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20-06-2026 EP.002 (DAO, Caso Koldo y Oriente Medio)

54m 31s

20-06-2026 EP.002 (DAO, Caso Koldo y Oriente Medio)

In this episode of "Beyond Belief," host Steven Fletcher opens with updates on his travels with Bishop Michael and introduces interviews with two congregation members. The first segment features a discussion with Father Jerry Kenny, touching on current global issues like conflicts in the Middle East, rising living costs, and the church's emphasis on prayer for peace during Lent. The second segment centers on Nile West, a retired school principal planning a trek to Everest Base Camp. West shares details about the journey, including logistics, challenges like altitude and cold, and his fundraising campaign for his former school via a GoFundMe page. The episode blends personal stories, community updates, and reflections on broader societal concerns, all within a conversational and musical framework.

Transcription

6648 Words, 35170 Characters

English
[Music] Player FM's Beyond Belief with Steven Fletcher. [Music] Good evening. It's just out at 9 o'clock on this Sunday evening, the 8th of March, and you're very welcome to Beyond Belief. Steven Fletcher with you for this hour of Conversational Music. [Music] As I've told you previously, I've been busy travelling around the Church of Ireland Darsers with Bishop Michael this week. But during the week, I managed to catch up on two members of our congregations who are doing interesting things. The first is Nile West, a recently retired school principal who's trekking to Everest Base Camp next month. [Music] And also, I speak to Alan Cousins from our Church in Westport, up in the north of the Darsers, who works for a Christian satellite T.R. network, which broadcasts a Christian message to over 500 million people in the Middle East and North African region. [Music] And of course, I talk to my colleague, Father Jerry Ken, to catch up with what's happening in our Church's during Lent. [Music] Well, the weather continues to improve. It's getting a little warmer, and the days are getting a little longer. I see daffodils and crocuses coming out as our driver and, and you might almost believe that spring cannot be far behind. So let's start with this from Johnny Nash. I can see clearly now the rain has gone. Let's hope so. [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] Look straight ahead, in the very Old Kid Susan! We clearly know the rain is going to be clear. I can see all our stickers in my way. Going on the dark clouds that had to be black. It's gonna be bright, bright, such a day. Here we are again, happy as can be. Old, good, bad, and jolly good company. Well, here we are again, happy as can be. And joining me on the telephone this time is Father Jerry Kenny. It's good to have you, I hope, you're well and enjoying the better weather. Yes, a little dampish, but never the less, there is a smile. You can get out and that is good. But my gosh, Steven, what a week it's been with all of this newer and the troubling in the Middle East. You know how it gets, suddenly it takes over the headlines. It does. It does, and it's all my gosh. And coming up in the program, I've got an interview with someone from a satellite channel called Sat7, who broadcast Christian messages and they broadcast to the Middle East and North Africa. And he has listeners across that part of the world. And the company broadcasts to them a Christian message. So I've got that interview coming up. So I thought it was a good time to hear how they are getting the message into Iran and all the other places. So that's that's that Jerry. But as you say, it's a terrible, terrible situation, isn't it? When you look at the suffering and the destruction again, you know, that we see, we've got two use to it, really, with Gaza. But now we see it in Tehran and places like that. So anyway, we'll find out more about that. And I've been perigrenating going around with my bishop. I get problems with your bishop. No, we're doing it over 10 days, 10 stretch night days. So it does give us a break in between the days, which is good. So yeah, we're continuing that. I'm about halfway through, I suppose, by now. So that's good. But I'm enjoying it. I mean, it's always good to go and meet people on the ground and people that you know of but don't actually see. So it's good to actually have a chat and have a coffee and I just get my notes, Jerry. And I contend you that this week I've been to Nina, cloth Jordan and Roskray, Grazkyl, Charlie and Macross near Kylani and Shinroen, Burr and Banahe. And then yesterday we went to a dare, Limerick and Abington. So it's a full on program, even though I say, you know, at least it's not every day. You know, you do get a break in between. So it's good and I'm enjoying it, but it is quite tiring though. So at part of the whole, you're doing it and that you're inviting logos to bring forward to their vintage cars and tractors. How is that going? It's going very well. We're getting lots of old tractors, lots of old cars, even the odd bicycle has come along as well. And when I get a