Click on the above pic to view some of my other summer photos
Friday, August 18, 2006
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Highs and Lows
Picture this:
What do 50 local church members, 20 orphans, 30 teenage students, and a handful of Americans have in common?
We were all stooped over pulling out the weeds in a grass field together this afternoon.
It was a pretty sweet picture of a whole community working together, everyone on the same level, all for a common goal.
Next shot a few days back:
200 kids crammed into a classroom, Singing songs and dancing. This was the Nigerian Sunday School class I had the opportunity to be a part of last weekend. Great fun, and it was exciting to be immersed in their joy and childlike faith.
Highs...
and lows...
Next snapshot of the week:
One of the teenage boys at the school/center I work at was kicked out for stealing about a dollar's worth of powdered milk.
Really liked the kid, so did all of the other guys.
Always cheerful, smiling, but caught in a bad habit.
We had been missing a few things lately and the boys had been warned that anyone caught stealing would be dismissed. Up till this week, there had been no problems. Really a terrible way to leave.
Speaking of leaving, Brian left today. Felt weird saying goodbye to someone I hung out with every day for the last two months. Looking back, I am incredibly thankful that God provided such a great friend and example for me.
This guy had such a servant heart.
When the boy's center director left over a month ago, Brian volunteered 'us' to turn off center's lights every morning - at 6AM!
needless to say, 'us' ended up being 'him' for the rest of the summer, as I decided that extra hour of sleep was just too much to part with.
some things I will miss: moving from a very low stress environment, being surrounded by dozens of happy kids everyday callig me "uncle," Nigerian friendliness and hospitality, playing football, Kefas' (a boy at the center) numerous questions about anything and everything under the sun, putting fractions to work, going to bed at "missionary midnight" (9:00pm), the randomness
It's been a great summer.
Not much like I expected, Much Better.
Great opportunities to enjoy, think, serve, love.
Thanks for reading my posts and keeping me in your prayers.
Look forward to seeing some of you in the fall.
peace. hope. love.
LUKEowsley
What do 50 local church members, 20 orphans, 30 teenage students, and a handful of Americans have in common?
We were all stooped over pulling out the weeds in a grass field together this afternoon.
It was a pretty sweet picture of a whole community working together, everyone on the same level, all for a common goal.
Next shot a few days back:
200 kids crammed into a classroom, Singing songs and dancing. This was the Nigerian Sunday School class I had the opportunity to be a part of last weekend. Great fun, and it was exciting to be immersed in their joy and childlike faith.
Highs...
and lows...
Next snapshot of the week:
One of the teenage boys at the school/center I work at was kicked out for stealing about a dollar's worth of powdered milk.
Really liked the kid, so did all of the other guys.
Always cheerful, smiling, but caught in a bad habit.
We had been missing a few things lately and the boys had been warned that anyone caught stealing would be dismissed. Up till this week, there had been no problems. Really a terrible way to leave.
Speaking of leaving, Brian left today. Felt weird saying goodbye to someone I hung out with every day for the last two months. Looking back, I am incredibly thankful that God provided such a great friend and example for me.
This guy had such a servant heart.
When the boy's center director left over a month ago, Brian volunteered 'us' to turn off center's lights every morning - at 6AM!
needless to say, 'us' ended up being 'him' for the rest of the summer, as I decided that extra hour of sleep was just too much to part with.
some things I will miss: moving from a very low stress environment, being surrounded by dozens of happy kids everyday callig me "uncle," Nigerian friendliness and hospitality, playing football, Kefas' (a boy at the center) numerous questions about anything and everything under the sun, putting fractions to work, going to bed at "missionary midnight" (9:00pm), the randomness
It's been a great summer.
Not much like I expected, Much Better.
Great opportunities to enjoy, think, serve, love.
Thanks for reading my posts and keeping me in your prayers.
Look forward to seeing some of you in the fall.
peace. hope. love.
LUKEowsley
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Mosquitoes: a result of the fall?
All around the Mosquito net,
my hands they chase mosquitoes,
and just when they thought that it was safe
Pop! Goes the Mosquito...
BzzzzzZZ...
Probably the most annoying sound known to man, especially if you happen to be attempting to get some sleep.
I try to rest in the knowledge that my mosquito netting has done it's job...
statistically speaking there's only a .5% chance separating me from malaria and a host of other less than comfortable ailments right?... but could this be the one?
