Dear Friends and Family,
Praise God, I survived another week--and what a wonderful week it was. My preaching went well on Tuesday and classes are progressing beautifully. We completed the Pual Stem (Passive Intensive Action) in Hebrew, Luke in Gospels and Habakkuk, Zephaniah and Haggai in OT Introduction. Wooooo! Only two weeks left of classes until final exams. Time is moving rather quickly and I am doing my best, always by God's grace, to stay caught up. I was just thinking this morning how blessed I have been the past 3 years concerning ministry opportunities. While in seminary I had the opportunity to live and serve at the Boston Rescue Mission, following seminary I had the opportunity to serve the best group of youth ever in my hometown, and now I am in West Africa serving as a seminary professor, youth pastor and kids pastor. God is so good. I still have days where I find myself holding on by a thread, but the Lord has continually provided me with His grace, love, comfort and strength to endure. I must bring you up to speed concerning my adventures with the Cameroonian kids. Last weekend about 12 kids came by the house wanting to play. It began to rain and I yelled out, "To the trees." There is a beautiful orchard of some exotic type of tree directly in front of my home. The trees grow close together and the branches intertwine allowing one to climb from tree to tree. The kids (4-5 year olds) spent about an hour just climbing and laughing. A new kid appeared that day, one that I had not yet had the privilege of meeting. His name is Dennis, and yes, he is a menace. However, he has the best laugh I have ever heard; it's infectious. He would laugh non-stop which would cause me to laugh--it was awesome. On Tuesday of this week the same group of kids came by the house wanting to play. I walked outside and immediately took off running with 12 little ninos behind me. Behing my house there is a small stair-like cliff which is perfect for "King of the Hill." I would race them up the hill--this lasted for sometime. Later on little Jesse came by with a friend for Bible Study. Ok, so on Tuesday I informed all of these kids that due to my busy schedule the next few days I would not be able to play again until Friday. I even had Anna, a missionary kid and little sister from another mother, communicate this to them in Pigeon English. On Wednesay I was in my living room studying for Thursday's classes when all of a sudden I heard a faint cry outside my frontdoor: "Uncle Creez." I stood up, a bit flustered, and approached the door. When I opened the door I saw little Jesse staring up at me with a new friend by his side. "Uncle Creez, we beg for Bible study," he said. I sighed an impatient sigh and then slowly began to smile. I rested my head against my forearm and said, "Ok Jesse, I cannot say 'No' to Bible Study." I told my class the next day and they laughed hysterically. Ok, now to the "Battle-Beard." For the past 8 years of my adult life I have suffered from a condition known as the "beardless man syndrom." I'm not making this up. I'm 26 years old and still unable to grow a beard, well, until now. Now I know what you are thinking, "There is no way!" Well, before you get too excited, understand that when I say "until now," I simply mean that the peach fuzz has evolved into something much more substantial. What I presently have attached to my face may only be considered a beard by Native Americans, but I'm pretty excited all the same. Anyways, I have not shaved for a week and will be playing in the final football (soccer) match tomorrow armed with my 'battle-beard.' In other news, I'll be preaching next Sunday in a village chruch nearby where one of my OT students serves as the senior pastor. He will serve as my translator. Also, I must mention a comment I received from one of my OT students following class. Hanson, a fellow teammate and student approached me after class as I was walking home, tired and exhausted, and said, "Professor Chris, I just wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed our Old Testament class. I truly feel prepared to now preach through the Old Testament." I think I almost started crying. I walked home with my hands lifted high, praising God for his goodness and for the opportunity to be used for His glory. It's such an excited thing to hear that you are being used by God to edify His people. I it is only by His grace and by the power of His Spirit that such things are happening, and to Him be all the glory. I'm not sure if I mentinoed this, but one of the rats has died, and yet one remains--He must be an a lab-rat who escaped from MIT, because he has evaded every trap I've thrown his way. Don't laugh, but twice now I have thrown my knife at him in the kitchen--I'm currently 0 for 2. Anyways, I continue to ask for your prayers as we move into the final two weeks of the semester. Tomorrow will mark 4 months that I have now been in Africa. It's a bit hard to fathom. Part of me is ready to head home, but I would not trade these past 4 months for anything. God has been faithful, and again I know that it is due to your prayers that I have been mostly healthy and have remained encouraged throughout many difficult nights of study and preparation.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Last post continued due to blackout...
