Lyth Family News

Elsie new business

2011-03-26T03:12:00.001-07:00

Elsie just bought a new van here in Malaysia for her business

The old and the new in Shanghai

2010-04-25T00:19:00.000-07:00

Modern fashionable Shanghai

2010-04-25T00:18:00.000-07:00

Ragamuffins or phychotics forbidden

2010-04-25T00:16:00.000-07:00

I am so glad that we were not classified as ragamuffins or phsychotics

Inside the Government built church

2010-04-25T00:10:00.000-07:00

Chinese police can be really friendly. This was taken a week before the church opened in Suzhou

Pagoda dumplings

2010-04-25T00:09:00.000-07:00

'Outer sell' is the same as 'Drive through' or 'Take away'. You queue endlessly unless you can get in to the sit down area. We were VIP's from the UK and so got a seat.

2010-04-25T00:04:00.000-07:00

Delicious chinese dumplings. Go to the Pagoda if you are ever in Shanghai

Dramatic pose

2010-04-25T00:03:00.000-07:00

People are still getting married.

Canals everywhere

2010-04-25T00:02:00.000-07:00

Notices are great

2010-04-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

Some of the notices are wonderful. I was left somewhat confused about 'no spitting and public toilets are available'

Church in Suzhou built by Goverment!!

2010-04-24T23:57:00.000-07:00

2010-04-24T23:56:00.000-07:00

Candy art

2010-04-24T23:55:00.000-07:00

2010-04-24T23:54:00.000-07:00

Suzhou is sometimes called the venice of China with lots of canals and old bridges. We saw a lot of tourists but all of them Chinese from different parts of China.

2010-04-24T23:51:00.000-07:00

Elsie in China in April. It was her first visit and a fascinating eye opener on this amazing country.

Grandfather Dave imparting counsel

2009-10-27T23:26:00.000-07:00

Granny Elsie with 3 grandchildren

2009-10-27T23:25:00.000-07:00

Big cousin Zara

2009-10-27T23:24:00.000-07:00

Zara was immensely proud at being the big cousin.

Zara was really worried one day and approached Granny Elsie. "I am so worried Granny Elsie."
"Why whatever is the matter Zara?"
"What happens if I get big and I have triplets? I will only have two boobs and I won't know what to do."

The things that go through a five year old's mind!!

2 arms 2 babies

2009-10-27T23:20:00.000-07:00

Skin to skin

2009-10-27T23:19:00.000-07:00

Dad Hicks

2009-10-27T23:18:00.000-07:00

The Proud Mum

2009-10-27T23:17:00.000-07:00

Tired but triumphant. What a miracle new life is.

2009-10-27T23:16:00.000-07:00

The midwife was great and so delighted at the safe delivery. The care that the NHS has given pre and post delivery makes us immensely thankful for this amazing service where so many serve with real delight in what they do.

Nishta Alya Hicks

2009-10-27T23:14:00.000-07:00

20 minutes later another cry and Nishta Alya Hicks entered the world. The second twin often has some complications and suffers a level of shock. Nishta did somewhat but within half an hour was back with us from the special care room.

The first cry

2009-10-27T23:11:00.000-07:00

It was a real family gathering in the hospital waiting room. Only Susannah and Dave were missing of our kids. Mike, Elsie, Ewout, Ali, Esther, (Chris looking after the kids) Dave Hicks (Pete's father and long term friend of ours) Cathy in the delivery room. The nurse came into "My goodness!! A cast of thousands!!"

We were all agog waiting for the first sound of a newborn's wail. Suddenly it was there. "It's a girl!!" Tears flowed and a little while later proud father Pete walked through the door holding Alana Joy Hicks.

2009-10-27T23:04:00.000-07:00

Well here is the promise of things to come. Fiona is just about ready to pop after 8 months of growing twins. Boys? Girls? Boy and Girl. We look forward to God's gift to us.

We are so thankful to God for His care for us. Fiona began to develop complications in Mussoorie in North India. She was 13 hours by road from the nearest decent hospital. By God's grace she was able to make that journey and then the flight back to the UK. I was highly relieved to see her come through the door at Newcastle Airport.

