Joshua 14:11–12

11 As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in.
12 Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the Lord spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the Lord will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the Lord said.

It’s Not Over Yet!

Caleb is my favourite Old Testament Bible character. He has the attitude I want to have as I enter my golden years.

You have come this far in the book, but this is not the end. I am 67, and, God willing, I may still have many years ahead of me — perhaps even grandchildren to guide along the path. One never knows what God has in store.

I have a bucket list of things I would like to do and see, but all these plans rest with the Lord. Above all, I want to serve Him and one day hear His words: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

I want to be like Caleb, always striving to go higher, further, and deeper. I also want to be like Barnabas, encouraging others to go higher, further, and deeper with God.

I am reminded of a 400-metre race. Some runners burst ahead for the first 300 metres but fade as they approach the finish line. Often, it is those who were behind who surge forward to win. It is not how you start, but how you finish. I pray that I finish well.

So onward and upward — this is not the final chapter. There are many more yet to be written.

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Devotional Thought

We all fear death. It is like the elephant in the room that no one wants to talk about, yet it is a daily reality for thousands around the world.

People fear it and prepare for it as best they can, but nothing we do can truly prepare us for it.

Preparation must come through Someone who has defeated death — and that One is Jesus Christ.

Because of what Christ did for me on the cross and through His resurrection, I can say, like the Apostle Paul:

1 Corinthians 15:55–57

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 4:6–8

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day — and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.

One day I will stand before Him. What will I say in the light of the blinding majesty of God’s presence? I will plead the blood of Christ.

In Exodus 12, the Israelites were passed over because of the blood on the doorposts. When the Lord sees the blood, He will pass over you.

The human heart is spiritually dark, but it can be made clean through faith in the finished work of Christ.

Over two and a half thousand years ago, while God’s people were at their lowest point, He gave this promise:

Ezekiel 36:25–27

Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

Everyone who comes to God in repentance and faith receives a new heart, a new nature, and will spend eternity with God. Those who refuse will face the consequences. Hell is a real place, where there is no mercy, no grace, and no love.

As I close for now, I plead with you: if you have not trusted Christ, do it today. One day it will be too late.

MOTORBIKES, COCONUTS AND CABLE CARS – Part 2

We arrived in Nha Trang late on Saturday night. It was a 45-minute journey from the airport to the hotel. We were tired but glad to finally sleep in a comfortable bed — well, anything would have been an improvement after the night before!

A Room with a View

The following morning, we had to change hotels. After a short walk, we arrived at our new accommodation — and wow, the view was worth it. We had an incredible panorama over the entire bay.

We simply put our feet up and enjoyed the view. I am used to seaside views, having lived in Morecambe, but this completely outdid anything I have seen there. (If you have time, just search “Nha Trang bay view” — it really is that good.)

We went out onto the front, and I took my shoes and socks off, rolling up my trousers to go for a paddle. The water was warm and smooth over my feet, and the sand shifted beneath me so easily that I nearly lost my balance a few times. Thankfully, I stayed upright.

My hometown of Morecambe has a six-mile promenade, but it cannot compare to this. The scenery here is on another level entirely.

There are also no coconut trees in Morecambe, and it usually rains — so this was a welcome change. We took many photos and then enjoyed fresh coconut juice, served straight from a real coconut and drunk through a straw. Amazing.

Street Life and Sunset Rides

One of the great things about Vietnam is the street vendors. You can find giant lobsters and all kinds of delicious food being cooked and sold right on the street.

On Sunday evening, after supper of noodles, fried eggs, and smoothies, we decided to take what can only be described as a motorised carriage for two, with the driver seated behind us. It was a thrilling ride through the streets, and we thoroughly enjoyed it.

Snorkelling and Coconut Trees

On Monday, Helen wanted to go snorkelling. She booked a trip as her birthday treat (her birthday was the following Thursday), and she had a wonderful day.

Now, I am not really a “water person,” so I took the opportunity to walk the entire length of the promenade instead. I strolled beneath huge coconut trees, eventually sitting on some steps watching the waves crash against the sea wall. For a few minutes, I was taken right back to my childhood.

I also saw many kite surfers — it looks like great fun, but perhaps only for the truly adventurous!

I have a feeling a certain former Skerton School “Tarzan” will be trying it one day soon.