moment, I'm putting them up on the the diocesan Facebook page. So look for TLC on the Facebook page and you can see them. But yeah, it's good and it adds a bit of fun to it. And then we sing the hymn that he's chosen, which I've played before, hymn number 350 for the beauty of the earth. And we have a social time with coffee and biscuits and things like that. So it's a jolly time as well. Very good. Very good. Good. So I mean, the at the moment in our church circle over the past week, you know, the bishops have our thousand bishops that had their spring easing. And just the issue usually usually released after that meeting. And of course, the front of attention of the moment is the difficulty that isn't our word. And a large people to support the troker campaign, which we are debuffing on program last week. But also the focus is on is on prayer for peace. And they've called that's when we journey into St Patrick's day that we would have special prayers as all our services, all our messes. And that's for for peace at this time. And for the difficulties that are happening in not just in the Middle East area and in and desk, but also throughout many other areas of conflict we've talked about in the past like Sudan and other places where there's, you know, ongoing conflict, but they don't reach the headlines that all that much. And nevertheless, we're, you know, our world is in quite difficult stage at the moment. And I think we're living through stuff going from one crisis into another. And like that's that's fighting for a lot of people. And I know some families are quite worried about their own religions that are in case like the buy and you know, in the Arab and the rights and that. And they're worried about them because they're over there on contract for teaching or nursing or whatever career they have. And the risk that the whole difficulty about their safety and families back here being anxious about them. So we keep them in our prayers as well. Yeah. Yeah. And the cost of heating oil and fuel and all that is, is racing away. Isn't it Jerry as well? There's a lot to pray for and certainly for peace. There is, you know, I suppose like the one strikes me, you know, it does affect everybody because when there's instability like this in our world, like it impinges on all of us. Like we're all a little bit worried as you say, you know, we might be concerned about what we have enough for the teaching oil of the electricity bill that's coming in the door. And all of that the utilities are going to go up to danger is that if this prolongs, but then everything will go up because the whole transport costs for. Essentials that are basic in the ingredients of many foods, you know, could be affected as well. And you know, there's a lot of anxiety and stress and strain that run through the daily chores. So you need a bit of time of calm of maybe, you know, certainly a bit of a desert experience, maybe to just round ourselves as to, you know, the important things in life and the precinct. The progress that is there and the feedings that we have in this part of the world and appreciate them and be thankful for them and pray for those that have a living with constant instability in their daily lives. Yeah, well, thank you for that, Jerry. And I look forward to chatting to you in a couple of weeks time, Jerry. And thank you for joining me on your phone. But the reception is not too bad. Okay, thank you. Good. And always good to chat to you, Stephen, and continuing perginations with Bishop Mike. Yeah, thank you very much. Thanks. Now baby, I'm sure and I just can't wait till the day when you knock on my door. Now every time I go through the mailbox I gotta hold myself down. Now wait till you write me your coming home. Now I'm walking on sunshine, wow. I'm walking on sunshine, wow. It's time to feel good, hey. All right now, it's time to feel good, hey. I used to think maybe you love me, now know that it's true. And I don't want to spend my whole life just to wait for you. Now don't want you back for the weekend, not back for a day. And I know, no, no. I said, baby, I just want you back and I want you to stay. But yeah, now I'm walking on sunshine, wow. That's Katrina and the waves walking on sunshine. And I chose this because I'm about to talk to someone who is going to walk or trek halfway up Everest. Nile West is about to set off on a trek to Everest Basecamp and he's a member of the Church of Ireland and Church community in Holy Trinity Church in Rathkeel. And I caught up with him in the Church at Rathkeel as I was paragrenating with Bishop Michael last week. Well, I'm very pleased to have been joined in the Church in Rathkeel by Nile West who is a native of Rathkeel, born and bred here, I believe. And you went to the local school here. I did, yes, I'm from Kroke, which is only about three miles from Rathkeel. And my mum was one of the teachers here in Rathkeel No. 2 National School as it was known at the time. So I, along with my sisters, three sisters, we all went to school here in Church Street in Rathkeel No. 2. And from there I went to Villiers for secondary school and I was in Villiers