Tue 5 Feb 2008
Got called “Gov” by the cab driver. Very fun.
Well, the meeting went well today and we are looking at getting the spots aired on a couple of London stations. We can reach over 2,000,000 pretty quickly, so looking forward to seeing that come to pass. England is a different place regarding the radio. All of our scripts would have to be approved by the governing board (RACC), but we have been temporarily approved. They also are not willing to allow our spots to air during drive time as there are too many influential children in the car. They don’t want to influence them towards faith. Seems to me that is when faith, morals, and values should be instilled. If you don’t get them when they are young, you might never get them.
Speaking of England and the UK, less than 5% would claim to have a personal relationship with Jesus. That should be a matter of prayer and action, but unfortunately, because conversions come easier in third world countries, most of the missions focus heads over there. Actually, of the 10,000,000 new Christians in the world in the last 10 years, less than 5% have come from the US, UK, Europe, and the developed countries of the western world. Sounds like there is work to be done.
Earl and I met with Terry Bennet today of Christian Voice. Great guy who absolutely loves the Lord. One of those guys who teared up as he was sharing how he came to know Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. And, he gets fired up when talking about the things that the Lord is doing in the world. One of those guys who challenges you with his passion as well as his convictions. I look forward to getting to know him more.
After the meeting Pastor Earl and I went down and rode the London Eye. It is a huge Ferris Wheel that sits alongside the Thames River. Goes high above all of the sites and the city. Very cool.
Tomorrow, we head to Kenya. Another long day in a plane. Please pray that we would be safe and that the Lord would use us to speak truth to a disheartened people. Through the violence, crime, and lawlessness that they are facing in their country, God wants to speak hope, healing, and peace.
Can’t wait to tell you in a couple of days how it is going.
Sean
3 Responses to “Ey there Gov…”
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February 5th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
jealous…. very jealous…. Sounds like you are having a great time and getting a fair amount accomplished! Try the Indian food before you leave the UK if at all possible–you’ll thank me later! Blessings on you, Gov….er….Sean.
February 6th, 2008 at 11:56 am
Mornin’ Gov!
Sometime during the mid-1990’s, I made the expensive mistake of hiring a London Cab for the trip from Heathrow to my company’s office in Reading, west of London. I agree this was a stupid “American tourist” move. As a quick aside – and a small bit of advice – avoid London Cabs for trips from Heathrow to Cornwall!!!! They are called London Cabs – because they are good at the London thing – and you may find the fare expensive, but palatable as they take the responsibility for navigating that complex city on your behalf.
I was on business, and felt artificially confident about being able to expense the fare. I was called “Gov” by the cab driver a 100 times or more, and this may have had some connection to his knowledge of what the fare was going to be. It seemed that every sentence had “Gov” laced into it somehow. But I began to learn a little about Cockey’s - and where they’re from - and how the world attempts to model the accent and language - often in jest or humor. It is interesting to note that actors taking roles in which they attempt to mime Cockney’s are often called “Mockney’s” - not sure that I’m so enthusiastic about that mime anymore, even as an amateur humorist between friends.
I don’t remember the exact fare - but I do remember that it took the wind out of my confident sails - my guess based on millions of miles of travel experience, is that it was in the 150 quid (GBP) zone. So Sean - you may have met a person who was born “within earshot of the Bow Bells” - perhaps even a true Cockney, born close to St Mary-le-Bow church on the eastern side of the city (don’t confuse with “The East End”). I would consider that a privilege. You’ve heard me use the term “mate” and we’ve probably aligned that with our limited knowledge of Aussie culture - but listen closely - Cockney’s use “mate” a lot. Gov may just be a different version of “mate” - addressing however, very respectfully - the individual with cash-in-pocket, who will help achieve their income plan for the day while driving a London Cab.
God loves us all - and he has a perfect plan for Cockney’s too.
Be blessed as you approach the tough part of the trip.
Don
February 6th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Hope you two are safely in Kenya now. After the small amounts of sleep along the way, I hope you find rest and are ready to go!
Can’t wait to get your next report…and maybe, pictures?
God bless your work,
Sarah