it too. Choice eh!

The plan Stan? Well, Lizzi will come over here in December, and I will head over there perhaps about May (ish), after Lizzi has finished a course in India. We are planning for the wedding to be in Switzerland about July next year, and I will shift over there to live (after a good solid celebration in NZ at the start of our honeymoon).
Yeah, I know, its pretty quick, but its pretty clear too. Both sets of families are really for us, and we are stoked by their support. Now comes the months apart (all part of the plan!) and of my uprooting from Dunedin and preparing to shift over there. Lucky we both have a lot to do eh?!

Photos as promised

2005-07-10T19:38:00.000Z

Yeah, there are some photos on the "My Photos on Yahoo" site on the right hand column on the page, hope they are not too big ... blessings

Falling in love with(in) Switzerland

2005-07-06T18:56:00.000Z

Ah hem , OK world, confession time. Its true, the bastion of singleness has been breached, i have fallen for a fantastic young lady from Einigen. Congrats to all those who passed the prophet test, nice work.

She is one Lizzi Langel, (first name said the Deutsch way, like "Pizza"), and it is indeed good. She works here at the base, is studying for a degree, and we get on like a house on fire. Which is good. Needless to say, my plans for shifting to Europe take on a new urgency, we shall see ...

I will try for some pictures soon. Been doing so much lately too. The Langel family have been so fantastic to Mark and I, we have been to Ballenburg, which was choice, and the other day they took us to Gruyere, the place like the cheese. Mmmm, Swiss cheese. The, ah, change in situation, has shifted Marks plans a little, he will head somewhere else soon i think, me, Im pretty keen to hang around this place for as long as possible, heh heh heh ...

Mark and Darren in Einigen

2005-06-22T18:28:00.000Z

Mark and Darren are having a great time in Einigen. To see where we are staying, have a look here, our new mate Phil, designed it for them, and i think its pretty flash! We are working on the Schloss by day ( in the 32 degree heat i might add!) and hanging out with the Swiss by night having a great time.

Last weekend Mark and Phil and I biked to a wee town and then went up the Stockhorn, a peak with a cable car. We were cheap and walked up halfway, Mark mountain biked down, and i ran down. Very heroic I thought, but I have been so sore for the last 4 days, they call me old man darren here too, due to my wincing when I walk down stairs! It was worth it though, 900 m descent in 35 minutes, good times.

I met with Reinhold a few days ago, was fantastic, but will blog more when I have processed things more, very encouraging though, with a sense that God was speaking ... What more do I want? Mark and I are pretty content here and get to chat heaps while we sand and paint. We may stay a little longer yet.

Im in a Einigen

2005-06-16T21:42:00.000Z

Try saying that ten times fast huh! Einigen is a small town south of Thun. There is a YWAM base here where I am staying, and it is glorious! (Actually check its site here, and it should be up and running soon). I have met up with old Marky Sparks and we are having the most fantastic time here. The place is run by the Langels, a Swiss family, with four daughters - I dont know if they prophesy ; ) We are working on the house in the sun, sanding and painting. We all have lunch together on the lawn.

Now this is a place I could grow fat. They have a farm and they get fresh milk every day and make their own butter and yoghurt. Truly no good thing do they withhold from us. They are all a great lot of fun too.

We start the day with prayer together and get into the work, our evenings are free. Cos we are working they provide all the food and free accomodation. Its fantastic! Make and I are hanging with a couple of American fellas, Matt who chased a girl here all the way from Kenya (Luke, he's a big John Piper fan, you will be pleased with his 7-point Calvinism), and Phil,who is redoing their website (its pretty fancy and will be up and running soon). Its a weird one, but they both did their DTS's in New Zealand, and Phil was a tech guy for Impact World Tour when they went through NZ. Mark and I both feel like part of the place and may hang about for another week yet.

I hear its been pretty cold in Dunedin, Mark said that the Harbour froze! Is this true? Wow, yet perhaps the warm-heartedness of God's people will overcome this. Hope you are all well, those reading back home, blessings.

Lauterbrunnental

2005-06-10T09:14:00.001Z

Drat, this computer wont let me do pictures (sorry paul), but you really need the pictures to see how awesome this valley is. Have a look on Google for Lauterbrunnental, it is a climbers paradise. Or so I thought. In a place like this, with 1000m cliffs on either side, you think rock climbing would be in full swing but I'm struggling to find into from the locals. Yet, I walked up an old train track yesterday and found a crag, the rock was fantastic, I have asked Mark to bring a rope if he can, and we will go climbing in the Swiss alps.

Yesterday went for a walk up to the car-less town called Wengen, very cool, adn a bit chilly too. But today the sun is out, not a cloud in the sky, and I have awesome vies of the Eiger (4000+ m) and a couple of other big peaks, John Rawstorn, you would love it mate!

I will head up to Murren today, another impossibly situated little town, on the edge of nowhere, but with stunning views. Needless to say I am getting a little browner! Heard you Dunedin guys had snow - enjoy it for me.

Hopefully will head to Einigen tomorrow, a YWAM base nearby where I will work for a week with Mark, and meet with somepeople around the place.

FINALLY IN SWITZERLAND !!!!

2005-06-07T11:43:00.000Z

It's taken me 15 years, but i am finally here. For those who dont know the story, i had a fixation with the country of Switzerland when i was 11, and it never really left, but has developed into a sense of calling to Europe. So part of the reason for the trip was to come here and see whats up. So what is up?

Well, i got a train from Stuttgart to Basel in the north of Sw, intending to stay there, but moved on through, a bit industrial, not enough mountains. So i cruised through to Bern, the capital. Heh, funny eh, when i was a kid i found a map of Bern at a second hand store in good old Ashburton! I stayed at a hostel, arriving at 10 to 10 PM, and the doors closed at 10. Heh, close one, i might have had to sleep out. Checked out the old town, cute as, and a lot of history too.

