R & B's Happenings

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN ZAMBIA AND UGANDA

2010-01-29T16:14:00.001-06:00

Volunteer Opportunity
Justo Mwale Theological University College
Lusaka, Zambia
Overview:
JMTUC was founded almost thirty years ago to serve both the Reformed and Presbyterian churches in Central and Southern Africa. It is, however, interdenominational-- with students coming from several different countries and tribal groups. It offers both Diploma and Bachelor’s Degree in Theology and will begin offering a Master’s Degree in Theology in 2010.

The Library:
By African standards, the library facility is spacious and has a seating capacity of 25-30 students. It includes a computer lab with about 12 computers--all of which are on the Internet. The book collection is sizeable--about 13,000 volumes with basic Dewey classification. In general, it is rather dated, but an effort has recently been made to acquire new books and journals. The collection has been entered into a database that has limited capabilities, is difficult to use, and does not have keyword search and circulation capabilities. It needs to be transferred to a standard integrated cataloging circulation program.

Volunteer Assistance Needed:
The primary task will be to transfer the collection to LibraryWorld.com--the Internet based integrated cataloging circulation system currently used by the library. This task will include entering MARC records into the new system, and processing the books to make them shelf ready.

Additional tasks may include helping to reorganize the collection, assisting students, and helping to promote and integrate the use of Internet based resources in the library.

Time Frame:
Scheduling is very flexible, although the best time to volunteer is when students are present. The length of time can also be quite flexible. Two to three months would be best, but a shorter length will be considered. Consideration will need to be given to coordinate your volunteer time with our schedule, so that we will be able to work with you on site as you get started.

What else would you like to know?
As SCLI Program Coordinators, we will work with you in all phases of the volunteer process. This will include helping you have as complete an understanding as possible of the situation where you will be volunteering, and what needs to be accomplished. Spouses are most welcome. Their library knowledge is not important. If you would like, you are welcome to work together in the library. If not, there are always plenty of meaningful volunteer activities either on the campus or elsewhere in the mission community that can engage your spouse.

Volunteer Opportunity
Pentecostal Theological College
Mbale, Uganda

Overview:
The primary mission of PTC is to train pastors for the Pentecostal Assemblies of God denomination in Uganda. The college has developed a relationship with Christian Reformed World Missions because of the work of CRWRC in Uganda, as well as its recognition of the importance of having a Reformed worldview perspective. The college has an enrollment of about forty students. The majority of them are in the Diploma program, but several are working toward a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology. Both the faculty and students have an engaging Christian spirit and total commitment to serving Christ in their lives and ministries.

The Library:
It is about the size of a typical classroom with a small annex. Several large study tables occupy much of its space, giving it a very crowded appearance. The book collection numbers about three to four thousand—but no records exist to confirm this. It is generally dated, although some newer donated books have recently been added to the collection. Many of the older books have deteriorated to the point that they are nearly unusable. On the other hand, the newer books provide some excellent resource material. However, most of them have not been cataloged, nor are they accessible, except by shelf browsing. Although the reference collection has some good materials, almost nothing is new. No computerized information resources are available. The college recently got its first Internet access, and it is being used by the library assistant to input books into LibraryWorld.com, the Internet based integrated cataloging circulation system now being used by the library. Christine, the library assistant, is making some progress, but much more help is needed to catalog and organize the collection.

Volunteer Assistance that is needed:

Assist, guideand support the library assistant
Enter the library’s newer book collection into LibraryWorld.com
Process books to make them shelf ready
Weed the collection
Suggest new books and other materials that could be added to the collection
Assist students when necessary
And…much more if time and energy permits

Time Frame:
Scheduling is very flexible, although the best time to volunteer is when students are present. The length of time can also be quite flexible. Two to three months would be best, but a shorter length will be considered. Consideration will need to be given to coordinate your volunteer time with our schedule, so that we will be able to work with you on site as you get started.

What else would you like to know?As SCLI Program Coordinators, we will work with you in all phases of the volunteer process. This will include helping you have as complete an understanding as possible of the situation where you will be volunteering, and what needs to be accomplished. Spouses are most welcome. Their library knowledge is not important. If you would like, you are welcome to work together in the library. If not, there are always plenty of meaningful volunteer activities either on the campus or elsewhere in the mission community that can engage your spouse.
Posted 1/2010

Consulting at a Library--Driving/Walking Around Mexico City

2009-10-12T15:55:00.017-05:00

Theological Reformed Seminary of Mexico

Our Lodging in Mexico City - it was GREAT!

Walking and Riding around Mexico City

Amusement Park - Six Flags Mexico City

University Library

Stadium

The Brain??

Kids are the same all over the world.

The Golden Arches

Grafitti

Month Traveling in the Motorhome.

2009-09-17T23:39:00.008-05:00

We enjoyed a 4 week trip in the motorhome to Jasper, Banff, Waterton, Yoho, Glacier, etc. National Parks - most in Canada but Glacier was in the US. We also stopped at many other wonderful areas in North America, including Mt. Rushmore. The scenery was beautiful, the wild life was very interesting and the trip/relaxation was just great.

NetACT Conference - Stellenbosch, S. Africa

2009-09-17T23:32:00.009-05:00

We attended the NetACT conference in Stellenbosch, S. Africa where we were requested to share what we are doing in the development of 21st century library/information centers in developing countries.We will be visiting some of these sites within the next 6 months.

One of the countries we will be visiting is Zambia. We will assess their library situation and make recommendations accordingly.

We will also assess the needs of a theological library in Uganda. We will keep you posted as to their needs for volunteer librarians.

More library seminars have been requested and those seminars will be held as time permits.

We are always looking for good, up-to-date theological materials. If you or anyone you know is willing to donate them, please let us know.

South Africa NetACT conference attendees.

Flowers and country side/ocean scenes.

This guy hissed at Ray. Ray hissed back.

New Zealand Trip

2009-03-03T14:57:00.001-06:00

Check out the following link for New Zealand Pictures:
http://picasaweb.google.com/rababo1240/TripToNewZealandJpg?feat=directlink

Returning to Nigeria after 36 years!!

2008-12-21T16:00:00.026-06:00

We were excited. After 36 years, we were returning to the area in Nigeria where we had startedout as missionaries in our early married life. As we travelled from Jos toward our first destination, Mkar, we were amazed by the changes that had occurred since we left. The winding laterite road that we once travelled between Jos and Mkar had been improved and straightened into a presentable (but dangerous) two lane highway.

Highway from Jos to Makurdi

As we travelled, we recalled the washboard roads, rainy season mud holes and sharp curves on the escarpment. All were gone. We did, however, observe how the population had increased. Areas along the road that used to have few people were much more crowded with farms, towns and even a couple of large cities. In the past, we seldom encountered cars and lorries. Now, large semi trucks and trailers seemed to be everywhere.

Our home (a.k.a. Mkar University Guesthouse)

We had come to Nigeria to lead a library seminar for the administrators and librarians of CRWM’s partner church seminaries, universities and Bible College, and other evangelical missions, to help them develop modern 21st century library/information centers. In order to make sure that we had a realistic understanding of the current status of their libraries, we spent almost two weeks “down bush” beforehand finding out about their specific library situations and problems.

Reformed Theological Seminary Library

In the 1960’s and early ‘70’s we had worked for eight years at Mkar Teachers College which is now the University of Mkar.

University of Mkar (formerly Mkar Teachers College)

As we approached Mkar, our curiosity became even greater as we thought about the eight years we had spent there. What was the new university like? What changes had been made on the campus? Were the privet hedges I so carefully planted around the campus still there? What about the rock lined pathways I had so carefully laid out? Did they still exist?

How about our home? Although we had heard before we arrived that the house we had lived in for eight years was being used as the University’s guesthouse, we wondered if it had deteriorated, as is true for many tropical buildings that are not maintained. It was in remarkably good shape in comparison to the other mission staff housing of years ago. We felt like we had returned home! And we did, in a sense. It was great to sit in our “own” living room, eat in our “own” dining room and sit on our “own” verandah again.

After spending a couple of days at the University of Mkar, we began a tour of the other CRWM partner church institutions of higher learning: The Reformed Theological Seminary, Reformed Bible College—Harga, Veenstra Theological Seminary-Lupwe, Veenstra Theological Seminary—Donga, and Wukari Jubilee University. The Vander Steen’s travelled with us, and we had an enjoyable time together. We were warmly welcomed every where we went.

Consulting with the RBC-Harga faculty in their new library building

During our thirteen day tour, the only other white people we saw were three of our mission personnel who were making a car exchange with us. This entire area, which once had more than thirty mission families, as well as other expatriate NGO and government folk, now seldom has any white visitors. Times have really changed.

While at Veenstra—Lupwe, an older Nigerian man was present as I was looking at their new library building. After a short time he said to me, “Do you recognize me? I was once one of your students at Mkar Teachers College.” He had retired from government service, and now was volunteering at the seminary. He made sure that I knew he still knew all my teaching mannerisms. Yes, he did look old, and it made me wonder about myself!

Surprise greeting from one of my former students of 40 years ago

Later on I met another former student who had been in my African history class more than forty years ago. He gave me a copy of an excellent book he had written on the history of the small ethnic group to which he belonged. It was not an easy task to research and write the book since very little of the group’s history had ever been recorded. I was impressed by his scholarship and once again felt good that perhaps I had been a bit of an influence way back then.

After we returned to Jos, we went to work on the Library Seminar. We were pleased that thirty-nine administrators and librarians were present. All seven of CRWM’s partner church libraries were there along with several other evangelical mission libraries. In addition, several participants represented government colleges and universities. In the seminar, administrators and their librarians worked together to make real progress in developing 21st century library/information centers in their institutions.

Library Seminar Participants

They began to more fully understand the necessity of having excellent information age library/information centers to support and enhance the education provided by their institutions. Perhaps, even more importantly, several attendees set up an informal networking arrangement to share and help each other, and discussed the possibility of establishing a Nigerian Christian Library Association.

Our trip had all the elements of an unforgettable mission adventure: returning to the area of our mission work in our early married life, feeling the warmth of the hospitality we received at all the partner mission seminaries we visited, having a successful library seminar, meeting former students who continue to have a heart for serving God, seeing how the humble teachers college where we had once worked is now a formidable university, witnessing the growth and maturity of our church partners, and observing the dedication of its pastors and seminary faculties gave us a clear understanding that the work we had done some forty years ago had been worthwhile.

Trip to Nigeria

2008-11-20T21:09:00.011-06:00

Trip to Nigeria: October 2008

We left for Nigeria at 8PM on a KLM flight out of Chicago. Kristyn took us to the airport in our Rav4. We had had a busy month. First a trip to the Dominican Republic, then 3 days for meetings in GR and then Mexico for a consult – leaving six days later for Nigeria. We were excited when we found out that we would be able to go back to Nigeria to consult with libraries and give a seminar to librarians and the heads of universities. Our flights went well and we arrived on time. First we flew to Amsterdam where we had a 3 hour layover. There we met up with Dirk and Jean VanderSteen, Roger and Joan Sikkenga, Joel Hogan and Matthew Lanser. We spent our first night in Abuja at a guesthouse – JUTH. It was your very basic African guesthouse – although we did have a TV and a/c. However, we weren’t able to get hot water for a shower in the morning so we waited until we arrived in Jos and got settled.

Sunday morning, October 12 we met for breakfast at 7:30am and then left for Jos – a 3 hour drive. The roads have improved since 1972. Nigeria had grown quite a bit – Abuja wasn’t even in existence when we left Nigeria. We arrived at Mountain View compound shortly before noon and had lunch with Al and Jackie (Browneye) Persenaire. After lunch we were taken to Andy and Linda Horlings where we were to spend the night. They have a beautiful compound.

They had purchased their home from a sheik and it was in very run down condition. They completely redid the home and the yard – it is gorgeous with lots of beautiful flowers, a fountain, birds, turtles etc.
We rested, showered, watched the huge turtles and then headed back to Mt. View for a Canadian Thanksgiving supper (potluck). Met lots of W. African missionary families as they were coming in for the regional meetings that started on Monday, October 13. The food wasn’t exactly what we were used to for Thanksgiving dinner but we really enjoyed the food and the fellowship. We sang songs for a while and then it was time to head back to our hosts home.
We had a good night’s sleep and joined the Horlings for breakfast at 7am on Monday morning.
Ray had already decided what he would take to Miango for the meetings and we planned to leave our larger suitcases in Jos. Dirk picked Ray up at 9:30am. They headed for University of Jos to talk about the conference/seminar we are holding the week of 11/13/08. I stayed at the Horlings trying to call people who had tried to respond via phone about the seminar. I found out that some of the calls were for the phones previous possessor. I did get through to one gentleman but the connection was bad. He texted me beginning with…Aunty Barbara…Phones and computers connections are frustrating here. Ray was going to Mt. View compound with Dirk for our lunch appt. and I was to be picked up by Phil Beck. However, I was forgotten – finally Phil arrived about 12:45pm and I went over for lunch. Spent an hour reading and having coffee with the Dykgraafs. We found out that we have had similar lives with our kids, grandkids etc.
We left for Miango at 3pm. The road leaves a lot to be desired. It took us about an hour to get there. On the way Jan Dykgraaf was telling us about the hijackings on the road to Miango and their experience with having their car and possessions hijacked and their lives almost lost – just what I wanted to hear as we will be going back home over that road on Thursday evening. Miango looks the same as it did in the 60’s and 70’s. In fact they say that it has improved over the last few months. We are in the “blue cottage” while here in Miango. We settled in and then took a walk around the compound. What a small world we live in – we met Rex Hoekstra’s sister-in-law here. She is visiting her sister and brother-in-law, the Hoogeterp’s who are missionaries here in Jos. She said that Rex talks about us a lot!! We had an intro meeting, had a good dinner and then headed to bed quite early. Slept fairly well. Food is good here the meetings are BORING!!!!! Same ole, same ole as years ago. Nothing has changed with CRWM. Most of the missionaries feel the same as we do. Meeting and talking to new mission people has been interesting. In a lot of ways it feels like we have never left. Seems we have so much more in common with the people here than we do with our friends back home. After dinner Ray had a meeting on higher education projects. Said it was okay but nothing mind boggling. Tomorrow more meetings etc.

