Newmantra

Paradise Now

2027-05-22T21:28:00.002-02:30

I was born in 1967 the same year the West Bank was occupied by the Israeli army following the Six Day War. Since then I have grown-up watching the horrific scenes of grief-stricken children, buses torn-apart like Christmas wrapping, flags and funerals, hopelessness and hate, all from the safety of my Canadian home. I'm a little surprised how easy it is for me to forget it all each night and fall asleep.

A couple of months ago I and about 35 souls braved some frigid weather to watch Paradise Now a cinematic vision of the current Palestinian conflict. The director Hany Abu-Assad's picture relates the story of how two young men from Nablus-Sahid and Khaled-prepare to attack Israel as suicide bombers. Their desire to become martyrs is inspired by both religious zeal and the immense frustration caused by the occupation. Sahid in particular is driven by the haunting reality that his father was complicit with the Israelis and as a result was executed by the Palestinians.

Perspective they say is everything. If I lived in Tel Aviv and witnessed the terror of a city bus blowing-up and killing innocent commuters I am fairly certain the bomber would not be viewed with much sympathy. If however I knew the attacker's family and shared the frustration of the occupation, that same person might very well be viewed as a martyr. Not surprisingly Assad's characters are a little too human for some critics in Israel and many evangelicals in North America.

I am part of a Christian tradition in which many view modern Israel's existence as nothing less then divinely instituted and a key sign of Christ's return. This has led to certain churches mounting Israeli flags in their sanctuaries, reinstituting ancient Hebrew feasts, and directing popular campaigns to support the Jewish state.

At times I have been uncomfortable by the seemingly carte blanche support evangelical leadership has given to Israel's military activities and the corresponding demonizing of all Palestinans whether civilian or militant. Such commitment seems to smack less of piety and more of prophetic-self service. Such folk would do well to listen to the plea of the Hebrew prophets to offer mercy, never mind the words of Jesus to love one's enemies-real or otherwise. Evangelical eschatology does not provide immunity to being blind to truth and failing to call for justice.

We are a long way from Paradise Now.

A Culture of Spirituality

2008-05-21T21:55:00.006-02:30

A few moments of channel surfing through religious programming could lead the average Christian to believe our world is on the cusp of a spiritual vacuum, and the only reasonable response is to raise a fist against the cultural conspirators that are responsible. I don’t agree. Though the modern media may be oblivious to the reflection of the Holy in its creations, it is modern Christianity that seems deliberately blind to evidence of the image of God within human creativity. Literature, movies, television, and music are all reflections of the Creator indelibly marked within humanity... including the millions who have never heard of Jesus Christ.

Consider for a moment the mass appeal of the children’s literature and silver screen character Harry Potter. One would have to be a mere “muggle” to miss the spiritual dimensions of Rowling’s tale of an adolescent conjuror of magical arts. Characters on the small screen are loved in part for their commentary on religious themes, be it Battlestar Galactica’s playful reversal of monotheism and polytheism, or The Simpsons caricature of American evangelicalism. No one should be surprised that a-searching world both moves to the rhythm and affirms the spiritual message of John Lennon’s Imagine, U2’s I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For or Pink’s God Is A DJ. These ideas, lyrics and melodies may not appear on a pane of stained glass or the pages of a hymnal, but they nevertheless demonstrate humanity’s insatiable interest in all things spiritual.

If the ancient tenant of the Church remains true-that every human being needs Christ-then Christianity must find a way to connect with a global culture that is increasingly spiritually interested but simultaneously institutionally jaded. As tele-preachers vindictively indict the secular media for its failure to reflect the Holy, even Christian viewers are growing suspicious of these would-be miracle-moguls with their manipulating telethons and prosperity hanky offerings. Why would a non-Christian seeker of the spiritual be any less suspicious?

Two scenarios must be in play before the Rubicon that exists between the Church and our spiritually engaged culture can be crossed.

Firstly, the Church must come to the realization that she is not at war with culture but rather recognize the Presence of the Spirit in all human creativity. It seems the doctrine of total depravity is so dominant in our theological vision that no one can see the Imago Dei in anyone but themselves.

Secondly, when the Church is given the privilege of responding to an honest seeker, it should do so with Spirit-led intelligence and a little cultural savvy-not blind belligerence. Why is it so many feel they must damn the little solace people have experienced in their spiritual search before sharing with them the gospel? They may unwittingly destroy the very road that God has over a lifetime built between Himself and that person. Since Christ first walked the planet the deity has taken delight surprising the professionally spiritual with just how far he will go to reach a human being. Today is no different.