Part of me was hoping for malaria, at least the macho, less wiser half - I mean how sweet would it be to say that I got malaria in Africa! and survived unscathed
But then when I was infomed that it's actually something you get and never really get rid of...
Needless to say, I was glad to find out that my headache, stomach pain and constant tiredness even with 9hr of rest a night, that I had been experiencing for the last two weeks was not due to malaria, nor worms, nor any other "major sickness" but merely some other Africa bug that decided to tag along for the ride.
The doctor jokingly remarked that he had been experiencing the same symptoms too before he met his wife.
His prognosis: get a girlfriend.
We'll see about that last bit of advice, but I did switch my Malaria medicine (the other thing he recommended), and now I feel much better, minus its new side effect: sun sensitivity (of all things... who makes a malaria medicine that cant be used in sunny climates??) Well I've never had a sun burn on my fingers before...until now
One more experience to add to an ever expanding list that this summer has brought me
And like I mentioned earlier, I'd been meditating on Psalm 46:10 this summer, Be still and know that I am God
It's a verse I've been thinking about because it runs so contrary to my nature, I am always constantly on go, always wanting to be doing something, and it makes me rather uncomfortable having nothing to do
I suppose being in bed and exhausted for two weeks kind of forced me to "be still."
Thanks God
So I just realized how fast time flies; I've got less than two weeks left here in Africa. And I've resolved to enjoy every minute of it, whether it's teaching elementary math to a bunch of high school aged boys who just dont seem to get it, helping to build a wall that is embarressingly far from perfect, throwing in the air and hugging the occationally less than disciplined little orphans until my arms fall off, I will count it all joy.
phil 4:4-13
May God continue to bless and teach you throughout the rest of your summers
I've appreciated your prayers and support.
my hands they chase mosquitoes,
and just when they thought that it was safe
Pop! Goes the Mosquito...
BzzzzzZZ...
Probably the most annoying sound known to man, especially if you happen to be attempting to get some sleep.
I try to rest in the knowledge that my mosquito netting has done it's job...
statistically speaking there's only a .5% chance separating me from malaria and a host of other less than comfortable ailments right?... but could this be the one?
Part of me was hoping for malaria, at least the macho, less wiser half - I mean how sweet would it be to say that I got malaria in Africa! and survived unscathed
But then when I was infomed that it's actually something you get and never really get rid of...
Needless to say, I was glad to find out that my headache, stomach pain and constant tiredness even with 9hr of rest a night, that I had been experiencing for the last two weeks was not due to malaria, nor worms, nor any other "major sickness" but merely some other Africa bug that decided to tag along for the ride.
The doctor jokingly remarked that he had been experiencing the same symptoms too before he met his wife.
His prognosis: get a girlfriend.
We'll see about that last bit of advice, but I did switch my Malaria medicine (the other thing he recommended), and now I feel much better, minus its new side effect: sun sensitivity (of all things... who makes a malaria medicine that cant be used in sunny climates??) Well I've never had a sun burn on my fingers before...until now
One more experience to add to an ever expanding list that this summer has brought me
And like I mentioned earlier, I'd been meditating on Psalm 46:10 this summer, Be still and know that I am God
It's a verse I've been thinking about because it runs so contrary to my nature, I am always constantly on go, always wanting to be doing something, and it makes me rather uncomfortable having nothing to do
I suppose being in bed and exhausted for two weeks kind of forced me to "be still."
Thanks God
So I just realized how fast time flies; I've got less than two weeks left here in Africa. And I've resolved to enjoy every minute of it, whether it's teaching elementary math to a bunch of high school aged boys who just dont seem to get it, helping to build a wall that is embarressingly far from perfect, throwing in the air and hugging the occationally less than disciplined little orphans until my arms fall off, I will count it all joy.
phil 4:4-13
May God continue to bless and teach you throughout the rest of your summers
I've appreciated your prayers and support.
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Medical Clinic 1
Sa Kai Ge Ke! (relax)
na go de (thank you)
These particular Hausa phrases have come in quite handy for me this past week, as I had the wonderful opportunity of helping out at a medical clinic, checking vitals like blood pressure, temp, and writing down paitent's complaints before they see the doctor. It's been encouraging to see all of the hundreds of people that have been able to see a doctor, and how much general patience and calmness they have, despite their predicament and sickness.