Now it is a few months on and all is prepared.

2009-05-18T08:48:00.000-07:00

Pastor Hsi (sitting) married Stanley Smith and his Norwegian bride Sophie de Reuter in Shansi province in China.

Cigar in a pipe

2009-05-18T08:39:00.000-07:00

Earthquake temporay school

2009-05-18T08:33:00.000-07:00

We build a school to replace one that had collapsed.

Years of experience

2009-05-18T08:29:00.000-07:00

2009-05-18T07:23:00.000-07:00

Earthquake May 2008

2009-05-18T07:22:00.000-07:00

In May 2008 there was a massive earthquake. We got involved and worked with 300 believers from all over China in rebuilding schools and homes.

2009-05-18T07:01:00.000-07:00

Suzhou

2009-05-18T06:59:00.000-07:00

Suzhou - Venince of China

2009-05-18T06:57:00.000-07:00

Cambridge 7

2009-05-18T06:56:00.000-07:00

Back row on the right is Stanley Peregrine Smith. It has been a joy to begin to be involved with China following the footsteps of those who have gone before. Stanley Smith and other friends from Cambridge went out to China to join Hudson Taylor in inland China.

2008-12-10T08:01:00.000-08:00

2008-12-10T06:26:00.000-08:00

2008-12-10T06:23:00.000-08:00

2008-12-10T06:21:00.000-08:00

2008-12-10T06:19:00.000-08:00

Ewout sees Ali for the first time - 'Wow!!'

2008-12-10T06:17:00.000-08:00

The Bride prepares

2008-12-10T06:16:00.000-08:00

The hairdresser begins to work her magic. Ali's wedding day dawns.

To Rio or Tahitia - the choice

2008-07-31T05:19:00.000-07:00

Pete

Dave with visions of the Southern Ocean

2008-07-31T05:16:00.000-07:00

Early morning on board with Granny Elsie

2008-07-31T05:13:00.000-07:00

Relaxing by the swimming pool

2008-07-31T05:09:00.000-07:00

Richard and water mix well

2008-07-31T05:08:00.000-07:00

Eyes only for eachother!!

2008-07-31T05:07:00.000-07:00

Ali and Ewout

Fethiye Gocek Bay

2008-07-31T05:06:00.000-07:00

Fiona

2008-07-31T05:05:00.000-07:00

Biker kids

2008-07-31T05:03:00.000-07:00

Pete and Fiona on their day out together.

Towed behind the boat

2008-07-31T05:01:00.000-07:00

Early morning in a Turkish Bay

2008-07-31T04:59:00.000-07:00

All the gang

2008-07-31T04:58:00.000-07:00

Scooter buddies

2008-07-31T04:57:00.000-07:00

Hey Grandad, do you want to go to town with me on the scooter?

Captain Richard walks the plank

2008-07-31T04:54:00.000-07:00

The boom, actually.

Makena

2008-07-31T04:53:00.000-07:00

Captain Richard giving orders

2008-07-31T04:52:00.000-07:00

Dr Norman Sharp

2008-07-31T04:50:00.000-07:00

Uncle Norman's Church in Shiraz

2008-07-31T04:49:00.000-07:00

Chris and Esther visited Iran on their way to Turkeyand were able to drop in on Shiraz. My great uncle Norman (Dr Norman Sharp)build thischurch which is still being used. He was a Persian scholar loved Iran passionately.It is fascinating that three of the family have now worked there --

I was there in 1968 to 1970,
My brother Dave was therelater on until the arrival of the Khomeini regime.
Ali worked there in Bam a couple of years ago.

Now Zara and Richard walk where their great great great uncle used to walk.

3 sons-in-law

2008-07-31T04:42:00.000-07:00

It was rather thrilling looking into the bow and seeing the 3 Sons in law in the bow sharing their experiences. Ewout is strictly not yet a son-in-lawbut he is rapidly heading in that direction. I think he was getting some tips on how to handle a Lyth girl!

Who knows what God's plans are for these three families.

