Walking with West Africa

Family Time.

2012-01-30T16:15:00.000-08:00

It has been a joy and pleasure to spend time with my family over the last few months. Here are some of my favourite memories in picture form in no particular order.


Tile Rummy with Oma

My fabulously photogenic sister :)


Making apple sauce

Games, games, and more games :)


Decorating the Christmas Tree at Grandma and Grandpa's - Annual Tradition (this is year 25??)

Spa Day with the ladies

Sharing birthday celebrations with Allan


Good food and games and conversations around the kitchen table


X-Box games and laughs

Being in Canada.

2011-12-26T10:19:00.000-08:00

Well, it has been almost 4 months that I have been back in Canada. My friends and colleagues in Nigeria ask me how my "holiday" is going. And though I have enjoyed some time connecting with friends and family, it has been far from a holiday! I have enjoyed visiting supporting churches, meeting with groups and individuals. I have been excited to share about what God is doing in West Africa. Although I haven't taken my camera with me everywhere, I thought I would share a few shots of some of the learning that has taken place in various churches and communities. If any of you have pictures to send me, I would be grateful!

Missions Emphasis Week

Lending a hand to the "Helping Hands" Group

Searching for countries where missionaries are serving

Let's play Mankala

Writing letters of encouragement to teachers in Nigeria

GEMS talk

Celebrating Nigerian Fashion

Note taking in Nigerian schools

Nigeria relay game

My Journey with Christian Education

2011-12-20T10:19:00.000-08:00

Yes. It's been a while. I won't make excuses, but I do hope I will be more regular at posting here...

Last month I was interviewed by Marie Cooper at Redeemer Christian High School. She asked me to share my journey...and thought I would also share it with you! Thanks Marie for letting me "reprint".

Enjoy.

Interview with Sheila Dykstra, by Marie Cooper

“Christian schools acknowledge Jesus as Lord over all creation”, says Sheila Dykstra, a graduate of Redeemer Christian High School, 1994. “Every corner of creation belongs to Him and our entire school curriculum is a study of God’s creation, be it science, math, English or music.”

Sheila certainly speaks from experience, having attended Community Christian School in Metcalfe for grades 4 to 8, Redeemer Christian High School for grades 9 to 12, and then Redeemer University College, where she received her Bachelor of Education in 1998, majoring in French and minoring in missions. After university, Sheila taught for three years at Knox Christian School in Bowmanville before moving to Nigeria, Africa, where she taught for four years at an international missionary school and two years at an American International School. Since 2008, Sheila has been serving as a career missionary in Nigeria with Christian Reformed World Missions as a Christian Education Specialist for West Africa.

Sheila firmly believes “Christian schools equip students to see the world from God’s perspective. We can’t separate God from His creation and no knowledge is neutral or separate from God”. Put simply, she feels “our faith cannot be separated from how we do business, how we care for those around us, even how we drive our cars!”

As a teacher herself, Sheila explained that “Christian schools teach and model for students what it means to have a vibrant relationship with God. Each of us is on a journey to know God and make Him known to others. How a Christian school teacher teaches, how we relate to students, how we deal with pain, sin and disappointment must always point students to the saving knowledge of Christ.”

Truly passionate about Christian education, Sheila feels Christian schools engage students to fulfill their God given roles as citizens on earth and citizens of heaven. “God has called each of us to the tasks of caretakers and developers of His creation. We live the redemption message through every part of our lives. As architects, bankers, teachers, parents, pastors, lawyers and engineers, we are salt and light through words, thoughts, and actions. Christian schools equip students for this great task of living out their faith in every aspect of their lives.”

Sheila feels her current position in Nigeria as a Christian Education Specialist is a culmination of all the experiences God has given her up to this point in her life: a variety of Christian education experiences, a love for Africa and African culture, the ability to communicate in French, a love for teaching and children, and the opportunity to serve and walk with national teachers and friends.

“I love what I am doing now,” says Sheila, “and I find great fulfillment in seeing teachers who were struggling implement things they have learned, resulting in happier and more engaged students in their classrooms.”

When asked about her dreams though, Sheila said “Someday I’d like to be part of a school project that implements best practices in teaching from an African Christian worldview – embracing and using the great things about African culture as learning and teaching tools, like community learning and storytelling. I’d love to see a school that is built and run and funded by Africans for Africans, where all students can attend regardless of their economic or intellectual abilities, where there is a teacher training component and people can come and learn and dialogue, where students and teachers all have a deep sense of justice and integrity, and where everyone leaves empowered and implements what they have learned in each sector of society God places them.”

When I initially contacted Sheila about doing a story on her for this newsletter, she gave me copies of some articles she had written about her life and her experiences. As I read these, strong themes emerged. First, I noticed Sheila’s gratitude that her parents chose to give her a Christian education. Secondly, I saw Sheila’s desire to really live in the story of God’s love – this is her motivation for loving and serving others. Thirdly, I read about her passion for teaching from a very young age, and her realization that for her, as a teacher, it is important to be able to lead her students into the light of God’s world and word. And lastly, her writings revealed her passion for missions.

In one of her articles, Sheila wrote “God has a plan for me and it is greater than I could ever imagine. His strength will be made perfect in my weakness. It’s all a little exciting and a little terrifying at the same time, but with the King of heaven and earth at my side, who am I to be afraid? I’m eager for what the future holds!” May we all share the confidence that God has a plan for each of us and an excitement to see it unfold.

