We are getting closer by the day to the time when we have to sign a contract for the two office buildings. We believe that the Lord would have us move ahead but there is still a lot of money needed. Would you pray with us for £800,000 to come in before the end of March. For God it is nothing, but for us it is a fair old mountain.
We have been looking for two years and believe that this is by far the most suitable place that allows us to grow into the future. Ideally we would like to pay off all the remaining £800,000 before we move in. Is this what God wants for us?
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Monday, November 28, 2005
Devotions on the sand dune
It is early morning before the sun gets too hot to bear and time for devotions. Elsie (granny), Alison (daughter) Esther (daughter-in-law) and Zara (grandaughter) share thoughts on the top of the sand dune. Somehow God seems closer when you are out in the desert. There is no noise apart from the whisper of the sand as it blows off the dune or the sound of the stars as they sing together.
Friday, November 25, 2005
Desert Breakfast
Of course Zara would pick the biggest chair as her personal favourite. She and Chris seemed to pick the early mornings as special Daddy time. Her first word which she applies to anything or anyone that is really good - 'Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!' Daddy' - good food, a friendly welll known face. It's all 'Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!'.
She is growing up so fast and even during the month we were together we saw huge changes. Isn't God's work miraculous?
She is growing up so fast and even during the month we were together we saw huge changes. Isn't God's work miraculous?
Stuck again !!
In order to be able to drive well on loose sand you have to deflate your tyres for extra grip and to keep moving. We became a lot more expert as we practiced. One very important skill was to drive at speed up a hill but not to over the top of a dune until you knew what was on the other side. Sometimes a dune is very steep and at the bottom ends in a sharp V. Oncc you are committted you really cannot turn. Keeping straight up and down is very important or your lower wheels can sink in with at danger of overturning.
Three Grannies on the sand dune
Yet again the jeep got stuck. The three Grannies felt it was a better use of time to sit and solve the problems of the world through talking it all out. Elsie, Jen (my sister) and Liz (Esther's mother and Zara's other Grandmother) watched as the camels went their way in the desert and the sun came up over the mountains.
This was our first morning out in the desert - still within the Emirates. We were learning how to drive on sand and settling into camp routine.
This was our first morning out in the desert - still within the Emirates. We were learning how to drive on sand and settling into camp routine.
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Chris and Zara - Dubai Beach
How well I remember those days when it was Mike and Chris walking the beaches of Cox's Bazaar (Bangladesh) hand in hand as the setting sun sank blazing into the sea. The generations move on and Elsie and I are so delighted to be grandparents to Zara. Of course she is the cutest and cleverest little thing we have ever come across!!
If she could talk you can imagine her saying to herself, "My little finger may be small but it is big enough to wrap my Daddy round and my Grandad too!!"
If she could talk you can imagine her saying to herself, "My little finger may be small but it is big enough to wrap my Daddy round and my Grandad too!!"
Sunday, October 16, 2005
4 x 4 new ship of the desert
The new Ship of the Desert is the 4 x 4. Unlike the camel it cannot survive on living plants on the surface of the desert but it thrives on dead ones that have been compressed over the centuries into oil. Toyota comes top and the Jeeps are next. Because fuel is so cheap in this part of the world desert driving is a sport.
You deflate your tires to half pressure and they balloon over the sand and don't usually dig in. Still you have to be ready at any time to dig yourself out of the clinging sand.
You deflate your tires to half pressure and they balloon over the sand and don't usually dig in. Still you have to be ready at any time to dig yourself out of the clinging sand.
Mystery of the East
The desert has strange and mysterious flowers. We are just on the edge of the desert here in Dubai. Drive out for 15 minutes from where we are living in Mirdif and we hit the sands.
Dubai is a fascinating mix of highly modern city with the endless stretch of desert beyond - behind the veil Susannah. Beyond her stretches the endless mirages of the desert eventually heating up into the barren wastes of the Empty Quarter in Saudi Arabia.
Dubai is a fascinating mix of highly modern city with the endless stretch of desert beyond - behind the veil Susannah. Beyond her stretches the endless mirages of the desert eventually heating up into the barren wastes of the Empty Quarter in Saudi Arabia.
Monday, September 12, 2005
Lyth Girls
The looks all seem to have gone with the distaff side of the family. Starting top left - Suannah, Elsie, Fiona and Alison.
At the moment three of these are running a guest house together in Dubai. Fiona joins them in three weeks so they will all be there. As if attracting flies Susannah's Dave, Fiona's Pete and Elsie's Mike will home in on Dubai in October.