We can all use a little culture. Truth be known, I enjoy a little literature, television, a movie or two and some music. Sometimes the experience is down-right spiritual. Truth be known, I have found the remote control a spiritual friend to turn more than one religious program off.

Day 11 - 3rd Advance Trip YC Malawi (09 May)

2008-05-13T21:09:00.006-02:30

I awoke sometime in the early morning as we travelled over Sardina in the Mediterranean. For a few moments the view was cloudless and you could see the outline of the island and the cities around the coast and in the mountains. Falling back asleep I awoke again when the airline attendants turned on the cabin-light, passed around hot towels and served us breakfast. We circled the green countryside around London before taxing into Heathrow around 6.45a GMT.

We followed the long line of passengers from around the world through a couple of stages of security before walking into the shopping concourse. We spied-out an Irish restaurant where we crashed in a corner and took turns visiting the washroom to clean-up. Pastor Scott Hunter-a missionary for many years- suggested on my first trip to Africa to bring a towel, toiletries, a change of clothes and a plastic bag on long haul travel with a substantial lay-over. I now reiterate that wisdom. You won’t regret reserving some space in your carry-on. Speaking of wisdom, immediately before travelling you should have something easily digestible in your stomach so as not to cause discomfort in the air. Please note that Pastor Mike and I enjoyed the “Full Irish Breakfast” consisting of sausage, back bacon, eggs, black pudding, and some Irish concoction made partially of cabbage. Did I mention wisdom?

The flight across the Atlantic seems longer in the day- almost seven hours in total. The personal touch screen on the Air Canada flight provided a choice of various movies and other entertainment. Between another lunch, some reading and writing, a snooze or two and an interesting incident in which a passenger decided to light up a cigarette in the washroom, the time passed. Though we left at 12.05p London time we landed in Halifax at just 2.40p Atlantic time. Ahhh, the wonder of time zones. Our flight to St. John’s would leave in 2.5 hours. This time went quickly as we had to pass through customs, collect our checked luggage and recheck them for the flight home. Pastor Mike received a little extra love when he was called into a special location to go through his baggage in detail. After a magnificent double beef burger at Legends, and a quick chat to a friend of Mike’s from the Gander church, we boarded the final jet for the 90 minute ride to St. John’s. We were being prepared for a return to reality as the airline attendant provided something to drink but nothing to eat unless you paid for it. The final reminder that we were home came when the co-pilot informed us the weather at the airport in St. John’s was fog, drizzle and 2 degrees. Oh well...Just after 7p, walking off the jet, up the gate and down the escalator we were greeted by our families. Be it ever so frigid, there’s no place like home!

That night I slept in my own bed. Wonderful!

Mike however stayed in town another day before heading home to Gander. The Monster Trucks were in town. Such a Youth Pastor!

Day 10 - 3rd Advance Team YC Malawi (08 May)

2008-05-13T21:04:00.002-02:30

The alarm went off much too early on Thursday morning. After grabbing some breakfast, completing the packing and checking-out of the hotel we headed for the Woods to drop-off the Andrews’ truck and ensure our bags were the correct weight. Saying goodbye to Angela and their son we left for the airport with Tyler and his dad visiting from Canada. En route we realized we were missing vital stuff- specifically, the gift I purchased for my wife. Tyler also forgot a Manchester United cap for Pastor Shane Simms. Quickly he phoned Angela explaining the situation after which she graciously jumped in the other vehicle and chased us. I’m glad we gave her the Tim Horton’s coffee and not her husband. Both of them are great people! We checked our luggage, paid our exit fee ($30 American each- be sure you have it when you leave!), and met Angela at the door in time to stuff the gifts into the carry-on before running upstairs to security. In a few minutes we were both on our way to the shuttle which took us to the awaiting Kenya Airlines 777 flight. All too quickly we were taking off and leaving Malawi.

The flight from Lilongwe to Nairobi was just over two hours. We were served a meal of fish or chicken and watched an in-flight movie. At 4.35p local time we arrived in Kenya where we quickly settled into a booth at the Nairobi Java House restaurant. Our flight to London would not depart until 11.30p so the coffee shop would prove an important place to rest. From this location to the far right of the arrival bays, we took turns wandering the long bending departure floor that included numerous curio shops and duty free stores but very few places to eat. I recommend getting your seat at the Java House as soon as you arrive. The food there is good and there is a neighbouring kiosk selling African fare and Indian samosas and spring rolls. We boarded our flight for London just prior to midnight, had a brief lunch, watched some “tele” and attempted our best to sleep.