We are thankful Sheila was happy to share just a bit of her interesting life story on her visit home to Canada. We wish her God’s blessings as she returns to Nigeria after Christmas where she’ll continue to work with Christian school teachers. Anyone who would like to know more about Sheila and her experiences may contact her directly via e-mail: sdykstra@crcna.org

Transformation of Teachers – the Tiny Steps

2011-03-30T04:17:00.000-07:00


Tosin

I have been really encouraged by the small changes I am seeing in the lives of teachers that I have been working with. Tosin talks about how she viewed biblical integration before (adding a moral to a lesson) and after (a deeper concept acknowledging God as Creator). Doris has a box of activities for the students to do when they are finished their work, and a tin of pencils already sharpened in an attempt to both engage students and make the most of every minute in her classroom. Jennifer has set up centers in her Kindergarten class. She borrows books regularly and attends seminars paying out of her own pocket. Ego shares how her perspective on children has changed (see January blog). Bell-Gam came in this week to share about how it went when she tried to make her students talk more in class. Spencer and Ngozi have gone to other schools to lead trainings on Christian Education. Praise God for tiny steps!


Doris

Jennifer


Spencer

Making the most of unexpected school closures.

2011-02-21T07:05:00.000-08:00

The month of January brought about serious disruptions for education in Nigeria. Due to voter registration for the upcoming national elections in April – all schools were closed for the entire month of January. I decided this was an opportunity God could use, and I just HAD to take advantage of it.

So for one week, we had practical teacher workshops here at the Daniel Center. Approximately 115 teachers from about 20 different schools came to attend one or more of the workshops.

Topics included:

Monday: Bulletin Boards with a Purpose

Tuesday: Teaching and Learning Through Games and Play

Wednesday: Classroom Management Techniques and Alternative Discipline Techniques

Thursday: Calendar Activities

Friday: Two different Workshops: 1)Alphabet Strips and Cards 2) Math Can be Fun!

Teachers were excited and engaged. New techniques and ideas left them challenged and inspired to try new things as they returned to their classrooms. And I had so much fun! I love teaching, and this was an opportunity for me to take time to do this too.

One testimony from Mrs. Ego Salami:

I have never been inspired like this in my entire life in the area of teaching. I learn a new way of “correcting” my pupils in the class. I felt so bad and guilty after the teaching on “Classroom Management Tips and Alternative Discipline Techniques” on Wednesday. I actually realised I had been unfair to my kids. Instead of scolding and shouting on them, I should have trained and prepared them so well to behave in a mature way. I asked God to forgive me.

I have learnt a new way of loving them and I believe God will give me the grace to love them more.

Thank you Miss Dykstra. I pray that God will continue to use you to help more people to realise who they are and what God has called them to do.

Thank you once again.

Salami, Ego (Mrs.)
Safe Hands School, Abuja

Reflections and Resolutions 2011

2011-01-10T05:42:00.000-08:00

The coming of a new year brings about opportunity for reflection and resolutions.

We can look back on the year that has past...its highlights, joys, sorrows. Its successes and failures.

This year I have so many things I want to do!

Professionally, I want to develop deeper relationships with the teachers i work with, offer more trainings, visit schools more, teach more classes, learn more. I want to communicate better with my supporters.

Personally, I want to be more intentional in my relationships with those around me, live a healthier lifestyle, give more, rest more.

That's a mighty long list!

I was just hearing on the radio that people generally make the SAME new year's resolutions for 10 years. What does that say about keeping them?!

The truth is, I can't do it all. As motivated as I am, I am only human.

So, I will start my year by reflecting on these verses...

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:
The old has gone, the new is here!"
2.cor.5.17

"My grace is sufficient for you
for my power is made perfect in weakness"
2 Cor.12:9

Why these verses?

I need to be reminded that it is not me who can accomplish anything. I am God's child, and he has created me for His purpose. HE is the one who can and will make things new - my relationships, my work, my health. In fact, He already has. And it is only as I give myself to Him that all things will come into perspective. For they are not mine to begin with.

I am resolving to...

"Seek first HIS kingdom and His righteousness,
and all these things will be given to you as well."
Matt.6:33

"In Him we live and move and have our being"
Acts 17:28

As I submit, as I keep my eyes on the One who made me - this is where I will find abundant life.

This is where I will find meaning.
love.
joy.
peace.

From here I can move forward and accomplish that which HE would have me do this year.

Maybe it will include everything on my list.

Maybe not.

But I will have success as I walk with my Creator.

And really, that's all there is to it.

Bring on 2011.

Looking Back at 2010

2011-01-02T05:48:00.000-08:00

I will start today by sharing a few snapshots/highlights of the last year.

As you look through the pictures please join me in thanking God for a fruitful year. Thank God for the relationships built and established with teachers, schools, and friends. Join me also in praying for those involved in Christian Education all across West Africa. Pray that as God continues to bring about growth in their lives, each may do their own part in sharing God's love with those in their care.

January.
parents visit nigeria.

February.May.
volunteers come.

Gary Dewey.

John VanderHoek.

May.
train the trainers group launched in abuja.
meeting monthly.

I am very excited about the launching of this group! This year, I have become most passionate about developing leaders in Christian Education who can lead and teach others. The group of teachers, principals, and owners of schools represented here are just those type of leaders.

They are passionate about their calling as teachers. They are eager to live out their faith in their schools and classrooms through how they teach and what they teach. They are thirsty for knowledge, and seek to grow in wisdom! Praise God for each of them!

July.August.November.
visiting other parts of west africa

January.Takum.
April.Abuja.
May.Jos.
September.Gboko.
and many in between :)
conferences and workshops with schools and teachers

April.August.Kenya.
developing and testing educational care materials

June.
flatmates!