Alright, as I was saying, I am hoping to take my summer 1 Hebrew exegesis class through the book of Joshua. I am very excited. In other news, this past weekend consisted of the semifinals matches for the inner-seminary football (soccer) league. Our team played Hallelujah, a most difficult challenger, for the finals spot. We won 4-0, a most definitive victory, which landed us in the finals next Saturday. I had one goal, more of a face goal, and an assist. It was a sweet time. The rain has been non-stop. I woke up this morning, about 3Am, and thought that the roof might cave in on me. The rain here is pretty intense, but it has kept the farmers happy--for that I am thankful. Also, power has been an issue this week, so I have found myself most nights studying by candlelight. Last night I was down to my last three candles. By about 11PM the last of the three begin to sputter and flicker, desperately trying to maintain a flame. When the room became dark I knew it was time to call it a night. I had to get up early this morning to complete my class preparation which moved into chapel time as well. However, i did manage to get everything done in preparation for another beastly Thursday. I'll be preaching again this Tuesday in chapel. Please pray! Normally I set aside Thursday night as my break night. I head to the village for a bottle of coke and some Cameroonian chocolate and usually watch a movie on my laptop. Last week was "Jeremiah Johnson." Watch your top-knot. Well, time is running out, so I must run.
For His glory,
CT
For His glory,
CT
Get that Piel Stem, Hanging by a Thread, God is Good!
Dear Friends and Family,
Well, I survived another week. Woooo! I came out of the classroom praising God today. It was truly a wonderful week, minus the one rat still at large in my house. I'm now missing two toes on my left foot--just kidding! Tuesday's preaching engagement went extremely well. I hardly slept the night before due to class preparation, but the Lord pulled me through. I preached through the Beatitudes in Matthew 5 and was greatly encouraged by the comments of my students following the chapel service. Many said that they were encouraged and that the text was opened up to them in a wonderful way. Praise God! Today in OT we managed to finish Joel (we had to pick up from last time), Amos, Obadiah and Jonah. I was surprised that we got through so much material in just 3 hours. I most surprised to find out how much I enjoy teaching Hebrew. I have decided that this summer I will take my 1-week Hebrew exegesis
Well, I survived another week. Woooo! I came out of the classroom praising God today. It was truly a wonderful week, minus the one rat still at large in my house. I'm now missing two toes on my left foot--just kidding! Tuesday's preaching engagement went extremely well. I hardly slept the night before due to class preparation, but the Lord pulled me through. I preached through the Beatitudes in Matthew 5 and was greatly encouraged by the comments of my students following the chapel service. Many said that they were encouraged and that the text was opened up to them in a wonderful way. Praise God! Today in OT we managed to finish Joel (we had to pick up from last time), Amos, Obadiah and Jonah. I was surprised that we got through so much material in just 3 hours. I most surprised to find out how much I enjoy teaching Hebrew. I have decided that this summer I will take my 1-week Hebrew exegesis
Thursday, April 15, 2010
The White Cameroonian, Pre-historic Rats and Called to Preach!
