Andrew Denton on Open House

You know, it's interesting the response we get to the feature interviews we do on Open House. We have had wonderful international guests like Eugene Petersen, Bill Hybels, Os Guiness, Joni Eareckson-Tada. Many of these are difficult to get hold of. And yet the most downloaded interview we've done all year (knocking John Eldridge and Don Piper from top place) is the chat we did with Andrew Denton a couple of weeks back. If you'd like to listen a second (or first) time, you can stream the interview or podcast it from here.

Rise & Shine TV

Boy, those TV folks wear a lot of makeup. It took me a good 10 minutes in the bathroom after the recording of an interview for the Rise & Shine TV program to get it all off! For your interest, the interview will air Sunday November 5, at 5.30am on Channel 9 (and repeated on the Australian Christian Channel). The last TV interview I did aired at 12.30am. This one's 5.30am. By the end of the decade I should make it to prime time!

Unseen Footprints Wins ACBY Award

Yes! Unseen Footprints has won the Australian Christian Book of the Year Award. When the ACLS folks asked me to attend the Melbourne awards lunch I thought a place might be in store - perhaps third. But to take the trophy has been a tremendous encouragement. The news is getting around with a stack of print references, radio interviews and a TV interview to come. The competition was extremely high this year, with so many great titles, sharp authors, and reputable publishers involved. Some links:

Thanks are due to Sally Smith, godly-hearted and sharp-minded Commissioning Editor at Scripture Union publishers, Nicole Gillan, the brilliant designer and long-time friend who collaborated on the book with me, my inspirational wife Merryn, and God - from whom and by whom this whole project has originated and succeeded.

Many have asked me when the next book is coming out. Well, I've spent the past few months researching the follow up to Unseen Footprints. It will explore God's personality - his likes, dislikes, what he is passionate about - and how his nature meets the deepest of human yearnings. Pray for me! It would be great to have it released by the end of next year.

Melbourne Visit

It looks like I'll be visiting Melbourne for the Australian Christian Book of the Year Awards between Wednesday September 13 and Sunday September 17, and will utilise the visit to do some other speaking activities. Would you like me to speak at your church service or function at all? Or know anyone who might? Currently the Sunday morning time slot is free. Recently I've concentrated on topics like:

• Seeing God’s unseen footprints in your life
• Doubt and the dark night of the soul (finding God through it)
• When God doesn’t heal
• Drawing close to God (Exodus 33: Moses meets God in a tent!)
• Changing the world through words (for Bible college students, ministers, speakers, and others interested in the goals and qualities of contemporary communication)

If you have any ideas, please click the 'Invite Sheridan to Speak' link after clicking here . Thanks.

Award Short-listing for Unseen Footprints

I've just heard that Unseen Footprints (click on the banner below) has just been short-listed for the Australian Christian Book of the Year Award. There's some tought competition, so don't know if any title will be taken at the September 13 awards night. But apparently even being shortlisted is considered an 'honour'. Now, just need to get some of the judge's addresses, send the 'heavies' round, and 'negotiate' the results!

New Podcasting

Hi there. I though you might like to know that feature interviews on the Open House radio program are now available for podcast, thanks to Sydney station FM103.2. Each week guests like Bill Hybels, Eugene Petersen and John Eldridge will be available for download, plus of course the 'little' unknown people who are doing great things in the world. So, if you miss the show you'll still be able to catch some action. Head to the FM103.2 Open House page, set up your iPod and don't forget to let me know your thoughts!

Denominational Affiliations of Superheros

With all the hoopla this week of the Superman Returns movie, you might be interested to know that almost all our superheros have some kind of denominational affiliation. Baptist, Anglican, Methodist, Catholic—you’ll find connections in the storylines of our best hooded, caped, spandex-covered, super-people (click here for details or here for more Open House editorials).

Compassion Day Final Final Tally

OK, now that the final station's results have come in, a final final mention about Compassion Day. The final tally stands at 903 children rescued from poverty. Now it's all over until next year when the Phillipines will most likely be the region of focus.

