Rising above the challenge

This week Lyn and I are in Calgary, Canada, attending an Emergency Disaster services conference. There are about 200 delegates - which is a fantastic crowd to draw for the first ever emergency conference in this territory.
On the way over we flew via Chicago, where we had a long layover while waiting for our connecting flight. We found ourselves a comfy spot in the departures lounge and enjoyed a read. While we were waiting, a guy came up with 2 x big, heavy computer bags hung over his shoulders. When he chose his seat, just across the way from us, he bent down and swung the bag straps over his head. It was then I noticed that the sleeves of his jacket were just that - sleeves. He was no arms. He took off his jacket, then proceeded to make some phone calls using his feet to activate his phone and speaking into the bluetooth earpiece he was wearing. (the thought did cross my mind - how would he have coped without a bluetooth headset?). I couldn't help overhear his conversation - and judging by the things he was saying he obviously held down a very responsible job. At one point I noticed he was putting on a watch, using his feet to deftly fasten the leather strap. I don't know about you, but I find it hard enough to do up a watch strap using my fingers!
He boarded the same flight as us. After we landed and headed towards the immigration desk he came past us, heavy bags around his shoulders but walking purposefully towards the counter. When he got there he went to an automated booth; put the bag down, got his passport out using his feet, activated the machine in the same way and was through and away while we were still waiting in the line!
I mentioned to Lyn that I had been impressed by the deft way he had put his watch 'on his wrist'. Don't you mean 'on his ankle' - Lyn replied. Thinking about it, of course it was on his ankle - he hadn't any arms! It was then I realised that whilst his disability had initially drawn his attention to me, the way he himself had found ways to rise above that physical limitation and beat the challenge meant that I was no longer seeing it either.
We all face challenges in our lives - perhaps they are physical, maybe they are emotional or practical. But they don't have to prevent us getting on with life and making the most of what God has given us. If we don't make them an issue, chances are others won't either.
I thank God for the example that young man was to me at the airport and the inspiration he provided to get on with life and rise above the challenge.

Salvation Army video on You Tube

I realise that I'm a bit behind the times, but I have just discovered a special section on You Tube called 'SalvationArmyvideo'. I found it when viewing a video of a special event that happened recently in Leicester Square, London. For some time FedEx have been good supporters of The Salvation Army's emergency response. This year they have donated 5 brand new canteens to be used in emergency ministry around the world. One canteen has been given to the UK territory. The vehicle was handed over at a special ceremony in the West End, and the film is available.
I've added a 'video bar' to this blog site (see over to the right of the page), where you should be able to click on and view the film. Check it out - it's worth a look (just allow a bit of time for it to be loaded as it's a high quality film - so a large file size)

Facing the future

It seems a long time since I last 'blogged'. It's been a good few weeks. The last 10 days have been spent in southern India. Along with about 50 others from The Salvation Army we gathered in Kovalam to review how our tsunami response programmes have gone. (check out the photo slideshow on the right of this page)

Amazingly, over 3 years have passed since the Boxing Day tragedy of 2004. The public outpouring of generosity which swept like a wave over us in those early days have seen over US$60 million donated to The Salvation Army. That's fantastic - but also creates a huge level of responsibility to use the funds wisely and well. The conference took an honest look at our programmes; identifying strengths and weaknesses and trying to reach recommendations which will enable us to respond even better should something so terrible ever happen again.

As we spent the week reviewing the last 3 years I was reminded of a journey I made 11 years ago. I was heading to Bosnia to work in a welfare centre in Sarajevo, providing support to NATO troops deployed there. The RAF offered me a seat on a military troop carrier and I remember boarding the plane with soldiers heading for their posting as part of the peace keeping operation.

We were flying in a DC10 plane. The strange thing about these military planes is that the seats face backwards. It's an odd feeling when you thunder down the runway for takeoff straining against the seat belts as you try and stay in your seat. I'm told the seats are arranged this way because it is supposed to be safer. If the plane were to crash there are likely to be more survivors. It might feel strange, but looking back is safer than looking ahead.

Looking back is easy. Highlighting mistakes or picking holes in the way others have worked is no challenge. But having the courage to face the future and make changes based on lessons learned is much harder.

The future is unknown - and that can be scary. But the 'blank page' gives us a fresh opportunity to make wise decisions. May God give us the courage to face the future with determination and anticipation.