until just after my inter-cert as it was at the time and following the results of that I did my leaving Cert in Closcht and Movie in Rathmines. Closcht and Movie would be the preparatory college for the Church of Ireland teacher training college. So a lot of that was through Irish and I think that's possibly where I picked up in Oph Irish for my leaving Cert and to get my place in teacher training. So I was trained in Rathmines in the Church of Ireland College of Education. And when I qualified from there, my first teaching job was in Wicklow Town, I did a year there. And then I was teaching in Tinihili, which was also in County Wicklow. And finally then in 1999 I came back home back to Rathkeel. And the enrollments had risen a little bit in the school and there was space for a second teacher once again my mother had retired at that stage. So I was teaching here since October 1999. Very good. Will any of the teachers other than your mother, any of the teachers who were here when you were here as a pupil? Yes, Rathkeel was still principal. I suppose that was unusual coming back to you having left as a pupil and coming back as a teacher. So we worked together until I think was 2007 when she retired. And then after her retirement I was a point principal. Good. I was principal then until October of last year, October 2225. And then I always have fond memories of the school I suppose. So just going back to the school had the numbers increased from when you were there? They had actually fallen from when I was going to, they were increasing and decreasing. And then there was quite a big decline and the school went down to one teacher school for a little while. So my mother retired at that stage. And I think it was two or three years possibly that Ray was here by herself. And then there was a slight increase in the enrollments. And also the government changed the teacher of people, Ray Ciel. Right. So it was led for the appointment of the second teacher. And there's a problem with rural schools, isn't it? Yes. The numbers decline is the population declines in many of these rural areas. Absolutely. Because there's a lot of concern when numbers start to get low, doesn't it? Yes. So you're retired and a young retiree, I'd say, looking at you. Yes, I would say you've been 55. Well, I wasn't going to mention that. So you have a young fit future. A hill of you if I like. Well, I hope so, yes. And I know walking and things like that, being active is one of the things you do. But you're planning something that I think most people would admit is a bit beyond the scale of just a little stroll. So what is it you're planning? I'm planning to do the Everest Base Camp trek next month. About 15 or 16 years ago, as a holiday, I climbed Kilimanjaro. Wow. To the top. To the top, yep. So that was a. Really enjoyed that. It was a great challenge. And I suppose the next thing then on my list since then, I've been thinking about it. So that is proper climbing. That's not a stroll with a few sticks, is it? That's Kilimanjaro is a big. I know nothing about it. Yeah, it's. It was a six-day hike. So we actually had four and a half days up on the day and a half down, because you can only gain so much altitude per day. Oh, yeah. And then you always have to sleep slightly lower than the highest point you've been. So I remember one of the days when we reached our camp, we had to then trek on from the half an hour up and sits up for a little while just, I think, even half an hour at a higher altitude helps the body to climb a chase. So anyway, you're heading for Everest Base Camp. Yep. Just explain what is at the Base Camp. Is it luxury accommodation or. No, base camp will be tents. Oh, right. Yeah. So the. It was the trek itself takes about two weeks, so a week to get there and a week to get back. And along the way we'll be staying in what they call T-Hausus, which will be fairly basic accommodation, not a lot of insulation, but we will have beds, there will be meals. And you'll be able to get food and that. The only nice that we will have in the tent is actually at Base Camp itself. So it's going to take you two weeks to get to Base Camp? A week to get to Base Camp. A week to get there. So where do you start from? So we fly into Kathmandu and then the early hours of the following morning, I think we leave Kathmandu, I've been told about 3am for four or five hour journey. To small little airport where the small planes take off to fly to Lokla. Now that's one of the things I'm most concerned about because it is rated as one of the world's most dangerous airports. That's a little. Yeah. I think it's a relatively short flight. Right. Very much dependent on the weather. So if the planes can't take off, you're waiting and hopefully another. you know, as if it was hopefully for the weather to clear. So you've got a five hour journey, then you take off from an airport. Yes, very small plane. I think from what I can see, some of them are 12 seats or planes. They're quite small. We're very restricted then with luggage. Of course. So there's a 10kg restriction on the main luggage and then. Right, right, a little bit more