Relentless

If you try to get to as much as you can, the pace doesn't let up but you do spend a certain amount of time when the lights are dimmed for a main session with your eyes struggling to keep open! Or actually shut! Morning prayers followed by bible study were not hugely memorable today. The Plenary session on Mission was preceded by lengthy greetings from the President (I think) of the World Evangelical Fellowship (I think) - good stuff, especially because they and the WCC and the Catholics had worked together on an important piece of work on mission - but he had to be stopped because he did go on well beyond his allotted space. Then there were greetings from a Jewish spokesperson who affirmed the importance of setting up a state of Palestine alongside Israel, which drew much applause. The mission stuff was OK moderated by Kirsteen Kim who turned out to be from Leeds Trinity University. After lunch back at Homeplus with Neil, I went to a very good Madang workshop on the Global Christian Forum as a wider body than the WCC. Then the ecumenical conversation which limped a bit, followed by time in the Madang Hall looking at photos standing for various nuclear disasters, accidents and bombs. Also a display of recycled art that used various bits of household waste. There was a delegate session closed to others which sounds to have been a bit wearisome to Neil and Elaine who I spoke to. The grand finale was evening prayers led by Yoido Full Gospel Pentecostal people with their Pastor preaching and leading us into the tongues bit. The music was very exciting - and very loud. Pretty weary by now, got some bits to eat in the market behind the hotel, and must now get off to bed as the alarm's going to go at 4.25am for heading off to the early morning prayer meeting at San Sung Presbyterian Church. This isn't compulsory, but it is something they've offered and Neil and I are going to give it a go - we gather not many other people are!