Dear Friends and Family,
First off, for those who have been receiving blank emails from me, I apologize. It seems that my hotmail account has fallen prey to some sort of virus. It's Thursday, which means that by God's grace I have survived another week of teaching. In all honesty, each Thursday after I walk out of my final class, OT Intro., I throw my hands into the air thanking God for His grace and strength to persevere. Six hours straight of intense biblical-theological teaching is awesome, yes, but at times it is enough to cause my head to explode. Presently, in my gospels' classes we have finished Matthew, conerning OT we completed the book of Ezekiel today, which was awesome by the way, and in Hebrew we are now in the Niphal verbal stem (passive/reflexive simple action). I love teaching--man, I love teaching. There are still days when I want to cry, but by God's grace I am being carried through. You do not know how much your prayers mean to me. Alright, before my computer spazzes out, or something else unforseen occurs, let me comment on the titles above. Concerning, "The White Cameroonian," I was recently addressed by a student and fellow teacher as a "White man with black skin underneath." I was blessed by such a comment, but had to laugh a bit. Also, some of the students who were watching the football match last Saturday approached me after the game and said, "Professor, you play like a black man." I though my performance that game was pretty poor, but was enouraged by such a comment. Alright, about the rats: I have been invaded by zebra-sized bush rats. These little suckers seem to be inpervious to my MacGuyver-like wits. I've put out poison, traps and have even waited over their hole with my stag-handled bowie knife with no luck. I may need to bring Scamp, my wild dog, into the home to take care of this problem. I was hoping that the rats and I could be friends, but it does not look like this will be the case. They must die by my hands---Arrrr! Lastly, I found out today that I will be preaching in chapel on Monay--Holy Smokes! Usually I devote my entire weekend to lecture preparation for the following week. Pray that I would be able to prepare both my lectures and Monday's sermon this weekend. It's going to be a challenge, but I'm not too worried. I'm leaning towards the Beatitudes in Matthew 5. It's hard to believe that my time here is moving to a close. There remains 4 weeks left of teaching in the Spring semester, followed by graduation and lastly the one week Hebrew exegesis intensive I have been asked to teach one week prior to my departure. Some days I feel that I may be ready to return home, but other days I find myself absolutely loving my situation. Of course ministry is not meant to be easy, but in all honestly this has been the most difficult minstry I have ever been involved in. At the same time it has probably been the most enjoyable minstry experience of my life. Many students and teachers are encouraging me to stay, but this is clearly something that I must seriously pray about. I have grown quite fond of the Cameroonian culture, especially the food, and am overwhelmed at times by the numerous needs and challenges addressing the church here in West Africa. May God's will be done! I must leave, but again, thank you so much for your prayers.
For His glory,
CT
First off, for those who have been receiving blank emails from me, I apologize. It seems that my hotmail account has fallen prey to some sort of virus. It's Thursday, which means that by God's grace I have survived another week of teaching. In all honesty, each Thursday after I walk out of my final class, OT Intro., I throw my hands into the air thanking God for His grace and strength to persevere. Six hours straight of intense biblical-theological teaching is awesome, yes, but at times it is enough to cause my head to explode. Presently, in my gospels' classes we have finished Matthew, conerning OT we completed the book of Ezekiel today, which was awesome by the way, and in Hebrew we are now in the Niphal verbal stem (passive/reflexive simple action). I love teaching--man, I love teaching. There are still days when I want to cry, but by God's grace I am being carried through. You do not know how much your prayers mean to me. Alright, before my computer spazzes out, or something else unforseen occurs, let me comment on the titles above. Concerning, "The White Cameroonian," I was recently addressed by a student and fellow teacher as a "White man with black skin underneath." I was blessed by such a comment, but had to laugh a bit. Also, some of the students who were watching the football match last Saturday approached me after the game and said, "Professor, you play like a black man." I though my performance that game was pretty poor, but was enouraged by such a comment. Alright, about the rats: I have been invaded by zebra-sized bush rats. These little suckers seem to be inpervious to my MacGuyver-like wits. I've put out poison, traps and have even waited over their hole with my stag-handled bowie knife with no luck. I may need to bring Scamp, my wild dog, into the home to take care of this problem. I was hoping that the rats and I could be friends, but it does not look like this will be the case. They must die by my hands---Arrrr! Lastly, I found out today that I will be preaching in chapel on Monay--Holy Smokes! Usually I devote my entire weekend to lecture preparation for the following week. Pray that I would be able to prepare both my lectures and Monday's sermon this weekend. It's going to be a challenge, but I'm not too worried. I'm leaning towards the Beatitudes in Matthew 5. It's hard to believe that my time here is moving to a close. There remains 4 weeks left of teaching in the Spring semester, followed by graduation and lastly the one week Hebrew exegesis intensive I have been asked to teach one week prior to my departure. Some days I feel that I may be ready to return home, but other days I find myself absolutely loving my situation. Of course ministry is not meant to be easy, but in all honestly this has been the most difficult minstry I have ever been involved in. At the same time it has probably been the most enjoyable minstry experience of my life. Many students and teachers are encouraging me to stay, but this is clearly something that I must seriously pray about. I have grown quite fond of the Cameroonian culture, especially the food, and am overwhelmed at times by the numerous needs and challenges addressing the church here in West Africa. May God's will be done! I must leave, but again, thank you so much for your prayers.
For His glory,
CT
Friday, April 9, 2010
4AM Easter Service, Gassy Boots, New Best Friend continued...