restrictive. Now this is more to do with the. because there'll be sharpness carrying the main luggage. And then we're allowed a 5kg backpack ourselves. So just for essentials. So what sort of luggage do you take for a journey like that? What did you put in your bag? Yeah, I have been doing quite a bit of shopping. It's. as was most of the clothes and things I've had wouldn't be technical enough in the technical fabrics. Keep out the cold, but yet it would be light enough. Also washing facilities won't really be there because I think even if you get something washed to chances of getting dried, you're fairly difficult. Basically as was the change of clothes, tracking trousers, several layers for the top. Temperatures do get down quite cool. I was looking in January, they were down to -27. At the moment it's -15. I'm told that by April, at night, tang is down to between -10 and -15. Wow. Lots of people. So they were you flying, you then got how long before you get to base camp? So a week. So we fly in and then actually the trek starts straight away. We've been at a 3 hour hike the first day to the first tea house. And then the walking varies some days, four or five hours. I think the longest is up to about 10 hours of trekking. So there'd be washing facilities for you in the tea house. Yes. Personal washing as well. Yes. Now you won't be guaranteed hot water. No, no. I think a few euro for a hot shower. Sure. But I'm not sure whether that's available at all the tea houses around. Because again, I suppose we'll all be in the same boat. So you say we're all. So how many of you will be trekking? It's a friend of mine coming. And I think there'd be about 12 of us in total. Right. The group that I'm going with, it's organised by Exodus Travels. Around. They generally have a maximum of 16 people. And I was just looking at the website this morning and there are still four spaces available. So lightly at this stage they'll fill up. I won't put my name down. So you're there with your friend who you've done other tricks with, have you? Yes, and he's from North Wales. Right. I first met him on a cycling trip in Vietnam about 10 years ago. Right. And as we've kept in touch, we've had several trips in the meantime. Because usually I do quite an active holiday. I don't like sitting down. So I've done quite a few cycling trips and that. And there's a group of us that have met over the years and we generally organise something every year. But Andy was the only one I could convince to come on this trip. So you get the base camp and that's it. You're not going on that. No. So you don't need ropes and crowns and. No, it's all walking. I think I suppose the two biggest obstacles I think would be the cold and the altitude. Yes. Now, I have been at altitude twice before, both Kilimanjaro and the Inca Trail in Peru. Right. I've been fine. It hasn't bothered me. But I don't think that's any guarantee that this time will be fine. But I'm hopeful. That's very good. So you'll actually be there for a day, will you, on base camp? Yes. We have booked on what they call their expedition trip, which includes a night at base camp. Right. Elast the other trips. You go to base camp and you turn around after an hour or so and you'll start back. But we're actually having a day. And what height is base camp? Base camp is just over 5,300 meters. Right. So where we start in look-lives, about 3,000 meters, so you gain about 2,000 meters over the course of the week to get there. Which, as was. It's a much more gradual. Yes. assent than what Kilimanjaro was. I think so. I've seen a lot of publicity lately about the rubbish that's being left on the mountain. Yes. From climbers supposedly. But it sounds quite a touristy thing. I think so, yes. And I know at the moment it does seem to be changing for sustainability. Yeah. And we have to encourage to knock by plastic bottles of water, but by the boiled water and to bring reusable things. And of course, as was everything that we bring, we'll be taking home with us again. I am hoping this to. I suppose to fundraise for the school. Yes. That's one of the functions of this is to raise money. Yes. Now again, that wasn't my original thought. Okay. Again, going back to my trip 15 years ago, so many people asked me why, what was they doing? Was they doing it as a fundraiser? Yeah. Which I wasn't at the time. So I just thought this time that maybe it might be worth a try. Absolutely. So I set up a go fund to my page. Good. Tell us all about it. So it's. It's a business to find it. It's a go fund to me. It's a trek to every space camp in aid of church-state national school. And it's been blown away by the support. It has really taken off. Really? I think it started off with a 500-year-old A-masteples, which they very quickly increased. I think they. at the moment, the goal is set now at 3000, because it has done so well. So I think the goal will increase the goal every so often. Very good. As of this morning, there's over 2,400-year-old donated. And I have. that was all the people that have given me a little bit so as well. Very good. So it's. on goal fund, me. It starts for a goal