Nigerian people haven’t changed much. Although the towns have grown quite a bit, the peoples clothing etc. living conditions are the same. Will be interesting to go back “down bush” next Monday.

Following are a few picture in and around Jos:

The house we lived in in Jos while teaching at Hillcrest School:

ACTS book shop in Bukuru:
Shopping in Jos: Getting ready to leave for Miango:

2008-09-30T16:01:00.001-05:00

Check out: http://www.crcna.org/pages/libraries.cfm

Dominican Republic

2008-09-25T14:44:00.016-05:00

Mission Trip to the Dominican Republic (9/08)

Recently, we spent a few days in the Dominican Republic to explore the possibility of developing a library in the new Ministry Center that is being built with the assistance of Christian Reformed World Missions and the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee.

We met with several representatives of the Christian Reformed Church of the Dominican Republic, including the Education and Building Committees of the Ministry Center, the President of the Denomination, and the Director of the Christian School Initiative.

Since we had never been to the DR, we were not at all familiar with the scope and nature of our mission work there as well as the organization and development of the church with whom CRWM is working. In general, we are quite familiar with how missionaries plant and develop local churches. However, there were several areas where the work in the DR is unique. The church membership is made up almost entirely of Haitians who have immigrated, legally or illegally, to the DR. Some have been there for two or three generations, but, to the best of our understanding, many still have not been granted legal status by the DR. Many of them survive by doing menial tasks, and they, in general, are the poorest of the poor. (For more on this check out the following article in the Chicago Tribune, September 21, 2008.) Copy and paste the following address into your address line: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-dominican-haitians_avilasep21,0,3122104.story

Most of the older generation (which includes the pastors) has very little education. As we understand it, the CRC churches were not the result of a missionary church planter, but sprang into existence primarily, If not totally, through the Back to God Hour and spread by word of mouth. Most of the churches are all very small. Our missionary hosts took us to visit one about thirty miles north of Santo Domingo—the capital of the DR--where the Ministry Center is located.

The Church's Pastor

The poverty there was apparent. The only work the people living there could get was to pick oranges as day laborers for about three or four months a year for about US $1.00 a day—that is if they really worked hard!

Yet by their smiles, we could tell that they, though distressed, were not unhappy. They had learned to deal with their poverty.

Along with our DR missionary colleagues, we had a wonderful meeting with the representatives of the Ministry Center, Church, and Christian Schools. Most of the committee members did not understand any English, so everything we talked about had to be translated by the one committee member who knew English. Even though several of those present had little education they understood the value and necessity of developing a library. Heads were frequently nodding up and down as our words were translated.

Their enthusiasm was very apparent. They recognized that more of the younger generation was becoming better educated, and needed to have books to read, as well as the knowledge necessary to make use of electronic resources in today’s world.

One of the major purposes of the meeting was to determine where the library would be located. Originally the Ministry Center committees thought a small (10’X10’) room in a corner of the Center would be sufficient. As a result of the meeting they agreed to put the library in the middle of the Center in a large area that would also double as a Board/Conference room. They were also in agreement that several computers with Internet access should be included in the library.

We also had the opportunity to visit a Christian school in one of the barrios on the outskirts of Santo Domingo.

It may be some time until the Ministry Center building is finished. A large volunteer work group will be going there in December and will accomplish as much as possible. It is doubtful they will be able to come close to completing it. When it is completed, several obstacles will still remain. There are very few books available to put in the library. All books must be in the Spanish language. Shelving will need to be purchased or built. They have no computers. And, most significantly, they have almost no money.

We will continue to work with them as much as possible by looking for Spanish language theological (and other good Spanish language books) that others may be willing to donate. Up-to-date computers will also be needed. After the book collection reaches at least 500 in number, and the facility is ready, we have promised to return (or ask another librarian to go there) to continue the development of the library. This may be a year or two off, but we are confident that they have a strong commitment to move forward.

Our hosts: Steve and Sandra Brauning (bottom); Joel and Alison Renkema (top)

2008-08-30T17:36:00.001-05:00

CHECK OUT THE FOLLOWING:

http://volunteerlibrarians.ning.com

Strengthening Christian Libraries Internationally

2008-07-05T10:07:00.004-05:00

Christian Librarian's Network

Strengthening Christian Libraries Internationally

A network of volunteer Christian professional librarians is being formed to support the development of libraries in Christian educational institutions supported by, or connected to, evangelical mission organizations in developing countries. It is envisioned that the networked members will provide practical library assistance to mission colleges, seminaries and Christian schools. The primary purpose of the network is to provide “hands on” library support, assistance and expertise as requested by the institutions seeking help. The amount of time one makes available is up to the individual and can be based on a variety of factors including areas of interest, expertise and other commitments. A Network Coordinator will be responsible to organize and manage the network by matching needs with individuals who would be willing to either work directly with an institution that requests help, or provide support to others who do so.

The Library Support Network is an especially exciting development because it is a cooperative mission effort by Christian Reformed World Missions and Reformed Church of America World Missions. Other evangelical missions and support organizations have also indicated an interest in joining this endeavor. This is a great opportunity for evangelical Christians to work together to help improve the institutions throughout the world that produce the pastors, teachers, and others who have made Christ the Lord of their lives!

Library Support Network

Mission: To advance the educational endeavor of Christian institutions in developing countries by establishing viable 21st century library /information resource centers and services.

Vision: Numerous Bible Colleges, seminaries and Christian day schools have been established in developing countries. Oftentimes, due to economic priorities and other factors, these institutions have paid scant attention to developing adequate libraries and information resources needed to support their educational programs. Some of these institutions have only a minimal understanding of the value of a quality library/information center and do not know where to begin to improve it. Others need to develop a quality library/information center to get institutional accreditation. Those institutions that have an understanding of the value and need for library and information resources will be provided an opportunity to receive the assistance and support of Christian professional librarians to enable their libraries to become an accessible, organized and information based component of their educational program.
What are some of the library needs of the Mission educational institutions in developing countries?

In many situations, the institution’s library is not much more than a storeroom for a small collection of donated books. Generally, the books and other library materials are not organized at all, or an attempt has been made to organize the materials by a well meaning person with minimal library knowledge. Oftentimes, the collections are old, in poor physical condition, not very helpful to support the curriculum, and seldom used.

Institutional and staff development

Areas of potential assistance include:

Making an assessment the institution’s library.

Providing basic information regarding how to develop a viable library/information resource center using up-to-date library technology and information systems.

Helping the administration and faculty to understand that a well organized library of sufficient size, breadth and composition is an essential component of the institution’s instructional program.

Providing suggestions to the faculty regarding how to incorporate the use of the library in their instruction.

Developing an understanding of the increasing role of information technology in libraries.
Providing appropriate criteria and procedures for library personnel selection, training, continuing education and evaluation.

Providing assistance in the hiring of librarians and/or library support staff.

Teaching the librarian (who oftentimes has minimal library knowledge) basic library skills and knowledge necessary to provide adequate services.

Teaching students library research skills.

Making arrangements for in-depth, on-site training by a professional librarian.

Collection Development

Areas of potential assistance include:

Developing a book collection which is of sufficient quantity and quality to support the curriculum as well as the interests of the students, staff and accreditation agency.
Developing selection policy guidelines.

Suggesting reference materials which are generally understandable to students and staff who speak English as a second language.

Implementing a computerized cataloging/circulation system for the library holdings.
Establishing a non-book collection, including CD-ROMs, DVDs, video cassettes, audio cassettes, etc.

Making arrangements for in-depth, on-site training by a professional librarian.

Information Resources Development

Most mission educational institutions are located in areas where the Internet is available. In many situations the potential value of the Internet as an information resource is not fully understood by the institution. Computers are available in most institutions, but oftentimes are donated older models.

Areas of potential assistance include:

Acquainting the staff and students with the educational resources available on CD-ROMs.
Obtaining Internet access (if available) and incorporating it into the library/Information Resource Center.

Demonstrating the educational value of the Internet to the administration and faculty.
Acquainting faculty and students with the free public domain books and periodicals available on the Internet.

Helping faculty and students become more discerning in the use of the Internet in regard to the value and credibility of the information.

Teaching computer skills—especially word processing.

Arranging for the necessary expertise needed to develop Internet based distance education. (Yes, many of the institutions of higher learning in the developing world are interested in this!)

Making arrangements for in-depth, on-site training by a professional librarian.

Who are invited to participate in the Library Support Network?

Any Christian librarian who has a heart for missions is invited to participate.

Following are a few suggestions of areas of possible involvement. There could be many more.

Retired librarians:
Retirees who are willing to share some of their knowledge, expertise and time would be most helpful. Assistance would be welcome in a variety of areas of need. Network volunteers could help out while remaining at home or by providing in-depth, on-site assistance at an institution in a developing country. Retired librarians who generally have more flexible schedules and a huge amount of accumulated knowledge and expertise can be of great help in building up libraries in developing countries. Those who are willing to do short term volunteer mission work (6 to 8 weeks) at a mission institution in a developing country are especially needed. If going on a short mission trip is not possible, there are many other ways to support the libraries. For example, some librarian retirees look for good quality library materials and arrange to send them to needy institutions. In another situation a retired librarian catalogs books at home, sends the cataloging information electronically, and arranges for the books to be sent to the institution she is assisting.

Librarians currently working:
Currently employed Christian librarians are encouraged to participate in the network. Some possible contributions include gathering books and other library materials that are no longer needed and delivering them to a central distribution center, providing advice and assistance to a Mission educational institution expressing a need for help, and becoming a partner with a Mission educational institution in a developing country.

Library Support workers, i.e., paraprofessional library workers and friends of the library support network:

Paraprofessionals and friends could provide some major support services, including approaching individuals (e.g. retiring pastors), libraries and other organizations that are willing to donate books and other library materials, and preparing them for shipping, etc.

A Personal Note:

As a retired professional librarian, I and my very supportive wife, Barbara, have been privileged to assist a number of Christian institutions in developing countries organize or improve their libraries. During the past ten years, we have worked in ten different libraries and taken eighteen short term mission trips (six weeks to five and a half months). At the current time, we are volunteering at three mission institutions each year in very different areas of the world: Pacific Islands Bible Colleges (PIBC) in Guam and Chuuk, the Reformed Institute for Theological Training (RITT) in Kenya, and the College of Christian Theology Bangladesh (CCTB). We usually spend about two months at each of these colleges each year. We have also helped organize four Christian school libraries (Uganda, Kenya, Bangladesh and Rehoboth, NM), as well as two special libraries in Bangladesh (a Christian hospital library and the CRWRC library).

We have firsthand knowledge of the great need to help Mission educational institutions in developing countries gain an understanding of the importance of having viable library/information resource centers. It is our intent to continue to make our services available as long as God blesses us with health and energy. It is our hope that other Christian librarians with a heart for missions will be willing to assist in meeting this great need.

Please contact us if you might be interested in helping out, or if you have any questions. We will arrange to meet with you to determine how we can work together to develop the network.

Ray and Barbara Bouma
Strengthening Christian Libraries Internationally (SCLI)
boumar@crcna.org
630-279-1278
847-207-4682

2008-05-09T21:36:00.007-05:00

Sunset from "Top of the Mar", a Mongolian barbecue restaurant.

R relaxes after a long, hard day.

6.7 magnitude was felt on Guam this morning. They say a 6.0 can cause lots of damage but we have not heard of any nor seen any. However, it was a shaker and not a roller. Got me out of bed as the hotel was a rattling and a shaking. We both got up to make sure the other half was okay. These buildings are built very strong and we have not heard of any damage as yet.

Another Birthday Celebration!
Praising God for health and work to do.

May relaxing as B blows out candles

J'oel helps grandma celebrate

66 and 'Lovin It'

Ministry Opportunities and Changes at Pacific Islands Bible College - Micronesia

2008-05-04T18:15:00.003-05:00

Ministry Opportunities

We need teachers in our English as a second language program for Guam and Chuuk sites. Our missionary staff raises their own support. -- Contact Brad Boydston -- bboydston@pibc.edu

The liberal arts and general education components of our curriculum continues to expand. We need teachers who can teach in the areas of education, science, and social science for both the Guam and Chuuk sites. There is potential to travel among the sites. Masters degree in area of teaching is essential. Our missionary staff raises their own support. -- Contact Brad Boydston -- bboydston@pibc.edu

PIBC Yap is looking for a site coordinator and teacher. Seminary masters degree required. Our missionary staff raises their own support. PIBC functions in English. -- Contact Dave Owen -- dowen@pibc.edu

Guam campus needs a cook to help feed (and love-on!) our on-campus students. Our missionary staff raises their own support. -- info@pibc.edu

Guam campus needs short-term and long term maintenance workers. Tim Plaxton, the Guam maintenance supervisor will be in the States for the summer. We need someone who can tackle some of our maintenance challenges and oversee the facilities while he is gone. If someone is interested in a longer term assignment, Tim could use additional help with the workload. Our missionary staff raises their own support. -- info@pibc.edu

We need a maintenance supervisor on the Tol campus -- beautiful place to live and work. Our missionary staff raises their own support. -- info@pibc.edu

The Guam campus needs about 2 new washing machines or used machines in excellent working condition -- info@pibc.edu

We are in need of a mission team that can raise the funds for and build a new perimeter fence on the Guam campus -- info@pibc.edu

From President, Dave Owen:

[29-April-08] Last Friday morning PIBC president David Owen met in Weno with the parents of our students currently enrolled on the Tol campus. The purpose of the meeting was to talk about some of the changes that are taking place on that campus next year.

The following written statement was distributed to the parents --

Pacific Islands Bible College has been serving Micronesia and, especially Chuuk, on Tol since 1976. It is our intention to continue to do so.

There are, however, several changes in program and curriculum that are taking place in response to the needs of Chuuk and the campus. They are summarized in this list and explained below.

1. For at least the 2008-9 school year the Tol campus will be limited to a two year, 48 credit hour, program with 40 students.

2. Current 2nd and 3rd year Tol campus students will be required to transfer to another PIBC site to complete their programs.