Open House Editorials Online

Hi again. There's been some request for my editorials on the Open House program to be made available, so they will now be found each week in the Words section. Hope they're of some value to you a second time 'round.

Compassion Day Avalanche!

A quick update folks. After some final tallying, the offical Compassion Day result has actually been found to be, not 650, but 882 children rescued from poverty! And one station, 96.3 Rhema FM in Geelong, is still to hold their Compassion Day event (on Thursday June 22). Looks like we'll pass the 900 mark - a 70% increase on last year. Truly a record. I was secretly praying for 750 children sponsored, I'm overwhelmingly thankful to God on this one...

Compassion Day Result

Well, Compassion Day was a wonderful success. All the hours and tears were worth it! Nationally, over 650 children were sponsored out of poverty. This has major ramifications for the families and commmunities involved - they will all benefit. And one station, 96.3 Rhema FM in Geelong, is still to hold their Compassion Day, so our original target of 650 children sponsored will well and truly be exceeded. A record. Wonderful. For more, click here

Compassion Day Thursday May 18

Please, please, please listen to your local Christian radio station on Thursday May 18. For one day almost every single Christian broadcaster in the country will focus on one goal--rescuing children from poverty through Compassion Australia. As the National Coordinator/Creative Director for the event, yours truly has been flat-out for months pulling the event together, but it is looking to be an historic day. Local and international music personalities have lent their support, but I am most looking forward to you hearing from the children themselves--real Indian and Bangladeshi children awaiting sponsors to give them a new life. Our goal is to see at least 650 poverty-striken children rescued on the one day. Thursday May 18--16 Hours to Change the World. For a listing of participating stations, click here

John Eldridge on Open House

Really enjoying the guests we're attracting to Open House. Last week it was Ruth Graham (daughter of famed evangelist Billy Graham) and Douglas Gresham (stepson of Narnia Chronicles author CS Lewis). This week it's John Eldridge, author of Wild At Heart and other best-sellers. John's hard to get hold of, so make sure you tune in - either on local FM or via Sydney's FM 103.2 or Melbourne's 89.9 Light FM, which both stream online.

Nicky and Randy in the House!

Had a great time launching Open House last Sunday night. Eugene Peterson was wonderful, and plenty of listener calls too. Patricia Weerakoon, our relationships expert, took lots of calls on singleness--so much so we'll continue the topic in a fortnight. It was also nice to pull out a clip from a previous chat with artist Pro Hart, to mark his passing.

This week it's Nicky Gumbel and Randy Stonehill who drop by Open House. Nicky is the public face of the Alpha Course and Randy Stonehill is one of Gospel music's early pioneers. Should be good!

In case you've already forgotten Open House is a national program, heard on Sydney's FM 103.2 and Melbourne's 89.9 Light FM. Both stations stream online, in case you're interstate or international. 1300 40 20 20 will get you on air for the cost of local call anywhere in Australia.

Petersen and Waugh on Open House

Only days now from our new sunday night talkback program launching. From 9pm (EST) this Sunday, April 2, Open House will open its doors, fling out the welcome mat and invite all and sundry to express their views, thoughts and selves. Our special guests will include celebrated thinker Eugene Petersen and former Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh.

Petersen is an author, poet, Christian pastor and author of Bono's favourite Bible translation, The Message. Waugh is putting his celebrity to good use by helping the poor in India and the disadvantaged in Australia. In addition, Open House will feature stories of inspirational people, film reviews, and all manner of experts exploring relationships, trends and the big questions of life. It's all about life, faith and culture really.

Open House is a national program, initially launching on Sydney's FM 103.2 and Melbourne's 89.9 Light FM. Both stations stream online, so if you're out of the vacinity you wont be left out. And get ready to participate! 1300 40 20 20 will get you on air for the cost of local call anywhere in Australia.

Back from India

Sorry for the delayed update. The trip to India and Bangladesh was, well, amazing. For a few pics and a brief blurb, click here.