Day 9 - 3rd Advance Team YC Malawi (07 May)

2008-05-13T21:01:00.001-02:30

On Wednesday morning we were treated to breakfast at the home of Dr. Chris Brookes, the founder of Lifeline Malawi. We enjoyed hearing about Lifeline’s beginnings and their current goals for the future. We travelled back to the hotel compound where we met with Steve Bowler of Visionledd (http://www.visionledd.com/about.html). This group will provide ministry opportunity for our AIDS Awareness team. Our conversation was highlighted by in depth insight into the challenges facing Malawi and suggestions to prepare our teams for ministry including encouraging each member’s prayer life and the need to triple the amount of water we would estimate per person.

Following the exchange of Canadian and American currency into Malawian Kwacha and a visit to the African Enterprise office where we met Enoch Phiri, the Malawian Team Leader (http://www.africanenterprise.org/malawi/index.html), we filled-up our tank for the second time and left for Lake Malawi. We said good-bye to David Chigamba and Cheepo who were heading to the northern part of the country to prepare for another outreach. The 90 minute drive to Livingstonia is highlighted with incredible views of mountains, thatched hut villages, tropical foliage and the city of Salima. Just prior to the lake we stopped at a craft market where Mike and Matthew scouted bargains while I tipped the driver seat back and slept. My thanks to Junior and Ivy for a very comfortable seat! They returned to the truck much too quickly. We travelled a few more kilometers east and entered the gates of the Sunbird resort at Livingstonia. The hotel borders on a lengthy sandy beach, includes a great swimming pool, and a delicious buffet of Malawian delicacies. We chatted with the manager regarding the possibility of teams visiting the resort on the rest-day. The drive back included the purchase of curios-a drum for Mike’s son-and an inspiring sunset over the mountains.

Returning to the hotel we met with the Campbells for supper and enjoyed great conversation and lots of laughter. The night finished with a final conversation with hotel management and the packing of our gear for the trip tomorrow.

Day 8 - 3rd Advance Team YC Malawi (06 May)

2008-05-13T20:55:00.002-02:30

We began the day with a visit to the Village of Hope where we met Tyler and Angela Woods and were treated with a wonderful tour of the facility and met the staff and children. The many connections with Newfoundland and Labrador are evident with houses named after churches, communities, families and of course YC! Our teams will be reminded of home right there in the middle of Malawi! On the way out I gave Angela a big can of Tims explaining it was for her and not Tyler! Pastor Mike and I met Pastor David Chigamba, Cheepo and Matthew at Silver Stadium. We surveyed the grounds and considered again the possibilities for stage location, seating and crowd control. We then all went downtown to Nandos- a restaurant specializing in fried chicken with a taste of Portugal! The extra spicy was very good!

Leaving the restaurant we travelled to the centre of the city to visit Maula Prison, a maximum security facility. Approaching the front gate Mike took a photo. The quick and rather belligerent guard demanded the camera and was about to break it before we demonstrated our deletion of the pictures. In the end he still took the camera and placed it in the guard house until we left. Our tour included watching prisoners play soccer (football in Malawi), conversations with the warden, and a general walk-about outside the inmate fence. If a team is considering ministry at the prison I would strongly suggest visiting a prison in Newfoundland at least once before leaving for Africa.

We travelled out of the city through a number of area settlements before entering another village market area. Once again we scouted a location for an outdoor service and visited a small Pentecostal church. After we dropped our friends off we met with Lifeline Malawi (http://www.lifelinemalawi.com/) administrator Pat Laforet to discuss the role our medical team would play at their mission in Ngodzi. Lifeline is dedicated to providing clinic, HIV/AIDS, and maternity ministry to Malawians. We enjoyed wonderful conversation over delicious cuisine at an Italian restaurant. Yummy! Following supper and a well-needed clean-up we met with hotel management to discuss various aspects our booking including the leasing of rooms, conference halls, a theatre, internet, meals, laundry, shuttle service and of course the swimming pool!

