An Illinois high school has made a novel featuring explicit homosexual sex required reading for its students.
This is the response of the media, so far:
Nothing.
Increasingly, the US is breaking away from its judeo-christian foundation, and an understanding of human sexuality rooted in intentional creation rather than darwinian evolution.
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/warner-todd-huston/2008/03/12/gay-porn-required-reading-ill-high-school-media-silent
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
This just in...
One in four American teenage girls have a sexually transmitted disease.
The cause?
According to Good Morning America, I just learned the cause of these sexually transmitted diseases is "Abstinence-Only Education". I almost spilled my coffee.
I thought the cause might be sexual promiscuity.
Enabled by a permissive, amoral society that shows utter distain for abstinence and fidelity to one's marriage partner.
And that's the way the Ball bounces.
The cause?
According to Good Morning America, I just learned the cause of these sexually transmitted diseases is "Abstinence-Only Education". I almost spilled my coffee.
I thought the cause might be sexual promiscuity.
Enabled by a permissive, amoral society that shows utter distain for abstinence and fidelity to one's marriage partner.
And that's the way the Ball bounces.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
2008: It's A Wrap
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
I'm back in Charlottetown.
Saturday - Lusaka, Zambia
Sunday - London, UK
Monday - Toronto, Ontario
Tuesday - Charlottetown, PEI
On this, my fifth, missions trip I taught two one-week Intensives at Trans-Africa Theological College in Kitwe, Zambia. The first was Apologetics, the second, New Testament Theology. The classes were composed of fourth-year and degree-completion students. The degree-completion students were pastors and bishops of the PAOZ and also of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
These people are doing a fine work for God in Zambia.
As they go forth to serve, may God's grace and glory go with them.
In addition to teaching, I was able to bring 20 French-language Bibles compliments of friends of ours in Charlottetown. I also brought some theological books that were sold to the students and donated to the library. I also brought some food for missionaries John and Ruth Kerr as well as some "sweets" for the students -- which were enthusiastically received!
I thank God for this opportunity as well as for my safe return.
Over and out.
For now.
I'm back in Charlottetown.
Saturday - Lusaka, Zambia
Sunday - London, UK
Monday - Toronto, Ontario
Tuesday - Charlottetown, PEI
On this, my fifth, missions trip I taught two one-week Intensives at Trans-Africa Theological College in Kitwe, Zambia. The first was Apologetics, the second, New Testament Theology. The classes were composed of fourth-year and degree-completion students. The degree-completion students were pastors and bishops of the PAOZ and also of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
These people are doing a fine work for God in Zambia.
As they go forth to serve, may God's grace and glory go with them.
In addition to teaching, I was able to bring 20 French-language Bibles compliments of friends of ours in Charlottetown. I also brought some theological books that were sold to the students and donated to the library. I also brought some food for missionaries John and Ruth Kerr as well as some "sweets" for the students -- which were enthusiastically received!
I thank God for this opportunity as well as for my safe return.
Over and out.
For now.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Life and Death in Zambia
Death is never too far away in Zambia.
Today, there were two deaths that hit close to home.
The first: on the way into school this morning, we noticed a car overturned at the side of the road, with a crowd looking on. We found out a bit later that the car was taking a couple of elders from one of the local PAOZ churches who were on their way home after visiting their Pastor, Cephas Musolo, who is ill. We received a report that one of the elders died.
Zambian roads are generally unsafe due to either road conditions, people walking at the side of (or on) the road, the condition of vehicles, or the recklessness of drivers. It's a toxic combination.
The second: at TTC, one of Canadian Frank Bonazzo's construction crew, Boyd, was uncharacteristically late for work. His son had died. Of malaria.
During classes these past two weeks, at least one pastor was late for classes because he was busy conducting funerals.
And I was ready to chew out one student for missing classes when I learned he had gone down to Lusaka because his wife had given birth. He was back in class the next dry.
People being born, living, and dying. In Zambia, you are just one accident or illness away from death.
It is in this light that Zambians embrace the kingdom of God and the promise of eternal life graciously offered and provided by God in Jesus Christ.
Tomorrow Steve Kemp and I are hitching a ride with Simon and Luce down to Lusaka.
We're heading home.
Today, there were two deaths that hit close to home.