3. In the longer term the Tol campus will be focused on the AA in Biblical Studies program.

4. PIBC is in the midst of a staffing crisis on Tol. The Rev Siegbert Betz, who has been faithfully teaching on Tol for several terms has been asked by the church in Germany to return there to take up a pastorate. His service with PIBC will be complete on July 1, 2008. Liebenzell Germany, the mission agency which sponsored Pastor Betz, will not be replacing him. This leaves us with only two full time faculty on the Tol campus. Thus the administration has been searching for additional Bible and theology teachers. In addition to this search PIBC is actively recruiting English and Social Science teachers from the US to help with the new emphases in the curriculum.

5. We are increasingly seeing that if our students are going to impact Micronesia and the world, we need leaders who are not only trained in Bible but also in ways to think biblically about culture and society. Those who will lead us during this era of globalization need to understand the world and how it operates -- even if we do not always agree with the world. Thus PIBC is working on adding more liberal arts to the curriculum so that our graduates will be better prepared leaders, educated at a level comparable to that of college graduates in the rest of the world.

While students will continue to have the option of earning a PIBC Diploma in Bible, the curriculum on the Tol campus will be designed to help students earn their Associate of Arts degree in Biblical Studies. This degree will better equip students for service as teachers, government workers, and church leaders. Students will be able to take additional classes in the PIBC Weno Teaching Facility or on the PIBC Guam campus to move beyond the AA degree to complete the requirements of a Diploma or BA. It is our desire that most of our students will see that the BA degree is the basic college degree of the future.

6. Given the current state of repair on the Tol campus the PIBC administration feels that it is unsafe and unhealthy to have more than 40 students living on the campus. We have worked through several options to repair and develop the campus but until plans for future development are complete we will be limiting the number of students living on campus to a maximum of 40.

7. We are committed to teaching at a level equivalent to degree-granting colleges in other parts of the world. This is why we have accreditation through TRACS. We have to meet their academic, administrative, financial and other procedural standards in order to maintain accreditation. If we fail to meet these standards our students lose access to US government financial aid. We will be having an accreditation visit in April of 2009.

8. Thus, students who have completed the first year of studies on Tol will be eligible to continue on next year for the second year of their studies. Students who have completed two or more years on Tol are being encouraged to continue their PIBC studies on either the Guam campus or at the Weno Teaching Facility.

Answers to Some Questions

Does a student have to switch to the AA or BA program?
No, students can continue on to study for the Diploma or Certificate. However, PIBC will be teaching within the AA curriculum on Tol. This means that students will have to pick up additional classes at other PIBC sites.

Will students in the future be able to spend more than two years on Tol?
The plan is to offer the complete AA program on Tol. This is a 63 credit hour program. Some students will be able to complete the program in two years while others will take longer. Once a student completes the AA he/she will need to continue their program at another site.

Can a student get PIBC credit for classes taken at COM?
Yes! We are happy when students take general education classes at the College of Micronesia. Their courses with the number 100 or above will meet our general education requirements. For example, BU/MS 110 Business Math would meet our math/science requirement or the COM EN 120a Expository Writing I meets one of our Freshman English requirements.

Aren't you changing the mission of PIBC?
No. We are adding to the mission in response to the needs of our students. We now recognize that an adequately prepared servant leader needs more than a Bible education. They need to understand the world so that they know how to better apply the Bible.

If there are any questions about this, please contact me at the numbers or addresses below.

Sincerely,

David L. Owen, PhD
President

[23-April-08] We are pleased to announce that PIBC has received authorization from TRACS, our accrediting agency, to begin offering a master of arts in religion (MAR) degree. This is PIBC's first graduate-level seminary degree.

We expect to begin the program this fall on the Guam campus by offering four classes.

The MAR program is an introductory seminary degree providing an in-depth study of the scriptures and the essential truths of the Christian faith. The program is designed for Christian educators, staff pastors, and others desiring a scriptural undergirding for service in a supportive role in a local church or other ministry.

Students in the MAR program will have the option of transferring into the planned 96 credit-hour master of divinity program (MDiv), which is designed to prepare men and women for vocational Christian ministry, once the second program is approved.

We will be accepting up to 10 full-time students, in addition to part-time students who apply for the program. To be considered for the MAR program an applicant must posses a bachelor's degree from an accredited college with a minimum GPA of 2.5.

Applicants for whom English is a second language must also have a 550 TOEFL score. Applications for the 45-semester-hour program will soon be available on the PIBC website.

More Micronesia Life Photos

2008-05-01T02:16:00.006-05:00

Micah - son of our friends Hiob and Leah

Housing development going up behind our hotel.
Homes are very big and expensive.

Papaya - just about ready to eat.

Sunset over the Philippine Sea

PIBC Traveling Team performing
at Faith Pres. Chr. Ref. Church

2008-04-18T01:05:00.000-05:00

The link below will lead you to a magazine article (Library Science Student Helps Bible School in Niger) that was recently published by one of the denominations with whom we work. We thought you might be interested in learning more about our library ministry. Under the heading "Librarians--this call is for you!" there is another link "Learn more". If you click on it, it will bring you to our ministry -- Strengthening Libraries in Christian Institutions. Our goal is to create a pool of Christian librarians who are willing to volunteer some of their time helping develop theological and other mission libraries internationally.

http://www.rca.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?pid=3887&srcid=3894

Micronesia

2008-04-17T01:11:00.005-05:00

April finds us back in Microniesia at PIBC. Following are some pictures of students etc.

This is one form of a lawnmower. Watch out for flying rocks!!
Not only do the students have lawn and cleanup duties, they also need to have time to study. The library is always pretty busy.
When we arrived for our first day of work there was a sign on the library door welcoming us back.

Stella, one of the students we have supported, is doing some garden work in the library gardens. Behind her is our car. It has been in several accidents and has had lots of body parts replaced. Most of the car has been painted red with a paint brush by students and faculty. When you turn a corner either the driver or passenger get a foot wash from the air conditioner which leaks into the car. At least as a passenger you can keep your feet out of the way. The driver isn't so lucky as he/she has to keep one foot on the gas pedal. It is actually pretty funny!!

Trip to Russia

2008-04-16T22:59:00.014-05:00

March was a very busy month for us. Ten days after we returned from consulting in Mexico we headed for two weeks of consulting in Russia (Moscow). We had a very informative and productive trip. Consulted at RACU during the week and then on the weekends we did a bit of sightseeing.

While we were in Russia I, Barbara, was able to attend a puppet show at a very famous puppet theatre. In fact, I am told it is known all over Europe. Following is a brief description from their website:

Obraztsov Puppet Theater

History of the Theater

The Obraztsov Theatre is the largest puppet theater and puppetry teaching center in Russia. The center houses the theater as well as the Russian State Museum of Theatrical Puppets (containing over 3,000 puppets from over 50 countries, making it one of the largest puppet museums in the world), a library entirely devoted to the art of puppetry, and various manuscripts and documents related to puppetry in the center's pedagogical department.

The theater is named after Sergei Vladimirovich Obraztsov (1901-1992), the great Russian puppet master who established puppetry as an art form in the Soviet Union and who is considered to be one of the greatest puppeteers of the 20th century. Obraztsov was born in Moscow in 1901, the son of a schoolteacher and a railroad engineer, and began a life filled with fascination for art and performance. He studied painting at Moscow's Higher Art and Technical Studios and later became an actor and worked at the famous Nemirovich-Danchenko Music Theatre (1922-30) and then at the avant garde Moscow Art Theatre (1930-31). Throughout his acting career he pursued a personal interest in puppetry and gave regular independent vaudeville-style puppet shows. In 1931 he was chosen by the Soviet government to be the first director of the State Central Puppet Theatre in Moscow and developed the theater's productions and performances over a period of some 60 years.

Puppetry has been a popular form of entertainment for centuries in Europe. During the 16th and 17th centuries puppet shows became popular amongst the European aristocracy and puppets were used extensively as vehicles for caricature and satire. It was only in the 19th century that puppets began to be used as a means of entertaining and amusing children in parks and theaters.

Repertoire

The theater presents shows for both children and adults, with matinee performances full of humor and ideal for children and evening shows more likely to be silent or mimed. The theater's repertoire consists of more than 10 productions for children and 5 for adults, and includes An Unusual Concert, Schtok's Divine Comedy, Livanov-Bardin's Don Juan, Pushkin's The Queen of Spades and The Tale of Tsar Saltan, Hoffmann's The Nutcracker, Gernet's Aladdin's Magic Lamp, and Mowgli based on Kipling's magical The Jungle Book.

Following are our Russia pictures:

View from our 12th floor apartment in Moscow. With stayed with an American family while there.
Allison and Betsy cooked us dinner one night. It was delicious!!!!!
Ray, Barbara and Anastasia (she was a student at RACU who took us around to the sights). This is a canon in the Kremlin. The canon balls supposedly weigh 1,000 pounds each.
Painted plate

Matrushka doll (enamel) Comes in many sizes, colors, etc.
RACU temporary facility
Orthodox church in Moscow

Orthodox church in the Kremlin

Ray and Cody (Cody is the dog! :-o) Cody is a puppy and was relentless

Betsy (where we stayed) studying and playing a game at the same time

MacDonald's at Mega Mall, Moscow, Russia

MacDonald's - they had over 40 ordering stations at this MacDonald's
Enjoying goodies at McCafe in Moscow

St. Basil's (Ray, Barbara and John)

GUM department complex in Red Square

Orthodox church in Red Square

Metropol Hotel where James Bond movie (From Russia with Love) was filmed

Bolshoy Theatre in Moscow

New RACU building with apartment building (white) behind it

Front entrance/atrium at the new university site

Ray, Galina and Alex at the new construction site

Barbara with Galina at the new construction site for RACU

Ray with Galina (RACU interim librarian) in the "old" library

Russian American Christian University "old" library

2008-04-14T20:27:00.000-05:00

This is a post from our friends website. We are presently on the Island of Guam in Micronesia.

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Grandpa Ray and Grandma Barb

We spent a wonderful evening with Ray and Barb tonight when they came over for dinner. Ray and Barb visit PIBC every spring. He is our librarian and helps to open and maintain Christian libraries all over the world. They recently took trips to Russia and Kenya for that very purpose. Amelia and Joel LOVE Ray and Barb. Although we miss our own parents very much, we thrill at the fact that our kids have MANY SETS OF GRANDPARENTS IN THE LORD. You can see the wonder in Amelia's and Joel's eyes. That is a HUGE blessing for our family.

Posted by Farnsworth Forum at 6:45 AM

Mid-West Conference Swimming Meet Results for grandson, Brenden

2008-02-18T18:10:00.001-06:00

MidWest Conference Swimming Meet - Appleton Wisconsin, Feb. 15-17, 2008

Brenden is part of the Carroll College Swim Team

6th Place: 1650 (the school record is 17:44:85)
Brunner, Brenden FR Carroll 19:02.05 17:55.56
29.73 32.23 32.71 32.88 32.64 32.71 32.65 32.72
32.76 32.85 32.73 32.73 32.85 33.07 33.22 32.97
33.13 33.03 32.94 33.11 32.65 32.84 32.88 32.85
32.93 32.91 32.77 32.82 32.51 32.77 32.29 31.84
29.84

10th Place: 500 Yd Free Style
Brunner, Brenden FR Carroll 5:04.94
27.43 29.58 30.42 30.83 31.28 31.15 31.45 31.69
31.63 29.48

3rd Place: 400 Yd Medley Relay - School Record is 3:42.52
(Brenden was part of this team)
'A' 3:44.01
27.84 58.06 28.12 59.71 25.21 55.96 24.03 50.28

4th Place: 400 Yd Free Style Relay
(Brenden was part of this team)
Carroll College 'A' 3:32.70 3:20.17
23.83 50.30 24.38 51.33 23.62 50.45 22.60 48.09

11th Place: 200 Yd Free Style
Brunner, Brenden FR Carroll 1:54.64 1:53.66
26.92 28.64 29.50 28.60

THEY BROKE THE SCHOOL RECORD of 7:43:92
4th Place: 800 Free Style Relay
(Brenden was part of this team)
Carroll College 'A' 7:29.1
24.90 52.95 1:22.07 1:51.74 25.56 54.32 1:24.04 1:53.17
24.37 52.61 1:22.97 1:54.30 24.29 51.42 1:20.75 1:50.40

Annan says no Kenyan deal yet

2008-02-08T11:07:00.000-06:00

Annan says no Kenyan deal yet
By TOM ODULA, Associated Press Writer 4 minutes ago
Former U.N. chief Kofi Annan, who is mediating talks between Kenya's political rivals, said Friday they were making progress on a deal to end weeks of postelection bloodshed but no power-sharing agreement had been reached yet.
Earlier, opposition lawmaker William Ruto claimed the two sides would form a joint government but were still discussing who would lead it and what roles each party would play. But Annan said that "was jumping the gun."
"We are making progress," Annan said, noting that both President Mwai Kibaki and his rival Raila Odinga had agreed that Kenya needs a "political settlement" to the crisis.
More than 1,000 people have been killed and 300,000 driven from their homes in fighting since the Dec. 27 election that has often pitted many of the East African country's myriad ethnic groups against one another.
International and domestic observers heavily criticized the vote tallying process.
Odinga originally said that only new elections would bring peace, while Kibaki maintained his position as president was not negotiable. The two came under international pressure to form a power-sharing government.
On Thursday, Odinga retreated from his earlier calls that Kibaki should step down.
"We are saying that we are willing to give and take. Initially our stand was that we won the elections, and Mr. Kibaki lost the elections, he should resign, and we should be sworn in, but we have said that we are not static on that point," Odinga told reporters.
Annan said Friday he hoped they would complete their work by early next week, but declined to give further details on what form the settlement might take.
"We had a very good session today. There is no doubt about it. And I think it gives grounds for optimism .... But, the issues are still on the table and we will go back to them on Monday."
The two sides had agreed to call a meeting of parliament next week so that lawmakers could be briefed on progress, Annan added.
Speaking at a prayer meeting in Nairobi earlier Friday, Kibaki said he was "encouraged" by progress in talks and reiterated "my personal support and that of my entire government to this process."
But some opposition supporters insist they will not back down until Odinga is named president.
"We won, we can't agree. We want our rights, we will go back to the streets," said Evans Omogi, a driver in the western city of Kisumu, the scene of much of the worst violence.
Meanwhile, around 5,000 people fled a makeshift camp for those displaced by the violence in the western town Kericho, fearing violence ahead of Saturday's funeral for an opposition lawmaker slain last week. Only about 1,000 people were left in the camp, said Red Cross official Susan Onyango.
Kericho's main street was packed with families hastily piling furniture onto government lorries provided to take them to areas where their ethnic group was predominant.
The slain legislator was killed in what the opposition described as a political assassination, but which police said was a crime of passion by a traffic policeman who believed his girlfriend was involved with the politician. The killing had sparked attacks on the policeman's ethnic group, the Kisii.
On Thursday, the U.S. added to the international pressure by threatening to bar Kenyan politicians and businessmen alleged to have played a role in the bloodshed from visiting the United States, a move that "hit a nerve," the U.S. ambassador said.
Politicians and businessmen are among those accused of financing or backing the violence.
"People are paying 4,000 shillings ($60) to burn down a house," U.S. Ambassador Michael Ranneberger said in an interview.
Washington sent letters to 10 politicians and businessmen suspected of supporting or inciting violence, Ranneberger said. U.S. State Department spokesman Tom Casey said the letters were sent to eight people. The discrepancy could not immediately be explained. Both declined to name the targets but Ranneberger said the review also would affect the immediate families of those affected.
Casey said the visa reviews probably would take place over the next few days and were directed at "more regional figures" than top officials from both major political movements. Ranneberger said the U.S. could target top officials if the violence that has devastated the economy and undermined Kenya's democratic credentials continued.
Both Kibaki's government and the opposition welcomed the U.S. decision and insisted they had nothing to do with the violence. But Kenyan human rights groups, foreign observers and diplomats say there is ample evidence that both parties helped incite and orchestrate attacks.
___
Associated Press writers Katy Pownall in Kericho, and Matthew Rosenberg and Malkhadir M. Muhumed in Nairobi contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.