At the moment three of these are running a guest house together in Dubai. Fiona joins them in three weeks so they will all be there. As if attracting flies Susannah's Dave, Fiona's Pete and Elsie's Mike will home in on Dubai in October.
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Mark and Alison
This is the first picture I have seen of Ali and Mark together. I have been told that they are still exploring the relationship and so I am not to presume. So I will not, but Dads do tend to go over the top when a daughter meets up with a man who might be significant in her life. Let us wait to see what unfolds
Saturday, September 10, 2005
Australian men!!
Alison went to Australia for her friend Heather's wedding. She went with strict instructions not to look at any Australian men, not to talk to any Australian men and under no circumstances to fall in love with one.
It looks as though she has disobeyed on all counts. I will give you a clue. He Mark may have red hair. Watch this space!!
It looks as though she has disobeyed on all counts. I will give you a clue. He Mark may have red hair. Watch this space!!
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
New Office Building by Faith
For two years we have needed a better office facility for the team I lead in Carlisle - ICT (International Coordinating Team). We have done pushed the door on a number of different possibilities, but each time have not felt the peace to press ahead.
When I had almost given up, the Lord suddenly provided a way ahead through the visit of a friend who could see it all through fresh eyes and also had the resources to help to nudge us forward. The long and the short of it is that we are hoping to purchase the building in this photo and an identical one next door. We want to move in by 1 January 2007.
When I had almost given up, the Lord suddenly provided a way ahead through the visit of a friend who could see it all through fresh eyes and also had the resources to help to nudge us forward. The long and the short of it is that we are hoping to purchase the building in this photo and an identical one next door. We want to move in by 1 January 2007.
Cadaque
As we drove along the coast we came on a fascinating little village called Cadaque. It was the stamping ground of a number of artists and authors, most notable of which would be Salvador Dali. What a lovely spot, with white horses racing across the bay. We felt so privileged to be able to enjoy it together. By this time most of the family had gone just leaving the four of us. Chris and Esther and Zara are off in Afghanistan and Fiona and Pete in Cincinnati.
The Pyrenees Coast
One day we got up in the early dawn and drove the coast road where the Pyrenees touch the Mediteranean. Glorious weather and warm water and the drive from France to Spain will live long in our memories. Try it if you are near by
Windswept heights
On this day the wind buffeted us all the way up as we ascended to the magnificent chateau high on a rocky outcrop.
P1010084
In the summer in July we had a grand gathering of about 20 of the family in the south of France in a small village called Paziol. It is a land of spectacular limestone gorgees and hills and a wonderful area for vines. The area has a fascinating history of conflict between Spain and France, hence the imposing castles on many rocky outcrops. Here is view from one of them.
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Rome
I looked up from the Colliseum and thought I was dreaming - Roman soldiers!!
Elsie and I had a wonderful week in Rome courtesy of Ryan Air which was offering tickets from Glasgow to Rome for £7 apiece.
We had a wonderful 4 days of wandering around through the very old, old, not so old (1500 AD) sights of Rome. The Sistine Chapel was the last day - wow!!
Elsie and I had a wonderful week in Rome courtesy of Ryan Air which was offering tickets from Glasgow to Rome for £7 apiece.
We had a wonderful 4 days of wandering around through the very old, old, not so old (1500 AD) sights of Rome. The Sistine Chapel was the last day - wow!!
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Chris, Esther and Zara
In an almost malicious piece of irresponsible reporting Newsweek released an article recently about blasphemous treatment of the Koran by US soldiers in Guantanamo Bay. The article gave, apparently eyewitness accounts, of Holy Korans being taken into the toilets and even of one being stuffed down a toilet. In a strongly Islamic state like Afghanistan this is red rag to a bull. There has been widespread rioting - some of it fairly close to where Chris and Esther live. They have not been able to go out much lately.
Saturday, May 14, 2005
Elsie's garden
Gardening requires lots of water - most of it in the form of perspiration. - Lou Erickson
There can be no other occupation like gardening in which, if you were to creep up behind someone at their work, you would find them smiling. ~Mirabel Osler
Elsie loves her garden and it shows!!
There can be no other occupation like gardening in which, if you were to creep up behind someone at their work, you would find them smiling. ~Mirabel Osler
Elsie loves her garden and it shows!!
