… who is going to be at Westminster on Friday night?

I used to work at this church (read the story here) as a youth and childrens work co-ordinator.

It’s great to see Holy Trinity Nailsea campaigning for Make Povert History. That has got to be a good witness to the local community; the church obviously at the forefront of the campaign.

This morning the youth group took the service and I was asked to talk on the subject of make Poverty History.

I think it is safe to say lots of people were shocked by the situation. Many had not heard of MPH, and others (like myself only a few weeks ago!) were not aware of the unfairness of the situation.

We now have over 300 postcards to take the Tony Blair on Friday night!

The best comment of the morning: a 5 year old drawing a picture and praying said:

‘God is angry. He thinks it is unfair and wants us to change it for him’

Another case of the truth coming out of the mouth of babes!

Today it starts.
(click on the banner to earn more)
Pray we make a difference.
Pray that world leaders wake up and act.
Pray that this year we make poverty history.

Another vital win at home today. Relegation is slowly slipping away, although not far enough away for comfort! Although jumping from 21 to 18 does settle the nerves a little!

I am starting to believe my optimism of Championship football again next season though!

In the High Street Today Landmark, our 14-18’s group, set up a stall and asked people to sign postcards to Tony Blair to ask for action of World Poverty and Trade Justice. Every few minutes they rang a bell and announced how many children had died from poverty. It was very annoying and challenging – but the discomfort was nothing compared to the pain felt my the 30 000 pairs of parents!

They youth group were cool and many people signed cards. Sadly, many others did not and people from a local church (or more accurately a sect) refused to sign because, they said, actually they need ‘the gospel’ not just food! When our young people challenged them that the gospel of Jesus included justice and speaking up for the poor they argued against that and walked away. Sad!

Tomorrow morning I am speaking on the subject and the young people are doing things in the morning service to challenge people. I really hope we inspire loads to action.

I have seen some of this on the news this evening. People have been struck by the depth of response.

I have been struck by one piece of news. Apparantly in his will the Pope has left nothing. He has no worldly possessions to pass on and has asked for all his personal writings to be destroyed.

Whatever our opinions, this is an amazing lifestyle example for all Christians.

It’s a week away.
I’m getting quite excited.
In a weeks time it will be my 40th birthday!
But that is not what I am excited about.
(neither is my mum as she feels old!)

I am excited as 15th April is the start of the overnight vigil in Westmister in support of Make Poverty History.

The programme looks exciting.
But, again, that is not why I am excited.

I am excited as we are going to join with thousands of people over something that really matters, something that is really important, something that I passionatly believe we can do something about.

Each week I meet with thousands of people to watch Gillingham play and that is great.

In a week I will meet with thousands and unite as we call for an end to the greed and in-action that is causing 30000 children to die per day. 1 child every 3 seconds! It is because we are demanding to see this stop that people will be there. Thousands of them! That is exciting!

Come and join in the vigil – it will be an amazing experience where we really do have an opportunity to make history. (If you are going give us a shout – be good to meet up!)

Today I have not had a lot of fun with Blogger!

For some strange reason since last night I have not been able to access my blogger account despite the fact everyone else in the house could access theirs! I finally was able to blog from a guest account in XP from the desktop computer, but in my profile on the laptop and desktop I just got an error message ‘the page contains no data’! Very weird.

If anyone can shed any light on this little frustration that would be interesting.

I have, though, had enough of blogger I think. Even more so as I have just re-written this post as it went blank when I posted! I am looking at a few alternatives – so look here to see where I choose to continue writing my drivel!!

I don’t intend to get over political on this blog. I have not even mentioned the calling of the election, although most people who read this know of my politicl persuasion.

I am, however, going to knock Michael Howard today. Not, though, because I planned to, but because even Beth, my 8 year old daughter, could see the stupidity of one of his policies, reported on today’s radio as we sat in the car and ate our sandwiches in Greenwich park.

Apparantly Howard wants to make a massive impact on youth crime. Of course, we are all aware of how successful he was when he held the position of Home Secretary over the last regime! His great idea this time is to lock parents of unruly children up at the weekends and force them to spend time with their kids.

Beth’s immediate comment as she heard the news reader: ‘How stupid is that? So … if I do something wrong like smash the neighbour’s cars up, they will come and lock you up? How is that going to make me change?’

Beth, I am really proud that you see through the stupidity of this. Overcrowded prisons – but let’s lock up parents as we know that imprisonment works so well!

To be honest, I get angry and see myself getting stressed as I hear Tory comments about education, health and crime. Ask a teacher, ask a doctor, ask a policeman – (I have with all 3) and they will tell you, ‘yeah its not great, there is still a long way to go, we have a tough job ….but it is better than it was 8 years ago! There are now more of us … but we still need more!’

The prison comment shows Howard is still old school, we can’t afford to go backwards as we have not gone far enough forward yet!

I’ve become political – told you it got me angry.

Rant over!