But now I am in Interlaken! Cool place, kinda like Q'town, but the mountains are way bigger! When Mark arrives, i think we will have a lotta fun. I am right beside the Aare river, and near some huge cliff. Will check out the climbing opps tomorrow, for now will see to some prayer and seeking God, nice place to do it eh! I really want to know His thoughts on my being here, and to get in close too. Loving it!

Talking with Marc van der Woude

2005-06-07T11:32:00.000Z

Marc is the initiator of Connect Europe, which aims to connect young prayer and prophetic leaders in Europe. It was great of him to give me some of his time. He took me to a place we could have coffee and look over the city. It was gret to hear some of his experiences, and get a bit of a feel for how citywide prayer things can work in europe.

We talked about heaps of things, but what stood out for me was a sense of taking initiative, of getting out there in what you feel called to do, and seeing what God does. Yeah, awesome. And also 'discerning the body of Christ', in whatever form or structure they might exist in.

Hmmm, left me a challenge too, he reckoned that many Christians have a disease called 'waiting for revival'. I think he's right if it is that passive kind of waiting, but its got me thinking anyway....

Hanging with Poul in Stuttgart

2005-06-07T11:26:00.000Z

yeah, i met a young south african guy at the campsite, turns out he is a Christian so we hung out and wandered around Stuttgart for a day, it was nice to chill with a brother.

And i thought i was doing it cheap and easy! Poul was living off about 15 euro a day he reckoned, and i would believe him too. He was so stoked to find 1 euro bread, hah same. He had hitched from Innsbruck i think, aiming for munich, but ended in S., cos the truck driver was Spanish, and the only word he could say in English was 'woman'. Hmmmm. But, it was sweet hanging with Poul.

Camping in Stuttgart

2005-06-03T10:23:00.000Z

I'm in summer! Ah, its fantastic, about 26 degrees, maybe more, the sun is shining and the city is cool. When I got to Colonge I decided not to hand around and went straight to Stuttgart - man, this city is cool, i really like it for some reason.

I went for a long walk last night, inadvertantly! Bah, i couldnt find the little campsite i had seen on the net and probably walked 6 to 7 km, attempting to find the place. But i found it and am happily camping by the river Neckar. Boy was I keen for my cheese sandwiches after that.

Germany is the same but different. As i was walking to the campsite I came across thousands of inline skaters, literally. They looked SO German, lyrica tights, brightish colours, nice haircuts. It was cool. In Holland were thousands of bikes, in Deutschland, thousands of skaters. Am planning to practice my German more here too. Heading to Freiburg soon too, in the heart of the Black Forest.

Ins Koln

2005-06-02T13:55:00.000Z

Koeln (Colonge) is cool, but i will be moving on pretty soon, i think i will get to Stuttgart sooner, and go climbing in the Schartzwald if I can (Black Forest).

To walk out of the station and see the sight below was quite something. Its even bigger in real life.

Camping in utrecht

2005-06-01T13:57:00.000Z

Wow, I have found this lovely wee place by a canal, with swans and ducks, in an awesome sunny field, fairly cheap too, 9 Euro. And, Mum, I'm eating well too. Still sandwiches, but this time with tomatos, blue cheese and sprouts! Hah, all for 3 Euro too!

But I am meeting Marc tomorrow morning, and then will try and get to Cologne to stay in a hostel there. All a bit random, but its good. Also Robyn, Judith Frick got in touch and I might be able to stay with her, she might even find me some contacts in places on the way. Choice eh!

Utrech, Holland, and God is choice!

2005-06-01T07:04:00.000Z

Holland is fantastic, surprisingly so for me, the country had never really attracted my attention, but its really cool. Perhaps its something to do with God giving me some mates yesterday. Let me tell you the story.

Yesterday morning I was in Dublin, Ireland. I said goodbye to Chris and Caroline and got out to the airport hastle-free; after a fairly long wait, I caught a flight to Eindhoven in the Netherlands. I arrived and didnt have a clue what to do, but followed the tourists, and caught a bus into the central railway station. The station was huge, but somehow i managed to walk straight to the ticket desk and got a train to Utrecht. Walked to the platform, tried to figure out what was happening, but got on the train to Utrecht 1 minute before it left.

The 45 min train ride was awesome. No one told me Holland was so cool. Justin, the tagging is impressive! Quite funky, heaps of animations like Gorillaz, kind of. I saw canals, some very funky architechture, heaps of fields, fantastic.

Anyway, but in Utrecht I managed to walk to the hostel i had seen on the internet, vaguely remembering the map it had. Its called Stowis, and is like a cross between a Hostel and Arc Cafe in Dunners. I got tea at 9.30, and was sitting down eating when I noticed across the road an evangelical church, with young people praying there. So I sat down on the step outside it, ate my cheese sandwich and waited to see what would happen. One guy came out, Tim I think, and we got chatting, I told him why i was in Europe. Turns out it was a Navigators meeting, which is really strong here. But then some others invited me to a place they have for the student groups to meet. It was right across the road, right next to the Hostel! The have just bought it in the last few weeks.

There was some kind of party there, and in the end a couple of guys were really friendly, Roald and Bart, cheers guys. Bart brought me a Dutch beer, and I just hung out and got a feel of things. We talked about Christian groups (250 people in Navigators in Utrecht!) and European politics! It was great, and I was so stoked to have a God hook-up on the first night. Cheers God!

Old Stones

2005-05-30T15:01:00.000Z

Drat, that last post cost me heaps - the sign said 3 euro an hour, but it about 7 (gosh - dont convert that into NZD's). Anyway, at a cheaper place now, have just payed 2 Euro for 40 mins. Ahhh, perhaps I'm addicted to this blogging thing.

Anyway, old stones. Chris is a funny chap. When we were looking at the old dolmen I mentioned earlier he noticed that the sign said "Please do not make Imitation Dolmens". This tickled his fancy, so we have been making imitation dolmens over all of Ireland. Stunning photos soon, I promise!