Saturday, May 07, 2005
Blow by blow the Engagement - Dave K
Hey Y'all,
I wanted everyone to know that on Friday, April 29 on a sunny afternoon on a beautiful beach in NW England i asked Susannah Lyth to marry me and she said, Yes!(after a slight pause).
That is the short story, now for more of the juicy details. For some of you this may be the first you have heard that i even had a girlfriend, for others that is old news. If you call 5 months, old news that is. Yes, the relationship has moved along swiftly, swiftly and wonderfully. I can not in a few words write about these past few months but suffice to say that I fell in love with the most lovely little english lass you can imagine. I was not expecting to stay in England let alone fall in love, but love strikes in the most unexpected and strange ways. And it struck me.
On the day of our engagement, I picked her up and we drove two hours down to the SW corner of the lake district to the coast of the Irish Sea. I had made arrangements for a 2 hour horse back ride along the beach(she loves horses). When we got there they made us fill out some forms asking how much experience we all had. I checked off all the boxes saying i could trot, canter, gallop, etc. To my horror they then said they needed to give us a quick test in the ring before we set off. I ride horses once a year at Young Life camps for about an hour ride and i have no idea how to trot or anything. I started sweating, especially with 7 women looking on and me the only guy there. Susannah trotted around like a pro and then my turn came. Lets just say that i nearly lost my stirrups, lost control of my horse and bounced around all over the saddle, the guides were not impressed, Susannah had her head in her hands. After a quick change of horses, they thought it better to put me on the old steady grandpa horse, we set off to the beach. The ride was wonderful after that and we had some fantastic galloping on this beautiful beach with the tide all run out.
The ride ended back at the barn and i got one of the guides to give a treasure map i had made to Susannah. I had driven down two days before early in the morning and buried a treasure chest at the beach(i worried the whole time that someone would find it). She was wondering what the map was all about and what i was up to. She started getting a little scared at this point and needed some encouragement to follow the map. Eventually she located some landmarks and she found a white stone that "marked" the spot and started to dig. She struck the chest and after some hard digging managed to dislodge it and pull it out. At this point she was very scared but opened it anyways. Inside she found "treasure" wrapped in gold and silver paper, a bottle of Bailey's(her favorite), some gold chocolate coins, and a red piece of paper entitled 25 reasons I love Susannah. While she was reading those i took a deep breath, reached in my pocket, and went down on one knee. A look of fear shot over her face, but I knew it was now or never. I told her i loved her madly and asked her would she marry me. She covered her face with her hands and sat down on the ground and started making some incoherent noises. This carried on for several minutes while i good-naturedly kneeled, smiled and generally encouraged. She then proceeded to give me a good grilling while i kneeled there: "Have you asked my Dad?, What did he thinK?, What about my mom? What do Pete and Fio think? Do you like family? Do you want to be part of my family? What do your parents and your brothers think of me? On and on this went for several minutes. I was still smiling away but wishing she would take the ring(a little silver one i bought to propose with). Eventually i could tell she was starting to soften so i took her hand in mine. However, I managed to take the wrong hand, at which point she laughed at me and took the ring and slipped it on her left hand. The moment came so swiftly it shocked me so that i wasn't sure it was real. But in a second we were in each others arms laughing and kissing, the joy of pursuing and being found, the feeling of coming home to your place of true belonging, ah amore. What a wonderful feeling to put yourself out there on a limb with the possibility of falling and have someone catch you.
After a bit, we carried the chest to a grassy spot and she opened her treasure(a box of her favorite belgian chocolates-shells, a bottle of perfume, Bailey's, my favorite t-shirt, and lovely dress from Spain). Then we ran down to the beach to fulfill her engagement ring dream of finding a white pebble at the beach and having it set in a silver. After only about 20 min. looking she found the perfect one, which we will have set in a ring.
Then a lovely little picnic on the beach with cala lilies and roses before heading back to Scotland where her parents were waiting over at my parents house to welcome us home. We had a lovely steak dinner with champagne afterwards, lots of laughter, hugs, pictures, phone calls to family and friends and then we collapsed sunburnt and content on the couch. A lovely end to
the most fabulous of days. She found the treasure chest and I found my treasure!
I wanted everyone to know that on Friday, April 29 on a sunny afternoon on a beautiful beach in NW England i asked Susannah Lyth to marry me and she said, Yes!(after a slight pause).
That is the short story, now for more of the juicy details. For some of you this may be the first you have heard that i even had a girlfriend, for others that is old news. If you call 5 months, old news that is. Yes, the relationship has moved along swiftly, swiftly and wonderfully. I can not in a few words write about these past few months but suffice to say that I fell in love with the most lovely little english lass you can imagine. I was not expecting to stay in England let alone fall in love, but love strikes in the most unexpected and strange ways. And it struck me.