Cable Cars and Vinpearl Island

Just off the coast lies Vinpearl Island, which has many attractions. The only way to reach it is by one of the most spectacular cable car rides I have ever experienced. I have been on cable cars over mountains before, but never one stretched across the sea.

To say this was one of the best experiences of my life would be an understatement. The island itself was equally impressive. We boarded a small train that trundled through the clean, polished streets while we admired the crystal-clear water and the beauty of God’s creation.

We even had ice cream made right in front of us — fresh fruit crushed and blended on the spot. Another magical moment.

Helen’s Birthday Week

Sadly, this was our last full day in Nha Trang. As it was Helen’s birthday week, I took her to a Vietnamese restaurant. As expected, she had beef noodles and another dish, while Keith did what Keith does best… fish and chips — Vietnamese style (with a smoothie).

We returned to the beach one final time. The night air was cool. I was asked by two Chinese tourists to take their photo, and later by four burly Russians. They were very grateful. There are many Russians in Vietnam — some on holiday, and others, depending on your perspective, avoiding the war.

Sleeper Bus and a Run for the Plane

The next morning, we had a six-hour journey back to Ho Chi Minh City on a coach. Normally, you cannot sleep on a bus — but this was a sleeper coach, and it was very comfortable. We both managed to get some rest.

Our flight from Ho Chi Minh was in the early hours. We thought we had enough time to make our connection in Kunming, but we were delayed leaving Vietnam. As a result, we had to run through Kunming Airport like Usain Bolt.

It did not help that, upon reaching Chinese customs, we had to complete an online form requiring many details. Helen was slightly ahead of me, but I caught up — completely exhausted by the end.

Our departure gate, of course, was the last one at the far end of the terminal. As always happens when you are in a hurry, we heard our names being called over the intercom. We were, quite literally, running on empty as we boarded the plane.

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Devotional Thought

As we near the end of this book, I am reminded of heaven.

We live in a beautiful world. I have been to Switzerland, Vietnam, Indonesia, the USA, Canada, and many other places, but none of them compare to heaven.

John, in Revelation chapters 21–22, describes its glory. It is beyond imagination — beyond words. The greatest superlatives in every language cannot fully describe it.

There is only one entry into heaven: faith and trust in the finished work of Christ. God gave His Son so that we might have eternal life.

The offer is for everyone. Yet it still surprises me that many try to reach heaven through their own efforts.

It is like trying to fly under your own power to Vinpearl Island. Why would you do that when there is a cable car provided?

Some people do not believe there is a God. They believe we are an accident — the result of random mutation or cosmic chance.

But if that were true, then we would have no real value. Yet we are uniquely created by God and carry great worth.

A leading physicist once told Ray Comfort that design is merely an illusion.

Let me ask a few simple questions:

When you read a book, does it have an author?
When you eat a meal, does it have a cook?
When you see a painting, does it have a painter?
When you use an app on your phone, was it intelligently designed or did it simply appear?

You are not an accident. The invitation of heaven is open to you.

John 3

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (v.3)

“Whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (v.15)

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (v.16)

“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” (v.36)

MOTORBIKES, COCONUTS AND CABLE CARS – Part 1

In the previous chapters, we travelled through the UK and Europe during 2024, but due to a wedding, we did not travel in 2025.

As Chinese New Year approached, as it does for many in China, we planned our next holiday destination: Vietnam.

Of course, when I was growing up, all I ever heard about Vietnam related to the war. But we had also heard that it was a very beautiful country, so we decided to go. Helen needed a visa, but Keith did not.

So we set off one Wednesday night, ready to catch our flight to Shanghai and then on to Saigon, also known as Ho Chi Minh City. We arrived in the early hours, and Helen exchanged 100 RMB into 350,000 Vietnamese Dong. A very good exchange rate — I wish I could get as much when I change pounds!

We finally found a taxi and headed to our first hotel. We collapsed onto our beds and tried to get a few hours of sleep.

Ho Chi Minh City – First Impressions

The next morning, we transferred to a hotel in the city centre. The first thing you notice in Ho Chi Minh City is the sheer number of motorbikes. At one major junction, we were surrounded by a moving wall of them, weaving and flowing like a river. Crossing roads becomes a zigzag adventure through constant traffic.

Our hotel was down a side street lined with flowers on both sides. Our room was on the first floor, and the reception offered delicious snacks, which we both enjoyed.