I moved into a lovely house with two friends: Yetunde and Eunice. It has been great to have people to come home to, laugh and share with.

All Year.
school visits with teachers and children

working with my colleagues.

It has been a wonderful year growing together with my colleagues Mike and Megan Ribbens. They have been a source of joy and encouragement as we work together in ministry.

December.
trip to Paris with my sister.

christmas in Canada with my family!

teachers become students to reach students

2009-12-23T04:18:00.000-08:00

I LOVE teaching. There are so many things I like about it, but the most rewarding is seeing students learn and grow - and the learning and growing I do as a result of that too.
When I took this new position, one of my big concerns was leaving the classroom. I thoroughly enjoyed the daily interactions and relationship building. I still miss it.
But God, in His wisdom, has given me opportunity to have a much bigger classroom, with teachers as my students, and me getting to be a student of many teachers. I thoroughly enjoy entering their classrooms, seeing their daily interactions and relationship building.

Mrs. Madueke and her class at Alama Private School

I am also blessed by having teachers in a classroom together. Allow me to give you a picture of some of these experiences...

teacher training follow-up seminar in jos, nigeria

Teachers come together to listen to each other's joys and challenges, and find encouragement in knowing they are not in this alone...

Teachers reflect on their current teaching practices, and how they can do things better...

Teachers also put practice new teaching strategies as they encounter new ideas. Many classes experience the "lecture, copy, memorize" teaching method on a daily basis. During seminars, teachers are stretched as they demonstrate/teach others what they have learned through...

POEMS

POSTERS

DRAMA, GROUP DISCUSSIONS, and much more!

Goal setting is also integral as we meet together. What we learn doesn't mean anything unless there is change in our lives, and in our classrooms!

I STILL love teaching. And I do miss the classroom. But I still get to experience those things that I love and watch God do some amazing things in the lives of teachers and then on to their students. Praise Him for that!

Mrs. Madueke and I in her classroom

a work in progress

2009-12-16T02:13:00.000-08:00

I would like you to meet Rex. Rex came my office at the Daniel Center almost immediately after I arrived in January. He was what they call here a "teacher candidate" (This means someone who is looking for a job). He was very interested in the idea of Christian Education, and began attending the monthly "Prayer Altar" meetings. He came to visit me in my office several times: borrowing books, asking questions that arose as he had discussions with others about Christian Education. He has written today's blog posting. Please join me in thanking God for the work in progress in his life and the lives of many teachers like him.

I must confess that for me “Christian” education is a relatively new term, not to mention teaching with a Biblical perspective. I have never considered teaching as a calling since I had not the least idea of anything called Christian education, moreso that, the least of us here in Nigeria would really want to make a career from teaching. Though I like to impact knowledge to others, if I ever gave it a thought, the university level has been my only consideration. But thanks to Sheila Dykstra and to all of you out there who are making this possible. Thanks a lot.

As a Christian, my familiarity with the “Great Commission” given by Jesus Christ is not in any doubt at all. The doubtful issue is the thought of ever being a pastor/preacher/evangelist. To say the least, I never thought one could actually evangelize others in any life undertaking be him a teacher, doctor, nurse, pilot, engineer, lawyer, etc… But many thanks to Sheila who is walking with West Africa. Through her missionary work, people like us can also disciple others, especially the young ones.

Since Sheila assumed work in Abuja, people like me have learnt so much in the area of Christian Education. I have been attending conferences, seminars, workshops all on Christian Education. These and the Prayer Altar for Christian Schools raised by ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) have really touched and brought meaning to what some of us do as teachers.

When I first attended the prayer altar meeting and when the prayer was done with, “Biblical Worldview” was introduced and a demonstration was carried out. Ever since then it has been fantastic and exciting you know. I just discovered who I am: that God has called me to be a teacher so I could evangelize and make disciples of kids. The Christian teacher needs to lead kids to Christ and build them in Christ so they will serve Christ in all areas of their lives. To achieve this, I needed to teach kids the truth. But what is truth? All truth is God’s truth. They are imaging God and so must flee from all sins and receive Christ for them to be saved. This is where I must use the story of “Creation, Fall, Redemption, Restoration”.

In one of the Leadership Conferences titled “Rescuing the Next Generation: Now or Never”, I was exposed to the dangers faced by today’s youths and the imperative to rescue them which rests squarely on Christian schooling.
To achieve all these in the present world is a huge task. So Christian educators need to understand our times as we prepare students to the battle of truth (and I tell you what, great just was done to this by our sister Tosin during one of our prayer altar sessions**). I was exposed to the challenges of Christian schooling such as competing and conflicting worldviews. We also discussed the window of opportunity available in our time despite the opportunity that has been lost.

I must also mention the fact that the array of literature on Christian Education*** has been very helpful. Textbooks like “Walking with God in the Classroom” have particularly been found handy especially for classroom management . More and more is being revealed everyday and I tell you what, it’s been exciting all the way!

Thanks and keep doing what you do. Bye.

Rex Edward Gbangban

**Tosin is another teacher we have been working with who is passionate about training others. She has received very basic training, but is already taking what she has learned and teaching it to others. Praise God for that!

***I have a resource library in my office that teachers can come and borrow books from. We are also trying to import some for sale, and publish some here to make resources available at a more reasonable cost.