On the day of our engagement, I picked her up and we drove two hours down to the SW corner of the lake district to the coast of the Irish Sea. I had made arrangements for a 2 hour horse back ride along the beach(she loves horses). When we got there they made us fill out some forms asking how much experience we all had. I checked off all the boxes saying i could trot, canter, gallop, etc. To my horror they then said they needed to give us a quick test in the ring before we set off. I ride horses once a year at Young Life camps for about an hour ride and i have no idea how to trot or anything. I started sweating, especially with 7 women looking on and me the only guy there. Susannah trotted around like a pro and then my turn came. Lets just say that i nearly lost my stirrups, lost control of my horse and bounced around all over the saddle, the guides were not impressed, Susannah had her head in her hands. After a quick change of horses, they thought it better to put me on the old steady grandpa horse, we set off to the beach. The ride was wonderful after that and we had some fantastic galloping on this beautiful beach with the tide all run out.
The ride ended back at the barn and i got one of the guides to give a treasure map i had made to Susannah. I had driven down two days before early in the morning and buried a treasure chest at the beach(i worried the whole time that someone would find it). She was wondering what the map was all about and what i was up to. She started getting a little scared at this point and needed some encouragement to follow the map. Eventually she located some landmarks and she found a white stone that "marked" the spot and started to dig. She struck the chest and after some hard digging managed to dislodge it and pull it out. At this point she was very scared but opened it anyways. Inside she found "treasure" wrapped in gold and silver paper, a bottle of Bailey's(her favorite), some gold chocolate coins, and a red piece of paper entitled 25 reasons I love Susannah. While she was reading those i took a deep breath, reached in my pocket, and went down on one knee. A look of fear shot over her face, but I knew it was now or never. I told her i loved her madly and asked her would she marry me. She covered her face with her hands and sat down on the ground and started making some incoherent noises. This carried on for several minutes while i good-naturedly kneeled, smiled and generally encouraged. She then proceeded to give me a good grilling while i kneeled there: "Have you asked my Dad?, What did he thinK?, What about my mom? What do Pete and Fio think? Do you like family? Do you want to be part of my family? What do your parents and your brothers think of me? On and on this went for several minutes. I was still smiling away but wishing she would take the ring(a little silver one i bought to propose with). Eventually i could tell she was starting to soften so i took her hand in mine. However, I managed to take the wrong hand, at which point she laughed at me and took the ring and slipped it on her left hand. The moment came so swiftly it shocked me so that i wasn't sure it was real. But in a second we were in each others arms laughing and kissing, the joy of pursuing and being found, the feeling of coming home to your place of true belonging, ah amore. What a wonderful feeling to put yourself out there on a limb with the possibility of falling and have someone catch you.
After a bit, we carried the chest to a grassy spot and she opened her treasure(a box of her favorite belgian chocolates-shells, a bottle of perfume, Bailey's, my favorite t-shirt, and lovely dress from Spain). Then we ran down to the beach to fulfill her engagement ring dream of finding a white pebble at the beach and having it set in a silver. After only about 20 min. looking she found the perfect one, which we will have set in a ring.
Then a lovely little picnic on the beach with cala lilies and roses before heading back to Scotland where her parents were waiting over at my parents house to welcome us home. We had a lovely steak dinner with champagne afterwards, lots of laughter, hugs, pictures, phone calls to family and friends and then we collapsed sunburnt and content on the couch. A lovely end to
the most fabulous of days. She found the treasure chest and I found my treasure!
Thursday, May 05, 2005
Alison in North Afghanistan
What a wonderful joy to have Ali back after her six months of adventure in Iran. It has been perhaps the toughest assignment of her life but she has come through it, and come through it well. Elsie and I are proud of her.
Here she is in northern Afghanistan en route to England.
Now she stays in Carlisle for six months or so until she and Susannah and Elsie head for Dubai to run the Guest House for September and October.
Here she is in northern Afghanistan en route to England.
Now she stays in Carlisle for six months or so until she and Susannah and Elsie head for Dubai to run the Guest House for September and October.
Engaged!!
Dave and Susannah very much in love and looking forward to a wedding in December.
Dave leaves next week for 5 months in the USA where he will work to prepare a nest. In the next few days many things have to fall into place - already the Lord seems to be making the divine appointments that make it possible.