We went out into the city and found a Pho restaurant. It was very crowded, but we managed to find a table. We both had noodles — Helen had beef noodles, and in fact, that is all she ate for most of the trip.

As we were finishing our meal, I felt something wet running down my back. One of the waitresses had accidentally spilled leftover soup on me. It wasn’t hot, just uncomfortable. They were very apologetic, and in the end, our meal was free.

Churches and Street Life

Helen had located an evangelical church, so we went to see if it was open. We knocked, and the caretaker welcomed us in. We were able to see the sanctuary. It was encouraging and special to see an active church in a communist country.

Later, we had supper at a small café near the hotel and ended up sharing a table with an American and some Australians. People from all over the world are drawn to Vietnam.

We sat again on the street outside our hotel drinking mango smoothies. We also met a man from Italy. Our interesting conversation was interrupted several times by extremely loud firecrackers. Cars and motorbikes continued flowing through the streets, completely undisturbed.

Money, Markets, and Mistakes

The next day was Friday. After breakfast and another smoothie, we went to exchange more money at a tourist shop across the street. When they offered a poor rate of 340,000 Dong, we declined. The man was not pleased and rather abruptly showed us the door with a few choice words.

Journey to Vung Tau

Vung Tau is a seaside destination about three hours away, so we took a mini bus from the station. The journey was slow, travelling along one of the longest main roads I have ever seen, filled with endless traffic lights.

Helen is usually budget-conscious, but she really outdid herself this time. We were only staying one night — and thankfully it was only one night — in a shared six-bed dorm in a surfers’ hostel.

If you have ever stayed in a youth hostel (or, as some might joke, “visited one unexpectedly”), you’ll know they vary greatly. This one took “budget accommodation” to another level entirely.

Cheap and cheerful would be the best description. However, the people running it were amazing — a mix of Russians, Ukrainians, and Germans. There is a lesson in unity there somewhere.

Vung Tau – Crowds, Motorbikes, and a Giant Statue

Vung Tau has a large statue of Jesus high above the city. We did not have time to climb the 800 steps to reach it, as the city was absolutely packed. Crossing the road took careful timing, patience, and a lot of prayer.

We rented a motorbike for an hour and explored the area. You may think there are many motorbikes in China, but Vietnam takes it to another level entirely.

The beach was incredible, especially at night. Vung Tau is beautiful, but it is best avoided during peak holiday periods.

We settled in for the night, though it was not particularly comfortable. People were constantly coming and going, making for a disturbed sleep. At around 3 a.m., two girls began giggling loudly. Helen’s voice eventually cut through the noise: “Please be quiet.”

Early Morning Encounters

The next morning, I found Helen in the lobby sharing the gospel as usual. She was speaking with a Chinese man and a German man named Stephen, who recommended a good place for breakfast.

To get there, Keith had to ride pillion on a motorbike. It was only a short ride, but speeding through backstreets and main roads was unforgettable — and the breakfast was excellent too.

Back to Ho Chi Minh City

We soon boarded our mini bus back to Ho Chi Minh City, as we planned to fly to Nha Trang on Saturday night. After more noodles, baguettes, and smoothies, we arrived at the airport around 7 p.m.

We landed in Nha Trang at midnight. Everything was dark, but thankfully our hotel was decent — although, to be honest, almost anything would have been an improvement after the hostel.

But more on Nha Trang in the next exciting instalment.

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Devotional Thought

Travelling through Vietnam opens your eyes. You may read or hear news about a country, but seeing life on the ground is completely different. It becomes a real, lived experience.

During our visit, it was a national holiday and Vung Tau was filled with thousands of people.

High above the city stands a statue of Jesus with His arms outstretched. Below Him, the city is busy — a place of activity, entertainment, and distraction. Very few take the time to climb the 800 steps to reach Him.

Jesus is often treated the same way today. He is acknowledged in the background, but for many, He is considered irrelevant — yet He is the Saviour of the world.

He calls people to come to Him, but it requires a decision, time, and willingness to respond.

He is Lord over all creation. He made all things, yet many of His creation do not acknowledge Him.

Like the statue overlooking Vung Tau, He stands with His arms outstretched — waiting to receive all who will come to Him.

His invitation remains:

Matthew 11:28–30

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Back in the UK

In 2024, we made a three-month trip to the UK. We were blessed to stay with my cousin Elaine and her children near Cambridge. We were able to get around and see so much, and we thank Elaine for her love, hospitality, and care during that time.