Also, went to Newgrange, where there were some stones older than the dolmens, in fact it was a burial mound dated to 4000BC, 500 years older than the oldest pyramids in Egypt! Thats old Frank! The huge stones weighing a ton or more were from a place about 15 km away. The things people do to worship the sun (or that's one theory anyway).

Seeing the sights is getting a bit ho-hum though, today I just hung out in Dublin, met up with a Kiwi mate here, and saw Trinity College Dublin, thats about it (thats where CS Lewis went to Uni). Am looking forward to getting to the continent soon, and hopefully finding a few more God-contacts.

Car Cricket, Kells and a Dublin Church

2005-05-30T11:44:00.000Z

Well, we spent a day in the mountainous area north of Galway and then made it right across Ireland in one day, all the way to Kells, where we read books. Quite a big driving day so Chris and I took to playing car cricket. Red or maroon vehicles were out, trucks and busses 6 runs etc. I gave Chris a solid thumping with and excellent batting display. He was a good loser though.

Lucky we had car cricket as the ruin count dropped dramatically.

Stayed the night in Kells, and wow, there was a place there where the Ionan community moved to from Iona when there were too many Norse raiders causing trouble.

Last night I made it to CORE church (St Catherines) in Dublin, and lo and behold Eoghan (said Owen) was there, worship leading. I went there because I have his worship album and relay like it, again pretty cool, heaps of worship, a bit of prophecy, really friendly people.

Am trying to meet with a few friends today in Dublin. See how we go, Holland tomorrow. Sorry its so brief, have being doing a lot of thinking, but im on the run. Blessings.

Galway, Ireland

2005-05-27T13:35:00.000Z

Its still raining in Galway, it did all night, but the tent is holding up well. Today we are just having a chill out day in the city. I quite like Galway, when we drove in it felt like a huge place, motorways (with very little signage!) and hotels, airports etc, but apparently its only about 65,000 people, felt like at least 200,000.

I walked home (!) to the campsite last night, it was awesome to have some time out. There was a beautiful sunset happening, at 10.00 PM no less, and heaps of Irish couples out on the promenade by the sea. I still find them a little amusing, but can't understand a thing when they talk fast. It was a good time, gave me some time to reflect too. I began to wonder what God's plan for the Irish is. They have been used so mightily in the past, and now their economy is taking off (they call it the 'Celtic Tiger'), but the only God-stuff that I have seen is all in the past. Instead I hear heaps of swearing and lots of drinking, and on the roadsides at quite a few places are shrines to Mary, little painted statues that people pray to.

Knowing a little history has been really good; it is so cool how God spoke to Patrick in dreams and established him for that time (c. 480 AD?) to lead the Irish to Christ, and then how later Irish monks evangelised much of Europe. It seems God chose to use them then, but I wonder how they will respond to their new prosperity? What is God doing with the Irish in this generation? It got me thinking and praying anyhow, and it refreshed me too, cos that's why I'm here. Must watch for how I respond to prosperity. Deut. 6 to 8 ish comes to mind... Any thoughts people?

Ireland still

2005-05-26T20:06:00.000Z

Phew, been doing a fair bit of touring around lately, more of the tourist type thing really. Over the last day it was raining really heavily, the whole day too, so we gave up on tenting and went into a hostel. It was a really nice one, jsut across the river from a 13th century Fransicican Abbey. And who should we meet at this hostel, but some Kiwi's, FROM DUNEDIN!!! Hah, what is it with us?

Chris and I have taken to playing a game called 'spot the ruin', which consists of spotting a ruin (first) and then yelling 'RUIN!'. Caroline wasnt so into that game after a few hours. She was more keen on 'spot the white horse', but I think she was bending the rules a bit, grey horses dont count.

Anyway, saw a tomb built in 3800 BC today. Gosh. And went to a wee pub in a wee town last night and listened to a wee bit of Irish traditional music. Actually, that sounds quite gentiel, but what really happened was that Liverpool was in the throes of winning some European Championship cup and in every pub were drunk and animated Irish men, singing at the top of their voices! Finally Liverpool won and the music started. They love their football over here.

Im in Galway at the moment and just saw some Gaelic football, but of a laugh - it must be where Aussie rules comes from. It's pretty cool, it light till 11 ish at night, and light at 4.30.

Hmmm, no surfing either, surf was down, wind was up.

The plan Stan? I will catch a train to Belfast tomorrow (or Sat) and see where Nana was born, then back to Dublin to fly out to Holland. Then traveling alone through Germany to meet Mark Smith in Zurich on the 11th June.
Anyway, best be on my way. D

Dingle, Ireland

2005-05-25T14:17:00.000Z

Im in a littel town called Dingle, on the west coast, adn it has been raingin the whole day - makes camping interesting. How many small winding roads does Ireland have? Phew, was feeling a bit queasy too. OK, so the plan it to head to Holland next tuesday, after a small time in Dublin.

Yeaterday we passed through Killkenny National Park, adn say this huge old castle, and massive house - I was quite impressed actually, this castle was overlooking a lake, fansastic! Had a Guinness in a wee irish pub, what more can I say. Loving it.

Cork, Ireland

2005-05-22T16:28:00.000Z

After a 4 hr sleep in Stansted Airport I am feeling refreshed and stoked; stoked to meet up with Chris and Caroline again, and stoked with their church, Grace Christian Fellowship. I walked in and everyone was totally into the worship, the whole community singing at full volume, esp the fullness of the Irish male voices singing their praises to God. I was so inspired. There was so much freedom, a chap gave a prophecy, it was awesome.

The sermon got me thinking too, about how we need to cry out to God when circumstances become difficult, rather than become bitter. Through prayer we need to actively invite Jesus into the situation, gosh, how many times do I have to learn this lesson? Was talking to Caroline after about the church. It seems that where Cathlocism has become quite dead and (only) formalised ritual, people need to see that God is alive! Many of the people there have found Jesus personaly after a quite lifeless experience with Cathlocism. Hence in that context having freedom and life and joy and the presence of the Holy Spirit is an essential part of Christian experience and community life, they value it and cry out to God for it. Awesome.