- Hall and caterers for the reception
- A Church Minister who knows the ropes
- A Church which is just perfect and is just down the road.
God is good.
Dave leaves next week for 5 months in the USA where he will work to prepare a nest. In the next few days many things have to fall into place - already the Lord seems to be making the divine appointments that make it possible.
- Hall and caterers for the reception
- A Church Minister who knows the ropes
- A Church which is just perfect and is just down the road.
God is good.
Friday, April 29, 2005
Zara looking up
Chris and Esther just sent this to us and we couldn't resist putting it up. Do you think it would win a prize??
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Susannah and Dave
Elsie and I don't know where this is going but these two are very close. Dave Kretzschmar and Susannah met late last year and relationships came together at Christmas. Within a couple of weeks Dave is due to head off to the USA for 4 months to do firefighting in the backwoods of some National park. We will keep you posted.
Wow!! They did it!!!
Friday 29 April the Engagement!!!
Wow!! They did it!!!
Friday 29 April the Engagement!!!
Monday, April 18, 2005
Breakfast on the Verandah in Kabul
The freezing weather was gradually thawing during the first week and by the end breakfast on the verandah became possible. Aunty Carol loved her chance at visiting a country she has prayed for so long.
The buds were just beginning to show promise on the fruit trees in the garden.
The buds were just beginning to show promise on the fruit trees in the garden.
Zara and the books
Zara is so responsive. What a joy to visit Chris and Esther in their home in Kabul. They are digging into the tongue challenging Dari a couple of hours a day. We had a good bit of time with Zara and she responded in a grandparent-gratifying fashion. At night we handed her back!!
Biggest, tallest, most expensive - Dubai
Dubai is a city of superlatives. A few years ago it was a pearl fishing village out in the desert although on a trading route. From early days it was duty and tax free. Now it boasts 'two thirds of the construction cranes in the world' (no sure if I believe that.
It has the only 7* hotal in the world Al Burj. Quite a contrast to Kabul anyway
It has the only 7* hotal in the world Al Burj. Quite a contrast to Kabul anyway
Sunday, April 17, 2005
Dubai Visit
I am not sure if it is best to go to Dubai before or after visiting Kabul. Anyhow Elsie and I spent 4 days in our friends' house in Dubai in the lap of luxury. I think the house they rent belongs to one of the Sheikhs. This will be the house that Elsie, Ali and Susannah will run for 2 months in September and October, so it was a scouting trip for Elsie.
I had SERVE Board Meetings over that time and so was fairly busy. What a privilege to be involved with such a great bunch of people who really are making the difference. An Afghan proverb says 'one drop at a time a river is made'.
I had SERVE Board Meetings over that time and so was fairly busy. What a privilege to be involved with such a great bunch of people who really are making the difference. An Afghan proverb says 'one drop at a time a river is made'.
Sunday, March 13, 2005
Wild Tales on the long trail
Here it is from Kipling
It's North you may run to the rime-ringed sun,
Or South to the blind Horn's hate;
Or East all the way into Mississippi Bay,
Or West to the Golden Gate;
Where the blindest bluffs hold good, dear lass,
And the wildest tales are true,
And the men bulk big on the old trail, our own trail, the out trail,
And life runs large on the Long Trail -- the trail that is always new.
It's North you may run to the rime-ringed sun,
Or South to the blind Horn's hate;
Or East all the way into Mississippi Bay,
Or West to the Golden Gate;
Where the blindest bluffs hold good, dear lass,
And the wildest tales are true,
And the men bulk big on the old trail, our own trail, the out trail,
And life runs large on the Long Trail -- the trail that is always new.
Preparing for Afghanistan Trip
Elsie and I are heading out on the 'Long Trail' to Afghanistan next Saturday 19th March.
'And it's time to turn on the old trail, our own trail, the out trail,
Pull out, pull out, on the Long Trail -- the trail that is always new'.
Our first stop is Dubai for a SERVE Board Meeting and then over to Kabul for 10 days or so, heading back on 02 April. We are so looking forward to being with Chris, Esther and Zara in Kabul. Language study is going well there, I was actually able to greet Chris in Dari a few minutes ago on the phone and he responded.
'And it's time to turn on the old trail, our own trail, the out trail,
Pull out, pull out, on the Long Trail -- the trail that is always new'.
