Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Walking with Hosea.

Note:  This was a post I had drafted a few years ago as part of a "Walking With" blog series.  But interestingly Hosea was one of our facilitators at last month's "Teachers Transforming Nigeria" training. He does training in the area of literacy and phonics and worked on a joint project here in Nigeria called "The Phonics Reading Adventure".  It is a joy to still be walking with you, Hosea!



What is your name?  I am Gupar Danjuma Hosea.

What is your position/work? What do you do? I am a literacy facilitator, crusading against illiteracy.

What is your relationship to Sheila? I work with her in training teachers to have Biblical World View in the teaching profession.

Why are you passionate about Christian Education?  God is seeking for teachers that will transmit the true Biblical values, I am especially  passionate because Christian Education is the heart of all other educations.

What is the biggest challenge you see in the education system in Nigeria? Why?
Poor literacy is the biggest challenge in the education system because if a person cannot read and write, any other subject becomes difficult.

What is your dream for education in Nigeria?  My greatest dream for Nigerian education is that if possible all primary teachers be given a thorough phonics training which will help them teach nursery and primary pupils to learn how to read.

What will it take to bring about transformation?  Sponsorship and funding for seminars and training for public and private primary school teachers to be trained.

What do you see as YOUR role in bringing about that transformation?  I have taken upon myself to contribute my quota in training as many teachers as possible. I also hope to motivate other teachers of like minds to join me in this great crusade against illiteracy!

What have you learned while interacting and “walking with” Sheila? I have learned focus, goal oriented, and above all faith to do things that always seem impossible.


How can I pray specifically for you in your work/ministry?
·         Pray for grace of God
·         Pray for passionate and God fearing teachers
·         Pray for good health
·         Pray for sponsors of materials/funds for training of teachers



All Things Bright and Beautiful

After a hectic few months, Jonathan and I took a long weekend of rest and relaxation in Miango, Plateau State.  There is a missionary retreat center surrounded by "all things bright and beautiful". I was reminded of the following hymn that weekend.  God is in the big and small.  Praise Him for the gift of His creation.



Refrain:
All things bright and beautiful
All creatures great and small
All things wise and wonderful;
The Lord God made them all.



Each little flow'r that opens
Each little bird that sings;
He made their glowing colours
He made their tiny wings.




The purple-headed mountains,
The river running by,
The sunset and them morning 
That brightens up the sky.



The cold wind in the winter,
The pleasant summer sun
The ripe fruits in the garden,
He made them every one.


The tall trees in the greenwood,
The meadows where we play,
The rushes by the water,
To gather every day.



He gave us eyes to see them,
and lips that we might tell,
How great is God Almighty
Who has made all things well.


Cecil F. Alexander 1848.



The Newest Addition to the Daniel Center Family

Last month, one of our security men, Kasimu, informed us that his wife had "put to bed" (this means she had a baby!).  It is usually the custom here to wait one week before naming the baby.   Then there is a naming ceremony where the child is named.  We had the privilege of meeting the beautiful and precious Halima on her naming ceremony day. This is baby number 5 for Kasimu and Hauwa.







Teachers Transforming Nigeria 2017

Wow.  What a great month!  We had 24 teachers here at the Daniel Centre for one month of intensive training.  We had a variety of facilitators, and focused on teaching skills, professionalism and Christian distinctives. The program was realized through ACSI Nigeria and Kazahchat Services Ltd. Here are some of my favourite pictures and moments;



Collaboration among participants

Yemi, Ese, Funmi - project managers

Project team - except for me taking the photo :)

Jonathan created this map!


Worldview questions to reflect upon...















































It was Funmi's birthday, but she wasn't there!  We took a picture and celebrated in her absence.























One of the days we had a school come for a class trip.  We did a variety of activities based on being a Christian global Nigerian citizen....















One day, I taught a sample less on profit.  Here is a short video - complete with my attempt at pidgin English :)