Tomorrow we will be getting a car, and getting out to the South coast. Sweet.

In London!

2005-05-21T12:46:00.000Z

Yep, made it, safe and sound, and feeling pretty good considering the 24 hrs plus travelling. It was sweet, watched movies and played solitare to my hearts content. But I still plan to have tea with Anna and Tyler McMillan, but this computer wont let me check my email. Anyway if you hapen to check this Anna, then I will be hanging out near Kings Cross, and making my way to Liverpool Street. Its nice to have some time before Ireland tomorrow.

Syeeedneey

2005-05-20T10:09:00.000Z

Yeah for free internet! Austrialia is similar to NZ - at least the International Transit lounge is similar to the International Transit lounge at Christchurch. A bit shattered from the last few nights, but enjoyed "The Incredibles" and the Tooheys! Now comes the long haul.

Loving it people!

Still in CHCH

2005-05-20T03:53:00.000Z

Yeah, hi again, still in CHCH, this time in the international departure lounge - bored out of my tree and had $1.50 in NZ coins to waste. Hence another relatively pointless blogpost. Oh, and drat, the flight comes into London later, at 12.15 AM on the Sunday, which means I have 3 hrs to get through London to Stansted - we shall see. Will Darren lose his 10 pound Ryanair flight. Stay here to find out (fade in Amazing Race music).

Still in CHCH, no Korea

2005-05-19T21:01:00.000Z

Yeah, the flight out was cancelled and now I am flying out to Sydney tonight about 6PM, and then straight to Heathrow via Singapore - so no Korea! Bit of a bummer, but I end up in London earlier! Might go stay in a 24-7 prayer house for the night. Got 4 hrs sleep in CHCH airport though - PTL! Peace. D.

J - La

2005-05-17T00:04:00.000Z

Off in a week

2005-05-12T21:17:00.000Z

Yep, thats right, off next Thursday. I will be staying overnight in Seoul, Korea (hopefully at some flash hotel), then London for a (sleepless) night, then Cork, Ireland, to be sure. I will be traveling around Ireland for a week with Chris and Caroline. From then on its all a bit loose and free, maybe Scotland or Norway, perhaps the UK too, to see if I can link with any 24-7prayer people, or young prophetic people.

Thinking of 24-7, Andrew Jones has a fantastic new post on 'New Monasticism', which I think is awesome. Check it out.

Daza joins the digital age

2005-05-10T05:18:00.000Z

Hey there crew, yeah, the small digi is working well, not bad for $ 32!! OK, so it's really low quality, and you have to download the driver from the CD anytime you want to get the photos, but for $32! A bargian I feel.

Here is a picture of my right nostril. Believe it or not I am so busy at the moment, deeply occupied, not quite to the frenzied stage, but closer than usual. Lots on my mind too, with the latest teaching on spiritual gifts at church. Hmmmmmm indeed. Still, I'm keen to keep just following the way I feel I'm called. Leaving Thursday week, oh my goodness.

Ma and Pa are coming up on Saturday, which will be nice, it's always good to see them. Peace!

Task Orientation

2005-05-04T08:37:00.000Z

Hmmm, had a fantastic time last Tuesday morning, praying with the brothers (Chris, Luke and Mike). I was very thoughtful though the conversation, but in the prayer at the end was a real revelation. I relalised that so much of my frustration with my church is to do with task orientation. DCBC is full of people whom God has created to strategise, practical people who have a heart to fulfill the Great Commission, who value action etc. But Tuesday morning I realised that not everyone functions well that way - arrgh, people like me! I feel that sometimes a task orientation (though valid) can actually displace a more spiritual perspective, and those who function in more open-ended environments get bored and frustrated.

I think we must be careful to not value one perspective over another, but always to place first things first (loving God and loving others).

But for me it was quite freeing to realise that I do not have to be that way, that its not wrong to not function that way. For me so much ministry and blessing to others comes straight from spending time with God, without an agenda, listening, just hanging out sometimes. This is when I get a sense of what needs to be done, what actions will be best for the given moment. I often thrive (not always) in more unstructured environments. Heh, along these lines is a funny article from Lark News on PDL (Purpose Driven Life) groupies.

Extreme Church!

2005-04-29T00:12:00.000Z

Marc van der Woude has quite a funny article on a new form of church found right here in New Zealand. It is Extreme Church. Yeah! Was written on the first of April for some reason.

Also, brought a digital camera today - just a super cheap point and shoot from Trademe, quite stoked. So you might see some nice pics soon. Just 3 weeks to go till touchdown in Europe, just 20 days, not that I'm counting!

Update on 24-7 Dunedin

2005-04-22T02:55:00.000Z

The Salvation Army have a good write up of some of the stuff that happened in the 24-7 room in Dunedin here. It really feels like momentum is building. Also 24-7 new Zealand has its own site that is getting up and running, its here. Awesome times, the vision is catching ...

Street Art

2005-04-21T01:53:00.000Z

Dentist Visit ?

2005-04-15T03:24:00.000Z

Went to the dentist the other day, and he asked me to weird things with lights and buttons, said it was part of an experiment. What's with that?

New Zealand is Beautiful 1

2005-04-08T02:17:00.002Z

New Zealand is Beautiful 2

2005-04-08T02:15:00.002Z

New Zealand is Beautiful 3

2005-04-08T02:15:00.000Z

New Zealand is Beautiful 4

2005-04-08T02:13:00.000Z

Prayer in Dunedin

2005-04-05T06:17:00.000Z

A lot of prayer is happening at the moment, it's quite exciting. First, the Salvation Army in the city has been doing a week of 24hr prayer, going with the guys at 24-7prayer. As Justin mentioned, all the flatties went down to the prayer room at 2 Am on Friday night. It was great, there was a gentle sense of the presence of God, it was, like the Celts would say, a 'thin place'. The room was really well set up, with a wailing wall to write on, a place to paint, music, reflections, coffee (!) etc. Justin even went back a few nights in a row, he was so inspired. May this come at Uni sometime soon!!

