As a teacher, every now and then, I find myself giving sermons to the students, especially when I notice a lack of enthusiasm or effort on their part. So, what do I tell them? (I hope this list is going to grow by the way...!).
- the joy to discover as the root or main motivator for learning. It's that curiousity and enjoyment to discover the many domains of knowledge that seem endless.
- the privilege to glorify God with our whole being, even with our thinking cap! I think this gives him joy too.
- the desire to improve oneself is a great virtue.
- the need for discipline, and good old fashioned 'hard work' (that's the link between learning and studying). Since I was an athlete back in the old days, I often talk about training seriously before matches, and having a coach who keeps on the right track. (I'm their coach.)
- the duty to learn and study for others, those who might benefit from our work.
If these sermonettes don't work, the weekly Greek quizzes often do! Yes, for some reason some of us need that extra push to pick up our books and discover, review and even master the basics to move on to greater things (like moving from Greek 1 to the actual reading of the New Testament). I enjoy teaching, because it allows me to help others discover, and, gratefully, it allows me to continue to discover new things!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Why learn? Why study?
James (also known as "Maurice" or just "Mo"): Loves to learn. Whoever knew him in high school might wonder at that! He studied Geography and Geology at University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA, and Theology at Columbia Biblical Seminary in Columbia, SC, and more recently at the Evangelical Theological Faculty in Louvain, Belgium (PhD in New Testament). Happily married to Lilian. We have three great kids: Daniel, Melinda and Christina. Here in Niamey I teach NT at ESPriT and am the director at the Foyer Evangélique Universitaire.
A Tough Week and Matthew 5.4
This has been a tough week. I've got a nagging flu since Tuesday. Fortunately I was able to do a lot of work stretched out on the bed. I was able to teach on Thurs. morning despite a weak voice. It's also my turn to preach on Sunday. It's Sat. night and I'm feeling a little better. I'm praying for my voice to be strong enough. In case you're wondering, yes, we have microphones and amplification in our church. Just as I'm getting better, Lilian caught the other flu bug that's going around. Not good, but hopefully it's a 24 hour bug.
Our church is doing a series on the kingdom of God and we're currently studying the beatitudes. Interestingly, my message tomorrow will be on the second beatitude in Matthew's gospel (ch. 5. verse 4): "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Amen.
I hope my message will be of comfort and give hope, even now as we wait for complete comfort and healing in the Lord's presence: "and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away." (Revelation 21:4)
Take courage!
Our church is doing a series on the kingdom of God and we're currently studying the beatitudes. Interestingly, my message tomorrow will be on the second beatitude in Matthew's gospel (ch. 5. verse 4): "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Amen.
I hope my message will be of comfort and give hope, even now as we wait for complete comfort and healing in the Lord's presence: "and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away." (Revelation 21:4)
Take courage!
James (also known as "Maurice" or just "Mo"): Loves to learn. Whoever knew him in high school might wonder at that! He studied Geography and Geology at University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA, and Theology at Columbia Biblical Seminary in Columbia, SC, and more recently at the Evangelical Theological Faculty in Louvain, Belgium (PhD in New Testament). Happily married to Lilian. We have three great kids: Daniel, Melinda and Christina. Here in Niamey I teach NT at ESPriT and am the director at the Foyer Evangélique Universitaire.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Looking back, looking forward...
Happy New Year to all!
As I write, the trucks are rolling behind our compound even on Jan. 1st to bring sand for the building of Niamey's 2nd bridge - a massive project that should take about 2 or 3 years. It will be a welcome change for Niamey's growing population.
On a smaller scale, we have some family projects that are on going and a few will begin this year. Lilian, the kids and I enjoyed the last week of 2008 here in Niamey. It was a good time of rest and family time. We have so much to be thankful for. Last year for Christmas and the New Year, we were our family in the States, and this summer we were our family in Switzerland. It was a busy year again with work, school, and doctoral studies. After lunch we took time to share a few goals for this year and pray for them. We are aware of our frailties, but we count on God's strength and wisdom to accomplish his will.
God's blessings for 2009!
As I write, the trucks are rolling behind our compound even on Jan. 1st to bring sand for the building of Niamey's 2nd bridge - a massive project that should take about 2 or 3 years. It will be a welcome change for Niamey's growing population.
On a smaller scale, we have some family projects that are on going and a few will begin this year. Lilian, the kids and I enjoyed the last week of 2008 here in Niamey. It was a good time of rest and family time. We have so much to be thankful for. Last year for Christmas and the New Year, we were our family in the States, and this summer we were our family in Switzerland. It was a busy year again with work, school, and doctoral studies. After lunch we took time to share a few goals for this year and pray for them. We are aware of our frailties, but we count on God's strength and wisdom to accomplish his will.
God's blessings for 2009!
James (also known as "Maurice" or just "Mo"): Loves to learn. Whoever knew him in high school might wonder at that! He studied Geography and Geology at University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA, and Theology at Columbia Biblical Seminary in Columbia, SC, and more recently at the Evangelical Theological Faculty in Louvain, Belgium (PhD in New Testament). Happily married to Lilian. We have three great kids: Daniel, Melinda and Christina. Here in Niamey I teach NT at ESPriT and am the director at the Foyer Evangélique Universitaire.
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