Friday, 27 May 2022

Remembering the Glory of God

As many of you may know, last weekend I was given the opportunity to join a Slovene choir for a one off event. We sang a new composition of the Magnificat in the Philharmonic Concert Hall in Ljubljana. It was a lot of work but also an amazing opportunity. Of course it wasn't a Christian event or Christian choir but I still felt amazing joy in being able to join in Mary's song. 

This week I have also been able to lift my voice in song and praise in a different context. I'm currently sat in a small place in the North East of Slovenia called Jeruzalem. As I look across the rolling hills in the bright sunshine I am reminded of the glory of God in his creation. I am here for a few days for a conference. A group of pastors from Northern Ireland have come over to spend a time of fellowship and learning with people who are working in this region. Most, but not all, are from Slovenia. We all come from different contexts and all have different experiences but it is a real time of rest and refreshment for me. It's a lovely opportunity to hear and to share how God is working in our small areas of the world. 

Both of these events have been very different but each, in their own way have reminded me once more of the glory of God and what he has done for us! 


Friday, 13 May 2022

Seeing Hidden Gems...

 

Today I went on a trip with my language school to a place that I've wanted to visit for years. This is a hospital hidden high in the mountains. It was run by partisans (communist freedom fighters) during the Second World War and was never found by the Germans. Here they looked after wounded soldiers of all nationalities and despite being a place for the seriously wounded, only 78 of 578 patients died. It really is an amazing place to visit and I'm really glad that I got the chance to visit. 

The last month, since I last wrote, has been getting busier. In the past month I have given another talk at Cornhill which I then translated for the ladies bible study group last week. It really was an encouraging meeting thinking about the responsibilities of leadership in our church. 

I have also been asked to join a Slovene choir for a one off performance in the philharmonic concert hall next week. We are singing a new composition of the Magnificat which is an incredibly hard piece of music. I'm very excited by it but also nervous because it's quite a big deal. The last couple of weeks has been filled with practice, practice and more practice! 

Thank God for all the new opportunities I'm having and for the way that I see him working here. 

December and Christmas Activities...

I know everyone always says it, but I can't believe that it is Christmas next week!  Ljubljana is always beautiful at this time of year ...