I just finished my last big paper for the semester. I have completed 5 classes this spring. With all of the papers I have been writing, I have also been amazed at the amount of books I have read already this year. This is definately not me bragging, but I have read some pretty good stuff. I figured I would throw some books out here that I have enjoyed in the past couple years just as suggestions and food for thought.

Marva Dawn. Joy in Divine Wisdom.

Jim Henderson & Matt Casper. Jim and Casper go to Church.

Neil Cole. Organic Church.

Frank Viola and George Barna. Pagan Christianity.

Barbara Brown Taylor. Leaving Chruch.

John Shea. An Experience Named Spirit.

Mark Labberton. The Dangerous Act of Worship.

Francis Chan. Forgotten God.

Kenneth Curtis, Stephen Lang, and Randy Petersen. The 100 Most Important Events in Christian History.

Jesse Rice. The Church of Facebook.

Mark DeVries. Sustainable Youth Ministry.

Chinua Achebe. Things Fall Apart.

It is always interesting to see what people are reading, because these are the things that have been shaping my thoughts over the past many months. I would have to say my top 3 most influential have been:


3: Sustainable Youth Ministry
2: Organic Church
1: The Dangerous Act of Worship

So there it is, this is what is shaping me.

to Blog or not to Blog...

Over the past month I have cranked out over 50 pages of written material for seminary classes. I only have about 30 more pages to write in the next two weeks. In all of this I keep wondering, "do I really have that much to say?" I have started using the blog reader on iGoogle and enjoy gaining bits of info and life from all kinds of people. But one question I keep asking myself is "can I contribute anything?" Well I don't know if I can contribute, but I guess if I can write papers about nonviolence, worship, ethics, and reflections of my personal and theological experiences, I might as well put something in blog form in a way to journal out loud. Maybe something I say will touch someone else, and maybe it is just therapeutic. Either way, I am going to give this a shot.

This past week I had a conversation with our revival speaker, Mark Allen, and we talked about the use of blogs. I guess some people use their blogs as a soap box, and I'll probably do that occasionally, some might ask questions, and others share too much personal info. I'm sure I will be guilty of all of these as I chart my path through the world of blogging. Well back to writing papers.

Water

I have been thinking recently how big of a role water plays in my life. Ok of course I have to drink water in order to survive, but I also rely on water in a lot of my lesiure activities. In the winter the frozen water is a pleasure to ski on, and after this past winter, I can be ok with that white blessing taking a vacation from my driveway. In the spring and summer I get excited about being in my kayak following the water down a river. I also enjoy swimming, boating, and being around water as often as possible.
I just read an article on MSNBC where the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) said "The sheer scale of dirty water means more people now die from contaminated and polluted water than from all forms of violence including wars." In my recent trip to Nigeria, I experienced the value of water in a different way than just enjoying a cold drink or a clean swimming hole. Getting to experience treating well water to make drinking water, taking short showers to preserve hot water, and seeing people draw water from a mudhole to carry it miles back their homes for their family to drink.
I am excited about an organization called SSE, www.sseinc.org, who is working to bring clean water and economic stability to villages in Nigeria. Water is such a crucial part of their mission. As much as I enjoy water, I also want to help others have water that brings life, health, and stability.
Micah 6:8 says: "He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God."
What does this verse have to do with water, you, or me?

Making Water

Today has been a pretty laid back day. The 5pm-10am curfew was still in place, which makes doing anything very difficult since everyone in town is trying to get their stuff done in those 7 hrs. So this morning we had some extra time before we left so I got to help John "make water". They have a well here, but the water is still not clean to drink, so we have to go through a purifying process to get it clean. They use a product called Pur, which attracts all the bacteria and then you filter them out. The process is take 10 liters of water in a bucket, add the Pur packet, stir for 5 minutes, then let it sit for 5 minutes, then pour the water through a filter making sure the clumped up "flock" or bacteria and additive, doesn't get into the water jug. After 20 minutes it's good to drink.

This is just a reminder of what we have to be thankful of in the USA. We turn on our faucet and take for granted that drinking the water is safe. I thank God for the technologies that make quality of life better for all.

Although I cannot make water, I thank God that he did. I thank God that he has given people the insight to create things that allow people to make the limited supply of water they have safe for them. It's funny how the little things make a huge impact.

Although we haven't been able have as many meetings and see as many things as we had planned, we are able to spend genuine time with people. I am learning so much about community and how important relationships really are.