With all those exillerating highs come some rock bottom lows. For example, for the first three days, all of those we had tested for HIV had been negative (which is great), except for the last woman on each of those consecutive days, who all tested positive. My heart just breaks for them, I cant imagine what must be going through their heads: dispair of life, fear of being ostricised by society, anger at their husband (who was probably the one who gave it to them in the first place).
After a week of 10+ hr days, and all of the varrying emotions throughout, I am really feeling burnt out right now. But all of this exhaustion has brought all the more opportunity to recognize my need and cling to God as my strength and to rest in him. Advice: Dont be like me and wait till your totally worn out before you see a need and turn to him.
How have you seen God working in your life recently, what has he shown you? I've been reflecting lately on how much I worry about and seek other's approval, and what that says about my belief as being a child of God. Am I content with what I have and who he's made me to be? What does it look like to be living a life whole heartedly seeking God's approval?
well, a yini lafiya (have a nice day)
Look forward to hearing how your summers are going and what all you are learning as well.
Thank you those of you who have written me so far and/or are praying for me
na go de (thank you)
These particular Hausa phrases have come in quite handy for me this past week, as I had the wonderful opportunity of helping out at a medical clinic, checking vitals like blood pressure, temp, and writing down paitent's complaints before they see the doctor. It's been encouraging to see all of the hundreds of people that have been able to see a doctor, and how much general patience and calmness they have, despite their predicament and sickness.
With all those exillerating highs come some rock bottom lows. For example, for the first three days, all of those we had tested for HIV had been negative (which is great), except for the last woman on each of those consecutive days, who all tested positive. My heart just breaks for them, I cant imagine what must be going through their heads: dispair of life, fear of being ostricised by society, anger at their husband (who was probably the one who gave it to them in the first place).
After a week of 10+ hr days, and all of the varrying emotions throughout, I am really feeling burnt out right now. But all of this exhaustion has brought all the more opportunity to recognize my need and cling to God as my strength and to rest in him. Advice: Dont be like me and wait till your totally worn out before you see a need and turn to him.
How have you seen God working in your life recently, what has he shown you? I've been reflecting lately on how much I worry about and seek other's approval, and what that says about my belief as being a child of God. Am I content with what I have and who he's made me to be? What does it look like to be living a life whole heartedly seeking God's approval?
well, a yini lafiya (have a nice day)
Look forward to hearing how your summers are going and what all you are learning as well.
Thank you those of you who have written me so far and/or are praying for me
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Thank you all for your prayers. Every day I’ve been filled with energy, joy and peace. Week two of teaching went a whole lot smoother, and I’ve been able to see the students improve. It helps that they are so excited about learning and are full of questions (one of the boys the other day told me, “I want to learn math so I wont get cheated”)
One of my favorites at the boy’s center is Kefas, he always has a question for everything, and they range from: “What does it mean to offer your body as a living sacrifice to Why are there white people and black people?” Working daily with the boys has given me a refreshing look at a lot of faith and life questions.
Every week there are high points and low points.
This Tuesday was particularly exhausting. The boys just did not want to work in the afternoon, the little orphans seemed ornery and pouty, and Brian and I were physically and emotionally exhausted. I had been getting to know the boys more, and that day I had the chance to hear about some of their backgrounds. It was disheartening to hear about some of their past abuse or troubled family life and shocking to hear that some of them live over 2 hours away.
That night was a good reminder to be continually relying on God for our strength, and that we don’t have to just wait until our strength gives out for God’s strength to kick in.
I’ve been continually drawing upon two of my favorite verses for encouragement:
Isaiah 40: 29-31
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak…those whose hope is in the Lord will renew their strength…
2 Cor 12:9
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.
And then the next day was the best one so far. Brian and I seemed to have so much enthusiasm and energy. One of new our favorite sayings that the boys got us started on is “no problem” – every is always “no problem” to them. During afternoon construction work which is honestly not my favorite time of the day, I felt God telling me to start singing. So I started singing the first thing that came to my mind, this song I learned at summer camp last summer, King Jesus is All. Don’t know why it was that one, but the boys just ate it up, everyone wanted to learn it. So for the last few days of the week, we were all singing during work, which obviously made mixing concrete, carrying wheelbarrows full of sand and rock, and building a wall much go much smoother.
And now just when I’m getting into the swing of things, there is a two week break, and Rafiki has a clinic open to the community for the next eight days, and there is a team of doctors coming in this weekend. I am definitely learning to be flexible and smile. I have no idea what I’ll be doing this next week, but I’ll be sure to let you know in my next update.
