Articles from Nov. Letter

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

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

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!

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!