Safety

A Mighty Fortress is our God. Psalm 18:2 says "The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." It is only after the last few days that I can begin to get an inkling of understanding what this scripture means. On Tuesday morning we learned that things had gotten more intense here in Jos and they were about to enforce a 24 hour curfew. We were given about 5 minutes to pack and load the van before fleeing Jos to stay in Miango, about 10 miles out of town. Miango is the village that Dr. Itapson held his first position as an associate pastor. We stayed at Kent Academy Tuesday and Wednesday night. So much has happened over the last 4 days, but I am not going to be able to write about it all right now. We spent Wednesday resting at Kent Academy and enjoying the village. I was asked today if we were ever in danger. On Monday we saw the expressions of hurt, fear, and anger on the faces of the people in Jos. As we left on Tuesday, we never saw any violence or even remnants of violence, since we took backroads out of Jos. I know that God had protected us, but there was always the thought that driving up on the wrong group of people could have turned the situation on its head. I am so thankful for the protection that God provides. God truly has been my fortress this week. The ride to Miango was quiet and somber. As we were coming into the village, the young people had a series of road blocks set up to ensure that no unwelcome guests traveled inside to cause trouble. After watching the boys expressions change to smiles and waves when they found out we were Christians seeking refuge, the uneasiness slipped away. We pulled into Kent Academy and had the opportunity to see a group of kids playing soccer. My body and spirit finally relaxed and relief flowed over me, I was safe.

During our stay at Kent, we were blessed to have Rev. Zane and his wife open their home to us and provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For the first time since Sunday night, I was able to enjoy the feeling of safety that I had felt when we first arrived in Nigeria.

Today we traveled back into Jos. I had a feeling of anxiety, wondering if we would come back into the same town that we left Tuesday morning. As we entered the city we found that people were bustling in the market, since they hadn't been able to buy or sell food since Tuesday. The faces were light, the feeling was easy, and I felt very comfortable as we entered town. There is a much higher military and police presence than there was when we left. If only that power had stepped in on Sunday, this situation would have never gotten this out of control. We still have curfew from 5pm-10am just to ensure continued peace in Jos.

Although I know there are still people in Jos who are without homes and are living with fear, hurt, and anxiety, I feel safe. We are in a safe area at the SSE house and things have been very quiet here since we arrived this afternoon. God is my refuge, I am a refugee in life and my only protection and safety is provided by God alone who has been moved by the prayers of everyone reading this and is connected to me and my family. Thank you for praying.

Presence

I am in Jos, Nigeria with my professor and 8 other students from Palmer Seminary. This immersion course has taken a turn from theory to practical application of a reality that I could not understand unless I was here. I want to reassure you first, that I am completely safe. My professor has contacts with some of the most powerful people in town and is staying on top of the situation to ensure our complete safety and a safe trip home next week.

Now, let me explain some background. Nigeria is a country that has been in turmoil for years. There are land and religious battles that have been occurring between Muslims and Christians that result in violent attacks and then violent retaliations. There was a major attack from Muslim extremists in November 2008 that resulted in over 200 deaths.

On Sunday morning Muslim extremists were sent in to beat up some Christian workers who had repaired a Muslims home, but never received payment. This act resulted in 35 deaths. One of the dead was a student at Jos Ecwa Theological Seminary (JETS), where we are studying throughout the week. As a result of the violence, the government has issued a mandatory curfew from 6pm to 6am that could last the rest of the week. This does not effect our day to day schedule, with the exception of evening meetings, since we have to be back at the SSE house by 6pm.

This morning as we were travelling to JETS, we began to sense a heavy air of tension. We were not travelling through the section of town where the violence occurred, we were in a Christian dense section of town. In these situations, the young people become unified, mobilize, and begin to defend their territory. As we drove through town, people were standing outside their homes just looking. It felt as if the sound of a truck backfiring would incite a complete riot. At first my stomach turned uneasily, but next I just felt the hurt of injustice that lives in this town.

We went to the seminary and attended chapel with the students. Everything had been cancelled for the day, but they felt as if chapel was important. There was a message spoken by the President of the Seminary about our hope from God. Isaiah 40:28-31 says
Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

God is our hope, God will renew our strength. After hearing this message we stood with the students and attempted to be the presence of God with them. The leaders told us that they looked at our faces and didn't see fear, but they saw that we understood. I am beginning to understand the context that these people must live in every day. A context where dying for your faith is a reality. A context where persecution for your belief in Jesus Christ is real. A context where faith is real, it is not about religion. We have not been in any danger here, however it is only by being with the people that I can begin to understand the context of life lived at war with another religion. I am beginning to understand how to live by faith, and how people trust in God for their next breath and step.

There is much more that can be written, but again, it is late. It is past 2am and we all know that my brain doesn't function well past 10pm. I will give more details of how the week is playing out later. Do not worry about us, but pray for peace in Nigeria. Pray that tensions will be relaxed and that the Gospel will penetrate the powers of Islam in this nation.

