Dear Friends and Family,
The title above just about summarizes the past 10 days of life here in West Africa. Let me explain. Today we resumed classes which means the mid-semester break is officially over. It was a nice break, busy and productive, but it did provide the opportunity for some much needed sleep. I spent most of the break seated at my kitchen table grading a mountain of exams, all of which consisted of numerous essay questions, and preparing lectures for the second half of the semester. I was extremely pleased with the overall outcome of midterm grades. All my classes did well. Praise God! Concerning "White Death" a new phenomenon has hit Cameroon. Dust particles from the Sudan have moved South causing the sky to turn white. This dust is no joke--inhabitants of Cameroon have never seen anything like it. Also, it is somehow affecting the rain, or the lack there of, which could be devastating for the farmers here in Ndu. Pray for rain. I must mention the baptism service I attended two Sundays back. A student of mine, Paul, the blind man who I am currently mentoring, invited me to a baptism service at his church where he would be preaching. To get to this church we had to take bush-taxis, small motorcycles driven by ex-cowboys (lol). It was an adventure to say the least. When I arrived at the church that Sunday morning, covered in dust and fulll after having swallowed a few West African june bugs, we began a procession of a few hundred people, singing and clapping for close to a mile to get to the small stream where baptisms would take place. I was able to capture much of this on my camera. It was amesome. My student preached a wonderful sermon on Acts 2 and then the baptisms began. The choir encircled the pastor and those being baptised and would erupt in singing as the young man or woman came up out of the water. It was seriously the best baptism service I have ever attended. This lasted about 2-3 hours. I thought we were done for the day. Boy, was I wrong. When we arrived back at the church a whole other service was begun--all in all the service(s) lasted nearly 6 hours. Intense, I know! In other news, youth meetings have been going well. We finished Mark 3 this past Saturday and have since watched National Treasure and Pink Panther. The kids usually vote on movies that I have already approved. This past Saturday one of the missionary family's kids came home for break. He is attending a missionary kid school in Yaounde, the capital city of Cameroon. He is an incredible guitar player and was able to lead the students in a few worship songs around the camp fire this past Saturday--it was a sweet time. It's hard to believe that we are halfway through the semester. Pray that the Lord would continue to strengthen me--trust me, I'm going to need it. Oh yeah, the goat. Yesterday after church I was invited to have lunch with another missionary family. Goat was on the menu. Kiddingly I said, "Save the tail for me." They took me literally, and therefore I had to dominate it--it wasn't too bad. Again, thank you so much for your prayers and support.
For His glory,
Chris Taylor
Monday, March 29, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
You gotta love Africa!
Dear Friends and Family,
I apologize that so much time has passed since my last update. Electricity, or rather the lack there of, has been a big problem as of lately. However, by God's grace i have managed to get everything done in preparation for mid-term exams. Today i gave my final mid-term exam--now for the break. I honestly had a wonderful time writing exams for my students. Grading is another matter, however I hope to finish all of my grading by Sunday night so as to have the whole week of Spring break to prepare lectures for the second half of the semester. So far I have just graded mid-terms for my Hebrew class. I was so excited by the results. I had 5 A's, 5 B's, 1 C and sadly, 1 F. Overall the students did very well. Well, being that I have not submitted a blog in some time there is obviously much to report. Last Friday I met with a small group of my students once again--this will hopefully be a bi-weekly tradition. We had a bible study in Philippians 1, drank coke and ate cookies and watched Remember the Titans. The guys absolutely loved this film; in fact many of the guys were clapping at the end of the movie. It was awesome. Things are also going well with the youth. We continue to meet every Saturday evening and are still trekking through the gospel of Mark--almost done with chapter 2. It has been a very fruitful time. As mentioned in an earlier blog up-date, every morning as I make my way to chapel I pass by the elementary school on campus. As I approach 75 little munchkins come running towards me yelling, "Uncle Crees." The first time I was a bit frightened because the kids come running at me full speed and the first to arrive bury their head into my stomach. Most of the kids have what I call the "snot nose," which is pretty awesome, but not so much for my shirt that day. However, it brightens my day each morning when these kids ambush me with hugs and smiling faces. I occasionally let out a battle cry and try to maneuver through them which quickly turns into a game of tag on the way to chapel. This Sunday I will be attending my first baptism service in Africa. My friend, Paul, the blind student I am mentoring, invited me to this service which