Also, Jarod has been telling me about the prayer at Elim at lunchtimes, sounds awesome, they are really praying for people to be inspired, to really connect with God, to see his will done in this city. Will be there sometime soon. Its open to all, by the way

Friends back in town

2005-04-05T06:11:00.000Z

It was great to catch up with Gordon and Roswitha Bayne today, who are back in town from Benin and Austria. Other than that, tonight is the "Night of Fire", a prep event for the Get Smart conference coming up, should be eye opening. More later.

Dead Poets Evening

2005-04-04T05:24:00.000Z

This was out a LongBeach a few weeks ago. I had a fantastic time. In the afternoon Ryan and I went for a run along the coast from Longbeach heading over to Murderers beach. On the way we disturbed a seal having a snooze on the rocks, but carried on as far as we could go. Got to the point off Murderers bay where there were massive swells breaking, 6ft plus, we sat there just watching them. There were a few hard-core surfers out, catching the double overheads. Awesome!

We went back to the cave and had a bonfire and shared poetry as the night grew dark... Good times, I hear Luke is keen to do it again.

Adrian and Bridget Plass Evening

2005-03-23T01:44:00.000Z

Went and saw Adrian and Bridget Plass last night, and as expected, they were quite a laugh. For those who don’t know, they are Christian humorists, and good ones too. It’s amazing how they could be so serious and so funny at the same time, without compromising either. They were talking about AIDS and prostitution in Africa, and having a gentle dig at some of our misconceptions of God.

High point – the lovely Yulia, a beautiful Russian singer. They introduced her, and said she was cold, not being used to Dunedin weather. Later on she said “Actually I am quite hot!” Amen to that, sister!
Low point – Justin letting off a few stinkers on my right, and having the lady on my left look very uncomfortable all of a sudden. I reckon three rows would have smelt those pongs. At the end Justin cautiously asks “Did you smell anything tonight?” Ahhh, let me think …

And I'm Working, My way, on down....

2005-03-16T00:41:00.000Z

Yep, thats right, I have been working! In fact it has taken up most of my time these days. I am doing 10 hrs of labs (plus more for prep) on top of the usual 20 hrs of research assistantship. I am such a geek at the moment - we have a new version of Matlab, a high powered mathematics program that can do anything you want. New computer, new maths program, new glasses, new buck-teeth! Geeks of the world unite!

Justin says my blogs are too esoteric, all about monasticism and blah blah blah. Ok then, I will try and post something a bit more pop-culture. Watch this space.

Pondering Pilgrimage

2005-03-11T00:17:00.000Z

I have been thinking a lot about Europe lately, not just the practical details, but my reasons for going and what I hope will happen. It's just that I don't find the usual tourist thing very inspiring, visiting museum after museum, whistlestop touring from town to town, from sight to sight. Ok, so part of this appeals, I am going to Switzerland after all, but I don't want it to be the dominant factor.

I have been reading on the Irish monks who first evangelised Europe, how pilgrimage was a integral part of mission for them. Pilgrimage was leaving home and family (which is particularly important to the Irish) and traveling with Christ. Many were poor, but hey moved out and in the end founded monastic networks, communities of people with a heart devoted to God and prayer

What does this have to do with me? Well, I feel that God is in this trip. I have been keen to get there for a while, but now really feels like the right time. I will be fairly poor when traveling around, but that will be part of the adventure (I hope!). I am very keen to meet up with prayer-type people over there, and to get a feel for what God is doing there. Most of all I want to travel guided by the Spirit - if I'm keen to listen God is always keen to speak. I might have to get myself a brown robe and a bad haircut!

What been happening?

2005-02-23T04:51:00.000Z

... you may well ask.
Well, I have been lazy, plain and simple, or perhaps uninteresting. It's hard to blog when you dont feel you have much to say. But here goes with the latest.

Have had some good chats with Chris and Luke. We were looking into Acts 2, and I realised that Pentecost is the inauguration of a prophetic community, the Spirit is given to all who believe, not just the hyper-spiritual guru's as in the Old Testament. It is an incredible transition point in the life of the faith community, from specialists to inclusivity. What struck me again is that we are the inheritors of this change. How often do we think that God only speaks to the few, and then only under duress! But no, we stand in continuity with this movement that was birthed 2 millennia ago! The Spirit is still given for the sake of mission, and there can still be instantaneous cross cultural effectiveness. It just has to be God, that's all. ; )

Anyway, ah, practically I have been surfing more too. I took a sharp smack to the snoz last night, and had leg cramps and vomiting. Why do I do this again? I forget, but I can actually catch some out the back now, and can ride a good left-hander too (sometimes).

Bless ya all

2005-02-07T00:57:00.000Z

Malc is the proud new owner of the lovely in the background.

2005-02-03T21:21:00.001Z

This is my flattie Malcolm and I after a hard night surfing at St Clair. It was the best day I have had so far, waves about 2 foot, and breaking left, which is good for a goofy like me. There is nothing like a sense of progression to keep one motivated. At the moment we can surf till about 9.30 PM, which is fantastic considering I work so hard during the day! Ha!

2005-02-03T21:21:00.000Z

Simon Pearce came over and made me a meal the other day, Kumara chips and steak, even some vegetables! It was lovely, and the envy of my hungry flatmates. I promised him it would go on the blog, so Si, here it is mate! On ya!

Holy Monk Batman! or More on Monasticism

2005-01-27T05:00:00.000Z

OK, for those who were wondering, no, I don't think monasticism is the absolute bees-knees, but a lot of it does resonate with, and inspire me. The main attraction for me is a lifestyle devoted to God - separation (for a period) can be brilliant for the spiritual life of believers, making time to simply listen to God, to hang out. How often does life get a bit crowded, and it's God who gets the shove? A lifestyle shaped around prayer, and living it with a community, like the early church, is inspirational.

But for ways in which it does not resonate, the following article says it better than I can. Its by Pete Greig, the founder of the 24-7 prayer movement.

