From being a player to an artist in the humanities?

Like so many creative activities, learning to become an artist lies in thousands of small decisions and executions, which Marty demonstrates here. 

I think there are many parallels with writing in the humanities including theology, historical research, narratology, etc. Some good food for thought!

https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxPaTPiHVGfs9J-suAAyyK93h8gnqNLRKT

Mt 6 9 13 Lord's Prayer #Short

The Lord's Prayer is a beautiful prayer that still resonates today. It invites us to worship God and to seek his help for our daily needs. Here is a reading of the prayer as it is presented in the Greek New Testament (Nestle-Aland 28th edition). Try to memorize it! 

"iCafé Fribourg" - Proud to be a part of this adventure!

It's about time I write an entry on the "iCafé Fribourg", which was inaugurated last August (2014).

The Bible Groups for Students in Fribourg, a recognized UniFr association, opened this lovely place for university and professional school students in Fribourg. It's a place to hangout, drink various types of delicious coffee and tea, practice languages (German, French and English), attend conferences, eat scrumptious meals, etc. We're trying to keep the place open as often as possible, but we need more volunteers (iCafé is a nonprofit organization). The "iCafé" ("i" for international) means we promote cross-cultural interaction between different linguistic and cultural groups. Being officially bilingual, Fribourg is a great place to attempt to cross cultural boundaries and climb over linguistic barriers. At our last meal, raclette was served to folks from more than ten different nationalities. We talked about the funny, and not so funny, experiences we have had as foreigners in Switzerland (greetings, money, work, how to have or not have arguments, privacy and isolation, etc.). I'm looking forward to more events where we can share openly about our experiences as pilgrims in this big, often scary world and as guests in this small, beautiful country! Although I am a Swiss citizen (thanks  to my wife!), I still have a lot to learn in order to survive and thrive here!

The "iCafé Fribourg" is located in Avenue de Beauregard 3 (Canisius building), just a short walk from Fribourg's main bus/train station. 

For more info, please see the following web pages in English (international.vbg.net/fribourg), French (www.gbeu.ch/fribourg), or German (www.fribourg.vbg.net).

Good things happen when...

Are you project-oriented or people-oriented? Or are you a happy mix of both?

If we can think of these on a spectrum, those on the project side like to get things done, achieve objectives...at times...no matter what the cost. They can run people over to get there. 

On the other side, folks oriented toward other people seem to live for the moment according to the most pressing need. In short, they're available...and...consequently, projects sometimes don't get done according to plan. I find that frustrating, because...you guessed it...I tend to be mostly project oriented.

What I have learned over the years is that when relationships are not healthy or are complicated, projects...or working toward some stated objective...can be difficult. Conversely, when relationships are healthy, good things can happen. For a good motor to work, oil is needed. Are not healthy relationships the oil that allows things (projects, objectives) to happen? 

Is there a happy medium between the two extremes on the spectrum? 

In some work activities, objectives have to be met or else the business fails. Customers don't come back...income diminishes...people start to lose their jobs. Not a good situation. 

Communities (families, social groups, businesses) need to indicate their reasons for being so that all understand what the stakes are if objectives are not met. Is it a loose-knit community with low expectations on personal involvement? Or are the stakes somewhat high and members need to held responsible for their part in providing a specific service to the public? 

What seems clear is that communication needs to be good. Expectations are clear. Objectives are agreed upon and measured. Personal responsibility toward the group is a value; and community concern for the individual is also a value. When relationships are healthy and communication flows, good things can happen for the good of the community and beyond. Maybe we can make a difference...

Another turning point in the history of the Foyer Evangélique Universitaire: our own building!

After 14 years of paying rent, we're finally independent! The waiting, prayers and hard work were well worth it. The Center is located in the Banga Bana quartier of Niamey, Niger. 

Here we are receiving our first student on the morning of April 2nd. Note the international aspect of our team in the photo: African, European, North American, and Asian. God has brought us together for a common purpose: to demonstrate the message of Jesus Christ by assisting university students and professionals especially in the area of training. 

Here's our beautiful new gate (enjoy it before dust and dents affect it!): 

Soli Deo Gloria!

ESPriT Grads 2009

It was a great pleasure to celebrate the first graduation at ESPriT (June 28, 2009). Goula, Samson and Oumarou represent the promising generation of new church leaders. It was rewarding to be a part of their training. The tall guy is David Wright, a fellow missionary.

Writing a theological dissertation in the tropics

When we decided to come back to Niger in 2006, I knew that my doctoral work was going to be more challenging than ever. The main reason is that we don't have a major research library for theological studies in the sub-region. Another difficulty is the heat and the frequent power failures during the hot season. Also, the two ministries keep us quite busy.

What I do to make up for this lack is to make as many photocopies as possible in Europe when I go once a year. Another way is to order books and send them to friends coming to Niger. Another way to get articles is through the online services that my school is subscribed to in Beligium. Also, when you need a few pages or a chapter of a particular book, sometimes you're lucky to find what you need on Google Scholar or Amazon. So, doing theological work in the tropics is possible, but you look for every opportunity you can to bring the material to you.
I'm thankful for the support of my family and co-workers who encourage me to persevere. Lord willing, I'll be all done in 2010. May the Lord's will be done!

Why learn? Why study?

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!