Working with the little orphans has had it’s ups and downs as well. One minute they’re all smiles and polite, and the next they’re climbing all over you and yelling that you don’t love them if you don’t give them attention. Overall, they’re somewhat lacking in discipline and it’s been a challenge to find a balance between showing them much needed love, but not rewarding their conditioned whiny responses to receive it.
I try to make Mark 10:14 my prayer every time I walk by their houses and I know that I will be mobbed shortly by a chorus of uncle luke this or uncle luke that, that I would have Jesus’ attitude of “Let the little children come to me” after he had been exhausted from a long day of work as well. Little kids are great though. They make me laugh. The other day we were teaching them how to garden and one of them was emphatically muttering, “Thank you Adam,” every time he chopped another weed. Thanks to them, I am continually reminded about what it means to “receive the kingdom of God like a little child” Mark 10: 15.
I have also been so blessed being surrounded by God’s awesome creation: this week we got to climb the rock boulder hill/”mountain” behind our center that I had been dying to climb since day one, and last night Brian and I witnessed the most amazing thunderstorm ever – the massive clouds covering the sky were continually being lit up by distant lighting, yet there was no thunder and we never saw any of the lightning bolts themselves, it was like our own private fireworks show.
This week I started and finished The Heavenly Man, about the life, persecution, and witness of the Chinese house church leader Brother Yun. Amazing. If you haven’t read it or heard of it, I would highly recommend getting a copy. It’s my new favorite book. So many good questions raised, like am I willing to suffer for my faith, how can I be less tied down by my possessions, or why am I so afraid to share my faith with others? The power of prayer and the significance of scripture memorization were weighed upon me.
Well that about sums up some of my week. Thanks for taking the time to read this and for keeping me and those here in your prayers. email me about how God is working in your life and how I can be praying for you as well.
One of my favorites at the boy’s center is Kefas, he always has a question for everything, and they range from: “What does it mean to offer your body as a living sacrifice to Why are there white people and black people?” Working daily with the boys has given me a refreshing look at a lot of faith and life questions.
Every week there are high points and low points.
This Tuesday was particularly exhausting. The boys just did not want to work in the afternoon, the little orphans seemed ornery and pouty, and Brian and I were physically and emotionally exhausted. I had been getting to know the boys more, and that day I had the chance to hear about some of their backgrounds. It was disheartening to hear about some of their past abuse or troubled family life and shocking to hear that some of them live over 2 hours away.
That night was a good reminder to be continually relying on God for our strength, and that we don’t have to just wait until our strength gives out for God’s strength to kick in.
I’ve been continually drawing upon two of my favorite verses for encouragement:
Isaiah 40: 29-31
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak…those whose hope is in the Lord will renew their strength…
2 Cor 12:9
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.
And then the next day was the best one so far. Brian and I seemed to have so much enthusiasm and energy. One of new our favorite sayings that the boys got us started on is “no problem” – every is always “no problem” to them. During afternoon construction work which is honestly not my favorite time of the day, I felt God telling me to start singing. So I started singing the first thing that came to my mind, this song I learned at summer camp last summer, King Jesus is All. Don’t know why it was that one, but the boys just ate it up, everyone wanted to learn it. So for the last few days of the week, we were all singing during work, which obviously made mixing concrete, carrying wheelbarrows full of sand and rock, and building a wall much go much smoother.
And now just when I’m getting into the swing of things, there is a two week break, and Rafiki has a clinic open to the community for the next eight days, and there is a team of doctors coming in this weekend. I am definitely learning to be flexible and smile. I have no idea what I’ll be doing this next week, but I’ll be sure to let you know in my next update.
Working with the little orphans has had it’s ups and downs as well. One minute they’re all smiles and polite, and the next they’re climbing all over you and yelling that you don’t love them if you don’t give them attention. Overall, they’re somewhat lacking in discipline and it’s been a challenge to find a balance between showing them much needed love, but not rewarding their conditioned whiny responses to receive it.
I try to make Mark 10:14 my prayer every time I walk by their houses and I know that I will be mobbed shortly by a chorus of uncle luke this or uncle luke that, that I would have Jesus’ attitude of “Let the little children come to me” after he had been exhausted from a long day of work as well. Little kids are great though. They make me laugh. The other day we were teaching them how to garden and one of them was emphatically muttering, “Thank you Adam,” every time he chopped another weed. Thanks to them, I am continually reminded about what it means to “receive the kingdom of God like a little child” Mark 10: 15.
