Yes, weather...again...(compare with Dec. 8 post!)

In March I began an update with “Greetings from hot and dusty Niamey!” Well, that was actually “very warm and dusty”, now it is “really hot and dusty”! Yes, this is what we call “la saison chaude” (the hot season), only because it is hotter than the other “hot” months. Typical temps are lows around 88-90° and highs around 110°, and humidity is climbing…until the rains come…usually in June.

Things have changed since my first stay in Niger back in the 80’s. In 88-89 I had a fan, in the 90’s we had a “water cooler” (or “swamp cooler”), but now we have air-conditioning in our home and office. What a difference it makes to get a reasonably good night’s sleep. All this is possible because A/C units and electricity both cost less. Even so, we still don't have portable a/c units (let me know if it exists!), and so the hot season takes it toll.
So, you can imagine what a frequent prayer request might be...

..........................for good health and good attitudes (and for fewer power failures!).

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!

What is plot? And how does it apply to Luke-Acts?

Try to define 'plot', it's quite illusive. I've been working on understanding this literary concept for chapter two of my dissertation on Luke and Acts, read together as one narrative (hence 'Luke-Acts'). It's a challenge, and a good one. I'm making progress, but at times it seems very slow indeed.

Did you know Aristotle was one of the first to work on describing what plot is and what makes a good one? In the domain of drama, he said that a poet is a maker of plots. He is still referred to by literary theorists and narratologists. Now, I understand Luke-Acts as nonfictional, but I still see a plot, a careful arrangement and design of the main narrative elements to create that narrative tension that keeps the reader interested and to achieve the purpose of the writing (see Lk 1.4).

Plot is "story-as-discoursed" (the what and the how), wrote Seymour Chatman. Luke certainly had a story to tell and used a great variety of literary techniques to tell it. See if you can discern what the central plot is from the beginning of Luke to the end of Acts.

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[A couple of years later, I wrote an article on plot theory and analysis, see other post So, what is it plot anyway? Here's my go at it...]

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!

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!

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!

Of weather in Niger

Greetings from Niamey, Niger (West Africa, for you fellow Americans)!

Weather...yes, let's begin with the weather. Well, this is the time of the year when we think you (in the colder parts of the world) should envy us. We woke up to 17° (about 63°F). It's actually pretty early to have these temps. I didn't have to turn on the fan in my office until the afternoon, only because the afternoon sun roasts one of the walls.

If this all sounds too good, wait until May, June...when I'll start complaining about the heat and the humidity. We thank God for the change of seasons here in Niger, even if they are all, in some ways, variations of warm and hot, and sometimes even cool!

In fact, one of the coldest nights I had was in Zinder, Niger back in 1989. I was totally unprepared for a 12° (55°F) night. I shivered the whole night. I have heard stories about the cold dunes and mountains in northern Niger. When the sun goes down, you'd better be prepared! Here in Niamey, we don't have such drastic changes. I do enjoy see kids with their winter caps on and folks around with parkas.