Day 7 - 3rd Advance Team YC Malawi (05 May)

2008-05-13T20:45:00.003-02:30

On Monday morning Pastor Mike and I met to review our trip thus far and make plans for the remainder of the week. Around 11a we met with Pastor David Chigamba, Cheepo and Matthew and left together to research some of the ministry sites GYM teams would be visiting. Passing by the hotel we travelled into the countryside where we turned onto a dirt road, leading to maize fields, small lakes and a little village called Kandiyani. We toured an open area where our friends explained we would be holding a meeting with music and speaking. On the return journey we turned onto another highway which led to a post secondary campus- National Agriculture College. The very impressive compound included an auditorium which would host evening meetings open to the public in the area. The travel from the hotel to these locations was at least 30 minutes.

Following supper we left for our Foxfire discussions at LPC. The Foxfire leadership team is composed of visionary young men and women. An imposed blackout left the streets and church in darkness. Carrying the gear into the building I stepped into a trough unseen in the complete darkness… stumbled, fell and managed to scrape and bruise my leg pretty bad. Once Mike stopped laughing he attempted to help me. It was rather interesting beginning a large committee meeting with only a candle to provide light. About 40 minutes later a generator kicked-in and we had power. Following 3 hours of intensive discussions we left LPC and headed-back to the hotel, where Mike and I continued our planning, sorted through our photos and prepared the blog. Tomorrow our focus will be on further GYM team ministry sites.

Day 6 - 3rd Advance Team YC Malawi (04 May)

2008-05-05T09:44:00.005-02:30

04 May

This morning I awoke early to review the first sermon I would speak in Africa. I walked for a little while in the morning sun around the pool before enjoying a couple glasses of fresh juice and coffee. Pastor Mike arrived a little later and we drove back to LPC for the early English service. The folk were friendly and Pastor David Chigamba introduced us to the congregation. The singing in the morning service was quite enjoyable and featured a blend of western and African music including the song “Reign Jesus Reign” which Pastor Mike hopes to teach to the Canadian teams as well. My sermon was entitled “The Cry of the Drum” in which I recited a couple of Chichewa phrases David Chigamba taught me. Their response was a mixture of appreciation and laughter regarding my sad attempt at the tribal language.

Following the English service, Pastor Mike left with Cheepo-the Foxfire GYM liaison-to speak at Area 23 Pentecostal Church (The city of Lilongwe and the surrounding villages are divided into regions identified as Area x). It took approximately 25 minutes to get to the church from LPC. Though within the city limits this neighbourhood is completely different from the regions of Lilongwe we had visited thus far. It is obvious that people are struggling to eke out a life amid poor housing, limited municipal services and horrible road conditions. Despite such challenges Pastor Mike was impressed at how friendly everyone was and how proud they were to have him visit their church. By the time they arrived the service had already started. Pastor Joel was waiting for them at the door. He related in the service that he wondered if they were going to show-up and whether he would have to preach. He seemed relieved! Highlights of the visit included both a choir and a dance team made-up only of children. Pastor Mike ‘s message was entitled “Things That God Has Never Seen.” After the service there was a prayer time, followed by a visit to Pastor Joel’s home located on the property. Area 23 Pentecostal Church will be hosting a YC Malawi GYM team from Canada. The pastor shared in depth the nature of their ministry, his vision for the community and how a GYM team could assist. This church is emblematic of the type of congregation many of the teams will be helping. Pastor Mike emphasized however, that the Canadian team that visits will leave blessed themselves by these lovely people. The Chichewa service at LPC was even more lively then the previous one and had a distinctive African flair. This time when I spoke Pastor David translated my sermon and a young leader from the training sessions played the bongos whenever I spoke about the drum. Once again the folk were incredibly generous in their listening and response.

Pastor David and I left for the Crossroads Hotel where we would meet Pastor Mike and Cheepo. En route we stopped again to view the surroundings of Silver Stadium still considering the various possibilities for YC Game Day. The hotel offered an outdoor grilled meal which included a choice of beef, chicken or lamb. Pastor Mike, Cheepo and a friend joined us at poolside where would eat our dinner. Pastor David left early to begin the afternoon Worship Leader’s seminar. A little later the four of us made our way back to LPC where Pastor Mike led an informative and engaging presentation to worship leaders. I think he will leave with “Freake” fans in Africa. For the last half of the meeting I went to the foyer to enjoy the breeze as I listened. I was a little too comfortable… or Mike was a little something else. Twenty minutes later I awoke from a deep sleep when one of our new Malawian friends tapped me on the shoulder. Thanks Mike. It was nice to have someone put me to sleep for a change.