Dear Friends and Family,
My computer almost exploded just now and caused me to lose much of the last update. This is a continuation. So sorry! Ok, so after about 4 hours of studying, on Easter Sunday (post candy hunt), I heard a faint voice outside my front door: "Uncle Creez?" I opened the door to find little Jesse standing by himself. He looked up at me and said, "I come for Bible study." I began laughing and said, "Jesse, we had bible study earlier today." He just looked at me. I said, "Ok little buddy, let's have a bible study." I was so encouraged to see little Jesse's desire to study God's word. In other news, classes are going extremely well. I certainly do not know what God has in store for my life in the future, but I am open to Cameroon if it be His will. The teaching load overwhelms me at times, but by His grace I am able to continue. I am constantly encouraged by my students. Tonight some of them are coming by the house for a time of fellowship. I hope to listen to a lecture on the deity of Christ by N.T. Wright, provide tea and cookies and watch Braveheart with them on my laptop. It's gonna be an awesome night--i just hope the power does not go out. We shall see. Also, the rains have come--boy, have they come, and not just once a day. However, each morning i walk outside and find everything looking so alive and green and smelling wonderful. Ok, now concerning gassy boots. But first, a story about little Macron, my little 5 year old Cameroonian buddy who probably my best buddy in Cameroon. This week while walking Scamp, little Macron, while holding my hand, said, "Uncle Creez, I will come to America with you." I said, "Ok Macron, but how long will you stay?" He said, "Everday!" "Everday," I said, "But won't you miss your mother and father?" He said, "It's ok, I'll see them when I get to heaven." I laughed harder than I have ever laughed before. A few days later, while walking Scamp with Macron it began to rain. He tried to hid his head under the back of my shirt but then exclaimed, "Uncle Creez, your dress (shirt) smells gassy." Little kids use this word for poots or anything foul smelling. I had taught for 6 straight hours and smelled terrible. Marcon found this out the hard way. I laughed so hard. Ok, so to gassy boots. Today, I learned that one of my little friends, John Mark, had fallen ill to Malaria and had been taken to the health center nearby. I wanted to visit him, and knowing that this was Macron's best friend i asked Macron to accompany me, and not only Macron, but the entire kid brigade. On the way I said, "Macron, John Mark is your best friend, ehh?" He said, "Yes, and you too Uncle Creez." I just smiled and continue to the health center with him and the others. Upon our arrival we found little 5 year old John Mark in bed, his mother beside him, and the poor little guy normally so full of life looking like he wanted to die. His mother assured me that he was doing much better and that the medicine was working. I brought him so bong-bong (candy) and was able to pray with the little guy in his room. It was one of the saddest sights I have ever seen. It's so hard to see little kids suffering. But again, the medicine is working and he should be getting much better in the next few days. On the way back to the house I said, "Macon, your boots smell gassy." He said, "Ohhh, no your boots are gassy." This inspired a new song, "Gassy boots." In fact, at this point I think I have a song for most of the kids of Ndu. As you can see things are going quite well. Don't get me wrong, there are days when I think I'm not going to make it due to my teaching schedule. Some days I find myself absolutely exhausted and at times discouraged due to feelings of isolation. However, I have found great joy in ministering in this West African context. Of course there are challenges, but God is good and His grace always sufficient. My Limbume is improving, which causes quite a stir at times when I try to converse with people I meet for the first time in their dialect. Usually they just laugh at me but seem to appreciate the effort. Please pray that I would continue to persevere in Christ, and that I would faithfully handle His word for His glory. I'm sure there is more that could be said, but I better get back to the house for studies before the guys come by tonight.