I have also been so blessed being surrounded by God’s awesome creation: this week we got to climb the rock boulder hill/”mountain” behind our center that I had been dying to climb since day one, and last night Brian and I witnessed the most amazing thunderstorm ever – the massive clouds covering the sky were continually being lit up by distant lighting, yet there was no thunder and we never saw any of the lightning bolts themselves, it was like our own private fireworks show.
This week I started and finished The Heavenly Man, about the life, persecution, and witness of the Chinese house church leader Brother Yun. Amazing. If you haven’t read it or heard of it, I would highly recommend getting a copy. It’s my new favorite book. So many good questions raised, like am I willing to suffer for my faith, how can I be less tied down by my possessions, or why am I so afraid to share my faith with others? The power of prayer and the significance of scripture memorization were weighed upon me.
Well that about sums up some of my week. Thanks for taking the time to read this and for keeping me and those here in your prayers. email me about how God is working in your life and how I can be praying for you as well.
Rafiki Sunday
This is a picture of some of the kids here and volunteers before we went to church last Sunday. Behind us is part of the Rafiki center and the beautiful scenery beyond
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Friends in Lagos
I arrived in Lagos, Nigeria last week. Wow is it ever a big city, kind of reminded me of Bangkok but bigger and with big gates and fences around all of the houses. The best part was that I got to stay with my friend Dubem at his house for four days and experience life from more of an African perspective. It was neat to be a part of a house with grandparents and cousins living there as well as the nuclear family. I loved all of the Nigerian food, which Dubem's mother piled onto my plate every meal. The highlight was attending their church service which lasted for about four hours! The worship alone must have gone on for about two hours. I loved how everyone was dancing around and singing loudly and joyfully. Without time constraints like we have in most of our american churches, we could just worship and enjoy being in a community of believers together. Definitely left me with a lot of challenging thoughts about what worship is. This whole trip as a whole has definitely left me with a lot to ponder, and I'm excited to talk to some of you when I get back.
This is a picture of me and another friend from Taylor, Olamide that Dubem and I went to visit on his birthday
This is a picture of me and another friend from Taylor, Olamide that Dubem and I went to visit on his birthday
Rafiki Center - reflections from the first few days
Your love oh Lord reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains
- Psalm 36:2
I was reading this in my devotions my first morning here yesterday as I looked out my window to the sweet mountains streched all around me (I'll have to post a picture shortly, as soon as I can get my camera to work again). It really is beautiful here in Jos, Nigeria, where I have the privelage to be until the end of July working at the Rafiki children's Village.
After two very full days now - wow am I ever exhausted!
And I'm sure learning to be flexible and to draw upon the Lord for my strength daily.
Thankfully I did not come with any major expectations, because things were quite different from what I had thought. Instead of working with the orphans during the day, I am helping out at the Girls and Boys centers, which are vocational training schools attached to the children's village. It is another ministry Rafiki has here for local Christian high school aged children who cannot attend school, either because of finances or low scores. It just so happens that over half of the staff happens to be gone for the next month so both myself and another short time college age volunteer, Brian, are taking over most of the responsibility at the Boys Center.
my day start at 6:30 and after breakfast I teach music and then math to the high school aged kids at their Girls Center and Boys Center. After lunch with the guys, I do construction work with them until 4, which is when my "students" become my teachers with my ever so extensive knowledge of building and mixing concrete.
The highlights of my days so far is the little orphans I get to run around and play with after I'm done with work. They seem starved for attention, especially from older male role models (they each have a house mother but there are very few males working here)
There smiles bring joy and energy to my exhausted body and they can usually get a soccer game or two out of me. There's nothing quite like 40 little boys in wonder of how high you can kick a soccer ball and how fast you can run to boost your self esteem. I heard one remark, "uncle luke runs faster than a cheetah."
But what impresses me most is there Bible knowledge.
I was telling Bible stories to about 60 of them the other night, and they were quoting sections of verses from every story I could think to tell them...and most of these kids are only about 6!
Things to pray for
Pray that I'd have creativity patience, excitement and wisdom in teaching. I think what scares me most is for one of the first times in my life being totally in charge of something with adult responsibility, though I still feel like a kid, and the unknown of what is expected of me. I already feel a peace about things after the initial shock of the first day and this is a praise.
Pray for an extra supply of energy.
