British Army Major murdered in hellish Helmand by a rogue Afghan soldier

While he was sleeping a British Army Major was fatally shot by "a rogue Afghan soldier" serving as a non-commisioned officer. The Major died with two members of the Royal Gurka Rifles who were also victims of this man; the Afghan is currently being hunted by special forces. Not only is there a serious guerilla threat to Western troops, but there is the ever present danger of rogue attacks on perceived infidels and action against foreigners involved in military operations.  I wonder how much the military leaders of this conflict know or understand about religious resolve and an ideological commitment to a cause.  The opponents of Western forces are fighting, it seems, for clear values in an Islamic framework.  The situation has been exacerbated by the amount of weapons and bomb making materials which are available to Afghan fighters on the Taliban side; they are determined never to be beaten into submission by British soldiers and army advisers.

The deaths will certainly under-mind the resilience of the British soldiers and politicians.  Troops in Afghanistan willl continue to suffer and die in Afghanistan.  It is a great shame that we got into this mess of a quagmire and we are now hoping for an end to the conflict, which has gone on for years.  Success, which seems very difficult to assess, will not be possible if the Western forces are dealing with corruption, uncertainty and deep seated resentment.  The Western forces cannot win the hearts and minds of the people through militarism and spiritually bankrupt processes.

16 July

Britain would save an enormous amount of money by leaving Afghanistan and letting others deal with the situation.  Charity begins at home and we should be making our country better for people suffering from medical problems.  We cannot afford to continue fighting in the Afghan war zone for a number of reasons.  Politicians are giving us excuses and myths.  It is a myth that fighting in Afghanistan makes the streets of Britain safer.  I believe the reverse is true.  We will leave Afghanistan having lost many valuable lives and with very little to show for it in the overall scheme of things.  I contend that history will reveal in due course that we fought foolishly in Afghanistan.

Poor schoolgirls in Ghana: sanitary protection boosts girls' schooling

In the latest edition of Oxford Today, the University Magazine (Volume 22 Number 3, Trinity 2010), there is an article on a new study concerning sanitary protection in Ghana. This study was carried out by social scientists at Oxford led by Professor Linda Scott of the Said Business School with Professor Sue Dopson, Dr Catherine Dolan and Dr Paul Montgomery. 

The team discovered that girls in Ghana were missing schooling as a result of poor provision for menstruation. Poor schoolgirls in Ghana, apparently, cannot afford sanitary towels so they use rags instead. As many schools do not have toilets suitable for changing or washing these rags/improvished pads,  poor schoolgirls decide not to attend during their menstrual period.

By supplying free sanitary pads it was found that absenteeism was cut by more than fifty per cent. It is stated, in the magazine:

Qualitatively, almost all the girls using pads reported that they were better able to concentrate at school, and  better able to socialise, participate in sport and help at home. They also reported a reduced sense of embarrassment, shame or isolation.

This study was well funded and supported.  Procter &  Gamble provided the sanitary pads. Hats off to all concerned!

My home church has links with Ghana.  I wish to share the findings of this study with members and regular worshippers of  the congregation who have been to Ghana in a mission context.  One man found the article interesting but would not pass it on to his daughter, who has visited Ghana, because he thought it was "inappropriate".  To me, that's sad.

Spain emerge as worthy World Cup winners 2010 in South Africa. And Jesus was on the winning side.

The octopus got it right again and Spain were victorious over heavy and hard Holland.  It was an intriguing contest between two great footballing nations.  Spain emerged as worthy winners by the one well taken goal scored by Andres Iniesta.  The Dutch were not happy when Iniesta's strike hit the back of the net; they were complaining about an earlier refereeing decision. Howard Webb had a very difficult match to referee but he showed great authority and common sense.  He did well in trying circumstances. And so did both goalkeepers (Stekelenburg and Casillas) in making some world class saves. The end result pleased the plaudits and the pundits.  Spain were the better side and triumphed over the Dutch spoilers.  Jesus was on the winning side. Jesus Navas came on in the 60th minute. De Jong and Van Bommel might have seen red cards in another game for their "challenges". Some would argue that Dutch team were exceedingly lucky to have had only one player sent off (John Heitinga).  They fouled and frustrated the Spanish soccer maestros, but Iniesta's goal was a joy to behold.  Arriba Espana, champions of Europe and now the World.  They played the beautiful game as it should be played. Viva Football, the beautiful game.

What a sacrifice!

Today I gave a talk at the Women's fellowship at Salem Baptist Church, Romford.  It is the oldest Baptist church in Romford and it has been in London Road since 1836.  During the Great War, World War I, they lost a significant number of members.  I counted 72 on the main memorial board and another 16 on the inner board. So 88 were lost from 1914 to 1919.  Now that is a considerable loss and quite a sacrifice.  It is more than the total current membership of Hornchurch Baptist Church and certainly more than today's membership of Salem.  Romford Baptist Church has a large membership by today's standards but it did not exist in the Great War period.  It was founded in the 1930s.  Romford Baptists of the early 20th century, I salute your tremendous sacrifice for this great country during the Great War.

Grief for Ghana. Euphoria for Uruguary in the FIFA World Cup quarter final match

In Johannesburg this evening Ghana came so close to securing a semi-final place in the FIFA World Cup. Uruguay eventually won 4-2 on penalties in a very tense shoot out.  In the closing minutes of extra time Ghana were awarded a penalty when Suarez handled the ball on the goal line and received the red card.  The penalty was missed. The Uruguayians were breathing a sigh of relief and went through by virtue of their penalty shoot out performance after Ghana missed two penalties. Uruguay missed one penalty in the best of five penalties.  It was a sad day for the African team who had so many supporters and admirers.  The cruel method of deciding the result ended in tears of grief in Ghana but euphoria in Uruguay. Diego Forlan was the man of the match. He was outstanding and has had a brilliant World Cup scoring goals.

Kaka was kaka and the mighty have fallen

The smallest man on the pitch, Wesley Sneider, managed to head the ball into the back of the net, scoring the winning goal, while the big Brazilian defenders looked on. Kaka did not play to his full potential and was woefully poor in the second half. The experienced veteran defender Andre Ooijer played him well.  Around 70 minutes into the match Kaka tried to cheat and claim a penalty.  Frustration set in. A few moments later there was a disgraceful stamping incident by Felipe Melo and the red card was shown to the Brazilian defender. Down to ten men the Brazilians played with passion but they lost their shape and discipline. Van Bommel struggled at times, often fouling his opponents and was lucky to survive the full time whistle.  Dutch joy filled the air; the mighty Brazilians were sent out of the tournament, losing 2-1. Wesley Sneider was nominated as man of the match. Well done Wesley. You've had a great year.

Great news for Liverpool FC: Roy is the new manager

Roy Hodgson, who should be Sir Roy before long, has been appointed the new manager of Liverpool FC.  The Scousers could not have found a better English manager, though Harry might be a contender but I can't see him living up north on Merseyside, can you?  Harry is happy at Spurs. Roy is rejoicing at Liverpool.  It's going to be a great season in the Premiership with some really tough matches ahead for the Champions League places at the end of season in 2011.  Fulham fans and Mal Foulmouth Fired will be disappointed to lose such a fine Football manager/coach. Roy is a credit to the game and that knighthood cannot be too far away now.