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More Kenya Violence 1-30-08

2008-01-30T09:51:00.000-06:00

check out the following:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080130/ap_on_re_af/kenya_election_violence

More Violence in Kenya

2008-01-26T15:18:00.001-06:00

The New York Times
Printer Friendly Format Sponsored By

January 27, 2008
Mob Violence Is Tearing Kenya Apart
By JEFFREY GETTLEMAN

NAKURU, Kenya — Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, may seem calm, but anarchy reigns just two hours away.

In Nakuru, furious mobs rule the streets, burning homes, brutalizing people and expelling anyone not in their ethnic group, all with complete impunity.

On Saturday, hundreds of men prowled a section of the city with six-foot iron bars, poisoned swords, clubs, knives and crude circumcision tools. Boys carried gladiator-style shields and women strutted around with sharpened sticks.

The police were nowhere to be found. Even the locals were shocked.

“I’ve never seen anything like this,” said David Macharia, a bus driver.

One month after a deeply flawed election, Kenya, despite international pressure on its leaders to compromise and stop the killings, is tearing itself apart along ethnic lines.

Nakuru, the biggest town in the beautiful but deeply troubled Rift Valley, is the scene of a mass migration now moving in two directions. Luos are headed west, Kikuyus are headed east, and packed buses with mattresses strapped on top pass each other in the road with the bewildered children of the two ethnic groups staring out the windows at each other.

In the past 10 days, dozens of people have been killed in Molo, Narok, Kipkelion, Kuresoi, and now Nakuru, a tourist gateway which until a few days ago was considered safe.

In many places, Kenya seems to be sliding back toward the chaos that exploded on Dec. 30, when election results were announced and Kenya’s president, Mwai Kibaki, was declared the winner over Raila Odinga, the top opposition leader, despite widespread evidence of vote rigging.

The tinder was all there, even before the voting started. There were historic grievances over land and deep-seated ethnic tensions, with many ethnic groups resenting the Kikuyus, Mr. Kibaki’s group, because they have been the most prosperous for years.

The disputed election essentially served as the spark, and opposition supporters across Kenya vented their rage over many issues toward Kikuyus and other ethnic groups thought to have supported Mr. Kibaki.

In the Rift Valley, local elders organized young men to raid Kikuyu areas and kill people in a bid to drive the Kikuyus off their land. It worked, for the most part, and over the past month, tens of thousands of Kikuyus have fled.

More than 650 people, many of them Kikuyus, have been killed. Many of the attackers are widely believed to be members of the Luo and Kalenjin ethnic groups.

What is happening now in Nakuru seems to be payback.

On Thursday night, witnesses and participants said that bands of Kikuyu men armed themselves and began Luos and Kalenjins.

2008-01-21T20:00:00.001-06:00

Unrest casts pall over Kenya's sporting hopes

By Jack Oyoo 28 minutes ago

Weeks of bloody unrest in Kenya have cast a pall over the country's sporting ambitions and could haunt some of its leading athletes well beyond the end of the crisis.

In a nation famed for its middle distance and distance runners, athletes have been unable to train and sports fixtures have been cancelled because of the violence, triggered by President Mwai Kibaki's disputed re-election on December 27.

"Sports and tourism are what have given this country a name internationally. But with these problems, things will never be the same again," Patrick Sang, Kenya's 1992 Barcelona Olympics steeplechase silver medalist, told Reuters.

"People can't move freely as they used to. Roadblocks are erected everywhere. Athletes can't train in the forest in the morning without looking over their shoulders. The psychological effect is incredible and the scars will remain forever."

Sang runs a camp where steeplechase world champion Brimin Kipruto, who won silver in the last Olympics in Athens, former world 5,000m champion Eliud Kipchoge and twice world junior cross country champion Viola Kibiwott all train.

Funded by Dutch-based Global Sports International, the camp is in Eldoret in the Rift Valley province, home to Kenya's great runners and the area worst affected by the unrest.

Lucas Sang, a 4x400m relay finalist at the 1988 Olympics was killed in the melee that rocked Eldoret on New Year's Eve. Some 30 people, including women and children, were burned to death when the church they were sheltering in was torched by a mob.

VISA PROBLEMS

Some athletics camps have been forced to close.

Top managers such as Englishman Ricky Simms and Italian Gianni Demadonna, whose camps have the cream of Kenyan athletes, are closely watching events.

Dutchman Pieter Langerhorst, husband of world cross country and world half-marathon champion Lornah Kiplagat, closed down his camp in Iten, 30 km north of Eldoret.

Simms and Demadonna said they might relocate their athletes if the situation worsens.

"Some of the athletes...have been having problems and delays getting their visa and may miss some early-season races as a result because some embassies have closed," said Simms.

Other sports have not been spared the effects of the unrest.

The Safari Rally on March 21-23, a race that dates back to 1953, has been dropped from the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) calendar.

"I feel sorry for the event organizers, who have put in so much work to make the rally a success but the safety of our competitors will always be our primary concern," said Jacques Behar, president of IRC series promoter Eurosport Events.

OLYMPIC PREPARATIONS

The Kenya Open Golf tournament, due to kick off the European Challenge Tour in Nairobi in March, has not been cancelled but there are fears it could suffer a similar fate.

Kenyan soccer champions Tusker have delayed preparations for the first round of the African Champions League, in which they play Al Tahrir of Eritrea, next month. Some players who went upcountry for the Christmas holidays were unable to return to Nairobi in time to start training.

The athletics federation had to cancel two legs of the cross country circuit in Eldoret and Nyahururu, a big drawback for preparations for the March 30 World Cross Country Championships in Edinburgh, Scotland.

There are also worries about the east African nation's preparations for the Olympics in Beijing in August.

David Okeyo, Athletics Kenya secretary general, who was named Kenya's delegation leader for the Games, has summoned an emergency meeting of the management team.

"We're getting concerned that there seems to be no quick solution to this. We must make a quick decision," he said.

(Editing by Nick Tattersall)

2008-01-21T19:50:00.000-06:00

Written by a very dear friend.

Dear Friends and Family,

On this eve of the year 2007, we in Kenya are in a situation that has caused us to weep for our beloved nation.

On December 27, 2007, the people went to the polls to elect their civic, parliamentary, and presidential leaders. It was a day marked by hope, peace, long line ups, patience and the determination to vote for change.

Why change? Until today, the three presidents who have led Kenya since the colonial masters left in 1963, have been unwilling to break the colonial norm of governance by way of control and oppression. We yearn to be free from this oppression so that we have a nation that is truly free, democratic, and that provides equal opportunity for everyone in the country. Until today, 90% of Kenya's wealth is in the hands of 5% of her people. This wealth was by and large obtained through manipulation, lies, displacing of people, stealing of public resources, and by force. These shameless acts continue up to today, and yet those engaged in them feel no shame at all.

We in Kenya have not yet had a government that has moved beyond the cheap mentality, attitudes and hideous acts that characterized colonial rule.

At the same time, the majority of Kenyans do not condone this nor wish for this. It causes us to suffer, to pay taxes that do not result in substantial public services and public good, to work for little pay, to watch the leaders squander our hard earned cash, and to use substantial time and resources on basics that would otherwise be used to build the nation. Worse still, it causes loss of self-confidence, dignity, and people's very lives.

During this election, as in the previous ones since independence, there have been outstanding Kenyan men and women who have worked towards breaking this yoke of oppression. Some have lost their lives. Some are publicly known, some are heroes known only to a few. Over the past two years, our heroes had formed a formidable team to be elected into forming a government that would devolve power and thereby equalize the economic, social, educational, cultural, legal and political playing field in Kenya. In other words, the same playing field for all of us and no more privileges enjoyed by only a few. Many strategies were proposed to achieve this, including the setting up of a Truth, Reconciliation and Restitution Commission, It would deal once and for all with the gross injustices that have been meted out to people over the past 44 years, and to give the purpetrators and thieves the opportunity to tell the truth, to be forgiven, and to return what they had stolen.

On the third day after election day, which was yesterday, the final presidential results were finally released to the public. The delays in obtaining the results and the discrepancies between the tallies that were publicly read at the polling stations and that were publicly read in Nairobi by the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) caused great concern. The Opposition expressed the concerns by presenting the discrepancies through the facts, and the ECK heard them. Yet, when the ECK presented the presidential results last night, these facts had been ignored.

Last night, at about 4 pm, the ECK chairman announced that the incumbent president had won the presidential vote by about 250,000 votes. Instantly, all hell broke loose all over Kenya. People started riots to protest this gross abuse of their voice through the vote by both the government and the ECK. Shops were looted, houses burned, roads blocked and people killed in the capital city and at least ten towns and cities across Kenya. Curiously, the newly "elected" president was sworn in at State House within minutes of the ECK announcement. A few hours later, the Minister of Internal Security, suspended all live broadcasting. The Opposition rejected the results as illegal and stated that they would form a parallel government the following day, and present the people's president. The European Union has expressed doubt in the credibility of the election results.

As at last night, the leader of the Opposition, and his 5-member leadership team, are all under house arrest. One of our cities is under curfew.

I am certain of this: God Himself is mourning. And if God is the same God as at the time of the prophet Isaiah, we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He hates the injustice, He hates the lies, He hates the religious activities that are empty and hollow and that only result in fighting and exploitation (Isaiah 58). He will punish those engaged in taking advantage of the common people, and more so the vulnerable, in His own time and in His own way.

"Is this not the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice, and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?" The mouth of the Lord has spoken. (Isaiah 58:6, 14b).

We are ready to continue to work and pray, pray and work, ora et labora, to see the dawn of a new day appear in Kenya. Justice will break forth, somehow and someday.

Greetings. Hereby an article by a Kenyan business acquaintance written on January 1, 2008.
The Kenyan Liver Has Been Protected!
One of the ruling elites in Kenya once referred to political leadership to the action of juggling with a fresh liver. Whereas Kenyan voters were busy casting their vote, a few elites were busy juggling with the liver in their board rooms; delaying result-tallying and making otherwise efficient election officials to disappear for three days. The resultant effect of liver juggling as opposed to democratic results that each one of us was waiting for is now in the open for the World to behold. Kenya’s African and global position has slipped, we have backtracked to 1988!

I was in a Kakamega restaurant following the election drama on Kenya Television Network (KTN); when within minutes of what appeared to be a video taped announcement of a presidential win was followed by a hurried swearing-in ceremony. It looked very much similar to documentaries on military coups in Africa, only this was more of a liver coup over democracy. Within minutes of our restored president signing himself to office, somebody rushed into the restaurant and warned all those with cars to be careful on how they will drive home. This being my rural town I ignored this warning but chose to drive away immediately. I came face to face with a new Kenya I had only read about!

I drove for less than 2 meters; the first bunch of protesting voters let me through after scrutinizing my identification documents-the second road block within a meter, send warning missiles towards my car and indicated they had no patience to check my identification. A Good Samaritan pointed at a dusty road as the only escape hutch; with adrenaline rushing, wondering which Kenya I was in, I stepped on gas and off I was on a bumpy road! It was now dark, I found another bonfire deep into the sinuses of remoteness, but the group let me through without much of a fuss.

After making several wrong turns, I finally landed on a familiar Sigalagala Butere road. I started answering calls, happy that I was finally home. What? On reaching the Bukura Institute of Agriculture gates, I saw a huge fire towards the direction I was driving. A policeman in civilian waved me down and advised that I should not proceed. This is my village; this is where I grew up, who will stop me? I defied him again; stupid me. Warning missiles flew from the direction of the bonfire; I turned and took refuge in the agricultural college. I drove home the following morning; you can guess what went through my proud African mind.

In a nutshell, the flawed Kenyan electoral process that ignored the logic of why results were always announced at the polling centers demonstrated that we are yet to internalize democracy in our system. Democracy is simply a tool for liver jugglers to determine when, and who ought to be in power. Liver juggling has set in motion forces that will reverse the few gains Kenyans had attained. Destruction of people’s property, total disregard of rule of law and abuse of the same, tribal witch hunting and class struggle are now in motion.

I am now held hostage in my village, I am unable to drive back to Nairobi because voters from different parts of Kenya have blockaded highways in protest of liver juggling democracy. It is unbelievable to see basic commodities disappear from store shelves because delivery trucks cannot move. Pump stations are dry; the famous cell phone industry is slowly grinding to a halt because no one is able to deliver the credit calling cards. Every evening I see lit up horizons. When I tune on the radio, I simply hear appeals for prayer and wonder loudly whether Kenyans and Africans should replace democracy with prayer!