he will be overseeing, and which will take place in a river. We have to take a bush taxi to get to our destination. In this case, a bush taxi will consist of a small motorcycle--getty-up! Also, a missionary couple who has been in Africa for 23 years, the Schulz's, lent me seasons 1 and 2 of the television series, Prison Break. It has made for a pretty awesome study break. Concerning the weather, the rainy season is now upon us. For the next 5-6 months it is guaranteed to rain at least one time a day--so far so good. The great thing about the rainy season is that it does away with the dust problem. No more dust!!!! Wooooo! Some may think that this would have an effect on the soccer season--no sir, the games continue regardless of the weather. They don't mess around here in Cameroon, especially when it comes to their football (soccer). I must mention that I was a bit down a couple of weeks back due to my lingering sickness and insane class schedule. I was fearful that I was getting burned out, but thanks be to God for your prayers and His grace, for I am doing much better this week, and am also moving into the one week Spring break which should provide opportunity for adequate rest and recharge. I miss everyone dearly, but again am so very thankful to be ministering here in Cameroon. I know i have mentioned it already, but i absolutely love teaching. May God be glorified in all that I do here in Cameroon and may this up-date find you well and pursuing Christ wholeheartedly.
For His glory,
Chris Taylor
P.S. Our football team is currently leading in points. How sweet it is! Also, it is official that I will be teaching a one week summer intensive on Hebrew exegesis following graduation. Six hours a day for one week--holy smokes!
I apologize that so much time has passed since my last update. Electricity, or rather the lack there of, has been a big problem as of lately. However, by God's grace i have managed to get everything done in preparation for mid-term exams. Today i gave my final mid-term exam--now for the break. I honestly had a wonderful time writing exams for my students. Grading is another matter, however I hope to finish all of my grading by Sunday night so as to have the whole week of Spring break to prepare lectures for the second half of the semester. So far I have just graded mid-terms for my Hebrew class. I was so excited by the results. I had 5 A's, 5 B's, 1 C and sadly, 1 F. Overall the students did very well. Well, being that I have not submitted a blog in some time there is obviously much to report. Last Friday I met with a small group of my students once again--this will hopefully be a bi-weekly tradition. We had a bible study in Philippians 1, drank coke and ate cookies and watched Remember the Titans. The guys absolutely loved this film; in fact many of the guys were clapping at the end of the movie. It was awesome. Things are also going well with the youth. We continue to meet every Saturday evening and are still trekking through the gospel of Mark--almost done with chapter 2. It has been a very fruitful time. As mentioned in an earlier blog up-date, every morning as I make my way to chapel I pass by the elementary school on campus. As I approach 75 little munchkins come running towards me yelling, "Uncle Crees." The first time I was a bit frightened because the kids come running at me full speed and the first to arrive bury their head into my stomach. Most of the kids have what I call the "snot nose," which is pretty awesome, but not so much for my shirt that day. However, it brightens my day each morning when these kids ambush me with hugs and smiling faces. I occasionally let out a battle cry and try to maneuver through them which quickly turns into a game of tag on the way to chapel. This Sunday I will be attending my first baptism service in Africa. My friend, Paul, the blind student I am mentoring, invited me to this service which he will be overseeing, and which will take place in a river. We have to take a bush taxi to get to our destination. In this case, a bush taxi will consist of a small motorcycle--getty-up! Also, a missionary couple who has been in Africa for 23 years, the Schulz's, lent me seasons 1 and 2 of the television series, Prison Break. It has made for a pretty awesome study break. Concerning the weather, the rainy season is now upon us. For the next 5-6 months it is guaranteed to rain at least one time a day--so far so good. The great thing about the rainy season is that it does away with the dust problem. No more dust!!!! Wooooo! Some may think that this would have an effect on the soccer season--no sir, the games continue regardless of the weather. They don't mess around here in Cameroon, especially when it comes to their football (soccer). I must mention that I was a bit down a couple of weeks back due to my lingering sickness and insane class schedule. I was fearful that I was getting burned out, but thanks be to God for your prayers and His grace, for I am doing much better this week, and am also moving into the one week Spring break which should provide opportunity for adequate rest and recharge. I miss everyone dearly, but again am so very thankful to be ministering here in Cameroon. I know i have mentioned it already, but i absolutely love teaching. May God be glorified in all that I do here in Cameroon and may this up-date find you well and pursuing Christ wholeheartedly.