8 ways in which we are NOT monks! Pete Greig

When it comes to Boiler Rooms we kind of like the whole monastic comparison thing. But there are a load of ways in which our values as 24-7 are very different from those of your average monk. Here goes

1. HAIRCUTS
We're just not into those bald-eagle tonsure hair-do's - especially not for the girls. And guys, if a few of you out there are thinning on top - take my advice, go the whole hog and shave the lot off. You know it makes.

2. SQUIRRELS
When people think of monasteries they tend to picture nice old houses in the countryside surrounded by squirrels and known as 'Retreat' centres. We're not really into retreating and Boiler Rooms are generally urban: blessed up communities in the heart of messed up cities. No offence to squirrels.

3. HORSE-HAIR UNDERWEAR
We've never gone a bundle on that whole extreme 'ascetic' trip. Some monks lived up poles, refused to eat, never spoke and wore very scratchy underpants. We do not consider such behaviour 'spiritual'. We consider it silly. Now, there's nothing wrong with a bit of self-denial - in fact we'd encourage it with things like alcohol, shopping, TV, sex, food or even sleep at times! But we want to worship God with feasting as well as fasting.

4. FRIARS V MONKS
OK, so this is getting obsessively detailed but - technically speaking - Boiler Rooms are more like Friaries than monasteries. A monastery is meant to be residential while Friaries aren't.

5. BREWING
Many monasteries had their own ale but we have not followed in their (somewhat wobbly) footsteps, despite a number of encouragements from certain quarters.

6. THE PRIEST THING
Look, here's the deal. Martin Luther's big beef was about the 'priesthood of all believers'. Because we agree with him (no offence to any non-canines wearing dog-collars out there), we reckon everyone ought to be involved in a life of ministry and prayer. This is not for a spiritual elite - why should monks and nuns have all the fun? (Hey it rhymes!) That's why we've developed Boiler Rooms to fit around and underpin people's 'normal' lives - stuff like school, work and family. We certainly don't want to replace that stuff. If you're too busy to play - you're probably too busy to pray! So if your work starts to suffer or if your family forget your name - you're praying too much!

7. SEX
Funnily enough we ARE into celibacy. The only time celibacy is wrong is when you're married in which context it could be disastrous!

8. FRIAR TUCK & THE SOUND OF MUSIC
The fact is that a lot of monasteries and monks were severely dodgy. Friar Tuck didn't get that belly fasting and the way the nuns treated Julie Andrews in 'The Sound of Music' was unforgivable. SO PLEASE HEAR MEWe are NOT saying that all things monastic are the way forward. We are exercising discernment and reading our Bibles carefully. We're just cheeky little chappies picking out all the juicy bits of an incredibly rich tradition and chucking out the bits we don't like!

2005-01-27T02:28:00.000Z

Apparently this monster lurks just behind Green Island, Blackhead, Dunedin. Got it from www.wannasurf.com Ahhh ... yeah, my knee is really sore at the moment, wont be able to make it out today ...

Surfing at Blackhead

2005-01-27T00:29:00.000Z

Had a good time on Sunday out at Blackhead (see pic below). OK, so things weren't huge, but I wasn't complaining. On the longboard I could catch everything, and even began moving with the breaking wave. Good times in an awesome place. Sophie, thanks for the use of the board (Alex kindly offered it to us!), it rocks.

Anna and Malcolm were hardouts yesterday, St Clair was fairly large for beginners. They said they spent most of their time being rolled or dumped, or falling down a wavefront, but they were certainly smiling when they got back ...

(p.s. I only posted this to keep up with that volumous blogger, Justin ...)

2005-01-24T03:00:00.000Z

Note to self: I must remember to visit the site of Justy's mate, Dave, at Room of Nothing

What I liked about "Red Moon Rising"

2005-01-21T00:33:00.000Z

This book was great, so much of it resonated with me, and in particular ...

1. It is the story of a movement of God in the young people of Europe. You know something must be up when 3000 Swiss youth gather to re-covenant their nation to God, and then move out in pairs, spreading the gospel, praying for people, moving with the wind of the Spirit. It is inspirational to find others who believe that God hasn't forgotten Europe.

2. They value Monasticism. Not the 4th century, leaving the world, 40 years up a pole type, but rather the communal, prayer focused hubs at the center of the wider community. Dietrich Bonhoffer said something about this, how a new monasticism is what the church needs, somehing like that. The 24-7 crew have places they call Third millennium Monasteries, or Boiler Rooms. They essentially are houses of prayer, and even have their own abbots! Love it.

3. They are both prayer-focused and missional. How many times does it become only one or the other? But for me as a prayer person I really love how mission comes out of prayer and a spiritually active community. If the Spirit of God is really in on both of these things, it should be natural for them to express themselves together.

Le Parkour

2005-01-17T22:35:00.000Z

Le Parkour, also known as "free running", is growing in Europe, and looks inspiring. Basically, it is a new means of engaging with old structures, an urban dance on the rooftops of cities. Mark Barkaway describes it like this...

"Parkour is basically the art of movement where participants (otherwise known as 'Free-runners') use objects within their urban surroundings, to create new and interesting ways of moving around it. It encompasses running, jumping, vaulting and climbing to overcome these obstacles, where the ultimate aim is to do so in the most fluid and flowing way possible. A bit like the kind of movement you might see in the Matrix or Spiderman movies! There is a philosophy that seems to go with it about overcoming any obstacle that stands in your way and facing your demons."

I got the following images off the www.parkour.com site. (Note that you will have to allow pop-ups to see it, if you cant, try Ctrl-click on the link).

Believe it or not, I think there is something prophetic in this activity, it is a metaphor that God can use/is using to inspire his people. For me, rooftop running can represent spiritual conflict, especially with a prophetic edge. Rooftops afford both mobility and vision, but the risk of falling is greater than when at ground level. Hence an attitude of faith and risk is required, but there is access beyond the usual means.