It was wonderful to visit Morecambe again, to see my hometown, meet up with my dear old friend Andrew, and return to my old church, Heysham Free Methodist. A big thank you to Pastor Mark, his wife, and Sandra for helping us during that time.

We also stayed with an old friend from Lancaster Baptist Church and his wife just outside Lancaster. They both own Porsche cars, one of which is a sports model.

One day he said, “Fancy a spin in my other car?” Of course, I agreed, not knowing it was a Porsche. When he opened the garage, my eyes nearly popped out of my head. As he sped down the country lanes at breakneck speed, my stomach felt like it hit the floor. When we arrived back, I was shaken — and very stirred.

We had previously stayed in the Ribble Valley and even had a visit from the Altrincham Rambler, who came bearing gifts — ginger nuts, actually.

We visited Clitheroe, Blackpool, and other places. Blackpool is very sad now; it feels like a poor man’s Las Vegas.

After travelling back by train to Cambridge, we were off again. This time, we were invited by Victor Jack, who had led me to the Lord, to his home and church in Bury St Edmunds. Although he is not the pastor, he is still heavily involved in leadership. We shared our testimony and were able to speak about our church in China.

The next day, Victor took us to his golf club for lunch. He still plays golf at 87! We went onto the putting green, and the first putt Keith took went straight into the hole. “Beginner’s luck,” we said — but not really, as he had played before.

After we returned from Bury St Edmunds, Elaine said the children wanted to take another trip. We had two choices: the Norfolk Broads or Cornwall.

“Oh, where in Cornwall?” I asked.

“Padstow,” she replied.

Immediately I said, “Padstow!” because I know someone who lives there. Any guesses? Yes — the Cornish Rambler, David Hobbs, has a second home there. As soon as the trip was booked, I was on the phone saying, “We’re going to Padstow!” Sadly, he was busy with business — or some other lamentable excuse — and couldn’t join us.

So we descended on Cornwall. On Sunday, we found another dead Anglican church, but this one had the added celebrity of presenter Fern Britton from Ready Steady Cook fame. She had to leave early, as she had to cook dinner in twenty minutes!

We travelled around Cornwall. I had spent a wonderful week here with my parents when I was 14, so this was a journey back in time for me. Newquay especially, as we had stayed there for a week.

The Cornish Rambler has walked the South West Coastal Path twice (600 miles long), so Keith wanted to walk a small part of it. I was dropped off near where we were staying and had to walk 10–12 miles into Padstow. This was high summer in the UK, yet we experienced all four seasons in one day — in fact, every half hour!

The path ran right along the coast. Rolling waves crashed against the sharp rocks below, wide bays stretched out with silky sand, and the constant ups and downs of the path (the downs being the most difficult) tested the legs. Finally, after descending a winding path, I reached the beach at Padstow. I took off my shoes and socks and paddled in the water, just as I did later that week at Falmouth.

The following weeks, as we prepared to set off back home, were sad. On the final Tuesday, we quietly left the house at 5am so that Elaine’s children would not know we were leaving.

So our European adventure came to an end. We did more than we ever imagined or expected.

Going back to the UK after nine years was a culture shock — not just for Helen and Sherry, but for me as well. This was a land I no longer recognised, and, to be honest, I did not feel at home there. It had changed, and I felt like a stranger walking into a world I didn’t really know.

Do I still love it? Yes, of course. I am a proud Brit. But it is now a place of memories, not of the present or the future. Sadly, I cannot see myself going back permanently — unless the Lord calls.

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Devotional Thought

Have you ever felt like I described in that last paragraph? For the Christian, as we live out our lives on earth, we need to keep an eternal perspective.

Remember the words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 3:20:

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

We should not become overly attached to the country we are from or the colour of our skin, because we are sons and daughters of the King of Kings — citizens of heaven.

We are sometimes told that if we think too much about spiritual and heavenly things, we will be of no earthly use. In reality, it is only when we think on heavenly things that we can be of true use here on earth.

The more we focus on spiritual matters — the things that truly matter — the less we will be distracted by earthly matters, which may be interesting but are not beneficial to our daily spiritual walk.

Yes, we must live in the here and now, but we must also keep sight of the bigger picture.

If you have not yet trusted Christ, remember that there is an eternal perspective to life. Please trust Him today.