For His glory,
CT
My computer almost exploded just now and caused me to lose much of the last update. This is a continuation. So sorry! Ok, so after about 4 hours of studying, on Easter Sunday (post candy hunt), I heard a faint voice outside my front door: "Uncle Creez?" I opened the door to find little Jesse standing by himself. He looked up at me and said, "I come for Bible study." I began laughing and said, "Jesse, we had bible study earlier today." He just looked at me. I said, "Ok little buddy, let's have a bible study." I was so encouraged to see little Jesse's desire to study God's word. In other news, classes are going extremely well. I certainly do not know what God has in store for my life in the future, but I am open to Cameroon if it be His will. The teaching load overwhelms me at times, but by His grace I am able to continue. I am constantly encouraged by my students. Tonight some of them are coming by the house for a time of fellowship. I hope to listen to a lecture on the deity of Christ by N.T. Wright, provide tea and cookies and watch Braveheart with them on my laptop. It's gonna be an awesome night--i just hope the power does not go out. We shall see. Also, the rains have come--boy, have they come, and not just once a day. However, each morning i walk outside and find everything looking so alive and green and smelling wonderful. Ok, now concerning gassy boots. But first, a story about little Macron, my little 5 year old Cameroonian buddy who probably my best buddy in Cameroon. This week while walking Scamp, little Macron, while holding my hand, said, "Uncle Creez, I will come to America with you." I said, "Ok Macron, but how long will you stay?" He said, "Everday!" "Everday," I said, "But won't you miss your mother and father?" He said, "It's ok, I'll see them when I get to heaven." I laughed harder than I have ever laughed before. A few days later, while walking Scamp with Macron it began to rain. He tried to hid his head under the back of my shirt but then exclaimed, "Uncle Creez, your dress (shirt) smells gassy." Little kids use this word for poots or anything foul smelling. I had taught for 6 straight hours and smelled terrible. Marcon found this out the hard way. I laughed so hard. Ok, so to gassy boots. Today, I learned that one of my little friends, John Mark, had fallen ill to Malaria and had been taken to the health center nearby. I wanted to visit him, and knowing that this was Macron's best friend i asked Macron to accompany me, and not only Macron, but the entire kid brigade. On the way I said, "Macron, John Mark is your best friend, ehh?" He said, "Yes, and you too Uncle Creez." I just smiled and continue to the health center with him and the others. Upon our arrival we found little 5 year old John Mark in bed, his mother beside him, and the poor little guy normally so full of life looking like he wanted to die. His mother assured me that he was doing much better and that the medicine was working. I brought him so bong-bong (candy) and was able to pray with the little guy in his room. It was one of the saddest sights I have ever seen. It's so hard to see little kids suffering. But again, the medicine is working and he should be getting much better in the next few days. On the way back to the house I said, "Macon, your boots smell gassy." He said, "Ohhh, no your boots are gassy." This inspired a new song, "Gassy boots." In fact, at this point I think I have a song for most of the kids of Ndu. As you can see things are going quite well. Don't get me wrong, there are days when I think I'm not going to make it due to my teaching schedule. Some days I find myself absolutely exhausted and at times discouraged due to feelings of isolation. However, I have found great joy in ministering in this West African context. Of course there are challenges, but God is good and His grace always sufficient. My Limbume is improving, which causes quite a stir at times when I try to converse with people I meet for the first time in their dialect. Usually they just laugh at me but seem to appreciate the effort. Please pray that I would continue to persevere in Christ, and that I would faithfully handle His word for His glory. I'm sure there is more that could be said, but I better get back to the house for studies before the guys come by tonight.
For His glory,
CT
4AM Easter Service, Easter Egg Hunt, Gassy Boots, New Best Friend!
Dear Friends and Family,
Oh my goodness, I've been itching to use the computer so as to update my blog. Power is been going out constantly this week and when working the internet has decided to go on strike---but not today: Woooo! Ok, first I must describe last Sunday's 4AM Easter service; that's right, I said 4Am. They don't mess around here in Cameroon. I got up at 3:30Am last Sunday morning and doggedly walked 10 minutes in pitch black to Emmanuel Baptist Church. When I walked inside I couldn't see anything, but for some reason people could see me. A group of kids came up to me saying, "Uncle Creez!" About 10 minutes after 4 we began the most amazing procession I have ever been a part of. We walked about 1 mile to the top of a hill so as to gather for a large fire. The whole way people were singing in their amazing African voices, drums were booming, and everyone was dancing, including me. When we arrived at our destination on top of the hill, everyone gathered in a large circle around the fire. Young children and elderly folk began to sing Easter songs, in both English and the native dialect. It was absolutley amazing. There was so much joy at such an early part of the day. After the singing, dancing and drums, a young brother gave a wonderful Easter sermon. After about 2 hours we began our march back to the church, but not straight back. The gathered church, about 400 of us, continue the procession through the village, singing, dancing and praising our resurrected Savior, Jesus Christ. It was awesome. The day before I had told the youngins about an American tradition where adults hide candy and the kids get to search for it and eat whatever they find. I had instructed the kiddos to come by my house after lunch for this strange tradition. The kids were so excited, as was I, with video camera ready. I hid candy all over my compound and then gave the signal. It was a frenzy and to my amazement the kids began digging through the grass, thinking I had buried the bong-bong (candy). I was laughing hysterically. After the children found all of the candy I had them sit around me for a bible study. We read through Matthew 28, the resurrection of Christ Jesus. Of course, little Jesse was present. After this I had the kids go home while I began studying for the next day of classes.