Pastor Mike and I returned to the hotel for an hour of rest before our scheduled meeting with Pastor David in preparation for tomorrow night’s Foxfire meeting. As we wait we are reviewing today’s activities, organizing photos, writing this blog and drinking Fanta Pineapple pop (highly recommended) and coffee. It’s now 9.40p and we just ordered supper- sizzling chicken and prawn Chinese cuisine! More research for the GYM teams. A great day all around!

Day 5 - 3rd Advance Team YC Malawi (03 May)

2008-05-05T09:41:00.001-02:30

03 May

Pastor Mike and I left the Campbell’s home for LPC around 9a for the second day of training. Within a few minutes of arriving the auditorium began to fill with young men and women and their rich wonderful voices. Pastor David Chigamba showed his playful side as he gathered the entire group in a circle for a game that had them all laughing. During the morning session we discussed the theology of salvation, followed by a role-play activity in which four of the leaders attempted to share their faith with me. I took on the character of different individuals- a devout Muslim, a person dying with AIDS, a very bitter former church attendee and at the suggestion of the group an intoxicated alcoholic. Though the group knew who my character was the person witnessing to me did not. It was great fun and enlightening.

During the lunch break Pastor Mike and I ate at the Pizza Shop immediately adjacent to the hotel where our Canadian team will be staying. We can recommend the Pepperoni. The other options look tasty as well. We may have to do more research. Pastor Mike had an opportunity to meet an artist that lost both of his hands yet manages to create beautiful paintings. Many of them hang in Newfoundland and Labrador homes thanks to his good friends Junior and Ivy Andrews. We were eating the final pieces of pizza as we pulled onto the LPC parking lot.

Our final session with the group occurred in a class room at a school administered by LPC. We considered three passages from Acts demonstrating the sharing of the Gospel including the story of how Christianity came to Africa. I related to them that there was a thriving Christian Church in Ethiopia long before the ancestors of the white western world had stopped worshipping the gods of the forest. Christianity was African many hundreds of years before it was English, American or Canadian. We concluded our YC leadership training session with the singing of a song that Pastor Mike hopes to teach the Canadian team members- “There Is A Race I Must Run.” Pastor David and the leaders in attendance said they were very pleased with the training seminars. We certainly had a great time.

Our meeting with Foxfire-the youth leadership team that is at the centre of YC planning in Malawi-was postponed until Monday due to the sad passing of a member’s relative. We chatted a little more with David Chigamba and other leaders before leaving LPC for another visit to the stadium. We spent considerable time viewing the outside of the stadium perimeter for road and gate access points. We had a few moments to spare so we took out the map and travelled toward the old city centre. Memorable sites include “casket row”- a strip of highway where coffins of all sizes were being constructed, a beautiful mosque, and a river-side market. As evening was closing-in we travelled to the hotel to prepare to meet with managers regarding team accommodations. The Campbells had left yesterday for a conference in the south of the country. This morning we had lost all the hot water in the house. I like hot water. I like it a lot. That in mind we checked into the Crossroads Hotel for at least a couple of nights until the plumbing could be remedied. When you’re running-about all day long, on the rich Malawian earth, under a penetrating African sun, the simple pleasure of a hot shower takes on a new meaning. Did I mention I like hot water? All cleaned-up we met with the conference manager and toured the various meeting rooms, the pool area, saunas and steam rooms, and the exercise centre. Very nice! It will be an important retreat for our teams when they return from a day of activity. Sadly, two of the hotel managerial staff could not attend due to a death in their family. Whatever the reason for these two passings, it is soon quite evident that life is much too fragile and finite in this country.

Pastor Mike and I chatted a little more over chicken and burgers at Steers take-out also adjacent to the hotel (Mike recommends the French fries), before returning to our rooms to prepare for tomorrow’s responsibilities. Both of us would be speaking twice. Better for me though… I had only one sermon to review as I would be speaking in the LPC English service at 8a followed by the Chichewa service at 10a at which I would be translated. Pastor Mike would be attending the morning LPC service, then travelling to a village to preach, before presenting at a seminar in the afternoon. It’s good for him!