fund, me and then Everest-based camp trek in aid of church-state national school. Very good. We're a snappy title. Yes, so. So if anyone is able to. Absolutely. Yeah. To help folks, that's the. That's why it calls as well. And you know, I suppose. School as always. Yeah. You're always looking for money. Always looking for money. Yeah. For the extra bits and things. Yes. That's great to be able to. Well, it's been great. I know you through the church of Ireland and you're on diocesan camps and things like that. Yes. So it's really good to find that you've got a bit more to your life than just school and then church. Yes. Thank you so much for joining me this evening. Thank you. Thank you, Stephen. I look forward to seeing your progress. Lots of pictures, I hope. I hope so. I might not be able to send them from. No, from the Himalayas, but I don't know what they call it. 5G probably hasn't got there yet. It means not. Thank you so much. Thank you. These are the proclaimers walking 500 miles. And then they will walk 500 more, just like Nile, I suppose. 500 miles and I will do a 500 more, just like Peter Pan. The walk's up to 1000 miles then fall, and I should do. But I'm walking. Yes, I know I'm going to be. I'm going to be the man who's walking hard for you. And then I'm money. Comes in for the walk I do. I'll pass almost every penny on to you. When I can't go out the wall, I know I'm going to be. I'm going to be the man who comes back home to you. And if I grow, I know I'm going to be. I'm going to be the man who's going over you. But I would walk 500 miles and I would walk 500 more, just like the man. Walks from 1000 miles to fall, and I should do. [Music] When I'm lonely, well I know I'm going to be. I'm going to be the man who's walking without you. And when I'm streaming, well I know I'm going to stream. I'm going to stream about the time when I'm with you. When I go, I will go, I will go. I know I'm going to be. I'm going to be the man who goes along with you. And when I come home, I come home. I'm going to be the man who comes back home with you. And when I'm going to be the man who's coming home with you. [Music] [Music] And when I walk 500 miles and I would walk 500 more, just like the man. [Music] [Music] Well, we're seeing such terrible news on our TVs each night at the moment. And during last week I caught up with Alan Cousins, who's a member of the Church of Ireland parish of Westport in County Mayo. And Alan is also married to the Rector there, the Reverend Suzanne Cousins. Alan works for the Christian satellite channels of SAT7, which broadcasts to the Middle East and to North Africa. When I spoke to him, I asked him to tell me more about SAT7. And what role it has in Christian ministry in that area. Thank you, Stephen. Well, we're hardly known here unless your Arabic is quite good or your Turkish or Farsi. But SAT7 is a Christian ministry into the Middle East and North Africa. Using satellite television, free of charge for people there, and they value it greatly because it's free of government-led interference as well. So it's like RT1234, whatever we are, satellite channel number 7. And increasingly on YouTube and other news as well. But in the nutshell, that's who we are. And so you cover a vast area then, Middle East and North Africa. Is that right? It is, perhaps, so it's 500 million people and growing rapidly. It's also very different to here in Ireland because here the average age is rather higher. There, I think, is 45% of the population is under 25 years of age. So it looks very different. But yes, all the way from Mauritania to Sudan to the Persian region, Afghanistan, and so on. So it's huge. We deliberately chose them to never mention finance. And we are financed by churches and by friends who reach out to help us. And for that, we are immensely grateful. So what sort of programming do you give to people? You say it's religiously based. What would be a typical program on a typical morning? Well, I'm not sure there is a typical one. Well, maybe I could begin this way by saying we started 30 years ago with a board of camera in a board studio in Cairo. And not sure what would happen. Today we are 24/7 in Arabic, Turkish and Karse and numerous dialects. And we understand we have tens of millions of regular viewers. It's fumbling. And the range of programming is to try to serve the people of the Middle East and North African in the best ways that we can. So for example, dramas and chat shows during times of conflicts. And for example, after earthquakes, we provide a lot of trauma consulate. We also provide education curriculum for millions of children who have never been to school for a day in their lives. Nor do they have any access to it. We provide a lot of programming that speaks directly to women's issues. And during COVID, in particular, the program you were not alone seemed to resonate with a lot of people. And we provide a lot of viewer response, people getting in touch with us, speaking on the air. So yeah, regular church services from Cairo, Beirut, Algiers, and also Bible teaching, praise, teaching children. We have seven kids. Let's watch my