Dealing with Tragedy

This morning every member of our group had the opportunity to attend a different church. I went with Rose, a 60 year old who will graduate from Palmer with her M.Div. in May, to Chapel of Salvation of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS). By the way, Nigerians are all about the acronyms. This is a training facility for the best and highest of Nigerias public, military, and government leaders. They must be nominated in order to attend this 9 month training. While they are there, they have the opportunity to attend this church. The worship service was great, we sang many familiar hymns in English, however the music sounded more like a Bob Marley concert than a church. It has so much rythmn, it was lots of fun. Gabriel Makon was the speaker and spoke on the applicational aspects of the Holy Spirit. It was such a challenge to think about how the Holy Spirit worked through people like Nehimiah, Daniel, David, Paul, and others, and the same Holy Spirit is wanting to work through me. I have a whole new perspective on what it means to quench the Holy Spirit.

After church we had the opportunity to meet with the Chaplain and a guest evangelist for tea. I again got to experience hospitality and relationships. We were a little late getting back for lunch. So we met the group at Elysar, an oriental restaraunt. We shared a meal of sweet and sour chicken, curry pork, and pepper chicken family style.

Tonight we are dealing with a recent tragedy here in Jos. While we were at lunch there was a conflict in the northern part of Jos. Evidently during a conflict a few years ago, a Muslims house was burnt down. He hired some Christians to rebuild the house, but refused to pay them. When the Christians went to ask for payment, the gentlemen refused to pay them and sent some guys to beat them up. Because of this, tension is high and the police and military are out in the streets and the town has a curfew from 6pm to 6am. We are very safe and feel like we are in good hands, so there is no need to worry about us. Everyone on the team is staying healthy. Tomorrow is going to be another busy day. I know for many of us in the USA, we don't have to deal with tragedies and conflict like these every day, but here it is a common way of life. The clashes between Christians and Muslims leave peace as a constant matter of hope and prayer. I ask that everyone that reads this to be praying for peace for Nigeria. Goodnight.

It's people that really matter, not time

Today was our first full day in Jos. I was very tired last night, but I'm not supposed to lay down for 30 minutes after taking my Malaria medicine (not sure what that's all about) so I took it and sat down to talk to Jason and Emilee the missionaries that run the SSE house (I'll tell you more about SSE later in the week). They have a 7 month old baby and were telling me all kinds of fun pregnancy stories (which really made me miss Carmen). Anyways, I didn't get to sleep till a little after 11pm (Nigerian time) and slept over 10 hours which was really nice, however I am still not caught up yet.

We went to the village of Miango (if its spelled wrong I'll correct later). That is where Kent Academy was. Kent is an elementary school for missionary kids and a rest home (retreat center) for pastors and missionaries. We met Rev. Zane (sounds like: Zahnee). He and his wife were very hospitable and fed us some fried blackeyed pea bread, kind of like a really spicy, deep fried corn bread. We then traveled to see Dr. Itapsons first church he pastored and then his mothers house.

After a long day of travelling and making multiple stops, we returned to the SSE house to eat dinner and meet with Dr. Agang, the Dean of the Jos Evangelical Seminary (JOTS). Dr. Agang joined us for dinner and we had a super engaging conversation till a little after 10pm tonight. I have learned that relationships are much more important than time here. The culture lends people to spend time with others, while meetings are put on hold until everyone is there.

I'm sure there are many other things to be said about today, but it is almost midnight. I will continue to add and update things as the week goes on. Tomorrow we are all attending different churches and then meeting for lunch to talk about our experience. Then there is a possibility we could meet the Governor of the Plateau State tomorrow evening.

First Day in Africa

So it is 9:45 in Nigeria, I think I have had 3-4 hours of sleep since 3:30 yesterday morning. We had a great flight from JFK to Abuja. Neither the 7 hour leg from JFK to Dakar nor the 4 hour leg from Dakar to Abuja was full, so for the last part of the trip I had 3 seats to myself and was able to stretch out a little. It was hard to sleep because by the time my body was thinking about sleep, the flight crew was serving us breakfast. We ate lunch at Dr. Itapsons in-laws house and brushed our teeth before taking a crazy 3 hour drive from Abuja to Jos. Take a 2 lane road, no speed limits, sometimes cars travelling 3-4wide in either direction, goats, cows, kids, potholes, and road side checks made me feel like everything from here out has to be much easier and safer. Don't worry about me, everything has felt very safe, everyone is very hospitable, and I am happy to be here. The group is great! I have met the missionaries at the house we are staying at: Jason and Emilee. It is now time to head to bed, I'll keep updating throughout the trip. Keep praying!