I really enjoy hanging out with the orphans, singing, storytelling and playing soccer, but I'm always so exhausted by the end of the afternoon.
Praise
I'm so thankful for my new best friend for the summer and co-worker, Brian, who's a college student from Kentucky. He's a great guy and has really been an encouragement to me so far.
I'll try to keep you posted and hopefully will be putting some pictures up of the Rafiki Center and the kids here.
- Psalm 36:2
I was reading this in my devotions my first morning here yesterday as I looked out my window to the sweet mountains streched all around me (I'll have to post a picture shortly, as soon as I can get my camera to work again). It really is beautiful here in Jos, Nigeria, where I have the privelage to be until the end of July working at the Rafiki children's Village.
After two very full days now - wow am I ever exhausted!
And I'm sure learning to be flexible and to draw upon the Lord for my strength daily.
Thankfully I did not come with any major expectations, because things were quite different from what I had thought. Instead of working with the orphans during the day, I am helping out at the Girls and Boys centers, which are vocational training schools attached to the children's village. It is another ministry Rafiki has here for local Christian high school aged children who cannot attend school, either because of finances or low scores. It just so happens that over half of the staff happens to be gone for the next month so both myself and another short time college age volunteer, Brian, are taking over most of the responsibility at the Boys Center.
my day start at 6:30 and after breakfast I teach music and then math to the high school aged kids at their Girls Center and Boys Center. After lunch with the guys, I do construction work with them until 4, which is when my "students" become my teachers with my ever so extensive knowledge of building and mixing concrete.
The highlights of my days so far is the little orphans I get to run around and play with after I'm done with work. They seem starved for attention, especially from older male role models (they each have a house mother but there are very few males working here)
There smiles bring joy and energy to my exhausted body and they can usually get a soccer game or two out of me. There's nothing quite like 40 little boys in wonder of how high you can kick a soccer ball and how fast you can run to boost your self esteem. I heard one remark, "uncle luke runs faster than a cheetah."
But what impresses me most is there Bible knowledge.
I was telling Bible stories to about 60 of them the other night, and they were quoting sections of verses from every story I could think to tell them...and most of these kids are only about 6!
Things to pray for
Pray that I'd have creativity patience, excitement and wisdom in teaching. I think what scares me most is for one of the first times in my life being totally in charge of something with adult responsibility, though I still feel like a kid, and the unknown of what is expected of me. I already feel a peace about things after the initial shock of the first day and this is a praise.
Pray for an extra supply of energy.
I really enjoy hanging out with the orphans, singing, storytelling and playing soccer, but I'm always so exhausted by the end of the afternoon.
Praise
I'm so thankful for my new best friend for the summer and co-worker, Brian, who's a college student from Kentucky. He's a great guy and has really been an encouragement to me so far.
I'll try to keep you posted and hopefully will be putting some pictures up of the Rafiki Center and the kids here.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
These last few weeks have flown by. My time here in Senegal is almost done as I am leaving for Nigeria tomorrow. As some of you noticed, I did not have a lot of opportunities for internet access until now, so I will attempt to give a summary of some of the ministries we were able to visit and some things I'd appreciate prayer for:
-travel
pray that all of the little details and connecting flights get worked out. It has been neat to see all of the little details fall into place so far. Right now I am staying at a Taylor friend Justin Nevious' house and am looking forward to meeting up with some other Taylor friends, Dubem and Olamide, in Nigeria before I head to the orphanage in northern Nigeria, where I will be until August
-personal growth and reflection
It has been a crazy last few weeks going non-stop and visiting a lot of different ministries. Pray that I will be able to process what I've expereienced and not get burnt out as I still have around two months left to go. Pray that this summer would be an amazing time of spiritual growth and maturity.
- pray for the Talibe Center
pray for Jane who operates a shelter for the Talibe boys who have been sent away from their families at an early age to memorize the Koran at school, and live and beg on the streets for the rest of the day. She has a unique ministry, giving first aid, breakfast, and showing attention to these boys who are often neglected by society. As a result of her commitment over many years she has recently been able to show many of them, and even their Koranic teacher, the Jesus film in their dialect. Interestingly, not only did the Koranic teacher like the movie, but he asked to borrow it, and when Jane went to get it back, he didn't have it because he had lent it out to some of his fellow teachers. Although no one has expressed a desire to come to know Christ yet, the seed has been sown, and as God promises, his word does not return void.