millions and trusted by mothers and aunts. So yeah, if I sound a little excited to see when you understand. Yeah, with some justification, that's an amazing story. And one that I'd never heard anything about before. And you get feedback from the viewers, despite some areas where there may be restrictions and things, you find that your signal can get through and people can respond to you. Yes, indeed. And very thankful for this, you know, government safety, to the block or, or, uh, sift the internet, the satellite television that can't be done. And so we do have continuous access. The majority of countries respect us and value us. So for example, the Turkish government, uh, being aware of the cost for us, of being on commercial satellites. They invited us to come on to the government satellite. So, yes, I think, although we're distinctly Christian, in our ethos and our outlook, we are respectful. And that has led to some wonderful relationships. So, you know, it seems to touch into hearts and homes and lives right across the region. We have more than a thousand people who contact us every day. Many asking for help or simply saying, thank you. Some of those are very distressing. And so we have, for example, an Afghan church in Canada who provide the help to, when the Afghan gets in touch with us, and under the Taliban regime that's exceedingly difficult for them to do this. But they do. With the Iranians, we have Iranians in Cyprus, in Germany, and in London, who provide support and help pastoral care for those who reach out to us. Yeah, it's a pretty immense operation. We've had a small army of people who are available dedicated to, to disciplining and to providing help when people ask for this. That's amazing. And where are your main production centres? Where are your studios? So, for Arabic, it's Cairo and Beirut. They root as our largest studio and our colleagues there yesterday were describing the horrors going on around that land. The fear of attack for the Turkish, we have a studio in Istanbul. And for Iranian work, we can't be inside Iran as you have been in the past. But we have an Iranian studio in Cyprus and one in London. So those are our main centres. Our headquarters is in Cyprus. Right. No, that's interesting. And as you say, nearly 50 years ago, just before the revolution, I was in Iran and working as a civil engineer for consultants, supervising construction of roads in the oil fields in the southwest of Iran, based in Ahwas, where we were. But I was in a tin box, miles and miles from there, tin box with air conditioning both ends because it was very hot there. And so I spent about 18 months there. And then it started to get a little unpleasant because there was a lot of dissension coming out. It was in the time of the Shah, of course. And so I actually came back to be best man at my best friend's wedding. And I met the bridesmaid there and five months later we were married, Francis and I were married. So it was. No. And so I actually broke my contract, but it didn't matter because in the meantime, the Shah had been overthrown. And so the people that I was working with had all been sent home anyway. So I enjoyed it very much. It's a lovely place. The people are very kind and gentle and peaceful. But of course, you know, things changed, don't they? And rulers change. And that was something that I'm very aware of. What's next? Yeah, it was a great experience. The only far see I can say hello and the chef. Yes. Because we had a chef looking after the camp where we were and it was very much a camp. But he was a mute, a deaf mute. And so we corresponded by sign language. And of course, that was perfect for someone who couldn't speak Farsi other than saying, "How are you?" And "Salam alaikum." But anyway, we converse very well. But yeah, a lovely, lovely place. I was very taken with it. And as you say, they are a very warm people. There's something in their culture that is very community orientated and very gentle. Not all of the neighbors are necessarily like that. So, you know, I have a number of Iranian friends here, quite a few. And I would say that's consistently the experience I've had with them. Yeah. Yeah. It's an interesting place. Very interesting. So, what messages are you getting with the terrible situation there is at the moment? What news are you getting from Iran particularly? I perhaps see them. I could answer that by giving just a couple of blooms to this. Let me start from, let's say, two years ago. If you'd spoken to me at that point and asked about Iran, I would have remarked on the remarkable growth in the Christian church there. Probably 20 plus years. It has been the fastest growing church in the world, both in the country and amongst the Iranians elsewhere, including here in Ireland. We're just seeing this and listening to my Iranian friends. They often quote scriptures to indicate that the promises are gone to the people of Ilam are very strong. And they would argue that they were seeing them being fulfilled at this time. More recently, if you can ask me, let's say a month or two ago, I would have commented on the political instability and