Rex relays stories from his classroom:
• One day a child’s father came to me and asked, “What have you been teaching in your classroom?! My child comes home always telling me to be a good accountant, that I am responsible for the money that I deal with.”
• One day the students were having difficulty answering a question that I had posed. A Muslim child in the class stood up and said, “But, Mr. Rex, you didn’t pray at the beginning of the lesson, maybe that is why our heads are blocked.” :)

students joining the movement..

2009-12-08T00:41:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, I was asked to speak at a career day at a local Christian Secondary School. I was asked to speak on becoming a teacher. Wow, I thought, what an opportunity. Here in Nigeria, the teaching profession is not highly regarded. In fact, I would venture to say that 5% (?) of teachers are teaching because that is what they want to do. Teaching is viewed as a job to take if nothing else works out. Most students here have their eyes set on one of the following professions: doctor, architect, engineer, banker, lawyer.

So...what was I going to do? I really prayed that God would give me wisdom to know what to say and how to say it.

I spoke of the privilege it is for me to teach. I spoke of the opportunity teaching presents to impact so many people in profound ways. I asked the students what qualities a teacher needed to possess.
Patience.
Sincerity.
Integrity.

Wow. I told them I was challenged, and I also told their teachers I hope they were challenged too.
I shared with them that even though teaching is not highly regarded, it needs to be. That teaching is the place where change of a child, a class, a generation, a country can really happen. And until some of us step out in faith to take up the call, things would continue as they are.

The students, teachers, and parents SEEMED engaged. I prayed that impact would be made.

I had to leave early to get to another meeting, so I was not even able to talk with anyone to get a feel of people's response.

As I left the building, a student came out running after me. She said that she was really touched by what I said, and that she had written a poem for me as and after I was speaking.

She said that she has always wanted to become a teacher. This is the first time I have heard a student here in Nigeria tell me this.

I was touched.

Pray that God would use this girl, and students like her to rise up and bring about change in the state of education here in Nigeria.

Transformation, One Opportunity at a Time

2009-12-02T03:23:00.001-08:00

I have been VERY behind on posting blog updates, but its not because I don't have anything to say! Things have been so busy, and I find it a challenge to balance the DOING and the writing about what I am doing!
Allow me during this month to give you a peek into the process of transformation happening here..and join me in thanking God for the lives and hearts of each and every one!

One of the major themes we talk about in Christian Education is the story of God and His people as laid out in the Bible and then continuing with exploring our own part in that story. We talk about the themes displayed in the picture above: Creation, Fall, Redemption, Renewal.

One day I walked into Heritage Academy to meet this bulletin board. I was so impressed. The principal, Mr. Spencer Okoroafor had the art teacher put it together. He had spent the week bringing the students down to explain the significance and meaning of these themes.

A few weeks later, I was in a Primary 5 (grade 5) class, sitting in on a lesson on "pests in the home". And would you believe it, the themes came up! The conversation came up as students were asking about why we have household pests, and why do we as Christian still experience the suffering of mosquito bites and malaria, cockroaches and rats. A result of the fall, of course!

Thank God for teachers willing to take the time to point to the big picture with their students. Pray that teachers and students will see the connections and apply them to their everyday learning.

Train a Teacher, Help a Child

2009-12-02T02:43:00.000-08:00

In my December Kid's Edition Prayer letter, I mentioned a special project that people can give to this Christmas.
I want to tell you a little bit more about Mrs. Sa'adatu Yashim, her staff, and school.
New Vine Academy is a small emerging school in Jigo-Bwari, a little town about 30 minutes outside of the city of Abuja, Nigeria.

It is a secondary school (middle school/high school), that a group of people had a vision to start a few years back. They started with one class of 11 students last year, Junior Secondary 1 (grade 6)and this year added a second, JSS 2.

Mrs. Yashim is the principal, and she has a real passion for developing her staff, especially in their understanding of Christian Education.

There are 8 teachers working there, all teaching a particular subject area.

I have had the privilege of working with this school for the last year. We planned a teacher's appreciation day, when most of these pictures were taken. The students put together a dance, the principal put together small gifts for the teachers, and I spoke on the joy of teaching as a calling.

In the last few months, the staff and I have been meeting monthly to do a book study together, using "Walking with God in the Classroom" by Harro VanBrummelen.
It has been a wonderful experience! We have had many discussions on teaching practice, lesson plans, life, and living in general.

God is really working in the lives of these teachers. Because of gifts like yours, we are able to meet together weekly and grow in becoming better teachers and disciples of Jesus Christ. We want to be able to continue so that these teachers may continue to grow and be transformed. Your gifts make this possible. Thanks in advance!
Our goal is to use this goal as a model school for development, along with 2 other schools in the greater Abuja area.
Each teacher that is trained impacts the lives of so many students, and we thank God everyday for the impact that is being made here in Abuja and all of West Africa!

The Power of Questions.

2009-06-10T00:35:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, I partnered with a fellow Nigerian Education Consultant to lead a seminar on teaching methods. Two specific methods we dealt with were: Inductive Teaching, and Scientific Inquiry. Both of these methods are not common in a typical Nigerian classroom, where transmission of facts through lecture, note taking, and memorization is the order of most days. These methods both involve asking questions of the students.

I was reminded once again of the power of questions. God has set in His creation so much for us to explore - not just to be told about. How will we explore? To ask questions. If we want to be effective citizens of God's kingdom, we need be able to think critically about information we receive, the society we live in. How will we bring ourselves to distinguish that which is truth? To ask questions. If we want to bring others into a living relationship with Him, we need to...you got it: Ask questions.

Its been just over 4 months since I have arrived here in my new position. This first 6 months has been set aside specifically for listening and learning. Here are some questions I have been exploring.