By James Shikwati
Mr. Shikwati is the Director of Inter Region Economic Network

Greetings all. Today I was contemplating why it is that the international media and the majority of church leaders seem to have simplified the very complex issues we are facing here in Kenya. Later in the day I received an email from Joe which I am forwarding to you. It begins to touch on a few of the issues. Joe is one of the teachers who is enrolled in our "Redeeming Education" classes through our "Alliance For Christian Educators" (ACET) program. He lives near Mbita, in southwest Kenya, on Lake Victoria.

On a personal level, we are well and safe. This evening I had my brother and his family, including his parents in law, over for supper. We had wine, candles, music, dessert. "Why are we having a party?" someone asked. Someone else retorted, " We are having a riot party". While deeply aware of the gravity of the situation, it helps to laugh! Someday this too will be over.

Take care,
4 January 2008

___________________________________________
Begin forwarded message:
It feels like an addiction. Every day, watching the news on television, listening to the radio and checking on-line for some sign of an end to the stalemate. I am always thinking the end is near…After the rally, we will know more or there will be a resolution. The President is holding a press conference; maybe something will happen then. Certain foreign diplomats are coming to mediate so that will change things. The chairmen of the Electoral Commission is admitting he doesn't know who won the election and the attorney general has come out to say there should be an independent inquiry into the vote counting and vote tallying. Always thinking that one side will back down or that an event will occur to bring an end to the violence and settle the dispute between the two presidential candidates. Nothing has helped. We are praying for a miracle from God.
Both President Kibaki and Opposition Leader Raila Odinga are unwavering and stubborn. Kibaki claims that the election was fair and that he is the President and he will not step down. If any one disputes that, then he should take his evidence to court. The opposition claims that the election was rigged and that Raila is the winner. They are saying that they will continue to protest until the President steps down. I personally do not see either side giving up an inch. Many outside observers are saying that they need to come up with a power sharing structure, but in my opinion, I don't see how that can work. Raila helped to get Kibaki elected five years ago and was a minister in his cabinet for two years, but they had many disputes and Raila was eventually sacked from his cabinet post. The divisions and hatred is deep, going back over 40 years ago. Also, in Kenya there really isn't a way to share power because the President has all the power and everyone else is under him.
The opposition attempted to hold a million man rally on Thursday, but the police were out in force to impose the ban on public rallies. They doused people with water bombs and tear gas to disperse any crowds gathering on the roads in Naiorbi. There were on-going battles throughout the day with protestors and the police across the country. Another church was set on fire Thursday. Kenya is very fortunate that the common man does not own firearms; otherwise these protests would be unimaginable. After reaching the destination for the rally, the opposition leaders discussed with the police and peacefully agreed to turn around. They have vowed to continue trying every day until they are allowed to hold a peaceful rally.
Some media reports are trying to make it look like it is only Raila's Luo Tribe vs. Kibai's Kikuyu Tribe. While it is true that those two tribes are against each other, it is oversimplifying the problem. There are over 40 tribes in Kenya and most of them have thrown their support behind one of the two candidates. The violence and killing is not limited to only two tribes. It has affected everyone and there are many passionate people from various tribes on both sides of the equation. Also, it is wrong for people to say that the violence and problems are limited to only one area. It is widespread from the coast of Mombasa, through the streets of Nairobi, into Kisumu and Eldoret in western Kenya and in many smaller towns throughout the country. That is why it is too dangerous for anyone to travel the roads between towns.
In Mbita yesterday, there were over a thousand people protesting. Some had walked for over 30 kilometers to join the protests. The mob was walking up and down the roads carrying tree branches to symbolize peace while singing and chanting from the early morning hours until evening time when they were dispersed by gun shots from the police. Similar protests were carried out country wide.
The children and staff of CGA are all safe as far as we know. The government has postponed the opening of schools for another week. Our leadership team will meet today to discuss our course of action. Please pray for wisdom.
It is not a simple problem. There is no easy solution. It seems like it could be a long time before things return to normal in Kenya. We are not far from a civil war. We need God to intervene at this time
JOe Peterson

"If Africa dies, so will we. We all breathe the same air. We all care for our children. We are simply a link in a chain. We all share the responsibility to protect and to create a better world." - Kuki Gallmann

Kenya Elections V - Calm

"Mama, will our house also be burnt down?" "Mama, I feel bad for the people whose houses were burnt."

My five and eight year old daughters look at me earnestly as we eat our lunch. We have been taking all our meals together for many days, being house bound. "No, our house won't be burnt down." "Why not our house? How do you know our house won't be burnt down?" The question is piercing, and one of justice, and I don't know how to answer them.

It is true: why should so many people have their homes burnt down and why should ours be spared? Several of my own friends and acquaintances have lost their homes through fire, and several others have had to move their families and belongings to a relative's home for fear of the same. All these people are gainfully employed professionals, people with Master's degrees, some working on PhDs. Those who watch the kind of events we have in Kenya unfolding on their TV screens often assume that it is only the economically and / or educationally less endowed people who suffer such losses. Not so.

At the same time, I know it is unlikely that our home will be burnt down. We live in a safe neighbourhood in a safe suburb of Nairobi. Our suburb is guarded by security personnel and our home is guarded by a security firm and a watchman. We live four km away from the closest chaos and rioting. We live on a dead-end street that is a through-fare to nowhere.

In addition, Nairobi is calm today. Eldoret is calm today. Kisumu is calm today. Several businesses opened today in all of these cities. Life seemed to have regained some sense of normalcy today. We expect the same calmness tomorrow and Monday. We might go to church tomorrow and I might even make it to the office on Monday. But on Tuesday, there will be another attempt by the Opposition to stage a rally in "Freedom Park" in the city. And so the uncertainty of life and increased tension will return that day. And the children will not be able to start school on that day, the 8th. The opening of their school has been postponed to 15 January. Most schools, public and private, have postponed their opening date by a week.

It takes courage for the Opposition to attempt yet another rally. As much as it is inconvenient for all of us, and dangerous for some, it is necessary. It is necessary because as much as the world's attention is drawn to Kenya, and offers to help resolve the crisis are coming from church leaders and international leaders alike, no one is publicly speaking the truth. No one, except the Kenya Human Rights Commission.

The truth is that the election was stolen. Everyone knows it. Evidence is plentiful. No one from the local and international community has been able to declare the recently concluded polls in Kenya as free and fair, except, ironically, the "President" himself. This is the bone of contention. This is the wrong that needs to be corrected. The truth about what happened behind the scenes during the tallying process is what we want to know. Whether one or the other presidential aspirant won the election is not the issue; it is knowing that our new president, whoever he is, won the election fairly through the ballot. Neither the international media nor church leaders address this gross injustice.

The church leaders are calling for peace and reconciliation. How can there be reconciliation when the truth has not been admitted and forgiven? How can there be genuine peace when the people's need for the truth has not been addressed? Don't be fooled by the calmness in the country today and tomorrow; we have calm, but we don't have peace.

The international media is drawing simplistic conclusions that the unrest in Kenya is due to tribalism. How can a crisis brought about by the disregard and theft of the people's last right - their vote - be simply due to tribalism? Why is it not understood that the ruling elite, from the colonial masters to the ruling masters of today, have been stealing from the Kenyan common people - no matter what ethnic group one comes from - all these years? The peace in Kenya to date has been maintained because the Kenyan populace are indeed a peaceful, hopeful, and very tolerant people. Our last hope to change the incessant raping of the country by the ruling elite was through the vote. Five years ago, voters voted for change, only to have their high hopes dashed by broken promises by the then-newly elected President. Another opportunity in 2007 to vote for real change: patiently we cued for hours to cast the votes - votes for change. Only to have that hope destroyed again, because the ruling elite not only steals the country's resources, it also steals the people's right to vote. This is unjust, and now we are fighting for justice. Enough is enough. Isn't this understandable?

During the hastened swearing in of the illegitimate and illegal Dictator we now have on our hands, the Kenyan national anthem was not sung as is normally done. It goes as follows:

Oh God of all Creation
Bless this our land and nation
Justice be our shield and defender
May we dwell in unity, peace and liberty
Plenty be found within our borders.

Such powerful words. But such disregard for its words: justice surely is not our shield and defender now. Perhaps it was a good thing it was not sung during the swearing in ceremony. It would have made a mockery out of this anthem.

And yet, truth and justice must roll like a river in Kenya. We should not and can not live with anything less. The way forward, if it had been done within 48 hours of the election results announcement, would have been to retally the vote. But the government thwarted that. The power sharing arrangement that the "president" is now suggesting would be tantamount to ignoring the fact the election was stolen and to join the thieves! The Opposition would rather function as an Opposition so that it can uphold justice for the people.

The underlying and often unspoken truth is: the ruling elite has so much stolen wealth to protect and keep hidden from public scrutiny. And it seems they will do anything to do just that, including throwing the country into chaos and snuffing out lives. It has already cost about 1000 lives and about 500,000 people displaced from their homes. How can such hard hearts of stone be softened? Only when the chaos hits them close to home might hearts begin to soften. Does that remind you of Pharaoh of Egypt? There is, after all, nothing new under the sun.

Perhaps now the way forward is an interim government which prepares for a re-run of the presidential vote within the next three months. This voting process would be overseen by a completely independent body. In addition, increased international pressure by revoking visas to countries either the ruling "president" and the Opposition leader and their families want to travel to, until this crisis is resolved, would bring the effects of this crisis closer to them. This is what the Kenyan Human Rights Commission is suggesting, and I believe rightly so.

Kenya Election VI - Vipers

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The Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, describes vipers as follows:
Vipers are a family of venomous snakes. These snakes are found all over the world. All have relatively long hinged fangs that permit deep penetration and injection of venom. Vipers use this mechanism both to immobilize their prey and in self-defense.
Experiments have shown that these snakes are capable of making decisions on how much venom to inject depending on the circumstances. In all cases, the most important determinant of venom expenditure is generally the size of the snake, with larger specimens being capable of delivering much more venom. Also, the species is important, since some are likely to inject more than others, how much venom is available, the accuracy of the strike, and the number of bites already delivered in a short space of time. In predatory bites, factors that influence the amount of venom injected include the size of the prey, the species of prey, and whether the prey item is held or released.
A viper's bite is often a very painful experience and should always be taken seriously, even though it is not necessarily fatal. Even with prompt and proper treatment, a bite can still result in a permanent scar, and in the worst cases the affected limb may even have to be amputated. A victim's fate is impossible to predict as this depends on many factors, including (but not limited to) the species and size of the snake involved, how much venom was injected (if any), and the size and condition of the patient before being bitten.
=============
A day before the much anticipated mediation talks with John Kufuor, well-respected President of Ghana and Chairman of the African Union, our sworn-in president went ahead and named half of his Cabinet. It was a statement of mockery and disdain for the mediation talks that are taking place today. Many of us had placed a lot of hope in these talks - and we still are hopeful.

One of the persons appointed into the Cabinet is Mr. Kalonzo Musyoka. He has been appointed as the vice-president of Kenya. Musyoka was one of the presidential aspirants who went around the country shouting "Wiper!" During the campaigns I asked several people what exactly Musyoka was trying to tell us when he yelled "Wiper!". Though it is still far from clear to me, it had something to do with cleaning up the current political status quo, and cleaning up corruption, by being the people's "servant".

With Musyoka having pressured the Electoral Commission of Kenya to announce the presidential results and now joining Kibaki in the very government he had promised to "miraculously" uproot, Musyoka has shown his true colours. Instead of "Wiper!" he should have shouted "Viper!", and instead of saying "Servant" he should have said "Serpent". That would have been more honest. From his position as VP, he will no longer rattle the snakes he has joined.

An ancient writer by the name of Isaiah spoke thus about the leadership of his day:

They hatch eggs of vipers and spin a spider's web,
Whoever eats their eggs will die, and when one is broken, an adder is hatched.
Their cobwebs are useless for clothing;
they cannot cover themselves with what they make.
Their deeds are evil deeds,
and acts of violence are in their hands.

Their feet rush into sin;
they are swift to shed innocent blood.
Their thoughts are evil thoughts;
ruin and destruction mark their ways.
They way of peace they do not know;
there is no justice in their paths.
They have turned them into crooked roads;
no one who walks in them will know peace.

So justice is far from us,
and righteousness does not reach us.
We look for light, but all is darkness;
for brightness, but we walk in deep shadows.
Like the blind we grope along the wall,
feeling our way like men without eyes.
At midday we stumble as if it were twilight;
among the strong, we are like the dead.
We all growl like bears;
we moan mournfully like doves.
We look for justice, but find none;
for deliverance, but it is far away.

Justice is driven back,
and righteousness stands at a distance;
truth has stumbled in the streets,
honesty cannot enter.
Truth is nowhere to be found,
and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey.

(Isaiah, 740 BC)

Vipers are crafty and dangerous. Their bite can penetrate their prey deeply, But their bite need not be fatal. Negotiations can still save the day. Wisdom must call aloud in the street, raising her voice in the public squares.

On my way to lunch today, I saw two white doves flying and darting playfully together over the roof tops of the buildings in the Industrial Area. I am not a prophetess, but I prefer signs of peace over signs of civil war.

Kenya Elections VII – Counting the Cost

The Kenya Elections are behind us – in fact, two and a half weeks behind us. But the turmoil left in its wake is far from over. International news coverage on the post-election irregularities and chaos in Kenya is becoming less frequent. But the temperature among the people in Kenya is still dangerously high and local and international pressure for resolution to the political impasse intense. The current situation is like an ugly boil about to burst – contained but full of pain – and once it bursts, it will be messy.

Is it worth it? Is it worth the lives of so many innocent people? Is it worth women getting raped, men sodomized and forcibly circumcised, property looted, an economy on the brink of collapse? Is it worth the postponement of schools opening and houses burning down? Is it worth people dying and being eaten by dogs because the insecurity is so great that no one can bury their dead? Is this the price to pay for justice? Will this price even accomplish justice?

At the end of it all, if Kenya goes up in smoke, it is the middle class that will be left holding the bag. The poor have nothing to loose – they will give it their all. The elite will take off – they won’t stick around to watch us kill each other. But the middle class – those of us who have imported cars, opened and expanded businesses, invested in houses, operate local bank accounts – we have a huge stake, and we shall be the ones that will loose the most.