certainly people on the ground, agitating unhappy with their regime and the levels of violence going on were very frightening. So, for example, two Wednesdays ago, on our prayer call for the sat 7 staff all over the world, there were about 200 of us most of us part time. And some of my Iranian colleagues spoke of having had contact with their families. They had been cut off from them for about two to three weeks. And now conversations back home, I remember one lady describing her in her time. The levels had arrived. They went into the hospital. They murdered all of the patients. All of the medical staff in that hospital was not completely disappeared and to even go to the shops for mum had said was a very frightening experience. So, as recently as a few weeks ago, that would have been higher, I'm surprised. At this moment, it is of course not only to the people of Ilam, but indeed across the Middle East, the level of fear today is immense. We understand that. We probably don't exactly, but behind all of these scenes that we are seeing on our social media and on our television, these are real people trying to take care of their families, to love them, to make them safe. So, it is very distressing. And for us as a Christian ministry, we long to provide whatever small help we can to encourage others to deliberately pray, help for these people. And we don't understand geopolitical consequences and what's happening around us. But we are thankful as Christian believers that we trust in a God who, however painful, however difficult it may seem yet, we may trust in Him. My role here in Ireland is to find new friends for this ministry that is huge and growing rapidly. And we're so thankful that the Church of Ireland have a year ago made us one of their AMS's, one of the Association of Mission Societies that they help and support. And we're very thankful to God and to the Church for this privilege. So, we're here to serve in whatever ways we can. And that's praying, it's listening, it's growing in our understanding of the region. And also for those from that region, we're living amongst us here. I'm not on the wear of the political and social pressures, but yet these can be amongst our best neighbors. They are hardworking people of time. And the majority of them are here, what is necessity. And so, yeah, for us to reach out to them and provide you love and hospitality. And they are of very hospitable people, the people in the Middle East and North Africa more than we realize. And so I would encourage us to show that kindness, that love of God. Yeah. And just if people do want to find out more about you, where can they find you? So, sat sitting in the UK of the island or website is sat7uk.org. And you'll soon find us there or on YouTube. And thank you, Stephen. Not at all Anna, thank you so much. And I'm sure that you shine a light on what is a very dark place at the moment. And please God, you know, with prayer and support, these people will get some comfort. But I do thank you for being with us this evening. Well, it's all a pleasure. Thank you Stephen, back for not. Piner. Yeah. And my thanks to Alan Cousins for telling us all about the work of sat7, which you can find on sat7uk.org. [Music] And I believe it could be someday it's going to come. Because I'm on the edge of darkness. And there are these strange, or peace, great, take this country. Come take me home again. God, you smile and make me. You're thinking about the good things to come. And I believe it could be something good has begun. Well, peace, great, sound, and louder. Just light on the peace train. [Music] Come on, peace train. Get peace train, holy moly. Everyone, none of our peace reigns. Come on, peace. Get your bags together. Come bring your good friends to a cause it's getting delivered. It's over with you. And come and join the lift. That's not so far from you. And it's getting nearer. Soon it will all be true. Oh, peace, great, sound, and louder. Light on the peace train. Come on, peace train. [Music] Now I've been crying late. Thinking about the world as it is. Why must we go on a date? Why can't we live in this? Because I'm on the edge of the darkness. There are two peace trains. Oh, peace train. Take this country. Just be straight, holy moly. Everyone, you're upon the peace train. Come on, come on, come on. Just come on, peace train. Yes, it's the peace train. [Music] That was Kat Stevens, peace train. [Music] Well, we're coming to the end of Beyond Belief for this evening. Thank you for joining me. And we have the Claire Benediction by John Rutter to take us up to the news at 10 o'clock. My thanks go to our guests, Nile West, Alan Cousins, and Father Jerry Kenny. Remember, you can listen back to this Beyond Belief by going to the Claire FM website and clicking on the catch-up tab. And you can join Father Jerry for Sunday Prayer at a quarter to eight next Sunday morning. Until then, this is Stephen Fletcher wishing you a joyful and a peaceful week ahead, free from worry and concern. Continue to pray for peace. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand. Small August Panicked. [Music] [Music] [Music]