Emerging Church according to Andrew Jones

2005-01-12T00:25:00.000Z

Luke Arkapaw has been bugging me about what I mean by 'Emerging Church', and I've found it quite tricky to answer. The following is from Andrew Jones' blog, and are his thoughts. Hope this helps Luke. Wadayareckon?
What is Emergent?
Today is the deadline for me to answer 3 questions asked by a popular magazine in USA. OK, I lied. Yesterday was the deadline and i wanted to sleep on my answers. Today I decided to forget what I had written and just answer the questions in a straightforward and honest manner. 1. What is emergent? 2. Why are you involved in this? 3. Seeing as one of the emergent values is missional, who is your mission?

QUESTION 1: WHAT IS EMERGENT?
Emergent is a name that a lot of us are using, at the moment, to describe the church’s response to the current emerging culture, and the peculiar aggregation of believers being called up out of this culture to follow Jesus back into it. At the recent “Global Roundtable for Emerging Church” held in UK (Aug 2004) emerging church leaders from almost a dozen countries agreed that we should keep the name for the time being. The emerging church definition has been reinforced by its use in recent books, highlighted by current criticism, and established on the internet through a well thought out definition on Wikipedia, and its acknowledgement by bloggers and new media communicators. Books will come and go, but new media content is consolidating a global database that will inform us for many years to come. And I am guessing that we are stuck with the word “Emergent” for at least another 5 years. Emergent, as it is used in “Emergent Theory”, is a name given to the phenomena of how new organizational structures progress from low-level chaos to higher level sophistication without a hierarchical command structure. Emergent theory explains how birds change direction, how slime mould moves, how ant colonies are built and how Amazon.com knows so much about us. The process involves constant communication and feedback among the lowest level of organization, pattern recognition, local action affecting global behavior, and takes into consideration the element of unpredictability in a chaotic system. Solomon was wise in suggesting that we “examine the ant” (Proverbs 6:6)But how does that relate to church? Emergent behavior is also found in the way new churches are responding to a world of chaotic unpredictability and multiple possiblities. One of the defining features of emergent churches is that they are usually started with no predetermined ideal of what they will mature into or what size and shape they will become, since they will be also be shaped by the culture they transform. Unpredictability opens the possibility for a miraculous intervention and retooling by God during the process, as long as structures are simple, and communication is constant. The emerging church around the world shares a number of common characteristics, including in most cases, an emergent vocabulary, synoptic outlook, creative expression, organic resourcing, fluid strategy, decentralized leadership, holistic expression, fluency in new media, postmodern sensibility, structural simplicity, countercultural origins, an upfront missional focus, modular church expression rather than singular, a deep ecclesiology, attendance at particular yearly festivals, a greater ecumenical commitment and social concern, and so on. Emergent is also the name of one particular group of ministers (Emergentvillage.com) who have been leading a conversation on how this transition is taking place. It has become one of the most visible emerging church responses in USA, due to a strong connection with the mainstream church, conferences that are accessible to the traditional church culture, and the publication of numerous books on church in a postmodern world. I have been associated with this group from its beginnings as Young Leaders Group, sponsored by Leadership Network. But I am also a part of many other networks and conversations that go back before Emergent’s history, some of them more “emergent” than EmergentVillage and some less so. So when I say “Emergent”, I am thinking in terms of the church’s response to the emerging culture in their particular country and context. On a simpler lever, “Emergent” or “Emerging Church” is the replacement term for what we used to call “Youth Church” in the 80’s, “GenX Church” in the early 90’s, and “Postmodern Church” in the late 90’s. If this is true, it is probably a better word, since it transcends the problem of associating the term with an age group, a cultural preference or a controversial and misunderstood philosophy. Many countries have adopted the term “Emerging Church” to represent the new networks of churches started by younger people for the new emerging cultures in their respective countries. Churches in the UK often ascribe the same meaning to "Alt. Worship". Others (Japan, Sweden, Germany) have stuck with the term “Youth Church”. It is generally the same thing. And, as always, there is a mixture of good and bad, the impressive and the unfortunate. Thankfully, it is a culture that invites and welcomes criticism. And there is much criticism around to offer them – perhaps the criticism outweighs the encouragement and guidance. On the simplest level, "Emergent" means the newly forming. Yes. Newly forming. Maybe i should have just said that?

QUESTION 2: WHY ARE YOU INVOLVED IN THIS?
Because God has not yet pulled me out. I have been working all over the world for almost 20 years, seeking to support the existing church and start new church planting movements where they are needed. I guess he still “considers me faithful for service”, which is a mystery to me. There are more qualified people out there than me. The question is, why has God seen fit to have me focus on the one third of Western culture who have been called the “Cultural Creatives”. I guess I could answer that question. Its probably because most of God’s workers are ministering among traditionals or moderns, or perhaps the people most likely to respond to the approach and strategies of the modern church. But what about the other third? A third that is growing quickly and will one day be a half and then a majority. We cant afford to neglect the emerging culture or expect that our father’s church models will work for a new generation and a different worldview without a lot of critical examination and prayerful retuning.

QUESTION 3: SEEING AS ONE OF THE EMERGENT VALUES IS MISSIONAL, WHO IS YOUR MISSION?
It would be tempting to agree with others who say that my mission is to the “Cultural Creatives” since I am one of them and this demographic, representing one third of Western culture, is the most likely to join me and my family as we follow Jesus in this new and living way. However, our ministry flows out to whoever will come across our path. The “people of peace” (Luke 10) of course, are always among the first to receive us and our gifts, but these people are not always from the same demographic. We cant control where the gospel flows beyond the first generation. Likewise, the “emerging churches” that are popping up around the world are surprisingly multi-generational and multi-cultural. This is why I am glad we moved on from “youth church” and “GenX/Y/Millenial” tags for describing the churches. Another answer to your question would be this: I think the “what” of my mission might be greater than the “who”. Jesus came to seek and to save “what” was lost, not just “who”. And God is reconciling ALL things to himself and sharing this ministry with us. It is very possible that the pilgrimage of my family is a prophetic act that is helping to restore the gentle rule of God in this world in many areas, most of which will be unknown to me until I get to the other side.