The first: on the way into school this morning, we noticed a car overturned at the side of the road, with a crowd looking on. We found out a bit later that the car was taking a couple of elders from one of the local PAOZ churches who were on their way home after visiting their Pastor, Cephas Musolo, who is ill. We received a report that one of the elders died.
Zambian roads are generally unsafe due to either road conditions, people walking at the side of (or on) the road, the condition of vehicles, or the recklessness of drivers. It's a toxic combination.
The second: at TTC, one of Canadian Frank Bonazzo's construction crew, Boyd, was uncharacteristically late for work. His son had died. Of malaria.
During classes these past two weeks, at least one pastor was late for classes because he was busy conducting funerals.
And I was ready to chew out one student for missing classes when I learned he had gone down to Lusaka because his wife had given birth. He was back in class the next dry.
People being born, living, and dying. In Zambia, you are just one accident or illness away from death.
It is in this light that Zambians embrace the kingdom of God and the promise of eternal life graciously offered and provided by God in Jesus Christ.
Tomorrow Steve Kemp and I are hitching a ride with Simon and Luce down to Lusaka.
We're heading home.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
This week
We attended a three-hour service at Acts Community Church in Kitwe. A great, great service. God was powerfully present in the service.
The power was out all day. We went for lunch at Mona Lisa's pizza -- Mona sure knows how to make a good pizza - who knew?!
Then stir-fry dinner at Simon and Luce's by candlelight.
Next week, I'll be marking papers and finishing up Monday - Wednesday, and then begin a journey that will, D.V., bring me back to Canada. The journey begins on Thursday, when we travel by car down to Lusaka. Steve Kemp's flight leaves Friday; mine, Saturday.
That's it for now. Africa was really jumping with praise today, I hope it reverberates and jump-starts your week.
May you have a week that is blessed in Jesus.
The power was out all day. We went for lunch at Mona Lisa's pizza -- Mona sure knows how to make a good pizza - who knew?!
Then stir-fry dinner at Simon and Luce's by candlelight.
Next week, I'll be marking papers and finishing up Monday - Wednesday, and then begin a journey that will, D.V., bring me back to Canada. The journey begins on Thursday, when we travel by car down to Lusaka. Steve Kemp's flight leaves Friday; mine, Saturday.
That's it for now. Africa was really jumping with praise today, I hope it reverberates and jump-starts your week.
May you have a week that is blessed in Jesus.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Two Down, Now What?!
It's Saturday morning in Kitwe. Yesterday there was a thunderous thunder storm that only people who have been here can understand (that's you, Celia!). I mean, the thunder was thunderously thunderous.
We got through the New Testament Theology course. It was peppered with lively discussions. Although it was New Testament Theology (which is primarily descriptive), and not Systematic Theology (which is more prescriptive), we got into debates on doctrinal schools of thought -- what about dispensationalism?; what about calvinism vs. arminianism?, etc. etc. The joint was jumping!
And the Spirit of God was with us!
I received a tripartite award at chapel on Friday. An engraved plaque with a horned animal on it; a plaque in the shape of Zambia; and a scarf with the colours of Zambia. The plaques are nice; the scarf, awesome!
Now what will I do for the next week?
Well, I have to mark the exams from the NT students. That'll take a day. And I have some clean-up to do on both courses. John Kerr said we will look and see if there are some short-trip opportunities at Global Travel. If not, I plan to just hang-out at the college next week and perhaps see if I can help build some distance-learning modules.
That may not be as hard as it sounds. Before I left, Jack Whytock of Haddington House in Charlottetown told me of Covenant Seminary in St. Louis -- they have over 20 online courses available for free.
That's right, folks. You could take a course in NT Theology, for free, in the privacy of your own home. How good is that!
We got through the New Testament Theology course. It was peppered with lively discussions. Although it was New Testament Theology (which is primarily descriptive), and not Systematic Theology (which is more prescriptive), we got into debates on doctrinal schools of thought -- what about dispensationalism?; what about calvinism vs. arminianism?, etc. etc. The joint was jumping!
And the Spirit of God was with us!
I received a tripartite award at chapel on Friday. An engraved plaque with a horned animal on it; a plaque in the shape of Zambia; and a scarf with the colours of Zambia. The plaques are nice; the scarf, awesome!
Now what will I do for the next week?