For His glory,
Chris Taylor
P.S. Our football team is currently leading in points. How sweet it is! Also, it is official that I will be teaching a one week summer intensive on Hebrew exegesis following graduation. Six hours a day for one week--holy smokes!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Only by the grace of God...
Dear Friends and Family,
Each new week I find myself overwhelmed by new challenges and the responsibilities that have been assigned to me, and yet sustained by the grace and strength of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This week has been wonderful, and yet my health has been struggling. Today is the best that i have felt and I truly believe that in a day or so I will be completely over whatever has been affecting me (most likely some time type of upper respiratory infection/or the dreaded West African three-toed sloth virus--much worse than the swine flu (just kidding)). In OT we completed the books of Joshua, Judges and Ruth this past week. Next week we will begin the verbal system in Hebrew, and will by God's grace complete the gospel of Mark. Next week is the final week before midterms. Again, I look forward to the small break that I will have. Yesterday, following the afternoon classes the faculty and staff of CBTS came together for a staff meeting which last 4.5 hours. It was pretty insane, but informal. I was asked my the President to give the devotional at the beginning of the meeting. I taught from Philippians 1:27-30, encouraging those present, the faculty and staff, to unite together for the advantage and advancement of the faith of the gospel. It went well. During the meeting the president of the seminary told the faculty and staff that he was seriously praying that God would call me to Cameroon for full time ministry. I was a bit surprised by this statement, but was encouraged as well. I'm not sure what God has in store for me following my time here at CBTS, but do desire more than anything to be in His will. We shall see. Presently there is a mixed team from the states serving here for the duration of two weeks. Three of the students, all from Bethlehem Baptist (John Piper's church), are staying in my home. This has presented the opportunity for some wonderful fellowship with fellow believers from the States. I am very thankful for their presence here if only for a short time. Please pray for my students as we enter the week of midterms. I plan on making my exams very challenging, and yet will inform them well conerning what to expect. Pa, the man employed by me who had a stroke, is still unable to speak clearly and yet he seems to be slowly improving. Please continue to pray for him. I hope this update finds everyone well and daily persevering in the faith of Christ Jesus. Again, as always, thank you so much for your faithful prayers on my behalf. God is truly sustaining by His grace. I look forward to tomorrow's football match. We will be facing Hallelujah, a tough team who we I must be going now.
For His glory,
Chris Taylor
Each new week I find myself overwhelmed by new challenges and the responsibilities that have been assigned to me, and yet sustained by the grace and strength of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This week has been wonderful, and yet my health has been struggling. Today is the best that i have felt and I truly believe that in a day or so I will be completely over whatever has been affecting me (most likely some time type of upper respiratory infection/or the dreaded West African three-toed sloth virus--much worse than the swine flu (just kidding)). In OT we completed the books of Joshua, Judges and Ruth this past week. Next week we will begin the verbal system in Hebrew, and will by God's grace complete the gospel of Mark. Next week is the final week before midterms. Again, I look forward to the small break that I will have. Yesterday, following the afternoon classes the faculty and staff of CBTS came together for a staff meeting which last 4.5 hours. It was pretty insane, but informal. I was asked my the President to give the devotional at the beginning of the meeting. I taught from Philippians 1:27-30, encouraging those present, the faculty and staff, to unite together for the advantage and advancement of the faith of the gospel. It went well. During the meeting the president of the seminary told the faculty and staff that he was seriously praying that God would call me to Cameroon for full time ministry. I was a bit surprised by this statement, but was encouraged as well. I'm not sure what God has in store for me following my time here at CBTS, but do desire more than anything to be in His will. We shall see. Presently there is a mixed team from the states serving here for the duration of two weeks. Three of the students, all from Bethlehem Baptist (John Piper's church), are staying in my home. This has presented the opportunity for some wonderful fellowship with fellow believers from the States. I am very thankful for their presence here if only for a short time. Please pray for my students as we enter the week of midterms. I plan on making my exams very challenging, and yet will inform them well conerning what to expect. Pa, the man employed by me who had a stroke, is still unable to speak clearly and yet he seems to be slowly improving. Please continue to pray for him. I hope this update finds everyone well and daily persevering in the faith of Christ Jesus. Again, as always, thank you so much for your faithful prayers on my behalf. God is truly sustaining by His grace. I look forward to tomorrow's football match. We will be facing Hallelujah, a tough team who we I must be going now.