Podcast Summary

Key Points:

  1. The host introduces the radio program "Beyond Belief" and discusses recent activities, including traveling with Bishop Michael and interviewing congregation members.
  2. An interview with Father Jerry Kenny covers topics such as global conflicts, economic concerns, and church initiatives for peace during Lent.
  3. A detailed conversation with Nile West focuses on his upcoming trek to Everest Base Camp, his background as a retired teacher, and his fundraising efforts for his former school.

Summary:

In this episode of "Beyond Belief," host Steven Fletcher opens with updates on his travels with Bishop Michael and introduces interviews with two congregation members. The first segment features a discussion with Father Jerry Kenny, touching on current global issues like conflicts in the Middle East, rising living costs, and the church's emphasis on prayer for peace during Lent. The second segment centers on Nile West, a retired school principal planning a trek to Everest Base Camp.

West shares details about the journey, including logistics, challenges like altitude and cold, and his fundraising campaign for his former school via a GoFundMe page. The episode blends personal stories, community updates, and reflections on broader societal concerns, all within a conversational and musical framework.

FAQs

Beyond Belief is a conversational music program hosted by Steven Fletcher, featuring discussions on faith, community activities, and interviews with church members.

Nile West is a recently retired school principal from the Church of Ireland who is trekking to Everest Base Camp next month to raise funds for his local school.

Alan Cousins works for Sat7, a Christian satellite network that broadcasts Christian messages to over 500 million people in the Middle East and North Africa.

Father Jerry Kenny emphasizes prayer for peace during Lent, especially for conflicts in the Middle East and other regions, and encourages special prayers in church services.

The Church organizes events like vintage car and tractor gatherings, shared on the diocesan Facebook page, along with hymns and social times to foster community connection.

The trek involves cold temperatures down to -15°C, high altitude risks, basic accommodations in tea houses, and a dangerous flight to Lukla airport, with limited luggage allowance.

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