Top speed

2008-07-31T04:39:00.000-07:00

I think she must just have looked down and noticed that we were doing 8 knots!!

The Four

2008-07-31T04:37:00.000-07:00

Susannah was at the helm when we did our fastest speed on a glorious broad reach (that means with the wind coming from the side!!).

For those who had not sailed much before this was a wonderful introductionto sailing with some good winds at times when we had to shorten sail somewhat.

Skpper Chris

2008-07-31T04:33:00.000-07:00

Skipper Chris at the wheel of the good ship Makena. 13 hours overnight on a bus from Istanbul took us to Fethiye on the Mediterranean. There we picke up the yacht Makena which would sleep 8 of us at a pinch. Ewout was in the central area where we ate. We collapsed the dining room table down and is "dining-room" table. Chris in true Skipper fashion slept next to the wheel.

Beauty in Istanbul

2008-07-31T03:57:00.000-07:00

Wow!! They must take after their mother.

Asian Stars from the roof

2008-07-31T03:55:00.000-07:00

Mother and daughter lie out on the roof looking up at the Asian stars and talking about the inevitable subject - Ali's upcoming wedding to Ewout in October.

Looking at Europe from Asia

2008-07-31T03:51:00.000-07:00

Our flight took us via Amsterdam to Istanbul. For three days we stayed in Istanbul on the Asian side and had this view over the Bosporus towards Europe. We saw all the famous sites that time would allow - the Palance, the Blue Mosque among others. The legs and brain seem to become drained of energy after a few hours of slow meandering around. Somehow it is less wearying to walk briskly. Maybe I am just not such a museum person.

A toast in rare Port

2008-06-16T13:22:00.000-07:00

A couple of years ago a friend gave me a bottle of port that was first put into casks in the late 1800s. I made a mental promise that this woiuld be drunk in celebration of the engagement of the last of our girls - Alison.

This port has effectively spanned parts of all 3 centuries 1800s - 1900s -2000s.

We celebrated God's goodness to us as a family with this toast with rare and rich wine. It was only a tiny glass for each of us but wonderful. We were so glad to have Pete and Fiona visiting with us for the weekend. We celebrated together the promise of Ewout's joining of our family. Just a little of the Port will be saved for when we meet with Dave and Susannah and Chris and Esther in a couple of weeks.

Our hearts are full.

Ewout van Ooosten

2008-06-16T13:13:00.000-07:00

On Saturday night Ewout van Oosten sat with me in our dining room and asked for the hand of our last remaining unmarried daughter!!! I felt honoured to be asked and I was delighted to be able to give my very willing permission. Here at last is the man who could capture my daughters elusive heart. On Sunday they were walking back from church through the buttercup fields that look out towards the Pennines. "Alison Rachel Lyth - will you marry me. " The Dutch are delightfully direct and Ewout no exception.

Ewout and Ali met at an OM conference in Germany in early March and the sparks began to fly almost immediately. They have met often and spoken for many, many hours on Skype across the Atlantic. This finally culminated yesterday in the proposal.

Ewout works with youth from disadvantaged backgrounds in Delft in Holland. It is a pioneer work and very much appreciated by the authorities in Delft as well as by the Churches. He is highly respected and is doing a wonderful work.

The plan is that Ali will join him and concentrate first on getting into Dutch culture and language. Ewout has started her off by buying an orange football jersey. We have all been cheering for Dutch victory in the football. Of course this is made somewhat easier by the fact that the English team was knocked out before the competition ever started.

This momentous intervention throws a spanner in the works of Ali's plans to go the USA. Of course God in his wisdom had not allowed here to get a visa for the USA and so she had a feeling of frustration over that great delay. Now it all becomes clear.

Mike and Elsie in Kabul

2008-05-18T07:28:00.000-07:00

I (Elsie) have been back home in Carlisle for the past 2 weeks and it's good to be home again, although our time in Kabul was a wonderful, wonderful time. As you can see from the favourite stories , cooking and baking together, visiting with friends, team meetings, lots of play time following photos, my time was spent with Chris and Esther and the children most of the time. We had, great times to talk together, etc.

