There aren’t many TV programmes that I really get into, and have to watch every episode of. One of the ones that I do, is Race Across the World – a new series of which is about to start on the BBC.
If you’ve never heard of it or seen it, it’s basically a challenge. A number of couples (could be partners, siblings, friends, parent/child) have to leave one point on the globe and travel to another. Sounds easy, but they have to do so without bank cards (gosh) or phones (what?!). They’re not allowed to fly either. Armed only with a map and cash, they have to go from A to B and usually the last pair get eliminated for being the slowest. There have been series that have covered journeys from London to Singapore, Mexico to Argentina, Japan to Indonesia. The new series I gather is going to be China to India.
Apart from the interest of seeing different cultures, countries, and the race element, it’s great seeing people having to overcome various challenges and somehow do it all on a ridiculously small budget too.
After Easter, the news of Jesus’ resurrection travels…and travels fast and wide. From the tomb and the women who approach it with trepidation, to the male disciples and friends of Jesus. Jesus appears in various different places and ways, and the Gospel writers all record this differently – sometimes he’s on the beach, sometimes in a garden, sometimes in a room, sometimes on a road. But the news spreads and the disciples are energized by Jesus in their midst and the gift of the Holy Spirit. The first few chapters of Acts express the spread of the gospel that Jesus Christ was raised and God’s Spirit is with them. Hundreds, then thousands of new disciples are made; Peter and then Paul lead the spread… and it never stopped. Somehow by the end of their missionary journeys and setting up of house churches there are ‘Followers of the Way’ across the Ancient Near East. Within a couple of hundred years the Roman Empire accepts Christianity and it goes on.
The first few had no cash, no phones, probably only very basic maps. They would have had great uncertainty of what any day would hold, limited life expectancy, strong likelihood of persecution from the Romans or the religious authorities of the time – martydom became not just a possiblity but a probability. Yet the good news of Jesus Christ raced across the world.
All this happened because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, an event in God’s salvation-history which changed everything. Along with creation itself and the incarnation, by the resurrection God showed all people something of God’s wondrous nature. God’s Spirit equipped the first few to heal, feed, share and forgive.
Today we have phones, websites, cameras in the sanctuary and an awesome AV system, terrific premises. We have balanced the books (admittedly with some great denominational help) and have so many facilities and means to spread the good news. This Eastertide, Emmanuel can share in the mission of the whole church across the globe by expressing the love of God in all we do. May the good news of Easter race across the world again and again until hearts are filled with the assurance God in Jesus Christ gives to all.
Rev. Paul Tabraham
Excerpt taken from Emmanuel Magazine May 2025. The magazine, published ten times annually, features articles contributed or authored by our members. It includes a delightful blend of testimonials, devotions, book reviews, prayers, jokes, upcoming events, and more. Grab your copy of the latest magazine at the church foyer. If you prefer to receive a copy by mail or email, feel free to reach out to us.