*What is on ground here in West Africa in the area of Christian Education?

*How does the education system work in general?

*What is the best way to connect with teachers? schools? students?

*What needs are expressed?

*How can we together build capacity of Christian Education?

*What could it look like to walk alongside an initiative?

*Is there a specific strategy that should be adopted?

*How can we work in a way that empowers nationals? That is sustainable?

*Who could be key leaders in this movement? Do they feel called? Are they available?

*Do we work on a national level? Establish an association?

*Do we work with individual schools? Should certain schools be trained to develop as model schools?

*What is realistic and achievable in terms of setting goals?

*What will have long-term impact?

So many questions...

I have met with a variety of people to explore such questions. Teachers, principals, heads of schools, parents, friends, church leaders, education stakeholders, fellow missionaries.

I have partnered with Nigerians who are working to establish a national christian schools association. I have visited schools and classrooms. I have partnered with Nigerians (and fellow missionaries) to lead seminars and workshops.

I have prayed alot. I have listened alot.

Do I have all the answers? No way. Am I wiser for the experience thus far? Certainly.

I love asking questions. It helps me to focus on what I need to do and where I need to go. It helps me to become a more effective citizen of God's kingdom. It reminds me that I am on a journey, and that my life - my work - is a process. It reminds me that I am not there yet, and need to keep growing.

I know that God has a plan. I continue to rest assured that it will be made known all in His time. That He will answer the questions that need answering. My job is to be faithful and diligent with what He has given me thus far. And keep asking questions.

I Got a House!

2009-06-10T00:17:00.000-07:00

Yes, thanks for your prayers! As it turns out, one of my friends are leaving for the United States. And I am able to take over their lease! It's a 2 bedroom flat, on a compound with 8 flats. I'm on the top (4th) floor!
I move in next week, but here are few shots of the inside to give you an idea of the place. More pictures to come when I move in!

Living Room

Kitchen

Bathroom

Bedroom

Sights and Sounds of Niger

2009-05-29T00:16:00.000-07:00

You got to hear of my arrival, but not of my actual stay in Niger! I will just share a few pictures and thoughts...
Niger, being closer to the Sahara Desert (Actually the desert is IN Niger), the landscape and animals are more..."desert-like" :)

Camels....

Donkeys...

A village church we attended before our car breaking down...

I stayed in Niamey, with a missionary family: The Persenaire-Hogeterps. They were great hosts. My goal in traveling to Niger was to see what is going on in the area of Christian Education, meet with key leaders in the movement, and discuss possibilities for capacity building.

I visited SIM Education Department (another missionary agency), who, among many things, is assisting kindergarten teachers in creating their own resources for their classrooms.

Cornerstone is a national organization of Christian teachers looking to apply biblical principles in Education. One of their projects/goals/dreams is to have a model school which provides fully integrated Christian Education.

This is the core group of Cornerstone.

This is Mrs. Halima, the kindergarten teacher. She is enthusiastic and passionate about meeting the needs in her class.

Here are some of the children in her class...

I got to visit giraffes! Just outside of Niamey is the last group of wild giraffes in West Africa. We hired a guide to drive us around, and then got to get a little up close and personal too!

I participated in an appreciative inquiry for a church that had started a school in a village, but has had some problems in continuing the project. This church in Niamey partnered its members with children in a village who then are sponsoring those children to go to school! It was a beautiful picture of how the church in Niger is reaching out.

This is one of the activities of the inquiry. The group was to make a map of the village, plotting physical places, but also trying to highlight relationships between the school and the village.

And, one of my highlights, was the Roundtable follow up meeting. Representatives from schools all over the country, and church stakeholders came together to discuss the way forward for Christian Education. This is what we asked for prayers for. God is faithful, and the conference resulted in good listening and sharing. A committee to look into forming a national association for Christian Schools was set in place. This committee was also mandated to look at the proposal for a Christian teacher training Center in Niger!

This was the group who met....

And a reporting session, where we dialogued about the "sickness" and "remedies" for Christian Education in Niger.

My trip back into Nigeria went like this:
4:30am Leave for bus station
6:00am Bus leaves Niamey for Konni (border town)
11:00am Bus arrives in Konni
11:15am A pastor came to pick me up on his motorcycle. I spent the day with him and his family. I got to sleep under the stars - as it was so hot that night.
7:00am Taxi arrives to take me across the border and into Nigeria to the airport.We spent about an hour at the border.
11:00am Arrived at the Sokoto airport, bought the LAST ticket to Abuja.
2:00pm Flew from Sokoto to Abuja
3:00pm Arrived in Abuja, took a taxi home!

Space for God

2009-05-21T23:45:00.000-07:00

So there is this book that I have had on my shelf for years that has come highly recommended by those who have read it. It’s called “Space for God” by Don Postema. It’s basically a book of reflections, study and practice of spirituality and prayer.

I have finally opened it earlier this week. Am excited for all there is to reflect on..

I wanted to share one of the poems I read inside this morning that touched me. I think making space for God, in theory is a great idea. But practically, not so easy.

COVENANT
God
knocks at my door
seeking a home for his son.

Rent is cheap, I say.

I don’t want to rent. I want to buy, says God.

I’m not sure I want to sell,
but you might come in to look around.

I think I will, says God.

I might let you have a room or two.

I like it, says God. I’ll take the two
You might decide to give me more someday.
I can’t wait, says God.

I’d like to give you more,
but it’s a bit difficult. I need some space for me.

I know, says God. I’ll take it. I like what I see.

