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 transition…from Niger to Switzerland!

Cutting the ribbon at the inauguration of the FEU building

The time has finally come to enter another phase of transition moving from Niger to Switzerland. Our six years of ministry there came to an end on June 17, 2012. We thank God for the opportunity to have served in the Student Outreach Center and at ESPriT seminary.
We decided to come back to Switzerland for our children’s education. Lilian and I have been in missionary service since 1991; thus, it is also a good time to be closer to our families (although visiting our family and friends in Virginia requires a little more organization). This does not mean that we will never return to Niger. It just means that it is a transition and an opportunity to serve in new places. God will show us in the future whether it is opportune to return to Africa.

We'll write more about what we are doing in Switzerland in the next posts...

Thank you for your prayers and support!

Economic growth and...ethics?

BBC News - G8 Camp David summit targets 'growth and stability'

Certainly there is some value to these meetings, but I have to wonder if any of these representatives consider the possibility that some economic problems have ethical causes.

I wonder what could happen if there was a G8 that focused regularly on ethics, the character or moral fabric of their countries. Which economies demonstrate growth and stability over a number of years because the majority of the people work honestly? Where the employers treat employees fairly? Where trust encourages commerce?

And which countries would compose the G8 of ethics? Might be some excluded from the present G8?

And yet this begs the question: Can morality be legislated? (Just be good to one another, people, and the economy will get better...). In the end, the choice to be a better nation depends on whether every individual (or at least the majority) assumes her or his responsibility to improve...gradually...for their own good and for their nation's good.

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!

2011 coming to a close

Greetings dear friends around the globe!

Again, I've shown that the name of my blog was well chosen... "poche parole," that is, a few words.

As 2011 draws to a close, we’d like to wish you a happy and blessed 2012.

Here we recap some of the things God has done for our family in 2011 as well as plans for 2012.

· Daniel graduated from Sahel Academy in June in Niamey (Niger). Well done! In August, we left Daniel in Switzerland for a year (that was hard) and he's currently learning German and getting more acquainted with family and Swiss culture. He's already set up for next year, working in an architect's office and learning theory at school.

· Melinda is enjoying her senior year at Sahel Academy. One semester to go...She's looking forward to spending a year in Switzerland to explore various school and work possibilities. A return to the States for college is still an option for 2013.

· Christina is quite the writer and reader. We’re wondering if she has a career in writing or editing (then she would be a paid ‘reader’!).

· Lilian and I have been busy with the construction of the new Foyer Evangélique Universitaire. This was made possible due to some very generous gifts. We're thankful that we can be a part of it. Also, teaching is going well at ESPriT. We have a strong first year class in the two programs. It’s encouraging to be a part of training present and future church leaders here in the Sahel!

· In July, I was able to attend the international meeting of the Society for Biblical Literature in London. The article based on my presentation, "Emplotment, Plot and Explotment: Refining Plot Analysis for Biblical Narratives," has been submitted to a journal. Also, I've signed a book contract with Wipf & Stock to publish my dissertation (due for Nov. 2012). I think I’ll know what to do with my free time!

· We decided to return to Switzerland in June 2012. This will be a major change for the family. Lilian and I have a few ideas about work possibilities but nothing concrete yet. We're walking by faith!!! The same goes for Melinda and Christina for their schooling...we trust that the Lord has something special for them too! We're planning to live in the area of Fribourg (a bilingual city), just 28 km from Bern. This way we can be close to work and family (in canton Bern). We will keep you posted about our new ministries there and possible areas of partnership.

Well, that's it for now, just a "few words" about this past year. Keep us in mind in your prayers...we're going to need it with this major transition ahead of us. We’re very thankful for your partnership this year. It literally would not have happened without your gifts and prayers…Thank you!!!

Shalom to you in 2012!

Catching up...Nov. 09 - Feb. 2011

The last post was in November 2009. Something happened in between...writing my dissertation and turning it in (Jan. for rough draft, then June for final draft)...then getting ready for the defense on September 3, 2010. All went well. I worked extremely hard on this project and in conditions that were not always favorable (understatement! See post about doctoral work in the tropics). Finally, when we got back to Niamey, I had a lot of catching up to do, especially at the FEU. Now it's February 2011 and "burnout signs" seem less visible (I'm hiding them...). No, I really feel much better, and consequently my family, too. Yes, we're all relieved that the dissertation trauma phase is over.

On the fun side, during the summer of 2010, we went to the States to visit family and friends in VA, NC, AL, FL (yes, we did Disney!), SC and then...we did the same thing in Switzerland with Lilian's side of the family, especially in Emmental and Adelboden. Not bad, but when in dissertation phase, I just couldn't seem to relax...Now we're looking forward to Spring break, probably a trip to Benin, our neighbor to the south.

ESPriT's new library

What a new look for ESPriT's library!

This is a huge blessing for the seminary. Students and faculty are really thankful for this improvement. Other photos are on my Facebook site.

The next project is to build a block of three classrooms and a computer room. If you're interested in this project, let us know.

Lilian and I are trying to promote another building project: the construction of a new Foyer Evangélique Universitaire. Pray for this too! (Here's the FEU's website: http://feu.niger.sim.org/

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.

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!