LEJOG completed

With much gratitude for all the friendship, food, enthusiastic support, great hospitality and, of course, your sponsorship, Simon Vibert and Chris Leftley completed the nearly 1000 mile trip from Lands End to John O’Groats on Sunday 18th July 2010.

We saw some stunning parts of the British Isles, help by the vista from a saddle, lovely cycle tracks and rural routing.  We were humbled by the expressions of good wishes and kindness along the way.

God’s creation is truly marvellous.  I found myself musing: “Who does Richard Dawkins praise when he sees the beauty of the natural world?”  As for me, Psalm 103 was very much in my mind as the Psalmist exalts the Lord for his many wonders.  Although slogging up the A9 near Perth in torrential rain was a more humbling experience!

Our final stop-off at the home of Christian Focus was a treat, a lovely rural setting near Tain.  To see first hand the entrepreneurial vision for Reformed Christian Publishing was very refreshing.

Of course, we were acutely aware that we weren’t the first to make such a daring trip, particularly as we crossed into Scotland and were caught in a traffic jam of cyclists all trying to take a photo of Gretna!

Nevertheless, this was a matter of dogged discipline (20 miles to coffee; 20 miles to lunch; 20 miles to tea and then overnight stop!).  We were thankful for good health, largely good weather, and very minor bike problems.

We cycled to raise funds to supplement student teaching resources at Wycliffe Hall.  Out of the target of £10,000 a little over half of that has been raised so far.  Donations are still trickling in.

But, finally, as I return to my desk for less physically rigorous activity, it is good to remember Paul’s wise words: For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come (1 Timothy 4:8).

Big Issue London to Paris Ride July 23-26th

Why am I taking part in the London to Paris Sponsored Ride?

Like many people I have made a habit of buying the Big Issue Magazine.  The idea of getting Vendors to sell the magazine in order to gain some financial independence and eventually get off the streets is a great one.

But, this is small change.  I would like to do more.

From the beginning of April to the end of July I am on study leave from my ‘day job’ of being Vice Principal at Wycliffe Hall.  I have a number of academic goals: to update lectures in Homiletics and Hermeneutics; to finish off my book on John’s Gospel entitled Lives Jesus Changed and to start writing a new book The Power of Persuasive Speech.

I also have two short trips: teaching Pastors in Zambia, and teaching and networking in Sydney.

But, I am delighted to combine a physical goal (to undertake a serious physical challenge and get in shape) alongside a Charity event which resonates with my genuine desire to do something for those who, for all sorts of reasons, have been made homeless.

As a Christian, I believe that this is something which God feels strongly about and would Christian’s to be involved in:

For example in the Old Testament we read:

“If any of your Israelite relatives fall into poverty and cannot support themselves, support them as you would a resident foreigner and allow them to live with you. Do not demand an advance or charge interest on the money you lend them. Instead, show your fear of God by letting them live with you as your relatives” (Leviticus 25:35-36 ).

Jesus said: “Then the King will say to those on the right, `Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ Then these righteous ones will reply, `Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?’ And the King will tell them, `I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’” (Matthew 25:34-40).

This is quite a big undertaking for me.  I have Asthma and some ongoing lung related issues.  However, I believe I can do it!

Please click on this link and pledge your donation!

If I can give you any more information please drop me a line

Thanks!

Simon