Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe unlawfully detained in Iran

 The imprisonment, treatment and extended custodial sentencing should be condemned by the international community and all who believe in justice. The judicial system in the Islamic Republic of Iran is a disgrace. Human rights are clearly violated in a number of cases.  Let us be grateful for those who are working for justice, freedom and human rights in such a repressive country. The case of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe is an example of heartless oppression and cruelty. Her extended sentence and detention in Iran is a disgrace.

Revising my views on Trinity church, previously known as Peniel

Well, I thought it was bad at Peniel and during the dark days of Michael Reid Ministries, but I honestly believed that things had improved under the leadership of the Linnecars. Reading the report in detail by John Langlois and his team, and looking at the evidence afresh, I am shocked and saddened.  

I knew that there was suffering among the flock, but the extent of it beggars belief. Deep psychological damage and emotional scars that time will not heal completely, the loss of trust and faith touches me. It says in God's Word that we should weep with those who weep. Peniel should have been renamed Bochim or Bokim, the place of tears and weeping. And there have been many tears over the abuse, the shame and the shunning, the bullying, the manipulation, the exploitation, the harm and the hurt, the trials, troubles and tribulations, the strain and the stress. The unedifying evidence is there in the report, which in the face of sure and certain facts is undeniable. Sadly some of the perpetrators are in denial. They acted like hirelings and had the spirit of Gehazi rather than shepherds of God.

One day we shall give account of every idle word. We are all going to appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or evil. Even though we may be saved and spared eternal separation from the presence of God, the Day of judgment will test by fire what sort of work each one has done.  See 1 Corinthians 3:13-15. If anyone's work is burned they will suffer loss, though they will be saved but only through fire. Our God is a consuming fire. Those of us who are in leadership will be judged more harshly. Are we good stewards of the grace and gifts that have been generously given to us?

Russian Mission Impossible Force (MIF) active in October 2014

 Yes, secret agents in Russia's MIF were active in Czechoslavia back in 2014. The task force dynamic duo of Boshirov (Chepiga) and Petrov (Mishkin) behind the Salisbury poisonings have been linked with sabotage in 2014 at a weapons facility.

As always in the case of Mission Impossible Force  the Kremlin will disavow any knowledge of such actions.  

Chepiga and Mishkin are loyal agents of Mother Russia, where they are heroes, and they operate in the dark world of espionage, spies and lies. 

Thanks to Bellingcat we know the identities of these men who have received the Hero of Russia award.

Delays and dithering over the Oxford Astra-zeneca vaccine puts lives at risk

 Countries which have suspended the use of the Oxford Astra Zeneca vaccine are putting lives at risk. There is absolutely no clear evidence that the vaccine has caused or causes blot clots. It is dangerous and foolish to suspend the vaccination procedures. Fear and uncertainty will now be in people's minds. 

Some European countries have been woefully slow in the administration of the vaccine. This delay has probably cost people their lives. The consequences will lead to more fatalities;  the scientific evidence  will show that Oxford Astra Zeneca vaccine is safe and is life saving.  It is a big mistake to delay and to dither when lives are at stake.

Frontline Police Officers should be vaccinated now

 Police Officers who are required to go into crowded places and dangerous, difficult situations should be vaccinated immediately. They need full protection from the virus and people who are putting them at risk of infection. Sometimes they are attacked, abused and badly treated. Those who are engaged in illegal activities and attacks during the lockdown should be harshly punished and shamed. We should not tolerate unacceptable behaviour. Vaccinate our police now!

It is very sad to hear about Ravi Zacharias' disgrace and shameful behaviour

 Despite Ravi Zacharias' sexual misconduct, deceit and lies, his apologetic books, sermons and ministerial works still proclaim truth, valuable insights, good arguments and  sound teaching. Booksellers and publishers have removed his books from their shelves and made them unavailable for purchase, in effect out of print.  This is a regrettable move. We should separate the personality from the publications, from the truth and merits of what he wrote. A good book is a good book even if the author has acted in bad ways.  Ravi's apologetics and the arguments he put forward are no less valid now than they were when his books were selling well in previous years.

God uses flawed human beings. Church history teaches this lesson clearly. And lessons are being learned form this sorry mess. Our hearts and prayers should go out to the victims of abuse and suffering caused by Ravi. Ravi, who died last May, was put on a high pedestal and has now fallen in the light of recent investigations. In time his books will be valued for what was written rather than what Ravi did in spas.

Yes, the evil done will be remembered, but so should the good. Being dead he still speaks... through his books etc.

The Dig: a disappointing drama with a miscast Carey Mulligan

 The Dig is now available to see on Netflix. Ralph Fiennes sparkles in the role of Basil Brown, managing to capture the character brilliantly with an excellent rural Suffolk accent. He really nails it.

Poor old Basil did not get the recognition and credit he deserved at the time. But history has now been kind to him and his place in British archaeology is assured.

Carey Mulligan is dreadfully miscast as Mrs Edith Pretty, who was twenty years older when the events took place.  Ludicrous. And Peggy Piggott, played by Lily James, was an established and accomplished archaeologist, not a lightweight novice or clumsy sidekick.

On the whole, the acting was of a high standard. More could have been made of the spectacular finds at the Sutton Hoo dig. There was so much more to be said about the magnificent helmet, the jewellery, exquisite weaponry,  crafted items and coins that have been gathered at the site.