Oh my goodness, I've been itching to use the computer so as to update my blog. Power is been going out constantly this week and when working the internet has decided to go on strike---but not today: Woooo! Ok, first I must describe last Sunday's 4AM Easter service; that's right, I said 4Am. They don't mess around here in Cameroon. I got up at 3:30Am last Sunday morning and doggedly walked 10 minutes in pitch black to Emmanuel Baptist Church. When I walked inside I couldn't see anything, but for some reason people could see me. A group of kids came up to me saying, "Uncle Creez!" About 10 minutes after 4 we began the most amazing procession I have ever been a part of. We walked about 1 mile to the top of a hill so as to gather for a large fire. The whole way people were singing in their amazing African voices, drums were booming, and everyone was dancing, including me. When we arrived at our destination on top of the hill, everyone gathered in a large circle around the fire. Young children and elderly folk began to sing Easter songs, in both English and the native dialect. It was absolutley amazing. There was so much joy at such an early part of the day. After the singing, dancing and drums, a young brother gave a wonderful Easter sermon. After about 2 hours we began our march back to the church, but not straight back. The gathered church, about 400 of us, continue the procession through the village, singing, dancing and praising our resurrected Savior, Jesus Christ. It was awesome. The day before I had told the youngins about an American tradition where adults hide candy and the kids get to search for it and eat whatever they find. I had instructed the kiddos to come by my house after lunch for this strange tradition. The kids were so excited, as was I, with video camera ready. I hid candy all over my compound and then gave the signal. It was a frenzy and to my amazement the kids began digging through the grass, thinking I had buried the bong-bong (candy). I was laughing hysterically. After the children found all of the candy I had them sit around me for a bible study. We read through Matthew 28, the resurrection of Christ Jesus. Of course, little Jesse was present. After this I had the kids go home while I began studying for the next day of classes.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Cameroon Kids Camp...Holy Smokes!
Dear Friends and Family,
What a great week! On Tuesday I had the opportunity to travel to a nearby village for the annual Cameroon Baptist Convention Kids Camp. Over 1000 kids gathered together for three days of worship and bible study. I had the privilege of addressing all the students in the church upon my arrival. Basically, if you find yourself visiting a church or home for the first time it is required that you give a word or short message. I love this aspect of Cameroon culture. Anyways, I encouraged the kids to seek Christ with their whole hearts and to really dig into His word. During the mid-afternoon break I was literally swamped by a wave of little munchkins. They all wanted to shake my hand or touch my hair--the kids here are very interested in white man hair--they compare it to dog hair. I would randomly pick up kids who came at me giving them an East Texas battle cry which may have indeed frightened a few. Before our arrival I had eaten lunch and was therefore not very hungry. However, if one is ever offered food in a Cameroonian setting it is rude not to accept. Some of the leaders invited into their home for a small linner (lunch plus dinner). If you would have seen what was placed before me you may have ran. However, as mentioned above I did not wish to appear rude and so I did what I had to--I scarfed it. Our journey home was probably the highlight of the trip. Taxis here are known for taking on more passengers than anyone should ever dare to put into one vehicle. In our taxi, purchased for the 40 minute drive back to Ndu, we had 10 passengers. The driver shared his seat with a passenger as did I in the passenger side of the small two door car. There were five in the back seat and one man actually held on to the back of the car for a good 15 minutes. He didn't fall off, we simply reached his destination on the way to Ndu. Also, I must report a recent tradition that I have grown accustomed to. Almost every day children visit my home to see the white man, their friend, Uncle Creez. Anyways, for a while I would simply provide them with cookies and play football with them in the yard. Finally i decided it would be a good idea to attempt a bible study with these little guys and gals. Something pretty hilarious and awesome has resulted. One little guy, Jesse, who is probably just barely 4 years old, appears at my door several days a week requesting Bible study. What is amazing, is that each time he brings with him a little buddy. Yesterday it was a little girl named Kinaise (probably 3 years old). Some days I find myself extremely busy with studies and then all of a sudden I hear a knock at the door. Who could it be, I wonder? It's little Jesse and his kid brigade. I just can't turn the little guy away. This morning, little Macron came by the house with two friends for bible study (Caleb and Benjamin). I asked little Macron to pray and he acquiesed praying the Lord's prayer. It was the coolest thing ever. This weekend has been very productive as I been preparing to finish Matthew in my gospels classes and Isaiah in my OT survey class. It's hard to believe that this Sunday will mark 3 months. The Lord has been so good and I am constantly encouraged by my students. While here my desire to pursue further studies has grown. I am hoping to engage myself in some sort of GRE boot camp when I arrive back in the States in prepartion for PhD applications. I have been contacting professors at differnt schools in the States expressing my interest to pursue gospel research. These programs are extremely competive, and therefore I realize that I must really prepare well for the GRE when I get home this summer. Please pray that the Lord would direct me in this matter. Also, I'm still debating whether or not to attend the 4AM sunrise service tomorrow morning prior to the 9AM service. At this point I think I'm going to go for it. Alright, time to go. Thanks again for all of your prayers.