JUST ONE CORNETTO SHORT OF AN ICE CREAM

When I was growing up, there was a very famous television commercial in the UK. The punchline was, “Just one Cornetto from Walls Ice Cream!”

So our next stop was Italy — the home of ice cream and, of course, pizza.

We flew into Rome at about eight one evening and took the train into the city. We found our hotel and settled down for the night.

The next day, we took a bus to see the Colosseum and the surrounding Roman ruins. They were very impressive. We were looking at a place where many Christians had been killed for their witness to the Gospel. It was very humbling. We did not go into the amphitheatre, but we could imagine the scenes from those early years of the Church.

One of the things about Italy is the toilets. It’s not that there aren’t any — there are — but you have to pay for the privilege, and in euros too! You either need a very strong bladder or a bucket!

We did all the usual things in Rome. We had pizza and visited the Trevi Fountain, where the crowds were enormous.

Rome is amazing — but too hot for me.

We then travelled to Florence. We had booked a coach, but we were dropped off at the wrong place and faced a half-hour walk in the blazing sun to the bus station. Eventually, we caught the bus to Florence.

Florence is beautiful. The cathedral is incredibly ornate, but the queue went around the block. The city is full of quaint streets and beautiful houses.

On that particular Sunday, the museums in Florence were free to enter. For Sherry, this was wonderful.

We found the museum housing the statue of David by Michelangelo — the Accademia Gallery of Florence. It was quite amazing. Sherry thoroughly enjoyed these places. For me, it was interesting, but once you have seen one naked statue, that is enough.

The Italians love fountains. They had one in Florence where the statue had water coming out of the usual place. They also have churches that are incredibly ornate and beautiful, with stunning artwork.

Climbing up to Piazzale Michelangelo, we saw the most iconic view of the city. We could see the oldest bridge in Florence, the Ponte Vecchio, which we had seen and walked over shortly before.

Florence is a beautiful city — indeed, one of the most beautiful I have ever visited.

We all wanted to see Venice, but since we had no Wellington boots, we leaned toward going to Pisa instead. Get the joke?

So we arrived in Pisa and, the next morning, took a bus to the site. And there it was — still standing. Rumours of it falling down had clearly been exaggerated. It was an iconic sight and a place I could never have imagined visiting.

Our hotel was less than accommodating. They provided no towels, and when we asked for some, they demanded an outrageous fee. This was met with a sarcastic comment from a grumpy Brit — they always complain!

On our last day, we went to the seaside and dipped our feet in the beautiful sea. The next morning, we boarded a plane back to Stansted Airport in the UK.

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Devotional Thought

As we travelled through Italy, we saw many churches in the three cities we visited. As I have said, they were beautiful, ornate, and architecturally stunning, filled with frescoes and artwork.

But they lacked one thing — the presence of God.

They felt cold and lifeless.

You can have all the trappings of religion. In the Gospels, the harshest words Jesus spoke were directed at religious people. They had the Law, they had temple worship, but they misused it and abused their position.

In Matthew 23, Jesus strongly rebukes their religious hypocrisy. Jesus does not live in ornate churches; He lives in the heart of every true, redeemed believer.

Do you go to church?
Do you pray?
Do you read your Bible?
Do you help others?

All these things are good — but they are not enough.

In the Bible, we see people who considered themselves good, yet still needed salvation, such as Nicodemus in John 3 and Cornelius in Acts 10.

Good works are not the root of salvation; they are the fruit of salvation. They flow out of a living relationship with Christ.

Jesus called the religious leaders “whitewashed tombs, full of dead men’s bones.” When I visited these churches, I was reminded of those words.

Religious leaders who have long misled people through false teaching will one day be held accountable.

Jesus brings freedom from sin, Satan, and death. He does not bring bondage — He brings freedom to the captives.

Let me finish by asking this:

Are you relying on religious effort to gain salvation?

You cannot earn salvation. No attendance at mass, no penance, and no confession can save you. Salvation comes only through faith in the finished work of Christ.

IT’S NEW YEAR… AGAIN

As I mentioned earlier in this book, I have always loved classical music. I remember playing vinyl records on my parents’ radiogram — that certainly dates me! And if you remember such things, then you are really old.

Every New Year, my mum and I watched the world-famous concert by the Vienna Philharmonic from the Golden Hall in Vienna. And now, that was our next stop on our journey.