Our first stop is Dubai for a SERVE Board Meeting and then over to Kabul for 10 days or so, heading back on 02 April. We are so looking forward to being with Chris, Esther and Zara in Kabul. Language study is going well there, I was actually able to greet Chris in Dari a few minutes ago on the phone and he responded.
Dad and Mum - Walking in the Light
During this time as a District Commissioner Dad felt cold towards the Lord and too reliant on his own abilities. A visit to Uganda brought him to repentance. Here it is again from his diary.
We always rather despised revival language and “techniques” in Ruanda, and yet we wanted the blessing! Then in the 1949 down there God met and blessed us (through an accident to my hand) and brought us into a new place of blessing with each other and the children, and we returned to the Sudan with a new testimony of God’s forgiveness and of our getting right with each other and “walking in the light” together.
And then we found to our amazement, that this was what God had been waiting for, and he began to work in powerful ways in the lives of very many – amongst our servants, police, civilian staff, and missionaries and their school, children and people, and hundreds of lives were touched by the Spirit of God. Restoration was made of things stolen, relationships were put right, confessions were made (even one of murder) and there was very much joy.District Commissioner - Southern Sudan
After the war in 1945 Dad took over administration of a chunk of the wilds of Southern Sudan about 30,000 square miles. He set up a police force to discourage slave raiding and gun running. Here is a brief insight from his diary .
War in Southern Sudan
His active life starts in the Southern Sudan as a mission teacher in December 1938. Then came the war and the Italians invaded Ethiopia and started moving towards the Sudan. Almost immediately, without consulting the mission leaders he signed up with the Sudan Defence Force.
Dad at Oxford
Then it was up to Oxford to Read Logic (a major influence throughout his life) and English and Military History,
From the diary again
‘I joined Oxford Christian Union at once and the next 3 years were immensely formative – through the gifted speakers, mission breakfasts, daily prayer meetings, evangelistic services and missions, Sunday school teaching at a little local chapel. The close fellowship with other Christians in college.
Endless 4 feet-on-the-mantelpiece talks far into the night. Serious study of the Bible. Very little time for work. Graciously used by the Lord to bring fellow-students to Him.
Dad's Diary - First Meeting with Jesus
At 16 he met up with the challenge of Christ. Here it is from his diary when he went on a camp on the Norfolk Broads.
Saw vital Christian life and witness really for the first time I heard the challenge of Christ upon my life. He helped me to open my heart to Him and surrender my life to Him. (I’d been a bad lad and getting worse – proud, deceitful, moody, bad tempered.) Life took on completely new meaning.
It was an encounter with Christ which changed Dad for ever.
Dad Goes t o Glory
Here is what I wrote as brief account for the papers
Richard Edward Lyth – Dick as he was known to his friends (Aged 88) went with rejoicing on 18 February to meet the Lord Jesus whom he has served so long and so faithfully. Death hasn’t got a lot of sting when you have lived as Dick lived. He packed 8 separate careers into one life - from soldiering along the wild areas of Eastern Sudan during the war to becoming a Bishop in Uganda when they wanted a new diocese set up. In Sudan - Teacher, Soldier, District Commissioner. In England -Farmer, Church Minister. In Uganda – Headmaster, Pioneering Head of a Rural Development project, Bishop and then a heart attack. He filled the years after his heart attack with wise patient ministry to ordinary people. He didn’t have much time for pomp and ceremony and always loved to be out meeting people where they were.
We who are left behind - Nora your wife, four children, 16 grandchildren, four great grandchildren have been immensely enriched through your life. So here’s to you Dick Lyth - we will meet you soon in the great Resurrection.
Monday, February 07, 2005
Grandman has another stroke
We just had a phone call to say that my Dad, Grandman as we all call him, has just a a more serious stroke and has been taken to hospital. This time he is paralysed down his right side. He has been so courageous in the years since he had his first stroke which took some of his ability to express himself clearly. We hardly ever talk without his mentioning his thankfulness to God. What a man.
Dad and Mum have done us nothing but good all of our lives. What a heritage!! What a blessing!! We are praying that in all of this they will be given peace. They are both ready to go to be with the Master they have served and loved so long.
Dad and Mum have done us nothing but good all of our lives. What a heritage!! What a blessing!! We are praying that in all of this they will be given peace. They are both ready to go to be with the Master they have served and loved so long.