- pray for the national ministers who are working in the villages.
We were able to meet with one, Geli, who runs kid's clubs which both muslim and christian children attend. It was neat to see how excited the kids were to sing the songs about Jesus and how passionate the young Christian leaders were about sharing their faith. We were able to visit some of these villages and interact with the kids there, as well as attend Geli's church.
Although Christians there experience a fair ammount of tolerance, it is hard to win converts in a land that is 95% muslim.
- Christian orphanage
be praying for the orphans and leaders that we visited there. It is the largest Christian run orphanage in the region and their main goal is to train future Christian leaders. They are also in the process of building the first ever missions training center for the Senegalese people.
- Pray for the Senegalese people
Senegal is a country renowned for its friendly people and you would not expect it at first glance, but it is also country plagued by fear. Islam here is mixed with local superstitions and the occult. Practically everyone consults their local maribu, or witch doctor, and sacrifices to spirits is common place.
Pray that the Christians here would be a light in a place of spiritual darkness.
-travel
pray that all of the little details and connecting flights get worked out. It has been neat to see all of the little details fall into place so far. Right now I am staying at a Taylor friend Justin Nevious' house and am looking forward to meeting up with some other Taylor friends, Dubem and Olamide, in Nigeria before I head to the orphanage in northern Nigeria, where I will be until August
-personal growth and reflection
It has been a crazy last few weeks going non-stop and visiting a lot of different ministries. Pray that I will be able to process what I've expereienced and not get burnt out as I still have around two months left to go. Pray that this summer would be an amazing time of spiritual growth and maturity.
- pray for the Talibe Center
pray for Jane who operates a shelter for the Talibe boys who have been sent away from their families at an early age to memorize the Koran at school, and live and beg on the streets for the rest of the day. She has a unique ministry, giving first aid, breakfast, and showing attention to these boys who are often neglected by society. As a result of her commitment over many years she has recently been able to show many of them, and even their Koranic teacher, the Jesus film in their dialect. Interestingly, not only did the Koranic teacher like the movie, but he asked to borrow it, and when Jane went to get it back, he didn't have it because he had lent it out to some of his fellow teachers. Although no one has expressed a desire to come to know Christ yet, the seed has been sown, and as God promises, his word does not return void.
- pray for the national ministers who are working in the villages.
We were able to meet with one, Geli, who runs kid's clubs which both muslim and christian children attend. It was neat to see how excited the kids were to sing the songs about Jesus and how passionate the young Christian leaders were about sharing their faith. We were able to visit some of these villages and interact with the kids there, as well as attend Geli's church.
Although Christians there experience a fair ammount of tolerance, it is hard to win converts in a land that is 95% muslim.
- Christian orphanage
be praying for the orphans and leaders that we visited there. It is the largest Christian run orphanage in the region and their main goal is to train future Christian leaders. They are also in the process of building the first ever missions training center for the Senegalese people.
- Pray for the Senegalese people
Senegal is a country renowned for its friendly people and you would not expect it at first glance, but it is also country plagued by fear. Islam here is mixed with local superstitions and the occult. Practically everyone consults their local maribu, or witch doctor, and sacrifices to spirits is common place.
Pray that the Christians here would be a light in a place of spiritual darkness.
Monday, May 29, 2006
week one
It is hard to believe that we have been here in Senegal for over a week now.
This last week has been nonstop: working with the Talibe boys, interracting with local teenagers at an English club, our reccent weekend trips to children's clubs in several villages, and visiting mosques and churches, all the while putting our (limited) language skills, understanding of local religions, and culture training we've had into practice.
This last weekend provided many unique experiences. We met up with a village pastor whoh works with children, both muslim and christian, teaching them about God and the Jesus from the Bible. We used puppets and skits which he translated and worked into a gospel message at three different villages. The hihglight of the weekend was visiting his church and worshiping with the villagers there who were so excited about thier faith. I have been really challenged by all of the Senegalese christians we've met who live in a country that is 95% muslim and their excitement for missions and evangelism.
This week we are doing a VBS at a local orphage.
I will hopefully be able to post some pictures in another week
thanks for keeping our team in your prayers!
This last week has been nonstop: working with the Talibe boys, interracting with local teenagers at an English club, our reccent weekend trips to children's clubs in several villages, and visiting mosques and churches, all the while putting our (limited) language skills, understanding of local religions, and culture training we've had into practice.