And so any middle class Kenyan and investor, who is not in a position to be on the streets demonstrating, and who is not in a position to take the next available airplane out of the country, must ask themselves: “Is it worth sacrificing MY house, MY business, MY children – for the cause of justice? Once all these have gone up in smoke, then what?” Because don’t be fooled: sooner or later this violence will take a life of its own and anyone seen to have resources will be a target.

There are no easy answers to these difficult questions. Any one who is genuinely trying to seek for a solution to the current political impasse wrestles with these questions, and wrestles with answers to these questions – questions which no one should have to ask or face in their lifetime.

But I have had to ask myself: “How many people in the public political arena in Kenya today, are genuinely struggling with this?” With both sides accusing the other side of lying about issues ranging from tallying votes to Ugandan soldiers sighted in the country, from resolutions in the meeting with Kufuor to bandits dressed in police uniforms, how do we know who is speaking the truth? I wonder if anyone speaks the truth. And if there is no truth, we can’t achieve justice.

One person I have certainly lost any respect for, for being untruthful, is the newly appointed vice president of Kenya, Mr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka. As a self-proclaimed Bible believer and peace-maker, his recent actions have made a mockery of both. During the presidential race, he presented himself as the people’s servant, the good boy who loves truth and justice, the one who will miraculously make it to the presidency.

It seems Mr. Kalonzo was so anxious to know whether his miracle had occurred or not, that he pressured the ECK Chairman to release the presidential tally results, even when ECK was not ready to do so. And when he was offered the post of vice-president, he quickly accepted it, apparently in a bid to at least realize part of the miracle.

Kalonzo knows there is much controversy among Kenyans about him accepting the vice-presidency. Although he knows there are people questioning his intentions in this move, he still maintains that he will be the neutral peacemaker in the current situation. You and I know that this is impossible. I am sure that soon, just like Kibaki, he will tell us to “forget the past and move ahead in a spirit of reconciliation and reconstruction”.

The fact that Kalonzo accepted the vice-presidency – a day before mediation talks were to begin - was the start of the political hole that Kalonzo is now digging for himself. The position has no power and no influence. It is a yeah-sayer and face-saver function to the president. Kalonzo has sacrificed his voice for justice and peace on the altar of ambition for power – ironically for the powerless position of vice-presidency. He has shifted from being the people’s servant to being the president’s servant. He has been effectively silenced.

In the move to accept the vice-presidency, Kalonzo reportedly forgot to consult his party members. It seems that the disease of lack of consultation that overtook Kibaki in 2003 has infected Kalonzo as well. His lone ranger tactics do not auger well – and will cause him to dig his own hole faster and deeper.

If Kalonzo was truly concerned about the Kenyan nation and her people, he would have waited to accept any official role in the government until the mediation talks were over. Only in a neutral position would he have been able to serve as a peace-maker. Only then would he have been able to hold out for the truth and for justice.

As for Kalonzo, he has “Wiped” everything that he stood for during his campaigns. At least we know his true colours now. For him, it was solely about power. He was willing to pay nothing for justice. For him it was not worth it. And so, he has contributed greatly to the injustices we are seeing in Kenya today.

What about you - what price are you willing to pay for justice? Is it worth it?

We are in Kenya 1-02-08

2008-01-21T19:37:00.000-06:00

Just a very quick email about the situation with not a lot of time before we may be kicked off the Internet. It has been a very interesting, and long few days. We knew that the elections had taken place before we left. However, we did not know the trouble and situations that would follow. Our flights went as planned except for the fact that we were upgraded to Business Class all the way. That meant being able to sleep in a comfortable position during our 16 hours in the air. The meals were the same as in Economy Class but KLM has better food than most – even though we are not fans of airline food.

Once on the ground in Kenya we noticed a difference. The airport was not nearly as crowded as usual. We thought that was because of it being New Year’s Eve but were told that people had been told to stay off the roads etc.

Just before we got off the plane I mentioned to Ray that I had a feeling that two taxis would be there to meet us. I had inquired about the guesthouse taxi but had not made any firm plans and also the Principal at RITT has arranged for transport for us. God works in mysterious ways. Our regular driver from Eldoret was not able to come to Nairobi because of all the violence and mob justice. The driver from the guesthouse was at the airport to pick us up. The streets were virtually empty. Our driver drove very fast. It is quite unusual for Nairobi city to have no pedestrians and traffic!!! Usually there is more traffic and people than you really want to see. Later we began hearing about all the rioting, looting, burning and slaughter of people.

We were very tired and slept very well that first night. The next morning a friend came to visit and we also talked to the principal from RITT. We were able to call him in Eldoret. We found out that they are not able to call Nairobi from Eldoret. We plan to call him again on Thursday morning. He told us he thought it would be safe for us to fly up to Eldoret and for them to pick us up at the Eldoret airport. We found out that all domestic flights had been cancelled and also the rail service. Private vehicles were not on the roads but some taxi transports were still trying to be out and about without much success. Then we began hearing reports that all of Eldoret was burning. Of course, we immediately became very concerned about our friends up in Eldoret.

We received a visit from a CRWRC person and a phone call from the East Africa Team Leader telling us that we were not to leave Nairobi and it would be best to stay put at the guesthouse compound. We weren’t too happy about this but knew that it was in our best interest and agreed to do so. We had a cousin who planned to fly into Nairobi early on Wednesday morning and we planned to do a few day safari before going up to Eldoret to begin our work. As the situation became more unstable here in Kenya we decided that we had better try to call Nelle before she got on her plane in Cairo to tell her not to come – that it was not safe – that we would not be able to meet her at the airport (although we certainly would have gone to the airport to get her if we had not been able to reach her before her flight). We had an “all points” bulletin out to all the relatives to try to contact her as we could not get a hold of her on her cell phone. Someone did manage to get a hold of her from the US and she was able to email us that she had cancelled her flight to Nairobi . What a disappointment for us and her. We had called the travel agent to tell them that we had been told by our agency not to leave Nairobi . So now we are trying to see what our alternatives will be for another safari so we don’t all lose the $$ we put into it. (Anyone want to go on a safari at a later date with us?? With tourists canceling in Kenya it probably wouldn’t be hard to get a reservation.)

We then started hearing that 100’s and 100’s of people have been killed and lots more injured in the Eldoret area. Thousands are homeless and we are very concerned for our house manager. Who knows when we will get up there? We will have some decisions to make in conjunction with CRWM. Right now we feel safe at the guesthouse where we are. We have a 9’x14’ room with two twin beds and a sink. We originally had a larger room with our own shower and toilet but decided it would be best for us to move so that a family with small children could have those facilities. We now share a bath and shower with other guests who are arriving all the time because of evacuating from where they live. A Dutch couple from Eldoret just arrived tonight and we hope to talk to them in the morning about the situation there.

We have been able to see some of the news on CNN and get some news on the Internet. Tomorrow there is a big rally in Nairobi for the opposition party – the party who lost. It is true that the elections were truly rigged but we believe it was on both sides. There is a lot more we could be said. A lot more will be understood by us after tomorrow and we should know more the direction we will head. R ventured out for a power walk today – he really has cabin fever. (Right now he is watching a game on TV in the lounge.) I don’t think I would have felt safe out for a walk. He did talk to one of our Catholic sister friends and she has been here for over 40 years and said they were not going out either. Fuel supplies are getting low and a lot of the grocery supplies are emptying out of the stores. Uganda has suspended its flights because it depends on fuel from Kenya and the tankers are not on the roads to deliver fuel or food supplies. We have heard that a lot of people are “camping” out at the airport in Mombassa because they have no other place to go. I am sure that may be the same at the Nairobi airport.

We have tried to call our children in the US but have not been able to get a connection beyond Kenya .

Fortunately, we know that some of our emails have been getting through although even those lines are congested and the Internet is very slow. We took our laptop along with us and are able to connect to wireless from our room – we will see how long that is possible. For now we feel safe and secure but tomorrow may be a different story. We know that God is in control and since we are not “new/inexperienced” on the field, we are not worried for our safety at this time. We will just roll with whatever comes along and make decisions accordingly that will not jeopardize our safety or the safety of others.

More later. Pray for wisdom, justice, peace and love to reign in this dear country.

Pix of our New England States Trip

2007-12-19T21:33:00.000-06:00

2007-10-17T10:54:00.000-05:00

OUR VISION & MISSION

Vision: Numerous Bible colleges, seminaries and Christian schools have been established by Evangelical Mission Agencies in developing countries. Many of these institutions could significantly improve the level of their educational programs, and the quality of their graduates, by developing quality library resource centers. Our goal is to help them do so.

Mission: To improve the quality of education in Christian Mission institutions in developing countries by providing the expertise needed to establish and develop up-to-date library information resource centers and services.

OUR STORY

More than forty years ago we were given the incredible opportunity to serve in Nigeria for Christian Reformed World Missions where we worked for eight years (1964-1972) at Mkar Teachers’ College and a brief time at Hillcrest School. It changed our lives forever. We always hoped that we would be able to return to mission work at some point in our lives. Now that we are retired our desire has been realized!

For the first twenty two years after we returned from Nigeria, we carried on our lives in a rather typical fashion. Ray was a Christian School principal in Oshawa, Ontario for two years. During that time he completed his requirements for a Masters Degree in Library and Information Science. We then returned to the U.S. and he became Director of Library and Media services for a school district in Park Ridge, Illinois. Barbara’s first priority was being a stay-at-home mom while our three children grew up. As the children grew up, she ventured into the business world where she became an administrative assistant in one of Waste Management’s corporate departments. But the desire to return to mission work remained deeply imbedded in our hearts.

In 1994, The State of Illinois offered qualified educators a one time early retirement incentive by adding five additional years of service. After a quick check on our finances, we realized that this was an opportunity of a lifetime that would give us a chance to return to some type of volunteer mission work. With that in mind, Ray retired in 1994 and Barbara followed two years later, in 1996.

Our first volunteer mission service was to help build a recording studio for Audio Scripture Ministries in Nairobi, Kenya in 1996. We were smitten! We knew then, as we still know, that we want to be of service as volunteer missionaries as long as we have opportunities to do so, and God blesses us with good health and energy. We discovered that there is a great need in the mission world for assistance in building up library services. Since that time, we have served for twenty two stints of a few weeks to a school year in organizing, expanding and improving libraries in evangelical theological colleges, mission schools and other institutions in underdeveloped areas of the world. We have volunteered not only for Audio Scripture Ministries in Nairobi, Kenya, but at Rosslyn Academy in Nairobi for the 1997/98 school year. Ray was Info/Media Specialist and Barbara taught computer classes to grades 4-12. We also set up libraries in Rehoboth, New Mexico, Heritage International Christian School in Uganda, Pacific Islands Bible College on the Island of Guam in the Western Pacific Ocean, Reformed Institute for Theological Training in Eldoret, Kenya, and Christian College of Theology in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

CURRENT CHALLENGES

We are dedicated to help develop a critically important area in missions today—to improve and modernize the libraries in theological colleges and other mission institutions in developing countries. Christian Reformed World Missions has appointed us as long term volunteers serving as theological library consultants. To that end, we are still providing leadership in developing the libraries at the Christian College of Theology Bangladesh (CCTB) and the Reformed Institute for Theological Training (RITT) in Kenya and the Pacific Islands Bible College (PIBC) in Guam/Chuuk.

We are also undertaking a substantial new mission endeavor. Under the auspices of Christian Reformed World Missions, we are providing the leadership to develop a network of Christian librarians to work alongside us to strengthen libraries in mission institutions in developing countries. The formation of the network is just in its in initial stages and is a formidable challenge and task. It is a collaborative project by CRWM and Reformed Church of America World Missions.

Our work will most likely increase in the future. It is our intent to continue to work in developing countries as much as possible. However, we also recognize that our organizational leadership is needed to develop the Christian Librarian’s Network which will potentially improve the quality of education offered at theological colleges and other mission institutions in developing countries. It is our prayer that other retired Christian librarians will share our vision, and some will be willing to go on short term volunteer mission trips to mission institutions in developing countries, or assist in other ways.

We are excited by the challenge of serving God, missions and our fellowman through our unique ministry. Theological schools and other mission institutions in developing countries recognize that they need to organize and access the ever increasing amount of theological information available both in books and through the use of electronic sources. We are thankful that God has equipped us to assist them by bringing their libraries into the 21^st century.

Strengthening Libraries in Christian Institutions in Developing Countries

2007-09-10T13:13:00.000-05:00

Strengthening Libraries in Christian Institutions in
Developing Countries

Invitation

A network of volunteer Christian librarians is being formed to support the development of libraries in evangelical Christian educational institutions in developing countries. To that end, we would like to invite you to a meeting to learn more about how we, as Christian librarians, can help support these libraries. Although this is a joint project of the Reformed Church of America and the Christian Reformed Church of North America, any interested Christian librarian is welcome to attend.

The need: A growing number of Bible schools, seminaries and K-12 Christian schools recognize that their libraries are outdated, poorly organized, and have almost no viability in the Information Age. Requests for help have come from several institutions around the world. As word is getting out that help may be available, the number of inquiries for help is increasing.

Purpose of the meeting: To establish a pool of volunteer librarians and other interested supporters who are willing to assist in the development of these libraries. Your attendance would be greatly appreciated. If you know of any others who might be interested in receiving an invitation to this meeting please let us know immediately.

Objectives of the meeting:

1. Learn about the project. Major program areas of potential assistance include institutional and staff development, collection development, and information resources development. Reaction and input are invited.
2. Review specific ministry opportunities: How could you get involved in supporting a specific need? Would you consider spending a few weeks in a developing country? If you are willing to do so, what do you need to know about appointments and financing? If you are unable to work on-site in a developing country, what are some other ways you can support the Network?
3. Discuss some of the unique challenges of working internationally and cross-culturally as a librarian.
4. Suggestions as to where we go from here. Are there others that you may know of that might be interested in joining the network?

Meeting details:

When: November 3, 2007
9:00-12:00 AM
Lunch will be provided.

