Artwork featured in this site by Tony Houghton: Copyright © All rights reserved.
Founder-President
Viva - Together for Children
Patrick McDonald
“I believe in God. I think he made us because he wanted company. God is enormously interested in what we think, do and say. Yet we have all chosen, in various ways, to ignore that and live life more or less as though God didn't exist. This is quite silly really when you think about it, as God is out to help us, as he is our closest ally and best friend.
“Tony has lived a full life of travel, faith and adventure. From his the sale of his first rabbit and to the European Union and on to faith journeys across the world Tony has known and knows this God and his story is one many of us could share but illuminated by the kind pervasive and transformative presence of an extra-ordinary God. Maybe reading this book will challenge you to reflect on what road God wants you travelling down next. That could be fun, meaningful and perhaps just a bit scary!”
Chapter 1: Bunny Nibbles to pig politics
- First business at aged 9 through to representing pig farmers in Westminster
Chapter 2: Markets - the art of dealing
- Lessons from the auction ring applicable to all business
Chapter 3: Brussels - lobbying
- How lobbying works in Brussels and decisions can be influenced
Chapter 4: Milk - straight from the cow
- Practical farming
Chapter 5: Not imprisoned by words
- The art of listening honed through market research and focus groups
Chapter 6: East Europe
- Business experience as the markets opened up: transformation to capitalism
Chapter 7: The Bear, is this Russia?
- Doing business in the new Russia as communism moved to capitalism: the wild east.
Chapter 8: A form for dead rabbits
- Family stories
Chapter 9: An award from the Queen
- An insight into cultural differences in business across countries of Europe
Chapter 10: Getting out of the boat
- Public relations and investment in a new venture
Chapter 11: Campaigning for causes
- Raising funds for NGOs through various events
Chapter 12 Skyfarm
- Satellite technology for crop farming in a new business
Chapter 13 Focus on friendship
- Hospitality and friends thus met from around the world
Chapter 14 Drawn to Spain
- 4 months helping a church in Madrid
Chapter 15 Esperanza
- Challenges of completing the project in Spain
Chapter 16: Medical devices
- Market communication in the global medical sector
Chapter 17: El Camino
- Cycling the Pilgrim Way in north Spain
Chapter 18 Risk and Reward
- Drawing the lessons together of risk and reward from the above experiences
Luke 23:34, 4, 46; John 19:26-27, 28, 30; Mark 15:34
Message through pain Born on the tree, mercy spoken for you and me Father forgive them for they don't know what they are doing
Compassion's gift Words of comfort
when each breath is such effort Dearest woman there now is your son John there your mother
Hear the invite told on the Cross
Jesus gives His life for you I tell you the truth today you will be with me in paradise
Nailed pierced hands blooded and torn
My strength drains away like water My mouth so dry My heart turned to wax Why am I forsaken
Darkness did fall on all the land
Temple curtain torn in two Then a loud
shout
Jesus did cry out it is now
accomplished
In the greyness, in the blackness see the candle burning brightly
In the sadness in the numbness know the Holy Spirit gently guides
CHORUS
Sing Alleluia Sing Alleluia Sing Alleluia where you are
Sing Alleluia Sing Alleluia Sing Alleluia where you are
Hold the gospel live in Jesus breathe in the balm of healing
In the dryness in the unknown walk in step with Father God
Holy Jesus dear beloved lift me in this time stumble hold me upright
Guide me clearly through the valley of my doubting
Praise for Jesus interceding every moment of being thankful hearts
Bring forward praising lifting to the heavenly throne
Jer 7:1
I have placed you in a spacious place.
Go forth humbly with your God
I have extended now your boundaries.
Go forth joyfully with your God
Stand in the gate of the Lord's house.
And proclaim His salvation
The Lord now welcomes you to know
His truth all the people of this town
Enter at these gates to worship
Worship Jesus Christ the Lord
Amend your ways and your choices
And repent of all your wrong
Welcome here the father motherless
And the widower and widow
Place no other goals before the Lord
Nor speak unkindly of each other
CHORUS
I will bless this house called by my name
Where in you trust and pray together
Listen to my voice in obedience
So you will dwell in me in peace
Lk 10: 38-42
Mt 25: 31-46
CHORUS
What did you do Jesus asks you
Sheep on the right they are God's delight
Left for the goats done little He notes.
Be a sheep not a goat be a sheep baa
Little girl starving nothing left to eat
Ten days walking weary feet
Her brother sobs pain more pain.
When will they have a meal again
One pair of jeans with knees all torn
Precious one looks so forlorn
Thin Tee shirt in bitter cold
Just too much for a three year old
Ashumi's home a plastic sheet
Tied to a wall in a busy street
When the sun shines he's O. K.
Monsoon time wet night and day
Isaías 41:10
No temas, no temas, sabes que
Yo estoy contigo, contigo
no dudes, no dudes,oyéme
Yo soy tu Dios para siempre
Te fortalezco, te ayudo
Mi diestra victoriosa
Te sostendrá, te sostendrá
Alégrate en tu Señor
No fear, no fear, no distress
Know that I am with forever
Have no doubts do not be dismayed
I am your Lord now and for always
I will be your strength and your helper
Uphold you and guide all your steps
With my righteousness I’ll protect you
So trust delight in my name
- Cycling ‘El Camino’