Off to India

Off to India and Bangladesh with Compassion to see their work releasing the poorest of the world's children from poverty. I'm ambivalent about the trip--I will be seeing some horendous poverty. While I'm in Bangladesh I'm hoping to meet up with one of our other sponsor kids (through Share An Opportunity). If it can all work out it will be amazing. We have so much in the West. I'm about to see first hand just how much that is when compared with the rest of the world.

Busted by a Rock Star!

Well, it's been a few years coming. 2006 sees us begin the new year in a new state, a new city, a new residence, and with new projects to explore. I love Sydney--except the 'No Right Turn' signs (of which there are plenty). This year is looking exciting, with further work to be done with Unseen Footprints, a new book almost complete, and a new talkback program launching soon. All very exciting.

On our arrival to Sydney we spent a few days in Katoomba--in the New South Wales Blue Mountains region. It was there, early one morning, that we were busted by a rock star. Merryn and I were walking along Katoomba road at about 8:30am. There were few people on the street. As we walked along the pathway we approached a woman standing by herself peering into a shop window. She was wearing glasses. I thought I recognised the woman, but with the glasses on I doubted. After we passed by I whispered to Merryn "Is that who I think it is?" Merryn said "Who?" I whispered the artist's name. She looked back ever so slightly and replied ever so quietly "I think so." And at that moment the silent morning was pierced by a soulful but irritated voice. "Fairly obvious!" it barked. Ouch!

Now, I'm feeling a little confused by the whole experience. Merryn and I both felt belittled being shouted at in the street. And I could've been this artist's greatest fan. Is that a way to treat admirers? We were amazed at how conscious of us this artist was when she's been singing for decades. Hasn't she gotten used to her public status after all this time? There were posters up all around the town with her face on it.

But then I wonder to myself just what a public life like that must be like--when everyone who walks past you whispers. When you can't wander down Katoomba road early one morning after a gig to check out some shops.

Then again, how is one supposed to react? Should we have quelched our curiosity, hidden our interest and walked past the artist without any further consideration? Your thoughts?

Selwyn Hughes Passes On

I was sorry to hear of the recent passing away of Selwyn Hughes. Prolific author and writer of the popular devotional publication Every Day with Jesus, Hughes started a personal and spiritual growth movement that has touched millions. I spoke to him a few years ago and found him a humble and brilliant man. Selwyn has and will continue to be a good role model for those who wish to leave a legacy of changed lives behind them...

Australian Stories 2005

Take a look at this latest in the popular series of Australian Stories books. (Yes, a few of this author's articles are featured!)

Now, Where Were We

My apologies for the lack of updating recently. I've just returned from four weeks trip around the country doing some work with Compassion Australia, and talking about Unseen Footprints. Phew! Umpteen speaking engagements and 20 radio, 2 newspaper and 1 TV interviews later, it's time for a break. Unfortunately, that will have to wait for the moment. Merryn and I are a week off packing the bags to move and live in Sydney. I'll be doing a new networked Sunday night talkback program out of FM 103.2. But more on that later...

Nice Words

Speaking of Unseen Footprints, here's a nice review from the Journey newspaper crowd. And we didn't even slip them a fiver.

More Bono

Yet more comments from U2s Bono on faith and belief (click here) and they're worth a read. And, again, they're found in Rolling Stone magazine. (Wonder if they're pursuing the whole spirituality thing as consistent editorial angle?) Bono suggests God is a force of 'love and logic' in the world who chose to express himself as a baby born in straw poverty. What do you think of that comment? A good description of God? Too broad? Too limited?

Rick Warren's Millions

An interesting article on Rick Warren (click here) and his plans to address African poverty have brought out a surprising point. Famous for his book The Purpose Driven Life, Warren has earnt sqillions from royalties since its release in 2002. But how has he adjusted to his new found affluence? "With this newfound affluence and influence, the couple says they made five decisions," the article reports. "They did not upgrade their lifestyle. Warren stopped taking a paycheck from Saddleback [Community Church, where he is minister]. He repaid 25 years of his salary to the church he founded in 1980. They created three charitable foundations. They started 'reverse tithing,' meaning they live on 10 percent of their income and give away 90 percent." I'm no Warren groupie, but in an age where religion can provide you with multiple mansions and a jacuzzi for the family pet, Rick Warren's example of giving away his wealth is a refreshing change.