Vienna is a beautiful city with many trams, like many Central European cities. So we all got on one and went to the Golden Hall. There was a concert on that night — the Mozart Orchestra was performing in period costume.

Having watched the New Year’s concert year after year, I had always wanted to attend a performance at this venue. And now, I was there.

Although we could only get standing places at the back, that was fine. Helen was actually offered a seat in one of the boxes. Sherry and I stood and listened to the music.

Then came the finale. They played The Blue Danube, followed by the familiar drum roll of the Radetzky March. If you know anything about this piece, you know that your hands will be sore — but very happy — by the end of it.

The next morning, we explored Vienna. We bought a picnic and sat in front of one of the museums.

Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to attend a concert in the Golden Hall.

Another item ticked off my bucket list.

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Devotional Thought

I have always loved music, although I cannot sing and have never played an instrument.

Why did God give us voices?

Surely it is to praise Him.

The last verse in the book of Psalms says:

Psalm 150:6
Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.

Why should we give Him praise?

Because every breath we take comes from Him.
Every gift we have comes from Him.

How can we live our lives without saying “thank you” to the Giver and Sustainer of life?

People who have an attitude of gratitude are known to have a sunny approach to life. But it is even better to have a thankful heart toward God.

I am thankful for everything — not just the good times, but also the difficult times. It is during those times that I have learned the most.

When you woke up this morning, did you thank God that you were alive?
At the end of each day, do you thank God for every experience, good and bad?

Thank you so much for reading this.

COME TO THE CASTLE
Prague was our next stop on a whistle-stop journey across Europe, and it quickly became one of my favourite cities—alongside Edinburgh, Nanjing, and the wonderfully chaotic Chongqing.
This ancient city is dominated by its magnificent castle, set high above the rooftops. To reach it, you climb what feels like endless steps. With every step, you seem to travel backwards in time by several centuries. The climb up is demanding; the descent, somehow, even more so. For an old timer like me, a few pauses to catch my breath were unavoidable.
I have been fascinated by castles since childhood. Near my school in Lancaster stood the imposing Lancaster Castle, and my love for history began there. In fact, I was the top history student at Skerton—something I occasionally feel obliged to remind people of!
But nothing quite prepares you for the scale of the castle in Prague. Once inside, you realise how vast it is. It is practically a city within a city, with walls so high and strong that it could withstand a siege for months, even years. It was built to be a place of refuge.
We also walked across the 14th-century Charles Bridge and attended a service at an English-speaking international church.
That Sunday, as we wandered through the streets, England were playing in the European football championship. Keith was desperate to know the score, but with no cellphone signal, he searched from place to place. Eventually, he found an Irish pub showing the match. England were losing 1–0 deep into stoppage time. Then came a throw-in, a flicked header, and an extraordinary overhead kick into the net. The room erupted—especially Keith. England went on to win 2–1. Helen and Sherry practically dragged him out before he turned into a football hooligan.
Everyone was celebrating—except the Scottish gentleman standing in front of him, who sat with his head in his hands. The poor man.

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Devotional Thought
While standing within those ancient walls, I was reminded of the great hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” by Martin Luther, often called the battle hymn of the Reformation.
The imagery is powerful: God as a fortress, a refuge, a place of safety in the midst of conflict and danger.
This brings to mind the words of Scripture:

“The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust.” — Psalm 18:2
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” — Psalm 46:1

Just as the castle of Prague was a place of protection for all who fled to it, so God is a refuge for all who turn to Him.
We live in a world where many place their trust in false securities—possessions, status, or beliefs that cannot save. But true safety is found only in the living God.
It is like the ark in Noah’s day. Noah was called a preacher of righteousness, yet people ignored his warnings. When the flood came, the only place of safety was inside the ark.
One day, there will be a final refuge for all who have placed their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. That refuge is heaven—a place beyond our imagination, prepared for those who belong to Him.
When enemies approached Prague, the cry would go out: “Come to the castle!”
Today, the call is far greater and far more urgent:
Come to Christ—while there is still time.

THE GRAND TOUR — Part 1

Galatians 3:28 (KJV)
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”

We were planning to travel back to the UK in 2022, but due to COVID restrictions, we were unable to go.

As soon as the restrictions were lifted, we began thinking about and planning our trip back to Europe.

During the Chinese New Year of 2024, we decided to take a trip to Sichuan Province to visit several places. The first of these was Chongqing — the cyberpunk city.

You may think your city is crazy, but not like Chongqing!