Where: Christian Reformed World Missons
2850 Kalamazoo S.E.
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49506

RSVP to Ray Bouma no later than October 15, 2007. If you have any questions regarding this project or need directions, etc., please contact me:
Phone: (630) 279-1278
Email: boumar@crcna.org

Alaska Pictures

2007-07-05T20:43:00.001-05:00

Our trip to Alaska was fantastic! On June 16 we flew from Chicago to Anchorage.
June 17, Day 1 we rented a car and the first day drove north 237 miles to Denali National Park. We went on a whitewater raft trip that had #3 & 4 rapids. The water was 35 degrees. We wore dry suits but because we were in the front of the raft we really got soaked with the cold water.

Day 2 took us on a full day bus tour of Denali National Park with views of Mt McKinley (Denali).

Day 3 we headed north 124 miles to Fairbanks where we went on an afternoon tour to El Dorado Gold Mine. The next morning (Day 4) we enjoyed a riverboat cruise. We then drove 234 miles to McKinley Princess Lodge. That day we had a spectacular view of Mt. McKinley in all of its glory.

Day 5 we took a two hour horse drawn wagon ride, made 'smores over an open fire, saw reindeer, etc. We then drove 173 miles to Girdwood where we stayed overnight at the Alyeska Prince Hotel. There we enjoyed the pool.

Day 6 we enjoyed a ride up Mt. Alyeska on the Tram. Brenden was able to do some hiking up the mountain in the snow. We then drove 95 miles to Seward. We stopped in Whittier enroute and enjoyed going through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. It is a one way tunnel - cars are allowed to go through every half hour (on the hour going one way and on the half hour going the other way). Cars share the tunnel with the train from Anchorage. When the train goes through the tunnel all vehicle traffic is stopped.

Day 7 we took a spectacular cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park. We saw the mile long Aialik Glacier - it is over 300 feet tall and icebergs. We had lunch on the boat and then a grilled salmon dinner on Fox Island at night before returning to the Seward harbor.

Day 8 we enjoyed the Alaska Sealife Center and then drove 127 miles back to Anchorage.

Day 9 we enjoyed the day touring Anchorage. We enjoyed the museum and then went to Flat Top Mountain to do some climbing or hiking. After that it was to the beach to throw rocks.

Day 10 our flight left at 2:30am in the morning and we arrived back in Chicago about 6pm in the evening. We were supposed to arrive earlier but we had to be diverted to Milwaukee (after circling over O'Hare for over an hour) because of strong wind shears in Chicago. They weren't allowing any planes to land and we were running low on fuel. So we sat on the plane in Milwaukee until it was safe to fly into O'Hare.

While in Alaska we:
--saw beautiful flowers, wildlife (bears, moose, reindeer, puffins, harbor seals, whales, colorful fish, etc.), mountains and other scenery.
--went river rafting, mountain hiking, took the Discovery Paddle Wheel to see Susan Butcher's ididarod dog team, saw where the glacier waters and the ocean waters met, went to an Athabaskan village, panned for gold, and rode a train through a permafrost tunnel.
--took an all day boat trip to the Aialik Glacier by the Harding Icefields in the Kenai Fjord National Park.
--fed reindeer and became reindeer.
--saw glaciers and icebergs.
--relaxed and used the hotel pools.
--took an all day bus tour to Denali National Park. On the way home we were caught in a rock slide and had to wait until a plow could push the rock over the side of the mountain before we could continue on.
--were fortunate that we saw Mt. McKinley in ALL of its glory. Only 20% get to see some of the mountain and 10% get to see all of it. We were in the 10%!!!
--saw the Alaska pipe line.
--watched salmon swim up river to spawn. We also ate lots of fresh fish. The salmon and halibut were delicious.
It was truly a trip of a life time. Our grandson, Brenden, went with us. It was his graduation gift for graduating in the top 5% of his HS class.

Updated: Wedding Pictures and What Has Been Happening?

2007-06-13T17:15:00.000-05:00

The Groom (Scott)

The Bride (Charli)

The four kids (Harmony, Lisa, Josh and Cuyler) were their attendants

It was an outside garden wedding

The Wedding Singers (Allison and Lisa)

Bride, Groom, Groom's mother (Barb, Scott's dad was in the hospital but was with the bride and groom in prayer and spirit)

Groom, Bride and theirs kids
(Scott, Charli, Josh, Cuyler, Lisa, Harmony)

Bride and Groom

The Cake (others were like it)

We returned from Guam. R wasn't feeling well. Found out he had a very serious subdural hematoma. We were told that he is lucky to be alive. He had surgery (two burr holes drilled in his head to relieve the pressure). He had a seizure the night after surgery - this is not unusual. He came home 5 days later and a day and a half after that had seizures at 3am in the morning. So I called the paramedics and he was taken back to the hospital. Seems his dilantin levels were too low. He had to miss our son's wedding in our backyard because of the surgery.

The hematoma was the result of a fall he had on March 9th. He slipped on black ice and landed on his head. Had 8 stitches put in above his eye. The hematoma built up over the next 8 weeks.

He is doing well. His legs feel a bit weak - might be the cause of all the pressure that was on his brain. He also has some permanent neurological damage and will have to be on dilantin the rest of his life since he will be prone to seizures. The dilantin should control the seizures. Thank goodness the seizures are not life threatening! I will be doing the driving for the next six months. We don't anticipate any more seizures but you never know. We have a fast absorbing gel that we can take with us when we are away from home in case he has a seizure.

The wedding was beautiful. It was hard not having R there beside me but I was just so thankful that God was in control and R was alive and getting better. Our new daughter-in-law is a wonderful addition to our family. (See pictures above)

All the kids and grandkids are doing well. Several graduations this month (Brenden, Harmony and Lisa).

Guam 07

2007-04-20T16:38:00.000-05:00

Wow! Time flies when you are working hard! I arrived safely and on time. The typhoon missed Guam and then headed toward Saipan and then eastward heading away from Tokyo. Although we had a bit of turbulence while flying, we did okay time wise. We flew quite far south out of Tokyo before heading east toward Guam in order to get around the storm. It really covered a large area over the Pacific Ocean.

We have been really busy preparing and teaching our courses. Ray teaches Research Skills M-F afternoons in the Library from 2:30-5pm and that is the same time I teach Keyboarding and Introduction to Computers in the computer lab. My course includes word-processing, databases, spreadsheets, brochures, etc. etc. On Tues. and Thurs. the students come either to the Library or the Lab to work on their assignments and projects, to ask questions, etc. 2 1/2 hours is a long time to have to teach and keep the students occupied. We are both wiped out at the end of the day. We stay at the apartment mornings to prepare and then spend our afternoons at the College. I have been away from computer basics for a long time so it has been a lot of work to catch up with what is new.

The Lab computers are a constant challenge. Today 3 of the computers wouldn't work, two keyboards would not work and one computer would not save. HELP!! They were supposed to have new. There are PCs, MACs, IMACs and Linux in the lab. All with different operating systems. HELP!! To top that off, there were four different word-processing programs on the different computers. We finally got it down to two (MSWord for PC and MAC and OpenOffice). When I was asked if I would teach the course at the College again they told me that all of the computers had OpenOffice (which I had never heard of but learned). Then I get here and surprise, surprise!!

I have 11 students. Some know a bit about computers and keyboarding. Some know nothing. However, we have to have them all in the same class. You know how that goes. You don't want to go to fast for those who know nothing and you don't want to bore those who know something. So you ROLL, ROLL, ROLL. It is a lot of work as I am trying to teach both wp programs at the same time. I find I type out a lot of "How TO" handouts for the students. It keeps me out of mischief, keeps me very busy preparing and teaching, but I am feeling challenged and enjoying it. I certainly have not had time to get bored. I believe Ray feels the same way about his Research course. So life is busy, fun, rewarding, relaxing at times (I don't know exactly when), and challenging and we are loving it.

2007-03-15T09:19:00.000-05:00

Bangladesh 2007

If we have calculated correctly, we have just completed our 21st mission trip since we began in 1996. The trips have varied in length—from five weeks to four and a half months. Our most recent trip to Bangladesh (our 4th) was one of our shorter trips—lasting only five weeks. Although the time was short, we were able to accomplish much of what we had set out to do while we were there. We are always introspective about the importance and value of our contribution to the institution we are supporting. We set goals and hold ourselves accountable, asking questions like: Has our work been worthwhile? Is it sustainable? Have the people we work with seen Christ in us? Have we been relational?

Our work primarily focuses on the development of libraries in small theological institutions that are struggling to produce pastors and other church workers for their congregations in developing countries. On this trip we continued to assist in the development of the library at the College of Christian Theology in Bangladesh (CCTB). The College only has thirteen students this year (Four M.A. and nine B.Th.). They are mature and serious Christian leaders who come from a variety of evangelical Bangladesh churches. Many are already pastors who want to gain more theological knowledge. Some have limited English knowledge, but they all have an energetic desire to serve God.

What did we do?
·Rearranged the library’s collection to make it more useful and accessible.
·Explained to the students how information is organized in the library. Some of the students knew almost nothing about libraries.

·Taught research strategies and the basics of writing a research paper.
·Had two-two hour work sessions with the faculty to teach them how to make better use of the library in their instruction.
·Quadrupled access to the Internet through the purchase of three new cell phones.

·Introduced the Internet to the students (and some of the faculty). Demonstrated how to use it and its value for finding theological information, including some in the Bengali language!
·Cataloged difficult materials, including books in the Bengali language with translation help from our Bengali library assistant.
·Provided materials to enable the College to develop policies and procedures for the library.
·Developed personal relationships with some of the students.

·Put the library’s collection information on the Internet. It can be accessed at www.Libraryworld.com/opac Library: type in CCTB (no password needed). Why don’t you take a look? Try searching a few theological words. Don’t forget to sign out when finished.
·In addition to our work at CCTB, we also spent two days cataloging and adding books to the CRWRC library collection. It is one of the finest collections of relief agency materials in Bangladesh. Two years ago we put the CRWRC collection on the Internet. Interested in looking at it? Go to www.Libraryworld.com/opac and type in CRWRC. No password is needed. Try searching words like sustainability or microenterprise. It will give you some idea of the content of the library. Don’t forget to sign out.

Were we good emissaries?
Was our concern for them and the love of Christ demonstrated in our relationships with the students? Have we made a difference in their lives? We believe we have, but that is not for us to judge. If we thought otherwise, we would not put ourselves out to work in the difficult circumstances we have had to deal with while in Bangladesh.

We really appreciate your interest, prayers and support of our mission work. Our heartfelt appreciation to the Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church Mission Committee and individuals who have helped provide financial support. We wouldn’t be able to continue our work without you! Next mission trips: Guam/Chuuk (Ray – March 21; Barb – April 2) and Kenya (RITT) in October.

If you are interested in partnering with us, contributions can be made to Christian Reformed World Missions, 2850 Kalamazoo Ave. S.E., Grand Rapids, Michigan 49560. Indicate that your donation is for Ray and Barbara Bouma.

Blessings,
Ray and Barbara
http://rhbbdb.blogspot.com

2007-03-03T05:42:00.000-06:00

I so often wonder how people who do not have a personal relationship with Christ keep their sanity amid all the chaos, suffering and turmoil of Bangladesh. Then again we have been asked the question, “Why do you keep believing in the Lord Jesus Christ when you see all the misery around you and there doesn’t seem to be anything or anyone who can do anything about it?” Two very different outlooks on life in Bangladesh. Do the two have any kind of common point? He never promised us that it would be easy did he? He never promised that we wouldn’t suffer, panic, get sick, be in situations of danger, etc. etc. I am just so glad that I do have a faith and a Savior who I can go to who will calm my fears, allow me to sleep in peace at night and wake up refreshed with a new perspective on things believing that I am in His will. Today, or should I say this week was one of asking, “Please, Lord, just get me out of here – I can’t take it anymore, I want to go home.”

Why? We learned this past week that our previous house-lady had died suddenly from a heart attack at a young age leaving two small children. She was such a wonderful Christian, person and mother – why Lord? We saw a lady get hit by a car crossing the street – she looked to be in such great pain – why Lord is the traffic so horrific? We narrowly missed hitting pedestrians and other vehicles while traveling to and from work – why Lord do we have to travel these roads, but thanks that we have a driver and don’t have to drive ourselves. There was a huge fire in a downtown office building. We still don’t know how may died or were injured – some jumped to their deaths, some were burned alive, some are suffering because of serious injuries. They don’t have the equipment here to fight the fire, or the equipment to rescue people. Thousands in the streets watched in horror and people were burned, suffered, screamed, jumped, etc. What was the meaning in all of this?

There are a lot of squatters in Bangladesh – both with houses and businesses. The gov’t is knocking down illegal structures even if it is just an awning that sticks out too far. Yes, laws are being broken but people and families are suffering because of this. Why? Beggars all over the place. We are told that a lot of them belong to an association headed by a person who used to be a beggar himself and now is a millionaire. These beggars have to pay this man 30 taka per day from their begging and he takes care of them. It has been reported that he trains them what to say, gives them rags to wear, gives them children to beg with.

We came home and were getting out of the van when we heard gun shots. Ray was already on the other side of the car and in the garage and I was just getting out of the car. A guy came running out of the garage across the street from us, turned around and shot back into the garage and then hopped on the back of a motorcycle, shot up in the air and they rode off. It must have been one of those robberies where the six robbers knew that the man had 200,000 taka on him. They stole it from him and then two of them drove off on a motorcycle and the other 4 hopped in a van and drove off. They were less than 25 feet from me. I just froze - I guess I should have dove back into the van but I was in a state of shock and couldn't believe what was happening so I kind of froze and just sat there watching - not very smart. Oh well, thank God they didn't shoot at either Ray or me. It was more scary thinking back about it than when it was actually happening.

We went to Kapot’s (library assistant) home for dinner. They ate early because of us. They usually eat at 10:30pm but that night ate at 8:30pm instead. We had a wonderful dinner and enjoyed their company very much. His wife, Munni or Jennifer, is a such a sweet young lady. You can tell that they are very much in love. She took such pride in showing us their home. His aunt, uncle and cousin were there also. The uncle is a Muslim and the auntie and cousin are Christian as are Kapot and his wife. The uncle, auntie and cousin just returned to Bangladesh after living in the US for 12 years. Their visas expired and they stayed on illegally for a while and then had to leave. They are truly wonderful people. The 23 year old cousin is having a horrible time adjusting to life in Bangladesh again. She was only 11 years old when they left so most of her years were spent in the US. She was a sophomore at Oklahoma State. She just wants out of here and back to the US. I can’t say I blame her at all. Facing life here on a permanent basis with the way it is, living under restrictions where young women can’t go out in groups at night, wearing the Bengali dress, would be a disaster. We wish we could think of some way to get her out of here but she really needs to get a proper visa to get back to the US. We are praying that she will find a way.