For His glory,
Chris Taylor
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Just Checking In
Dear Friends and Family,
Things are still going well over here in West Africa. My sickness has continued to linger, but I continue to thank God for His grace and strength. This past Saturday we had an important football (soccer) match against one of the better teams in the league. I was feeling pretty rough, however because one of our stud-players was out of town I had to play. About an hour before the match I threw down some cough syrup, tylenol and giraffe spit (just kidding) and headed out to the field. This sun was beaming down with the wrath of a Texas summer, but once I got out on the field and began to play I forgot all about my condition. It was the roughest match this season, and as usual I left the field bloodied and bruised. I don't think Africans bleed, or maybe they just have an extra layer of skin. After every game the players say, "Asha," which means, "sorry for your wounds." Our team played incredibly well and we were able to hold off the opposition to a draw (0-0). That evening I met with 10 students, a few from each of my classes. I decided to invite those who over the past few weeks have proven to be the most involved during class lectures. It was an awesome night. As the students arrived I noticed that many were dressed up, shirts tucked in, ties and even a few suits. I was simply wearing some grungy pants and a white T. As we sat around the table I begin to ask each student their testimony, namely, how they had arrived at CBTS (Cameroon Baptist Theological Seminary) and what their plans for ministry were post-seminary. It was such a blessing getting to know my students at a more personal level. After this, while drinking Coke and eating cookies, I played a lecture by New Testament scholar, N.T. Wright on Jesus as the Messiah. We listened and discussed. We laughed, prayed and even sang a hymn to close the night. It was truly a sweet time of fellowship. We plan to meet again in two weeks. Well, time is of the essence. I would like to say more, but I must be going. Please continue to lift me up in your prayers. Two more weeks until mid-terms and then a bit of a break.
For His glory,
Chris Taylor
Things are still going well over here in West Africa. My sickness has continued to linger, but I continue to thank God for His grace and strength. This past Saturday we had an important football (soccer) match against one of the better teams in the league. I was feeling pretty rough, however because one of our stud-players was out of town I had to play. About an hour before the match I threw down some cough syrup, tylenol and giraffe spit (just kidding) and headed out to the field. This sun was beaming down with the wrath of a Texas summer, but once I got out on the field and began to play I forgot all about my condition. It was the roughest match this season, and as usual I left the field bloodied and bruised. I don't think Africans bleed, or maybe they just have an extra layer of skin. After every game the players say, "Asha," which means, "sorry for your wounds." Our team played incredibly well and we were able to hold off the opposition to a draw (0-0). That evening I met with 10 students, a few from each of my classes. I decided to invite those who over the past few weeks have proven to be the most involved during class lectures. It was an awesome night. As the students arrived I noticed that many were dressed up, shirts tucked in, ties and even a few suits. I was simply wearing some grungy pants and a white T. As we sat around the table I begin to ask each student their testimony, namely, how they had arrived at CBTS (Cameroon Baptist Theological Seminary) and what their plans for ministry were post-seminary. It was such a blessing getting to know my students at a more personal level. After this, while drinking Coke and eating cookies, I played a lecture by New Testament scholar, N.T. Wright on Jesus as the Messiah. We listened and discussed. We laughed, prayed and even sang a hymn to close the night. It was truly a sweet time of fellowship. We plan to meet again in two weeks. Well, time is of the essence. I would like to say more, but I must be going. Please continue to lift me up in your prayers. Two more weeks until mid-terms and then a bit of a break.
For His glory,
Chris Taylor
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