Trains go through apartment buildings, petrol stations sit on the 20th floor of skyscrapers, and every night the city comes alive, lit up like a Christmas tree. Especially amazing is Hongyadong, an eleven-storey structure built into the mountainside overlooking the river.

Not far from Chongqing is Chengdu, the panda city and home of hotpot. You are given a large pot of bubbling broth and a selection of raw ingredients to cook in it yourself. Sherry and Helen loved this because of the spicy food, but Keith survived mostly on rice and bread for two days.

While planning the Europe trip, Helen — who loves organising these journeys — worked with Sherry to obtain a Europe-wide visa for one month. With that in hand, we travelled to Europe for nearly three months.

We travelled with several large suitcases, and our pastor kindly drove us to and from Nanjing Airport.

We arrived at Heathrow and collected our cases. It was only halfway to my cousin’s home that Keith asked, “Where’s my case?” Yes — we had left it behind.

We contacted the airline and asked them to deliver it, but they refused. The following Tuesday, while we were all in London, Keith made a detour back to Heathrow. After much discussion, he retrieved the case and met the ladies near the Houses of Parliament.

We visited Tower Bridge and then returned home — relieved to have the missing case.

We had a very interesting day in Cambridge. Sadly, most of the colleges were closed for special events. Keith tried to persuade them that he was a former student (has anyone from Skerton School ever been to Cambridge?), but he was unsuccessful. As far as we know, no one from Skerton has ever studied at Cambridge — only visited to watch the football!

Soon after, we set off for Norway to visit Helen’s cousin in the picturesque town of Årdal near Bergen. To get there, we first flew to Oslo. The airport was far outside the city, so we travelled in by train. As it was high summer, daylight lasted almost around the clock. Oslo was wonderful, and we found a small hotel for travellers.

The next day, we travelled on to Årdal. The bus journey was extraordinary as we climbed high into the mountains and then descended into the valley.

To say I fell in love with the place is an understatement — waterfalls, mountains, and complete peace and quiet.

Situated at the end of Norway’s longest fjord, Sognefjord, there is a lake at the end. Every morning during our stay, I walked to its edge. What a place to pray and meditate.

On Sunday, we attended a church service in the forest and later walked up to two of the highest waterfalls in Norway.

Our wonderful host drove us along mountain roads to crystal-clear lakes where the snow had not yet fully melted. I remember one lake with clear blue water. Keith put his feet into a mountain stream — the water was pure and freezing cold.

One of our visits was to a small circular wooden church dating back to the 11th century. It was tiny but remarkable. Memories like these are priceless.

We also viewed Sognefjord from high above. My father had always wanted to visit Norway but never had the opportunity. I felt very privileged to experience it.

Our hosts treated us royally. One evening, we were served delicious reindeer meat. We were sad to leave Årdal, but it was time to move on.

Next stop: Prague.

See you there.

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Devotional Thought

Årdal must be one of my favourite places. Each morning, I walked to the edge of the lake to pray and meditate. Being in a place of complete peace is a true blessing.

Psalm 46:10 (KJV)
“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”

It is so easy to be caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life that we forget how to be still.

One of the best things we did was attend the small church service in the forest. Only a few people were present, but God was there. Worshipping in the midst of His creation was deeply special.

It took many hours to reach Årdal, but it was truly worth the journey.

Chapter 21 – Special Gifts

In the eyes of the world, I was born because my father wanted a girl. Although he did not get one, he loved me in his own way. But to God, I was never an accident. I was uniquely formed and known in my mother’s womb (Psalm 139).

I see some of my father in myself. I admit I have a fiery temper at times. I remember how easily he connected with people in the street. My brother Peter had the same gift. Both of them were naturals at engaging with others. I admired that greatly.

For many years, I said that if I ever had a child, I would want a little girl. As time passed, that dream faded into the background.

Then, just before I met Helen, while walking near Heysham, a small village close to Morecambe, the Lord spoke clearly to me: “You will have a daughter.”

When Helen came into my life, God did more than give me a wife. He gave me Sherry.

When I first entered her life, she was fifteen years old and navigating the challenges of teenage life. For both of us, it was difficult. Suddenly, a strange man had appeared in her world. Stepparents must understand how hard this adjustment can be for a child.

Just before I left for the Philippines in 2016, Sherry said very simply, “You are my father.” I know that those words came after much prayer and inner wrestling on her part. I will never forget that moment.

