29th May 2026

In 1911 Amundsen was the first person to reach the South Pole, followed soon afterwards by Scott. Today there is a research station with as many as 250 people living there.

Between 1915 and 1917 Shackleton and his crew struggled to survive in Antarctica after their ship was trapped in the ice. A few years ago I was one of hundreds of people who visit Antarctica each year on cruise ships.

In 1953 there were great celebrations when Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay were the first to reach the summit of Everest. Today there is a queue of people climbing to the top.

Before 1526 only the few who understood Latin or Greek could read the New Testament. Then along came William Tyndale whose translation, and other versions based on it, has enabled everybody today to read it. As we celebrate the 500th anniversary of Tyndale’s work let us give thanks to God, not only for Tyndale but for the many scholars and preachers who help us to understand God’s word.

Since April 2020 I have written 65 ‘Thoughts’. This will be my last as I have decided to retire! It has been a privilege to share in this ministry and I send my good wishes and thanks to my colleagues in the team as they continue this work.

David T Roberts