Where is the world is Kevin?
Well...two weeks ago i was assisting my director who was up to check on everyone and gave a one-day seminar on culture. Went well and my students commented on how it made them think about things. After that Cami and i celebrated our 17 year Wedding anniversary with Indian food and a movie! Yikes, 17 years! Just can't believe we are actually aging....oh well. Then we went to the beach for a few days of fun and rest. Got back and taught classes and prepared to go to a conference down south.
About 5 hours from here met Proforte, an association of Theological Schools, interested churches, missionaries and organizations to better help and develop theological educational institutions in northern Mozambique. The representatives were a collection of missionaries, church leaders and Bible School professors and directors. Although TEE is not considered by some as 'true' theological education some friends thought it could be useful/fruitful to go down and share my vision of collaboration and start talking.
It was good. I was only surprised by the impact TEE has had in the past and the little it is used now. I began my short discussion by asking how many there had attended TEE in the past and 75% had attended and then one gave testimony as it had started their journey and in one case actually started their institution! I learned about other projects and schools that have active (and some huge) TEE programs as well and received a lot of encouragement. I believe i was challenged and have begun a journey that i really have no idea where it will lead. I only pray TEE can be utilized for the growth and maturity of the church here which so desperately needs maturity. In so many ways it just makes sense. (I was asked by my dir to write out my thoughts and a vision statement for the work here...i will share this with you all as it comes).
From the meeting i received a clear challenge to continue as well as receiving interest in Schools from all over Mozambique---corner to corner really---expressed intention to start working together, at least sharing practices and dialog and i am curious to see what comes out of it.
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Arrived back today, Sunday much to the delight of Cami who is constantly being challenged by Ben the belligerent (but with a smile). You would not believe the will of this child. They are all taking naps and i am going to try to be helpful and do some dishes. Then i launch into preparing for next Saturday when i and two Mozambican pastors will give a the second part to the I$lam conference we started in May on top of classes. It is going to be a busy week.
Final thought. I was sitting last night talking with a fellow missionary and we were talking about how there exists folks out there that just seem to have an amazing amount of charisma....but these individuals have a tendency to lack other qualities. It is as if because of the charm they posses they don't worry about honesty or consistency....because their charm will get them out of trouble. Just a thought.
Peace out
Kevin