For His glory,
Chris Taylor
What a great week! On Tuesday I had the opportunity to travel to a nearby village for the annual Cameroon Baptist Convention Kids Camp. Over 1000 kids gathered together for three days of worship and bible study. I had the privilege of addressing all the students in the church upon my arrival. Basically, if you find yourself visiting a church or home for the first time it is required that you give a word or short message. I love this aspect of Cameroon culture. Anyways, I encouraged the kids to seek Christ with their whole hearts and to really dig into His word. During the mid-afternoon break I was literally swamped by a wave of little munchkins. They all wanted to shake my hand or touch my hair--the kids here are very interested in white man hair--they compare it to dog hair. I would randomly pick up kids who came at me giving them an East Texas battle cry which may have indeed frightened a few. Before our arrival I had eaten lunch and was therefore not very hungry. However, if one is ever offered food in a Cameroonian setting it is rude not to accept. Some of the leaders invited into their home for a small linner (lunch plus dinner). If you would have seen what was placed before me you may have ran. However, as mentioned above I did not wish to appear rude and so I did what I had to--I scarfed it. Our journey home was probably the highlight of the trip. Taxis here are known for taking on more passengers than anyone should ever dare to put into one vehicle. In our taxi, purchased for the 40 minute drive back to Ndu, we had 10 passengers. The driver shared his seat with a passenger as did I in the passenger side of the small two door car. There were five in the back seat and one man actually held on to the back of the car for a good 15 minutes. He didn't fall off, we simply reached his destination on the way to Ndu. Also, I must report a recent tradition that I have grown accustomed to. Almost every day children visit my home to see the white man, their friend, Uncle Creez. Anyways, for a while I would simply provide them with cookies and play football with them in the yard. Finally i decided it would be a good idea to attempt a bible study with these little guys and gals. Something pretty hilarious and awesome has resulted. One little guy, Jesse, who is probably just barely 4 years old, appears at my door several days a week requesting Bible study. What is amazing, is that each time he brings with him a little buddy. Yesterday it was a little girl named Kinaise (probably 3 years old). Some days I find myself extremely busy with studies and then all of a sudden I hear a knock at the door. Who could it be, I wonder? It's little Jesse and his kid brigade. I just can't turn the little guy away. This morning, little Macron came by the house with two friends for bible study (Caleb and Benjamin). I asked little Macron to pray and he acquiesed praying the Lord's prayer. It was the coolest thing ever. This weekend has been very productive as I been preparing to finish Matthew in my gospels classes and Isaiah in my OT survey class. It's hard to believe that this Sunday will mark 3 months. The Lord has been so good and I am constantly encouraged by my students. While here my desire to pursue further studies has grown. I am hoping to engage myself in some sort of GRE boot camp when I arrive back in the States in prepartion for PhD applications. I have been contacting professors at differnt schools in the States expressing my interest to pursue gospel research. These programs are extremely competive, and therefore I realize that I must really prepare well for the GRE when I get home this summer. Please pray that the Lord would direct me in this matter. Also, I'm still debating whether or not to attend the 4AM sunrise service tomorrow morning prior to the 9AM service. At this point I think I'm going to go for it. Alright, time to go. Thanks again for all of your prayers.
For His glory,
Chris Taylor
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