My daughter is a beautiful and strong young woman. She has faced many challenges in her life, and I say this as a tribute to her courage. Leaving home just before her 18th birthday to pursue a BA in Fine Arts in another country, making new friends, and overcoming countless obstacles—she has proven herself remarkable, talented, and resilient.

When she plays the piano, her fingers seem to dance across the keys. When she paints, her brush strokes are careful, deliberate, and graceful. I have often sat quietly, listening to her play, overwhelmed with gratitude. What an honour it is to be her father.

When Covid struck, she returned to China and endured three weeks of isolation in a hotel. Returning home was not easy, but she found work and even helped me with my students.

Like many young adults in China, Sherry found it difficult to meet the right life partner. That changed in August 2023 when Helen mentioned that a young man who had attended Sherry’s school was coming for lunch. He was two years younger and serving in the army.

He came once, then returned two days later. Soon, Sherry was receiving constant messages and phone calls, and we heard squeals of joy from her room at all hours.

He visited again at New Year 2024. There were several visits throughout the year, including trips to see Peter in Xiamen. During this time, we prayed much. Peter is a wonderful young man, and I am privileged to call him my son. We have become the best of friends.

In February 2025, Peter was discharged from the army, and we met him at the airport. From then on, he was with us almost every day. He is also an excellent cook!

In May, they became engaged. They organized everything themselves, showing maturity and independence that made us very proud.

Throughout the summer, parcels arrived, plans were made, and preparations continued. Through it all, my special daughter had found her sweetheart. Sherry, petite and graceful, and Peter, larger but gentle, make a beautiful couple.

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Devotional Thought

Ephesians 3:20 (KJV)
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.”

I see this verse fulfilled in my own life. God has given me more than I ever imagined possible.

What were the chances of me coming to China?
What were the chances of me meeting someone named Helen—my favourite name?

Prayer is not a lottery. We do not ask in vague hope. We ask with confidence, knowing our Father delights in giving good gifts that exceed our imagination.

God has given me more than my wildest dreams: my family, my life in China, and blessings too numerous to count.

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A Chinese Wedding

Luke 14:8
“When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room…”

Much of the year was spent preparing for this day. Peter returned to Nanjing on March 1st, and we met him and his parents at the airport. KK, once again, wore a suit.

Sherry and Peter organized everything themselves—photographs, the venue, the arrangements. It was a tremendous blessing to watch them take responsibility.

Chinese weddings differ from Western ones. The day began very early. Peter’s family and friends arrived to take Sherry to his parents’ home for breakfast, following tradition.

For months, KK had been asking for a waistcoat to go with his suit. Helen went further and bought him a new suit complete with a bow tie. He looked very smart.

The wedding took place at Nanjing Guest House on Purple Mountain, an enormous venue capable of hosting multiple weddings at once.

Chinese traditions added joyful uniqueness to the day. Peter had to find Sherry’s hidden shoe, make a speech, and even dance with the best man before the assembled family. They presented special cups of tea to both sets of parents and received red envelopes in return.

Although tradition often has the groom escort the bride, I had the immense privilege of walking Sherry down the aisle. When the doors opened and I saw her for the first time, my heart skipped. It is a moment I will treasure forever.

The ceremony was beautiful. Our pastor spoke, vows were exchanged, and speeches were given. Helen spoke warmly, and Peter’s father delivered what was surely an excellent speech—though I understood none of it!

At one point, red envelopes filled with cash were thrown into the crowd. Peter’s father and I tried to assist, but we were quickly overwhelmed by enthusiastic guests!

By 10:30 pm, we were the last to leave—utterly exhausted but deeply happy.

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Devotional Thought

This was a day I once thought would never come.

Sherry is my delight—the cherry on top of my cake. Having a wonderful wife like Helen would have been enough, but God added another precious blessing.

Though I am not her biological father, she calls me “father,” and it has been my joy to watch her grow from a shy teenager into a confident, gifted young woman.

After losing my Peter years ago, God has given me another Peter. He truly is a special man whom I love dearly.

James 1:17
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…”

God delights in giving good gifts. I have lost count of how many I have received, but I remain thankful for each one—especially my family here in China, both close and extended.

Helen’s mother is kind to me, even though we cannot understand each other’s language. Her brother and his family often invite us to wonderful meals.

Every good gift comes from God.