Thursday, February 03, 2005
Chris and Esther Land in Kabul
It is with mixed emotions that we hear that Chris and Esther and baby Zara have arrived in Kabul. On the one hand Elsie and I are delighted that they are there, since it is the fulfilment of the Lord's call on their lives. On the other is the almost inevitable feeling of parents as they watch their loved ones move far away into a dangerous situations. God bless them and make them a blessing
Thursday, January 20, 2005
Chris and Esther Prepare to Go to Afghanistan
Chris and Esther and Zara are in Germany at a Go Conference. They head out to Afghanistan at the end of the month.
Monday, January 17, 2005
Ali back to Iran alone
Alison headed back to the tough situation she faces in Iran with no complaint. She is on her own there in Tehran as I write this, hoping that Maria will get her visa to come out to accompany her down to Bam where they are working. It is not really wise for Ali to go on her own into that situation on her own. Trying to get visas through the bureacracy and active opposition in Tehran is not easy.
We are praying that the Lord will give tremendous wisdom and courage to her in a rather lonely situation.
We are praying that the Lord will give tremendous wisdom and courage to her in a rather lonely situation.
6 Feet of Muddy Water, Sewage and Deisel
The mixture of muddy water, sewage and deisel left a slippery, smelly tangle of 2 caravans, a bus, 30 televisions, 500 feet of cable, 200 audio sets and large numbers of audio and video tapes.
15 of us got together on Saturday to scrape, spraywash, re-spraywash and re-re-praywash our huge warehouse with all its equipment. We accomplished a huge amount but still have 400 chairs to clean and an insurance mess to clear up. We estimate around £70,000 pounds of damage was caused even though we managed to save the most valuable equipment. We would value prayer for a reasonable deal with the insurance company.
15 of us got together on Saturday to scrape, spraywash, re-spraywash and re-re-praywash our huge warehouse with all its equipment. We accomplished a huge amount but still have 400 chairs to clean and an insurance mess to clear up. We estimate around £70,000 pounds of damage was caused even though we managed to save the most valuable equipment. We would value prayer for a reasonable deal with the insurance company.
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
My colleague Brian's account of saving A/V equipment
After a night of hurricane force winds and heavy rain this past Friday, Carlisle experienced the worst flooding it has seen in nearly 200 years.I received a phone call from Ian, a fellow OMer, at 4:20 Saturday morning asking me if I could come down to the garage where we store our AV equipment including our broadcast truck, bus, and other AV conference equipment because it was being flooded. When Isaac and I got there the police had the road blocked off because about 1'-2' of water was rushing across the road. The police allowed us to park. Ian already had pulled the bus out of the garage. Thankfully, because our AV team was preparing to leave on Tuesday for a conference in Germany, they already had most of the equipment loaded in the vehicles. We were able to drive the bus and truck to higher ground.
When Isaac and I got back to the garage the water had risen to over 1' in the garage and about 2' outside in the street. We had to wade throught the freezing water to get in. We then moved as much equipment as we could, but a lot of it was already ruined.As Isaac and I were coming out of the garage and crossing the street I fell face first off the curb (which was underwater of course) and into the street, twisting my ankle. The water was freezing and I was completely soaked. I hobbled back to the car thinking the injury wasn't too bad. But actually, I couldn't feel it at all because our feet had been in freezing water for over an hour. After warming up, I found I had a golfball sized lump on my ankle and couldn't move it.All of Carlisle lost power Saturday morning shortly after the flooding began. Our power finally came back on this afternoon (Monday), but there are still homes without power.
Many homes and businesses have been flooded with anywhere between 4' and 5' of water. At least 4 of our team member's homes have been flooded, but they chose to stay on their upstairs floors instead of being evacuated, which involved going through chest-deep freezing water.Thankfully, our OM office has been untouched, as was our house because we live on higher ground. Please pray for our team members and the clean-up that still needs to be done. Also, the weather forecast predicts more heavy rain Tuesday evening with winds gusting up to 70 - 90 mph. If you want to see more pictures of the flood, go to www.bbc.co.uk/cumbria
When Isaac and I got back to the garage the water had risen to over 1' in the garage and about 2' outside in the street. We had to wade throught the freezing water to get in. We then moved as much equipment as we could, but a lot of it was already ruined.As Isaac and I were coming out of the garage and crossing the street I fell face first off the curb (which was underwater of course) and into the street, twisting my ankle. The water was freezing and I was completely soaked. I hobbled back to the car thinking the injury wasn't too bad. But actually, I couldn't feel it at all because our feet had been in freezing water for over an hour. After warming up, I found I had a golfball sized lump on my ankle and couldn't move it.All of Carlisle lost power Saturday morning shortly after the flooding began. Our power finally came back on this afternoon (Monday), but there are still homes without power.