This last weekend provided many unique experiences. We met up with a village pastor whoh works with children, both muslim and christian, teaching them about God and the Jesus from the Bible. We used puppets and skits which he translated and worked into a gospel message at three different villages. The hihglight of the weekend was visiting his church and worshiping with the villagers there who were so excited about thier faith. I have been really challenged by all of the Senegalese christians we've met who live in a country that is 95% muslim and their excitement for missions and evangelism.
This week we are doing a VBS at a local orphage.
I will hopefully be able to post some pictures in another week
thanks for keeping our team in your prayers!
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Asalaa Maalekum (Peace be with you)
Greetings from Dakar, Senegal
Our team has been here for over half a week now.
In the mornings we have language and culture lessons, which have been very helpful and fascinating. The Senegalese people are incredibly friendly and greetings usually last a few minutes. In general things are very laid back here, which is a great change of pace from finals week.
One of the highlights of my week so far has been working with the Talibe children who are students of the Koran and roam the streets begging for money for their local teacher. One of the ladies who works over there has a ministry where she gives them food, first aid, and most importantly, loves them and is a welcome place off of the streets
more of this later
ba beneen yonn (see you next time)
Our team has been here for over half a week now.
In the mornings we have language and culture lessons, which have been very helpful and fascinating. The Senegalese people are incredibly friendly and greetings usually last a few minutes. In general things are very laid back here, which is a great change of pace from finals week.
One of the highlights of my week so far has been working with the Talibe children who are students of the Koran and roam the streets begging for money for their local teacher. One of the ladies who works over there has a ministry where she gives them food, first aid, and most importantly, loves them and is a welcome place off of the streets
more of this later
ba beneen yonn (see you next time)
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Clearing for Takeoff
It's hard to believe that in a week and a half I will be in Senegal with a team from Taylor University.
Three weeks of helping out with orphans and street children, setting up a VBS and teaching English will ensue as we team up with local World Venture missionaries in Dakar. Once there, we will encounter a barrage of new experiences, from coping with culture shock and jet lag, to overcoming language barriers (we will all be grateful for our four French speakers), to grappling with the realities of poverty and issues expressed by those in need.
I look forward to a time where I will be stretched to live beyond my comfort zone, and where God can work through my weaknesses and inadequecies - Rom 12:9. I am eager to be used a vessel of compassion for all of those we will encounter, especialy the little children. I am also excited because I know that in serving, we will also be ministered to as well, another reminder that it is not about us, but whom we serve. Worshiping with fellow believers of another culture and language will be awesome and I look forward to hearing their stories, being challenged and encouraged. Working with so many chidren will bring new meaning to what it means to have faith like a child. Our team verse comes from Habakkak 1:5, and I look forward to being utterly amazed at what God is and will be doing this summer.
I will try to keep you all updated throughout the summer as internet is available during my team's three weeks in Senegal and then as I travel on to Nigeria for an additional two months to work at the Rafiki Children's Center in Jos.
Please keep our team in your prayers. Pray that we will be open to new experiences, that we will have teachable, humble hearts, and that we will be overflowing with energy and joy, all of which comes from above.
Three weeks of helping out with orphans and street children, setting up a VBS and teaching English will ensue as we team up with local World Venture missionaries in Dakar. Once there, we will encounter a barrage of new experiences, from coping with culture shock and jet lag, to overcoming language barriers (we will all be grateful for our four French speakers), to grappling with the realities of poverty and issues expressed by those in need.
I look forward to a time where I will be stretched to live beyond my comfort zone, and where God can work through my weaknesses and inadequecies - Rom 12:9. I am eager to be used a vessel of compassion for all of those we will encounter, especialy the little children. I am also excited because I know that in serving, we will also be ministered to as well, another reminder that it is not about us, but whom we serve. Worshiping with fellow believers of another culture and language will be awesome and I look forward to hearing their stories, being challenged and encouraged. Working with so many chidren will bring new meaning to what it means to have faith like a child. Our team verse comes from Habakkak 1:5, and I look forward to being utterly amazed at what God is and will be doing this summer.
I will try to keep you all updated throughout the summer as internet is available during my team's three weeks in Senegal and then as I travel on to Nigeria for an additional two months to work at the Rafiki Children's Center in Jos.
Please keep our team in your prayers. Pray that we will be open to new experiences, that we will have teachable, humble hearts, and that we will be overflowing with energy and joy, all of which comes from above.
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