Conversion Stories in Rolling Stone!

Take a read of this (click here). You might have heard of Korn guitarist Brian 'Head' Welch becoming a Christian recently. Well, Rolling Stone magazine have published a decent interview with him exploring why and how he made this decision, and the changes that have resulted in his life since. Must admit, I was quite astonished to read such a blatant 'testimony' of faith in the rock monthly. Glad to see the Stone being bold enough to print such 'spiritual' stuff.

Bono: Grace Over Karma

Just read a great extract from that new book on U2s Bono (click here for the article),in which he made some great statements on Jesus. Like this one: Look, the secular response to the Christ story always goes like this: he was a great prophet, obviously a very interesting guy, had a lot to say along the lines of other great prophets, be they Elijah, Muhammad, Buddha, or Confucius. But actually Christ doesn't allow you that. He doesn't let you off that hook. Christ says: No. I'm not saying I'm a teacher, don't call me teacher. I'm not saying I'm a prophet. I'm saying: "I'm the Messiah." I'm saying: "I am God incarnate." And people say: No, no, please, just be a prophet. A prophet, we can take. You're a bit eccentric. We've had John the Baptist eating locusts and wild honey, we can handle that. But don't mention the "M" word! Because, you know, we're gonna have to crucify you... So what you're left with is: either Christ was who He said He was—the Messiah—or a complete nutcase.

Lord of the Flies

Spent a few days this week leading the staff and students at Perth Bible College on a retreat. My topic was 'Livng in Grace' and we explored topics like God's two-beat rhythm of life (relating to him and responding to others), spiritual growth practices and whether success is best understood as accomplishment or a gift given by God. Had a good time.

On Tuesday night one of the College staff, Andre vanOudtshoorn, sat us in front of the classic 60's flick Lord of the Flies. This is one of the most poignant (if disturbing) portrayals of human fallen-ness I've seen. A group of kids find themselves on an island, unsure of where they've come from or what they're doing there. Another tribe of 'hunter' children arrives and soon there is a clash of leadership. As the kids wonder if there's such a thing as a spiritual world (with talk of there being ghosts), they later fall into superstititious fear of 'the Beast': the body of a fighter pilot found wrapped amongst his failed parachute. Soon pigs are being slaughtered as offerings to the Beast, the kids are whipped up into pagan-like fever, and deaths result. When a white-trousered marine finally sets foot on the island, the superstition lifts and the children become children again. Kinda reminds me of another Old Story really. Left to our own devices humans resort to fear, superstition and tribal clashes. It's only when a transcendant being enters our world that our humanity can be restored.

The Amazing Lego Church

Take a look at The Amazing Lego Church. Months in the making, here's a church for the truly square... Beautiful!

Nearly Finished Unseen Footprints

Just putting the final touches to Unseen Fottprints: Encountering the Divine Along the Journey of Life. Phew! After months focussed on doing my best as a wordsmith, crafting sentences and working metaphors, my brain's a bit fried. The book has ended up in a different place to what I initially imagined. I have felt certain guidance on this one, and am really happy with the result (for now!). Scripture Union Australia will be publishing it around early Novemeber, so whatch out for it! As time approaches I'll post snippets of it here.

The Probability of God

An Oxford scholar has done his maths, calculated his probability and found that the long-told story of Jesus rising back to life after his crucifixion is 97% probable (for the story, click here). That reminds me of another scholar's attempts of calculating the probability of God's existence too. Now, I think God is ultimately beyond measurement and calculation, but such stories are fascinating--even just for the fact that academics are once again turning their sites towards the divine. What do you think? Can God be proved rationally?

Previous Thoughts

Here are a few previous reader posts on various topic. Worth a read:
>>| 3 questions about your spiritual life
>>| Heaven and Hell
>>| Extra terrestrials and God
>>| What one question would you ask God if you could?
>>| Finding peace of mind