Well, I have to mark the exams from the NT students. That'll take a day. And I have some clean-up to do on both courses. John Kerr said we will look and see if there are some short-trip opportunities at Global Travel. If not, I plan to just hang-out at the college next week and perhaps see if I can help build some distance-learning modules.
That may not be as hard as it sounds. Before I left, Jack Whytock of Haddington House in Charlottetown told me of Covenant Seminary in St. Louis -- they have over 20 online courses available for free.
That's right, folks. You could take a course in NT Theology, for free, in the privacy of your own home. How good is that!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Keep Your Eyes on the Prize
I preached Sunday at Mufika's church on "Keep Your Eyes on the Prize".
The message was about how the saints of old endured, as seeing him who is invisible, and how Jesus for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and how He is our example. We need to regulate our lives by the assurance we have of Christ's coming kingdom.
The worship, as usual, was great. I told the church that the Lord, who by covenant, promise, and immanence attends every church service on the planet each Sunday, gets himself ready for the sometimes staid and dreary worship of North America by the exuberant, lively worship of Africa. The scene of 30-40 worshippers in the school room of Mufika's church is multiplied by the thousands all across Africa -- it is as if all of Africa is aglow and throbbing with all-out worship of the living God.
As usual, God condescended in his mercy and grace to visit us, and the presence of God filled the room. The treasure indeed is found to occupy earthen vessels.
I think that God perhaps dwells more in the heart and in the feet and hands than merely in the head.
Having said that, it is my task in Africa to help fill the minds of pastors and leaders with the truth of the gospel.
The message was about how the saints of old endured, as seeing him who is invisible, and how Jesus for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and how He is our example. We need to regulate our lives by the assurance we have of Christ's coming kingdom.
The worship, as usual, was great. I told the church that the Lord, who by covenant, promise, and immanence attends every church service on the planet each Sunday, gets himself ready for the sometimes staid and dreary worship of North America by the exuberant, lively worship of Africa. The scene of 30-40 worshippers in the school room of Mufika's church is multiplied by the thousands all across Africa -- it is as if all of Africa is aglow and throbbing with all-out worship of the living God.
As usual, God condescended in his mercy and grace to visit us, and the presence of God filled the room. The treasure indeed is found to occupy earthen vessels.
I think that God perhaps dwells more in the heart and in the feet and hands than merely in the head.
Having said that, it is my task in Africa to help fill the minds of pastors and leaders with the truth of the gospel.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
One down, one to go.
There were 29 students in the Apologetics class this week. About 19 regular 4th-year students, and about 10 more who are mature, degree-completion students. The degree-completion students are pastors and bishops from the PAOZ -- Pentecostal Assemblies of Zambia.
Saturday I was busy marking papers. Then, Saturday evening, it was Hockey Night in Kitwe! We watched an NHL hockey game on DVD -- an Edmonton Oilers -- Montreal Canadiens MegaStars game that was played outdoors in Edmonton back in November 2003. We got a new sound-system working, and we projected the DVD onto the wall, so it was a blow-out event!
Next week I begin the New Testament Theology class. I've spent many hours in preparation and am (nearly) ready to go. There will be about 20 students in this one, pastors and bishops.
Thank you for your prayers as we continue to seek to be of service to God in Zambia.
Saturday I was busy marking papers. Then, Saturday evening, it was Hockey Night in Kitwe! We watched an NHL hockey game on DVD -- an Edmonton Oilers -- Montreal Canadiens MegaStars game that was played outdoors in Edmonton back in November 2003. We got a new sound-system working, and we projected the DVD onto the wall, so it was a blow-out event!
Next week I begin the New Testament Theology class. I've spent many hours in preparation and am (nearly) ready to go. There will be about 20 students in this one, pastors and bishops.
Thank you for your prayers as we continue to seek to be of service to God in Zambia.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
It's 4 O'Clock in the Morning!
4:39 am, actually, but I've been up since 4.
The power was off yesterday morning, but it came on before we left for the school, and we managed to make some coffee. The power was back off again during they day, and then again in the evening, so I went to bed early.
The Apologetics Class is going well. We have close to 30 students. The students love the Lee Strobel books -- The Case for Christ, and The Case for Faith. If you haven't read them, I would highly recommend them!
I think I should go back to bed...
The power was off yesterday morning, but it came on before we left for the school, and we managed to make some coffee. The power was back off again during they day, and then again in the evening, so I went to bed early.