2005 Begins, Rardy Rah ...

2005-01-11T00:03:00.000Z

Im back again, sorry Ive been so slack, blame it on the holidays. Spent New Years with Ollie, looking over the Queenstown fireworks from the other side of the lake, said a few prayers and went to bed. Nice times.

Back in Dunedin, and have been surfing heaps, even catching some bigger stuff out the back. Chris would be proud.

Found a blog of a guy doing emerging church stuff in France, he is Matthew Glock, who lives in Grenoble. Will have to get in contact with him, especially since there is good climbing around Grenoble! ; )

Tim Timmy-Timbo on his North Island Tour

Surfing in Invers

2004-12-28T10:28:00.000Z

Went out to Oreti beach Monday night with Mark - it was mad! The wind was so strong that we could hardly get the boards to the water. Needless to point out this was not the best of conditions, but we gave it a go. I had a good time, the wettie was warm, and I even stood up heaps - Mark reckons 14 seconds one time! Sweet as, pretty stoked. Am heading up to Queenstown tomorrow, for Ali's 30th, and perhaps some climbing.

Watching the news has left me stunned at the scale of devastation in Asia, 55 000 dead they say. Incredible. Very hard to fathom. Im sure we will hear some terrible and incredible stories coming out the area soon.

Revival in Northern Ireland 1859

2004-12-23T03:56:00.000Z

I have been reading "Red Moon Rising" by Pete Grieg, which is the story of the growth of the 24-7 Prayer movement in Europe and beyond. They seem to be very dynamic and organic in their approach, and I have been fully inspired. More on that in a later post.

When reading this I found out that where my Nana was born, Ballymena, Northern Ireland, there was once a powerful revival. This occurred in 1859, and began with four young men in a Friday night prayer meeting. In the final account, 100 000 people made commitments to Christ. During the peak of the revival the parish of Ballymena was the scene of one hundred prayer meetings per week, sixteen a night! Prostitution and drunkenness declined and sectarian violence slowed almost to a halt.

For more on the revival see the Revival Library

Mothership Down

2004-12-20T05:11:00.000Z

That was a close call - yesterday I came in to add some more stuff and accidently deleted the template of the entire blog - GONE! - it was all gone! Woe was me, but i found it all again today. What would my precious fans have done? I know they are out there ...

What Darren does all day (sic)

2004-12-20T04:58:00.000Z

For those who were wondering what I get up to these days, I have just finished measuring the latencies of muscle activation waveforms for about 13 000 trials. Needles to say I was a little tired of this by the end. Left is a picture of what I was doing - the blue line is electrical activity measured from someones arm (m. biceps brachii) and I had to pick the onset time of the activity with a mouse click. Fun huh! I quite like mindless labour sometimes ...

Tom Wright on Postmodernism

2004-12-17T03:37:00.000Z

“Marx, and Nietzsche and Freud describe a fallen world in which money, power, and sex have become the norm, displacing relationship, stewardship and worship. Part of the point of postmodernity, in the strange providence of God, is to preach the fall to arrogant modernity. And our task, as image bearing, God loving, Christ shaped, Spirit filled Christians, following Christ and shaping our world, is to announce redemption to the world that has rediscovered its fallenness.”

From "Jesus as the World's True Light"

Smith Wigglesworth in Dunedin 1922

2004-12-13T03:57:00.000Z

Here is an interesting piece I found in Peter Lineham's archives. http://www.massey.ac.nz/~plineham/pubs/ch5.doc
From Transplanted Christianity by Peter Lineham and Allan K. Davidson (eds). Copyright to Peter Lineham

A "Star" reporter visited Burns Hall this morning and witnessed unusual scenes - scenes which aroused mixed emotions. Even the sceptics - and there are many - who ridicule the unorthodox methods of those so-called "faith healers," such as the Maori prophet Rua, must be more or less impressed by results.

The preliminary hymn singing was indulged in, and a noticeable theory was the apparent necessity for the constant repetition of certain lines or refrains, such as "All things are possible to Thee." This doubtless was done as an exercise on concentration. To the neutral individual, however, it was a little monotonous, especially when the singers got to the stage of slurring the line into "All things are possybull to Thee." However, that stage passed, and an interval of prayer followed, a man and then a lady in the audience leading. The lady's supplication was very earnest, and was made with uplifted hand and accompanied by exclamations, staccato and long drawn, from others. All this was in the stereotyped revivalist style, and faintly resembled the scenes we read of in stories of old Calvinist days.
After Mr. Roberts (the secretary to the mission) had made certain announcements and declared that Mr. Wigglesworth was not in the ordinary sense a "faith healer," the missionary himself came forward, and the anointing of handkerchiefs began. This was more or less of a private ceremony, expeditiously performed by the official group at a table in front of the stage.
Then the little sufferers were brought along, a lady announcing the complaint or disease from which each was suffering. Mr. Wigglesworth thereupon placed his hands on the child's head, offered a prayer for help from Jesus, and stroked the affected part. In some cases where, it would appear from the substance of the supplication, the evil spirits had got a firm hold, he exhorted Satan in almost fierce tones to "come out of it." And, so far as the reporter could see, the spirit did depart, and depart swiftly (there was no waste of time, each case occupying but a few seconds), and the deaf heard and the dumb spoke. In other cases the evil one appeared to hold grimly on, for there was no obvious alteration in the patient's state as he or she was taken away; crutches were still necessary, and the look of pain remained. But it was explained that cases were sometimes only begun at the first application, and the subjects gradually became better until quite normal again. There was no roughness, though a certain brusqueness of tone was evidently necessary in some instances to scare the evil one.

... However, there it is. The sceptics may explain; the faithful may argue. Something was done, and something left undone. If one cure was really affected, was it not worth while? The power of thought, of suggestion, of magnetism, of faith, or whatever, has hosts of believers.

(Source: "The Hell of Disease", Evening Star, Dunedin, 20 June 1922, p.6.)