Early African Reflections

mmm...

Even at this early point in my placement, coupled with previous ventures to this vast Continent this place is full of complete contrasts.

It is such a beautiful place - taking time to soak up the sun in the middle of the day or as it rises or sets - totally magnificent. On the other hand when one progresses through towns around here on the copperbelt you find mammoth piles of debris from the mining industry.

Sitting in Chapel here in college it is a place of faith, of the word of God - The students who have preached on the last couple of evenings have been so good - preaching from the Gospel of Matthew, giving timely warnings to fellow students about the fruit which leaders in the church are to produce and then the call of discipleship which appears throughout the Gospel.

Today has been great as it has given me a chance to sit down and reflect on Africa - a continent which does have its own problems - one just has to look at the BBC website and see the problems - Zimbabwe today comes to mind - I was so mindful of that country when we flew over it on the way here. Please do continue to pray for the people of that nation and also the church there which is facing massive opposition from Government.

In Zambia too the church faces many problems - with many of the people living on under a dollar a day - there are huge problems, but it is progressing - please do remember this place where I am staying - St. Johns Anglican Seminary, the place which trains Anglican priests who will serve the church as Priests and evangelists. We think in CITC, not getting home on a Friday is bad - due to the expansive nature of the country, many of the students only get home at the ends of the terms, they have families hundreds and hundreds of miles away.

I am really looking forward to getting properly stuck in this next week, into classes, Yes, classes! - Looking forward to Ethics and Homiletics as well as taking Practical IT Skills. A few other things are happening over the weekend which I am indeed looking forward to - more about them in my next update.

I am also aware of what is happening at home this weekend, namely Summer Madness - my prayers are with all those attending - especially those from Banbridge - May God speak and may you all listen to Him!