The Apologetics Class is going well. We have close to 30 students. The students love the Lee Strobel books -- The Case for Christ, and The Case for Faith. If you haven't read them, I would highly recommend them!
I think I should go back to bed...
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Zambian Dirt - Heaven's Air
A typcial Zambian church is much closer to the earth, and dirt, than a typical church in Canada/US. Often, in fact the floor, is made of dirt. With far simpler facilities, and with much closer proximity to nature and the open air around you, and with the presence of people simply dressed and without much by way of any material goods, you are much more reminded that you are a son of Adam, crafted from the dirt and formed by God -- a creature of this Earth.
How is it then, that when I attend a Zambian church service, I rather feel that I am breathing the air of heaven, and have entered through the portals of the Kingdom of God?
We attended Acts Church in Kitwe on Sunday. The presence of the transcendent One, the Almighty, was palpable.
Shall the King of heaven
Descend to live in earth's dust?
Shall He condescend to live with us?
Shall the God who rules high above
Reach down with human hands of love?
And shall those hands, once crucified
Yet hold us, hold us, in his love?
We are flesh, dirt of Earth. He is the Lord God Almighty -- and we were reminded of this on Sunday.
Sunday afternoon the power went out. It got dark. We went over to Simon and Luce's. They've got satellite TV!
This morning, Monday, the birds are chirping, the rooster's crowing, and the neighborhood pack of dogs are exercising their lungs.
Morning has broken.
How is it then, that when I attend a Zambian church service, I rather feel that I am breathing the air of heaven, and have entered through the portals of the Kingdom of God?
We attended Acts Church in Kitwe on Sunday. The presence of the transcendent One, the Almighty, was palpable.
Shall the King of heaven
Descend to live in earth's dust?
Shall He condescend to live with us?
Shall the God who rules high above
Reach down with human hands of love?
And shall those hands, once crucified
Yet hold us, hold us, in his love?
We are flesh, dirt of Earth. He is the Lord God Almighty -- and we were reminded of this on Sunday.
Sunday afternoon the power went out. It got dark. We went over to Simon and Luce's. They've got satellite TV!
This morning, Monday, the birds are chirping, the rooster's crowing, and the neighborhood pack of dogs are exercising their lungs.
Morning has broken.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Arrival Zambia
I took the 10-hour flight down to Lusaka and was met by John and Ruth Kerr, and, as a bonus, Jim Cantelon.
Jim is a leader in the evangelical church. He established King of Kings Church in Jerusalem. He is the author of several books, including his latest When God Stood Up: A Christian Response to AIDS. He is over here in Africa conducting conferences, seminars, with the aim of building up church and society.
This morning we have water, electricity, and 3-light high-speed internet service. Thank you, God. (Isn't it interesting how we don't even bother to give thanks for the basics in North America!)
Next week I'll be starting the Apologetics class at TTC.
Jim is a leader in the evangelical church. He established King of Kings Church in Jerusalem. He is the author of several books, including his latest When God Stood Up: A Christian Response to AIDS. He is over here in Africa conducting conferences, seminars, with the aim of building up church and society.
This morning we have water, electricity, and 3-light high-speed internet service. Thank you, God. (Isn't it interesting how we don't even bother to give thanks for the basics in North America!)
Next week I'll be starting the Apologetics class at TTC.
Friday, February 15, 2008
London Heathrow
I found a "Quiet Room" at Terminal 4 at London Heathrow. Rested up during my 10-hour lay-over.
I'm on my way down to Lusaka now.
It's a 10-hour flight.
I will be met by the Kerrs.
At least, that's the plan.
Plans in Africa are always subject to change!
I'm on my way down to Lusaka now.
It's a 10-hour flight.
I will be met by the Kerrs.
At least, that's the plan.
Plans in Africa are always subject to change!
Friday, January 11, 2008
Zambia, February 2008
It's official.
I'll be going back to Zambia in February of 2008.
I'm scheduled to teach Apologetics and, a new course for me this year, New Testament Theology.
In order to prepare for the NT course, I'm currently attending a New Testament Theology and History course at Tyndale Seminary in Toronto.
I'll be going back to Zambia in February of 2008.
I'm scheduled to teach Apologetics and, a new course for me this year, New Testament Theology.
In order to prepare for the NT course, I'm currently attending a New Testament Theology and History course at Tyndale Seminary in Toronto.
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