Techno babe watches "Sound of Music"

2008-05-18T07:09:00.000-07:00

Up in the tree house

2008-05-18T07:07:00.000-07:00

Granddad into activity books...

2008-05-18T07:06:00.000-07:00

Story time

2008-05-18T07:05:00.000-07:00

Hurrah for Chocolate!

2008-05-18T07:03:00.000-07:00

2008-05-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

As we drove past these destroyed buildings, Zara coined a new phrase - "that sad building has been Talibanned!"

Afghan Rebel Chief??

2008-04-18T04:06:00.000-07:00

Jenny Thornton accompanied us to run a programme for the children during the Serve Retreat. It went down very well indeed. She will forever be known to the kids as 'Sausage' her nickname given her by the kids.

Here she is getting into the Afghan mood in the thin sunshine of Kabul. The heat of the summer is still a bit of a dream.

The Hammock is a favourite

2008-04-18T04:00:00.000-07:00

Chris Richard and Zara in the hammock in the garden in Kabul. Life sometimes seems very normal. and at other times it is crazy.

Granny Elsie to Afghanistan

2008-04-18T03:56:00.000-07:00

We have just had, or should I say are having, the most wonderful time with the Grandchildren. Elsie and I went over to Afghanistan to be with the SERVE team for the Board Meeting, and of course to see the grandchildren and Chris and Esther of course. We have had a wonderful time reconnecting and getting to know afresh these little creatures.

Granny Elsie is a particular favourite and has been able to stay on in Kabul for almost an extra month. Here she is with Richard

In the middle of our time there we went over to Tajikistan to spend time with the serve team at their retreat. Elsie was one of the speakers and was a great blessing. We feel very humbled mixing with these folk who are really in a tough situation and yet remain cheerful and thankful in the midst of difficulty

Important decisions on Software

2008-01-19T13:51:00.000-08:00

As I write this Elsie and I are at present in the Georgia USA at the in Atlanta OM USA headquarters. I am part of a team that is looking at the possible purchase of new software for the whole organization. Over the years we have spent an enormous amount of effort writing our own software called Petra and Caleb. Petra has been written to handle local administration (active in 100 sites across the world); and Caleb, based on the web, where we share information from all over the world. This a very important issue and has the potential to give us huge advances in functionality. However it can also be a divisive decision time. The solution, if not implemented properly, could cause great harm to unity and functionality. I am so very conscious that it is only the Lord that can give us the wisdom to make right decisions. Please stand with me as I give leadership in this area. As I look back over the last 15 years of effort to help OM (working in 100 countries) move ahead together. I frequently marvel at the good decisions the Lord has enabled us to make. Every time he brings in the right people with the relevant skills and experience to move us ahead. This morning I had breakfast with a man who was with OM in Iran over 30 years ago. He has almost exactly the relevant skills and experience needed to help us to implement a major direction change such as we are contemplating. He is now coming available to leave what he is doing to help us. He is delighted at the prospect. How does God do all this. Truly we are dependent on his power and foresight. I love it.

We have taken the opportunity while here in the US to have Christmas up in the Smokey Mountains in North Carolina and had an amazing time with our three girls, Alison, Fiona and Pete and assorted husbands and in laws. You can see photos on our blog at www.lythnews.blogspot.com . We feel very rich in our children and their love and fun. As we look ahead we wonder if some of our time in the years ahead may have to be spent this side of the Atlantic. Of course as soon as we start thinking that Dave and Susannah (www.kretchies.blogspot.com/ ) head off to India for six months to work with rescued underage prostitutes. Chris and Esther (www.centralasiafamily.blogspot.com ) continue in Afghanistan with our two grandchildren Zara and Richard. Life there becomes increasingly uncertain with frequent suicide bombings and kidnappings. Alison is planning to join OM USA this year and will launch a ‘women’s advocacy’ programme where she speaks up for the needs of the marginalized women of the world among the wealthy women of the USA. This is a new adventure and she looks ahead to enabling women in

We will be back in the UK at the end of January. Elsie will have been away for nearly two months. Now that we don’t have children at home we tend to be more on the road together. It is wonderful. Thanks so much for praying - those who do.