Many homes and businesses have been flooded with anywhere between 4' and 5' of water. At least 4 of our team member's homes have been flooded, but they chose to stay on their upstairs floors instead of being evacuated, which involved going through chest-deep freezing water.Thankfully, our OM office has been untouched, as was our house because we live on higher ground. Please pray for our team members and the clean-up that still needs to be done. Also, the weather forecast predicts more heavy rain Tuesday evening with winds gusting up to 70 - 90 mph. If you want to see more pictures of the flood, go to www.bbc.co.uk/cumbria
Monday, January 10, 2005
Carlisle Flooded
The phone rang early on Saturday morning in Cambridge where we were staying and it was Brian Doub, in charge of Communications for OM Internationally. ringing from Carlisle. 'Have you heard what has been happening. Floods have hit Carlisle. Brian had been wading through waist deep water to rescue Audio Visual equipment as the floods swirled around him.
We finally got back last night to Carlisle and are still in a dark house though we have gas.
Here is the news we have just sent out from OM.
'The flooding that hit Carlisle this weekend made international news in a
number of countries, so we thought we should update you on the
situation. It has certainly been an intense couple of days with the
worst flooding in Carlisle for many years. Most houses in the city were
without electricity for 2 days and there are still some areas which are
yet to be reconnected to the electrical supply.
At least 4 of our team households were flooded out and are now dealing
with the clean-up process of their ground-floor rooms. Some roads in
Carlisle are still closed and not everybody has been able to get to the
office today.
The garage where OMNIVision stores all their AV equipment was flooded.
Fortunately staff managed to do a hasty rescue operation and get the AV
bus and truck out onto higher ground at about 4am Saturday morning.
However, we have lost some equipment to water damage.
We are pleased to report that the ICT office itself was not affected by
the water, nobody in the team here was hurt and we are in good spirits.
The flood waters around the city are receding and things are gradually
getting back to normal. It may take a few days to get back to normal
operation, especially for those who are dealing with flooded homes, so
please be patient if it appears some things are not happening as quickly
as is usual.'
I am working on coordinating clean up and trying to make sure all of the team is doing OK. More later!!
We finally got back last night to Carlisle and are still in a dark house though we have gas.
Here is the news we have just sent out from OM.
'The flooding that hit Carlisle this weekend made international news in a
number of countries, so we thought we should update you on the
situation. It has certainly been an intense couple of days with the
worst flooding in Carlisle for many years. Most houses in the city were
without electricity for 2 days and there are still some areas which are
yet to be reconnected to the electrical supply.
At least 4 of our team households were flooded out and are now dealing
with the clean-up process of their ground-floor rooms. Some roads in
Carlisle are still closed and not everybody has been able to get to the
office today.
The garage where OMNIVision stores all their AV equipment was flooded.
Fortunately staff managed to do a hasty rescue operation and get the AV
bus and truck out onto higher ground at about 4am Saturday morning.
However, we have lost some equipment to water damage.
We are pleased to report that the ICT office itself was not affected by
the water, nobody in the team here was hurt and we are in good spirits.
The flood waters around the city are receding and things are gradually
getting back to normal. It may take a few days to get back to normal
operation, especially for those who are dealing with flooded homes, so
please be patient if it appears some things are not happening as quickly
as is usual.'
I am working on coordinating clean up and trying to make sure all of the team is doing OK. More later!!
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Christmas Get together in Sussex
Forty of the family piled in together to a school in Staplefield in Sussex for Christmas. What a gathering!! I think it could be the last time that I (Mike), Dave, Jen and Sue and their spouses and all the children and even grandchildren were together in one place. We had huge games of Settlers, grand discussions of the way the world is, sharing of hopes for the future and praying for one another.
It was just so wonderful and we were able to share it with other families and individuals that we invited along with us. Esther's parents were there and it was a first for us to have our grandchild Zara with us. History was made in her presence and in my Granny and Grandman's (my parents') 60th wedding anniversary. We had a grand celebration time with projected photos of the our younger years and stories of the past. God is so good and many praises went up.
It was just so wonderful and we were able to share it with other families and individuals that we invited along with us. Esther's parents were there and it was a first for us to have our grandchild Zara with us. History was made in her presence and in my Granny and Grandman's (my parents') 60th wedding anniversary. We had a grand celebration time with projected photos of the our younger years and stories of the past. God is so good and many praises went up.
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