A painting in the Kardjhali Church of God (Bulgaria) sanctuary. There are complementary paintings of nail-pierced hands on either side. I have never before been in a modern church that does as well at the visual elements of worship.


Thank you all for your support and interest in my travels. I am now back home and settling into a routine. The trip was excellent overall, despite the stomach ailments. Some highlights:
a) Back in Pakistan - simply seeing the places where we had lived and worked, knowing that we had a positive impact on people's lives there.
b) Experiencing the post-Christian world of Wales. Approximately half a percent of the people are actively involved in church. And yet one hundred years ago the Welsh revivals were world reknowned.
c) Sitting in a small Gypsy village, worshipping with new believers, including some teenage boys who were fully engaged in all that was happening.
d) Confirming that I want to be at EMM. April had been a frustrating month and I was doing some questioning but I know that this is where I want to be.
e) Getting vision for departmental restructuring and direction. Picking up a focus on development has been difficult but I think there is a good way through now.

So again, thanks for your interest and prayers.

Jon UB