Day 4 - YC Malawi 3rd Advance Trip Log (02 May)

2008-05-02T20:38:00.002-02:30

This morning we rather tiredly left the Campbell home for LPC- Lilongwe Pentecostal Church- for the first of two full days of leadership training. Over the course of the day I introduced the group to the vision and history of YC in Canada and beyond, and then presented them with various opportunities for ministry and what was required of them. I passed-on to them greetings from all of us whether preparing to visit or aiding the project in some way. Pastor Mike presented a fabulous seminar on the importance of music within youth and young adult culture and its corresponding place at YC. A gentleman from Malawi also presented, providing an entertaining and insightful look at ministries such as interpreting and counseling. I hope he will get to share with our teams when they arrive! Other highlights include the playing of a Papa San video, a wonderful traditional lunch and the incredible site of a hundred Malawian youth leaders sing and dance to drums and clapping in the sweetest of harmonies.

Late in the afternoon we visited Silver Striker Stadium considering the role of ushers and counselors, the seating of participants in view of access to the field for a response to speakers and taking plenty of pictures to share with you all later. We then visited your hotel and met with managers, following-up on the great work the 2nd Advance Team had engaged, all to ensure everything is done to make your visit enjoyable and your ministry successful.

It is now 12.20a and there is much work to be done yet before we are ready for bed. I’m not sure Pastor Mike will dream of the wonderful singing or my driving along Lilongwe’s streets on the opposite side of the road. Fun for me!

Day 3 - YC Malawi 3rd Advance Trip Log (01 May)

2008-05-02T20:35:00.004-02:30

Our flight plan this morning took us over France, Italy, Greece, Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia before beginning the descent into Kenya. The airport is outside of Nairobi along a great flat green plain. We disembarked rather sleepily and stepped onto African soil. Mike was enjoying his first steps on the continent! It was good to be back for this my second visit! We were in the terminal for about three hours until the call came to board our last jet to Malawi. It however would travel first to Lusaka, Zambia, before heading east to Lilongwe. The flight plan this time allowed us to see Mount Kilimanjaro the highest elevation in Africa and still covered with snow! Early in the afternoon we descended onto the lush plain the airport is built upon and taxied beyond the terminal in sight of beautiful flowers and distant mountains. We had arrived!

After gathering our luggage including peanut butter, corned beef and Tims coffee for various friends, we met Tyler Woods, a missionary in Malawi, who kindly picked us up. We chatted en route to the Campbell’s- missionary folk from Trinidad and Tobago- with whom we would be staying. By the time we cleaned-up from over two days of travel we had to quickly run some errands before meeting with Pastor David Chigamba for an evening meeting. Tomorrow morning we will begin intensive training with YC volunteers from Malawi. It would be 2a local time before preparations were complete.

Day 1 & 2 - YC Malawi 3rd Advance Trip Log (29-30 April)

2008-05-02T20:18:00.010-02:30

Introductory Note:
YC Malawi is an interdenominational youth outreach event occurring in Lilongwe, Malawi during July and August. Pastor Mike Freake and I are travelling to the south-central African nation as part of continued preparations for the event. Note links for further info.

Hi everyone!

Yesterday night Pastor Mike Freake and I flew out of St. John’s on Air Canada to begin the 3rd Advance Trip as part of our preparation for YC Malawi. Our flight to London was via Halifax. Somewhere over the Atlantic we managed a couple of hours of economy class sleep.

Following our arrival at Heathrow we caught the express train to downtown London where we purchased a double-decker bus tour of the sites. Highlights included Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, St. James Cathedral and the West-end Theatre District. I would suggest dressing for miserable weather if you get stuck on the second level where there is no roof and the wind and rain and drizzle set in. London’s weather is no better than the Avalon!

Seriously, if your team is going through London and is considering a tour, timing is everything. Consider the following…
1. 20 minutes from arrival to customs
2. At least 15 minutes in customs for a team if there is limited lines
3. 5 minute walk to Express Train
4. A possible wait for its arrival of up to 15 minutes
5. 20 minute express to Paddington Station (home of the famous bear)
6. 10 minute walk to store to buy tour bus ticket
7. Up to 20 minute wait for the tour bus
8. 180 minute scheduled tour can take up to an hour longer in traffic
9. 10 minute return to Paddington Station
10. A possible wait for its arrival of up to 15 minutes
11. 10 minute walk to Departure Area
12. Suggested by Heathrow to be at Boarding Pass line-up 150 minutes prior to boarding

Total - minimum 7 hours/ up to 9 hours

Tickets for the Express Train and Tour bus can be purchased ahead of time at a reduced rate.

Back to the trip… we boarded our Kenyan Airways flight for London and departed about 8.30p local time. We enjoyed the in-flight movie and excellent service before falling asleep early in the morning.