Hm, maybe I can let you have another room.
I really don’t need that much.

Thanks, says God. I’ll take it. I like what I see.

I’d like to give your the whole house
but I’m not sure....

Think on it, says God. I wouldn’t put you out.
Your house would be mine and my son would live in it.
You’d have more space that you’d ever had before.

I don’t understand at all.

I know, says God, but I can’t tell you about that.
You’ll have to discover it for yourself.
That can only happen if you let me have the whole house.

A bit risky, I say.

Yes, says God, but try me.

I’m not sure---
I’ll let you know.

I can’t wait, says God. I like what I see.

----Margaret Halaska.

Rescuing the Next Generation...Now or Never!

2009-04-28T02:34:00.000-07:00

This is the theme banner of the ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) Leadership Conference held in Abuja on April 23,24.

Representatives from ACSI Africa came as conference speakers: Director Samson Makhado (bottom, right) spoke on the essentials of a Christian School, and an overview of Christian Education in the continent of Africa. Teacher and principal Greg Stokell (bottom, left) spoke about biblical worldview as a framework for school leadership, as well as the implications of biblical worldview in the classroom.

We fellowshipped and worshipped together,

learned and prayed together,

This teacher (above)is taking part in an exercise demonstrating an alternative teaching method, using different coloured hats to get students to express ideas from a variety of perspectives. Most classes in Nigeria are limited to a concept being presented by the teacher writing a note on the board, and the students copying it. Demonstrating and having teachers practice alternative strategies encourages them to see that these can be applied in their own classrooms as well.
The topic here was abortion. When someone wears the yellow hat, they are allowed to express what people might consider to be "advantages" to abortion. Wearing a different coloured hat gives students opportunities to share "facts", "disadvantages", "opinions", "what the Bible has to say", etc...

Here are various members of the steering committee who put this initiative into action...

Mrs. Yakubu (left) is a proprietress of a primary and a secondary school. Mrs. Mokuolo (right) is the proprietress of a primary school. They both reside in Abuja. They are very interested in exploring ways to have meaningful Christian Education in their schools.

Rex (above) is what we call a "teacher candidate". This means someone who is looking for a job. He has been visiting the Daniel Center and showing interest in this movement of Christian Education. He went and delivered invitations to schools, and is sitting on the Steering Committee for Christian Education in Abuja. And, believe it or not, the day before the conference, he was offered a teaching position! God is good!

Note: The pictures of me are on someone else's camera... So you will have to wait until I am back in Nigeria to share some of those!

A Roadside Adventure

2009-04-28T01:17:00.000-07:00

Many people say that travelling by road in Africa is an adventure. I don't always pray for adventure on the road, usually its for protection and a safe journey. We certainly prayed this prayer as we left Abuja, Nigeria at 5am on Saturday morning. Final destination: Niamey, Niger Republic. This is usually a 2 day journey. The first leg would take us from Abuja to Sokoto (via Kontagora, Niger State) is a LONG journey - about 10 hours. The roads are generally good, except for one road that is paved with potholes for over 100 kms. Then the plan was to spend the night in Sokoto, drive the last hour to the border in the morning, cross, and meet our missionary host who would take us the final 5 hours on to Niamey.
God had a different plan in mind. Let me tell you what ACTUALLY happened...

Our trip to Kontagora state was good. We arrived before noon to pick up the rest of our passengers, and greet our fellow missionaries at Warari Bible School. On we pressed to Sokoto...

We were supposed to stay in Sokoto...but after checking a couple places they said that most places were full because it was weekend. They suggested we press on to the border town (Illela) that there was accomodation there. There wasn't. They said there was accomodation on the other side in Niger. So we pressed on. It was dark by the time we left the border and then had to find a place. It was kind of shady, but they were willing to let us pay in naira (that is Nigerian currency. The currency in Niger is CFA), and we didn't know anywhere else to go anyways. The doors to the room locked, and I'd brought my own sheet, net, and towel, so I was fine.

In the morning we left in a hurry because we finally got ahold of Henry, our missionary colleague, who was picking us up...he actually was staying in a nicer place 2 minutes away!! (We couldn't get ahold of him that night).

Here is a picture of some scenery along the way...

On the way, we stopped at a village church for service, and to see the Christian school there. This is a two room school started by the pastor of this village.

About 30 minutes later, our engine cut out. We were in the middle of nowhere.

Desert... The next town was about 25 kms away. It seemed that the radiator had sprung a leak, that would not even hold water for us to go bit at a time (nor did we even have enough water to do so).

Ok, so you are not going to believe this, but not 15 minutes later, a missionary Henry knows (SIM director) drives by!!!! In a pickup. And he stops.

He's got a tow rope, and is willing to tow us on to the next town! He finds us a mechanic and then continues on his journey. So we wait in Dogun Doutchi (the name of the town) for a few hours while they fix the radiator. It is SCORCHING hot...all we do is sweat, and sweat.

And make friends with a few children and adults who are watching us with interest.

No water is cold enough to bring relief...This missionary group (SIM) that we met actually has a house in the town that he offers to let us sleep in should it get to late to travel on. Our time limit was 4pm. We don't have any money in the right currency remaining. We search all over town for someone who will change dollars. Noone. We finally find someone who will change naira. We pay off the mechanic. At 4:05 the truck is ready and we continue on (Still 3 more hours till Niamey). Yipee!