The joy of skype and a webcam

2007-12-30T08:44:00.000-08:00

The picture may be dim and the sound sometimes a bit patchy, but it is amazing to see Zara and Richard and Chris and Esther in Kabul while we sit in a fire warmed room in the Smoky mountains in North Caroline. Modern technology may bring with it a host of problems, but for those of us called to the far reaches ot the earth the Internet is a life saver and an enricher.

Zara is quite astonishing in her grasp of English, clear enunciation and enough of an attention span to delight Granny Elsie and Grandad Mike, and from this picture, a whole lot of others.

Fio, Pete and Andrew

2007-12-28T14:07:00.000-08:00

Pete and Fiona with Andrew. Pete and Fiona are going on well in Cincinnati, delighted to have finished working on their latest Aradhna worship CD, and thankful to have some time off to catch their breath before heading out on tour once again.

The girls together

2007-12-28T13:59:00.000-08:00

The girls love getting together even though it doesn't happen often enough!

Dave and Sus

2007-12-28T13:57:00.000-08:00

Dave and Sus with us before heading off to India for 6 months to work with Freedom Firm up in the Nilgiri Hills. They are doing so well and we had a great time together. They are so looking forward to this next big adventure in their lives.

Our Christmas Hosts

2007-12-28T13:55:00.000-08:00

Marc and Penny Kretzschmar have been our hosts over the holidays and what a superb job they have done!

Our Christmas Home

2007-12-28T13:51:00.000-08:00

Here in the Smokey Mountains we are spending our days over Christmas with the girls in this lovely mountain cabin. The Lord blessed us with wonderful snow on Christmas day!! Great snowball battles and the building of a snowman...

Lovely tree and fire

2007-12-28T13:44:00.000-08:00

Some of the joys of our lovely cabin...

2007-12-28T13:37:00.000-08:00

Views like this met us everywhere on our walks...s

2007-12-28T13:36:00.000-08:00

Walks high up on mountain paths were also spectacular.

Ali and Fio

2007-12-28T13:34:00.000-08:00

Walks down by raging rivers were part of our time together

Christmas with the girls

2007-12-28T13:27:00.000-08:00

What a joy for Mike and me to spend Christmas with the girls, their husbands and the Kretzschmar family up in a wonderful Smokey Mountain cabin. Here is Elsie and the girls with their appropriate headdress as "mountain women"

The proud Dad

2007-12-28T13:20:00.000-08:00

Here is Chris with his little son! Amazing that 4 little children had 7 adults working full time, but none of us were complaining at all! We loved every minute of being together!

What a pair!

2007-12-28T13:17:00.000-08:00

Esther and Rich

Granddad's duties

2007-12-28T13:16:00.000-08:00

Here is our dear little Richard taking his Granddad for a walk! We had 9 wonderful days with Chris and Esther and the family, along with Frank and Liz Guinness and Esther's sister, Lucy and her family, in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Richard was taking his first steps and trying to say a few words - wonderful times!!

Gulf Dancing Girl cousins

2007-12-28T13:10:00.000-08:00

Zara, Chris and Esther's oldest and her cousin spent the time waiting in the restaurant in Dubai entertaining the guests.

The Real Work

2007-12-28T12:47:00.000-08:00

Looking at some of the picture all seems to be play. Of course most of our time is taken with hard work. I seem to spend a huge amount of almost every day spent in meetings. I guess you get to a stage where a lot of the work is actually enabling others to get on with their work and helping them to be effective.

I have 4 major responsibilities

Finance
Information Technology
Financial Development
Communications

In each of these areas our job is to look at the whole of OM and to attempt to see coordination of a common direction and also to provide services that are best provided internationally. I work with a team in each of these areas. Many things have been accomplished but we could be so much more effective.

2007-12-28T12:45:00.000-08:00

Over Ullswater

2007-12-28T12:44:00.000-08:00

Sheep photos 2007

2007-12-28T12:43:00.000-08:00

I was asked by a friend to take photos for a new line of wool carpets he was launching. Here are one or two.