More reading--Funchal 100 years ago

Yesterday I linked you to an article in the New York Times. The link today is about Madeira, a chapter from a book written by Norman Grubb. Rees Howells, Intercessor is a biography, and the particular chapter linked here tells of a visit to Madeira made by RH about 100 years ago. In the course of the story, mention is made of a "missionary" and an "evangelist" in Funchal, who are unnamed and I gathered they are not the same person. I assume they would have been associated with the Scots Kirk (Church of Scotland or present-day Presbyterian Church in Funchal), which, from what I gather, was somewhat evangelical up until the 1950s or thereabouts.

The article mentions Reid's Hotel (still in existence) and the fact that Madeira's early attraction for foreigners was due, in large part, to the climate, which was recommended for tuberculosis patients.

The chapter on Madeira is found here.  Thanks to a brother from the UK who visited us last month and called my attention to this story.

Something to read from the NYT

Yesterday (Nov. 28) the New York Times put out a short piece of photojournalism on the crisis that is facing Portugal. Greece's problems have had the most coverage, but Portugal and Spain are not far behind. In Spain, there have been suicides in recent weeks over the issue of bank foreclosures on houses. One family in our church had to turn their house back to the bank; another couple will have to do the same at the end of December if they can't find a buyer in the next couple of weeks. Several members are unemployed---others work, but haven't been paid for four months.

The church has set up an emergency fund to help, and every attempt is made to be sure that no one goes without the necessities of life: food, bus transportation to school and work, and utilities.

Take a couple of minutes and read "Portuguese Join Europe's Chorus of Discontent". The article itself is short; the story is basically told in the multimedia slide show. And pray.

How right will they be?

The purpose of writing today was to catch you up on the last month or so of news, including a couple of photos. Photos are still safely stored in the camera and my time is running short for today. It's almost Sunday, the long day in our week...two sermons and a Bible study in three languages. I never feel prepared enough, so I still prepare at this hour.

But for those of you who faithfully follow this blog, I felt I ought to put a bit of something on, just to let you know we are still forging ahead, thankful for the health and stamina the Lord has given us. Our stamina alone would not be sufficient, I assure you.

It's about 11:15 p.m.; it's raining, but the real rain is supposed to hit us between midnight and 6 a.m. The forecast says we're due to get more rain (50% more) than we did in the bad storm of February 2010. Check the archives for February 2010 and pray we don't. You'll see what I mean if you read those posts.

We'll let you know how right the forecasters were.

Sunday, 9:00 a.m.: Bright and sunny. There's the difference between weather forecasters and prophets of the Lord for you.