Not 40kms down the road, the truck engine cuts out again.
This time we are in a little village. No missionaries drive past this time. But the villagers are finding us a rather curious sight. Henry can speak Hausa, so we are fine to communicate the problem. While there, we meet a guy who speaks English and spent a number of years in Nigeria. He goes off to find a mechanic for us. By about 6pm, the mechanic arrives ad gets to work. The radiator split in the exact same place as before.

This mechanic we were not too sure about. He is fixing the radiator with super glue, then a layer of ash. Then super glue and cotton, then super glue and ash, then soap and charcoal! During this time, I have made friends with all the village children who are having a blast as I take pictures of them and show them on my digital camera.

A duststorm comes and goes. The chief of the village comes to greets us and tells us if it is too late to travel on that we can sleep in the mosque! He also offers his house/hut. By 8:30pm we are on the road again. We have paid this mechanic the rest of our CFA currency. We stop every 40 kms to make sure there is no leak. We make it to the next town that has accomodation, and spend 30 minutes driving around trying to find any.

By 10pm we have a place (nicer than the night before) and crash.

This morning, we get up and search all over town for a place to change money so we can pay our hotel bill. We go to 4 different places, including banks and they are not willing to trade dollars. We finally meet an "Alhaji Mohammed" in a hardware store who trades - at a good rate at that too! We pay our bill, and are on the road again!

Thank God...no more wahala (this is a Hausa word for "trouble"). We finally arrive in Niamey 11:30am...

God is good. He kept us safe and together, using the most unexpected people in the most unexpected places. I pray my next 3 weeks will not be quite so packed with adventures!!!

For the Love of Children - Teacher Seminar

2009-04-12T05:02:00.000-07:00

These past weeks, I had the privilege of participating in a teacher's seminar organized by a group of teachers/parents passionate about Christian Education.

The seminars were led by Ko Spyksma, a volunteer from British Columbia. God has blessed her with the gift to relate well with her students (in this case her students were Nigerian teachers).

Here Ko is demonstrating how a lesson can be interesting with limited resources...such as using garbage!

This was our classroom for the week...

The seminar encouraged teachers to see their jobs as callings from God. They were challenged to see God's CREATION as the foundation for curriculum. They were challenged to see their children as image bearers of God, and love them accordingly. They were challenged to think, and to make their students think beyond rote memorization "knowledge".

The teachers learned that they can learn from each other, and so can their students...

They got to draw, an unusual practice in Nigerian classrooms. Here the teachers drew collaboratively to illustrate different creation principles. Can you figure out what this one might be??

And finally, a VERY important part of seminars in Nigeria...the CERTIFICATE!

My biggest prayer now would be that teachers would take what they have learned and actually bring about transformation in their classrooms, and in the lives of the children! Anna is one of such teachers:

A Peek into A School

2009-03-30T02:52:00.000-07:00

In the past few weeks I have visited a number of schools, and hope to add a few reflections. Today, I will leave you with some pictures and short videos. I hope you enjoy! The first clip is of a marching band that was referred to in my March prayer letter. The children in most school meet before classes start for morning assembly. The students line up according to their classes and once the meeting is over, they march according to their grades into their classes to start the day. Today, the march was done as the children sang, "Oh When the Saints Go Marching In".

(Unfortunately, I am having problems, uploading the video. Hopefully it will come shortly.)

Here are the marching band participants..

This girl is busy writing out her numbers from 1 to...100 (or maybe more) in her math notebook. Each child has a notebook for each subject area. A good amount of time is spent copying questions and notes from the board and then answering them.

Here is a student with the teacher assistant sitting behind him. The bulletin board in the background has the children's names posted with the title "I am Royal" posted underneath.

Children are waiting for the rest of their class to finish their lunches so that they can continue with their lessons.

Welcome to my home...for now...

2009-02-19T08:17:00.000-08:00

Hello all...well, I am here in Abuja, and thought I would give you a bit of a picture of my life here for now.
This is the Daniel Center. This center is a meeting place for people from all walks of life who come together to dialogue about Biblical worldview and how it affects every aspect of life: church, home and family, politics, workplace, and EDUCATION (that's where I come in). The ground level is the Center, and my apartment is upstairs, where I am staying temporarily.

Here is a picture of some of the staff at the Daniel Center. Kasimu (standing,left) is one of our security men. Martha (center) is our admin. assistant. David (right) is the security guard from next door. They are sitting outside of our compound.

Come on in...Welcome to the Daniel Center!

This is the entrance to my office, where I have put up a display of some of the books donated.

Upstairs, I am blessed to have a cook/cleaner assisting me. His name is Elisha...he makes DELICIOUS meals!

Here are some dear friends of mine. Fedora (left), Deve (center), and Daishaun (right) are posing with their news bibs from "Grandma Canada" (that would be my mom!)

Packing Up Reflections

2009-01-15T11:05:00.000-08:00

I am now sitting in my empty office, coming to the final packing up stages. Wow. Where did these last 6 months go?? I remember leaving Nigeria in June, not knowing when and if I would be coming back, and here are I am a week away from returning!
I have been reflecting on the many ways that I have been so blessed in these last 6 months. I was never hungry, never without a bed to sleep in.
I have experienced generosity, in big and small ways. A key to one house so I can come and go whenever I want. A $5 donation from an elementary student after church on Sunday. Churches offering support in prayer and finance. A gift of chocolate chips and bacon bits to take back to Nigeria with me. A commitment to giving $100 monthly from someone I met for the first time. My dear Nigerian friends supporting this ministry in prayers and finance. My parents who never complained once about having me in their house(and not doing my share of cooking and cleaning either). For a whole set of teacher resource books. For cards and letters, emails and internet chats. And I could go on and on. For those of you who know me well, you know there are tears welling up in my eyes as I write this now.

I do feel LOVED and SUPPORTED and ENCOURAGED. And I can’t thank each one of you enough. I thank God and am reminded of this passage,
“I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. You love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother(s and sisters), have refreshed the heart of the saints.” (Phil.1:4-7)
I wanted to share with you a story that was told at my church (Hope Fellowship CRC) a few years back by Rev.Quartel. (Thanks Evelyn, for reminding me).
There was this missionary family who had been sent out by their church onto the mission field. After many years and ended up having to come back very discouraged. They had not been fruitful, and they were tired, weary, and empty. They had not heard from their supporters back home either.
When they returned to their church, they discovered that the church had forgotten about them as well. And they realized that there was a direct connection. The church had sent them out with promises to support them, to “hold the rope” so to speak. It seemed as though the church had “let go”. And as a result – the work that God had called them to do was not able to be accomplished.
My prayer is that each of you will remember to HOLD THE ROPE. The ministry that is going on through me in West Africa is NOT all about me. It is something that we are all in together. I might be the one going, but you as supporters are holding the rope. I pray that you are holding on tight, and won’t let go.

Articles from Nov. Letter

2008-11-17T16:35:00.000-08:00

Why the title "Walking with West Africa"?

“God is doing something in Nigeria”, was a comment shared by a teacher at a recent “Prayer Altar for Christian Education” in Abuja, Nigeria. God is already moving and working among His people. When I enter into the world of another, I do not have all the answers, nor am I doing it all right. In my serving as a Christian Education Consultant, I have much to learn from God’s people in West Africa. Thus, it is my prayer that we as North Americans walk alongside believers in the culture we are encountering. I pray that we may listen, learn, and grow together.

Financial Update: Engaging in ministry in-volves so many things! God has blessed me with YOU! I thank God for your prayers and support, both through care and finances
My annual financial goal is $55,000. To date approximately $10,000 has been raised! Thank God with me for His faithfulness in providing, and pray with me for continued support in order to meet this goal. With two months left until returning to Nigeria, I am eager to see this number rise!

Story Story

2008-11-17T15:29:00.000-08:00

I visited a school in Baissa, a small town in the interior of Taraba State, Nigeria. The students are pictured here. This is a primary 4 class (grade 4).

These students shared a church sanctuary with the primary 5 class. Each group had a moveable chalkboard in front of them. The topic as I entered was the weather. On the board was written, “What is weather?” The textbook definition was also written, “Weather is the amount of rainfall, precipitation...etc..” I decided to see what the students knew by asking a few questions. I began with,

“What are you studying?”

“Science!” They all chorused.

“What is the topic?” , I asked.

“Weather!”

“What is weather?” I asked.

Hestitation followed. After a few more times of asking the question, a few people got it. Those who could read, began to read the definition on the board.

“Very good,” I responded.

“So, who can tell me, what is the weather today?”

Silence. Not one student could answer.

Maybe it is my accent, I thought. I repeated the question again. Nothing. I thought I would ask a leading question...

”Well, is it raining today?” I asked, as I pointed to the skies outside.

Silence.

After repeating this question, some students responded with a “no.” I followed it up with the original question...

”So, what is the weather today?” ..... Still nothing.

This is quite a typical scenario I have encountered in a number of primary school settings. Students who seem to have memorized a definition, but have not internalized any REAL meaning. There is a lack of connection between the definition and its significance to their daily lives.

How can we bring students to a place where they are not just memorizing an idea, but understanding a concept?

How can we as teachers guide and walk with our students to that place?

Pray for education of QUALITY for students in West Africa.

Mission and Vision Statements

2008-10-02T09:35:00.000-07:00

Vision
Working together with fellow Christian educators
in West Africa and North America, our vision is to
bring transformation within the education system
in West Africa, one opportunity at a time.

Mission
Education in West Africa can be a very discouraging
picture. Yet despite this, many teachers and schools
are opening their doors for meaningful dialogue
and discussions. As more opportunities arise for
these exchanges, Christians are envisioning how the
Biblical world and life view can make an impact on
the lives and communities in Africa. For six years I
have worked in international and missionary school
settings within Nigeria. God has given me a passion
for the people and culture of this country. In my
own experiences, I have seen God giving His people
a hunger and thirst for what it means to serve Him
with excellence. God is calling me to work with
the people in addressing the opportunities arising
within the national school systems. I am especially
passionate about:
• Working alongside teachers, exploring what it
means to live and teach from a Biblical world
and life view.
• The opportunity to reach beyond one
classroom by working alongside West African
teachers who are hungry to learn and to make
a change within their schools and systems.
This new area of ministry would include the
following opportunities:
• Teacher continuing education
• Curriculum development
• Dialoguing with Christian schools throughout
West Africa
• Mentoring and encouraging administrators and
other key leaders
• Participating in the African and worldwide
discussions of Christian education
• Connecting with churches and schools in North
America to be involved in this movement.
As I look forward, I’m excited and terrified. For me,
it’s the best place to be, having no choice but to rely
on the One who has placed me here to be used by
Him. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is
made perfect in weakness.” As I enter this new phase
of ministry, I invite you to join me in prayer, fellowship,
service and/or financial support. May God bless you
as you consider this opportunity!

I'm starting a blog!

2008-07-12T07:55:00.001-07:00

Well, I figure it's about time to join all bloggers around the world in having an avenue to share thoughts, pictures, reflections with family and friends. Since I am embarking on yet another new adventure, I figure this was a good reason to start!