The meal that Kapot and Munni prepared for us was delicious. Rice cooked with sautéed onions and garlic plus some green chili. Chicken, beef and fish cooked in wonderful sauces, spiced vegetables, fried egg plant – my mouth is watering just thinking about it. Then for desert we had diced fruit in a wonderful coconut type sauce. We are taking them out this week to dinner at a restaurant because we do not have any cooking facilities where we are.

What's my conclusion? I am happy, I am in God's will, I am being blessed abundantly in so many ways with meeting so many wonderful people (both Christian and Muslim), I am making a difference in a small way which is my goal in life. God is good all the time.

Bangladesh

2007-02-14T10:12:00.000-06:00

Technology is amazing even here in Bangladesh! I am sitting in our room watching "American Idol" on the TV and our laptop is online via a cell phone. We purchased 3 Internet cell phones for the CCTB library so that we could be on the Internet. Tonight we took one home and it is wonderful to sitting here with a good connection - even though slower than the US. I will not complain - cuz' it works!!!!!

The rains have started early this year. It has not hindered us because it has been raining either while we are at work or during the night. This has made for very comfortable days and nights the last few days. The rice paddies are beautifully green, the flowers are gorgeous and there are lots of different fruits available this time of year. We have been eating lots of bananas, apples, pears, melons, grapes, paw paw etc. I have been looking for custard apples but haven't found any yet. There are also pomegranates, guava etc. - yum.

The library at CCTB has improved since Ray arrived on the scene and did some moving around of things, given classes on the Internet, etc. to the students and talked to a lot of staff. He will have the faculty in the library next week for orientation. I also did some library consulting one day for CRWRC - to help Melissa Bos catch up since they returned from furlough in November. With two small children it has been hard for her to accomplish much.

We have been sick with colds and congestion. Some of it is what is going around and part from all of the pollution. I have been taking allergy meds every day just to get through the day - especially when in the CCTB library with all the dirt and dust. However, we are starting to feel a bit better - it was one of those viruses that really wipe you out.

We are getting used to this culture once again. You just have to get used to feeling dirty all the time. Also getting used to the local dress again although I still don't like to wear the layers. However, it does make you feel dressed up and not stick out. If I do wear regular clothes, I make sure the tops are very long and I always wear the orna (long scarf).

We have been eating our breakfasts at the guesthouse since that is included in our room and board. We pack a lunch to eat where ever we are at lunch time - mostly CCTB. At night we have been trying the local restaurants in our area since sometime there are just too many people in the guestroom dining room and after a day out with the teeming millions we just don't feel like being surrounded by more people. The food has been pretty good and we have not gotten sick yet. We also have opportunity to go to the American Club and eat - that is always a treat.

We have our laundry done by the housekeeping staff at the guesthouse. The soap here is very strong and things are quickly fading or bleeding because of it. That's why we don't take too many clothes along that we worry about losing or ruining. There are no dryers so clothes tend to "grow" as time goes by.

Most evening we are pretty tired as we get up early. The call to worship (Muslim) comes early each morning just as it is beginning to get light - most morning we wake up to it. We do run the a/c at night because otherwise it is too noisy with dogs, cats, calls to worship, horns peeping, guard whistles blowing etc. We are living behind barred windows, slide locks on the doors, gated communities/houses and guards. We have a Bangladeshi man who is our driver. He takes us to Savar each day (about 45-60 minutes away), waits for us until we come home again which is around 4:30p or so. Then it is another 45-60 minute ride home through horrendous traffic and traffic jams to say nothing of the rickshaws, taxis, motorcycle type taxis, people, etc. It has only grown worse since we were here 2 years ago.

Friday morning we are taking a boat cruise again down to the Sundarbans. This is a local boat - pretty primitive (metal bunks, shared toilets and showers, no screens etc.). Last time Ray's feet stuck out the window into the hall and his head was out over the side of the boat over the water. However, we had such a great time 3 years ago that we decided it was worth it to go for a long weekend with Jeff, Missy, Isaac and Sophia Bos. The Sundarbans are where the Bengal tigers are - we hope we see some this time.

Well, that should be it for now - this got longer than I intended. Blessings to all of you.

2007-01-18T16:08:00.000-06:00

1/18/07
Time for an update. We had a wonderful Christmas and New Year celebrating with family and friends. It is always such a fun time when the children and grandchildren are here for dinner and fellowship. What a blessing they all are to us. We don’t do a lot in the line of gifting – the grandkids each get something from each family and the adults draw names. We try to concentrate on the real meaning of Christmas – Jesus being born in a lowly manager and then crucified so that we might have eternal life. Next year, since our two oldest grandchildren are graduating from high school, we ill have two more adults in our name draw.

That is right, two high school graduates this year. Last we heard they were both thinking medical field –one in nursing and and the other as a physician. We are so proud of both of them. They have brought GREAT joy to our lives as have the other 6. All of them do very well in school and since we have a policy of giving them $$ for their grades each quarter, grandpa might just have to get a job that pays real money as the grandkids are earning much, much money!!

Our children are also doing well. Our oldest was just promoted to Senior Director of IT where he works. Brings additional benefits but also additional stress and expectations. His wife keeps the home fires going and does a bit of work for the business they own on the side. The second is still with WM – in 4 years he can retire with full retirement benefits. (When did they grow up?) His fiancé is an aquatic director at a suburban YMCA– they have set a wedding date of May 19th 2007. She and her boys have brought a lot of joy into our family. Our son-in-law continues his work in accounting. He has taken three of four CPA tests so far (the last being two days ago) and has passed all of them. Our daughter continues in radiology. Wow, they are all so very busy – makes me tired just to watch them run around – guess we did it too, didn’t we? We are so proud and thankful for each and every one of them and the added dimensions, blessings and joys they bring to our lives in their unique ways. God is so good!!

We were able to spend 10 days in Mexico at our son's condo. We had some fun time and some work time – painted the master bath and bedroom. It is a work in progress, great place to be and a wonderful investment for him. Also took a ride to Totas Santos for lunch, walked the beach, drove into Cabo, etc.

We’ve done a number of things at home since returning from Kenya. New ceiling fan in the bedroom (decided not to run the night we returned), new dishwasher (caught it just before a big leak occurred), painted the living room (it was beginning to look tired) etc. etc. Always something to do – the work is never ending. We are just so thankful that we are both healthy and other than age related problems are doing fantastic. We do find that we aren’t able to do as much as we used to.

We plan to leave for Bangladesh on January 28th. Right now Bangladesh is under a “state of emergency” because of upcoming elections. Therefore, although we continue to pack as usual, we also are aware that our plans could change at any minute. We are able to “roll” pretty well with what ever is set before us. We are looking forward to renewing acquaintances with friends in Bangladesh, and would be disappointed if we were not able to do so.

We covet your prayers for travel and safety as well as your love, concern and support.

Blessings to all of you, R & B

Christian Librarian's Network

2006-12-21T11:14:00.000-06:00

Strengthening Libraries in Christian Institutions in Developing Countries

The Library Support Network is an especially exciting development because it is a cooperative mission effort by Christian Reformed World Missions and Reformed Church of America World Missions. Other evangelical missions and support organizations have also indicated an interest in joining this endeavor. This is a great opportunity for evangelical Christians to work together to help improve the institutions throughout the world that produce the pastors, teachers, and others who have made Christ the Lord of their lives!

Library Support Network

Mission: To advance the educational endeavor of Christian institutions in developing countries by establishing viable 21st century library /information resource centers and services.

Vision: Numerous Bible Colleges, seminaries and Christian day schools have been established in developing countries. Oftentimes, due to economic priorities and other factors, these institutions have paid scant attention to developing adequate libraries and information resources needed to support their educational programs. Some of these institutions have only a minimal understanding of the value of a quality library/information center and do not know where to begin to improve it. Others need to develop a quality library/information center to get institutional accreditation. Those institutions that have an understanding of the value and need for library and information resources will be provided an opportunity to receive the assistance and support of Christian professional librarians to enable their libraries to become an accessible, organized and information based component of their educational program.

What are some of the library needs of the Mission educational institutions in developing countries?

In many situations, the institution’s library is not much more than a storeroom for a small collection of donated books. Generally, the books and other library materials are not organized at all, or an attempt has been made to organize the materials by a well meaning person with minimal library knowledge. Oftentimes, the collections are old, in poor physical condition, not very helpful to support the curriculum, and seldom used.

Institutional and staff development:

Areas of potential assistance include:

Making an assessment the institution’s library.
Providing basic information regarding how to develop a viable library/information resource center using up-to-date library technology and information systems.
Helping the administration and faculty to understand that a well organized library of sufficient size, breadth and composition is an essential component of the institution’s instructional program.
Providing suggestions to the faculty regarding how to incorporate the use of the library in their instruction.
Developing an understanding of the increasing role of information technology in libraries.
Providing appropriate criteria and procedures for library personnel selection, training, continuing education and evaluation.
Providing assistance in the hiring of librarians and/or library support staff.
Teaching the librarian (who oftentimes has minimal library knowledge) basic library skills and knowledge necessary to provide adequate services.
Teaching students library research skills.
Making arrangements for in-depth, on-site training by a professional librarian.

Collection Development:

Areas of potential assistance include:

Developing a book collection which is of sufficient quantity and quality to support the curriculum as well as the interests of the students, staff and accreditation agency.
Developing selection policy guidelines.
Suggesting reference materials which are generally understandable to students and staff who speak English as a second language.
Implementing a computerized cataloging/circulation system for the library holdings.
Establishing a non-book collection, including CD-ROMs, DVDs, video cassettes, audio cassettes, etc.
Making arrangements for in-depth, on-site training by a professional librarian.

Information Resources Development:

Most mission educational institutions are located in areas where the Internet is available. In many situations the potential value of the Internet as an information resource is not fully understood by the institution. Computers are available in most institutions, but oftentimes are donated older models.

Areas of potential assistance include:

Acquainting the staff and students with the educational resources available on CD-ROMs.
Obtaining Internet access (if available) and incorporating it into the library/Information Resource Center.
Demonstrating the educational value of the Internet to the administration and faculty.
Acquainting faculty and students with the free public domain books and periodicals available on the Internet.
Helping faculty and students become more discerning in the use of the Internet in regard to the value and credibility of the information.
Teaching computer skills—especially word processing.
Arranging for the necessary expertise needed to develop Internet based distance education. (Yes, many of the institutions of higher learning in the developing world are interested in this!)
Making arrangements for in-depth, on-site training by a professional librarian.

Who are invited to participate in the Library Support Network?

Any Christian librarian who has a heart for missions is invited to participate.

Following are a few suggestions of areas of possible involvement. There could be many more.

Retired librarians:

Retirees who are willing to share some of their knowledge, expertise and time would be most helpful. Assistance would be welcome in a variety of areas of need. Network volunteers could help out while remaining at home or by providing in-depth, on-site assistance at an institution in a developing country. Retired librarians who generally have more flexible schedules and a huge amount of accumulated knowledge and expertise can be of great help in building up libraries in developing countries. Those who are willing to do short term volunteer mission work (6 to 8 weeks) at a mission institution in a developing country are especially needed. If going on a short mission trip is not possible, there are many other ways to support the libraries. For example, some librarian retirees look for good quality library materials and arrange to send them to needy institutions. In another situation a retired librarian catalogs books at home, sends the cataloging information electronically, and arranges for the books to be sent to the institution she is assisting.

Librarians currently working:

Currently employed Christian librarians are encouraged to participate in the network. Some possible contributions include gathering books and other library materials that are no longer needed and delivering them to a central distribution center, providing advice and assistance to a Mission educational institution expressing a need for help, and becoming a partner with a Mission educational institution in a developing country.

Library Support workers, i.e., paraprofessional library workers and friends of the library support network:

Paraprofessionals and friends could provide some major support services, including approaching individuals (e.g. retiring pastors), libraries and other organizations that are willing to donate books and other library materials, and preparing them for shipping, etc.

A Personal Note:

As a retired professional librarian, I and my very supportive wife, Barbara, have been privileged to assist a number of Christian institutions in developing countries organize or improve their libraries. During the past ten years, we have worked in ten different libraries and taken eighteen short term mission trips (six weeks to five and a half months). At the current time, we are volunteering at three mission institutions each year in very different areas of the world: Pacific Islands Bible Colleges (PIBC) in Guam and Chuuk, the Reformed Institute for Theological Training (RITT) in Kenya, and the College of Christian Theology Bangladesh (CCTB). We usually spend about two months at each of these colleges each year. We have also helped organize four Christian school libraries (Uganda, Kenya, Bangladesh and Rehoboth, NM), as well as two special libraries in Bangladesh (a Christian hospital library and the CRWRC library).

We have firsthand knowledge of the great need to help Mission educational institutions in developing countries gain an understanding of the importance of having viable library/information resource centers. It is our intent to continue to make our services available as long as God blesses us with health and energy. It is our hope that other Christian librarians with a heart for missions will be willing to assist in meeting this great need.

Please contact us if you might be interested in helping out, or if you have any questions. We will arrange to meet with you to determine how we can work together to develop the network.

Ray and Barbara Bouma

Christian Library Support Network

rabobabo@sbcglobal.net

Photo Album

2006-12-13T13:57:00.000-06:00

Kenya - Ray and Barbara with
Rev. Ariko Ekitala, RITT's Principal

Kenya - RITT's New Library Resource Centre (LRC)

Kenya - Students Moving Furniture into the LRC

Kenya - Shelving Books in the LRC

Kenya - Students had Fun Moving
the Books from the Old Library to the LRC

Kenya - One Student is Pleased to Display the Book
He has Selected

Kenya - Second Year RITT Students with Their Lecturer

Kenya - Moving from the Old Library to the LRC

Kenya - Student Carrying Systematic
Theology Books to the LRC

Kenya - Students and Staff Celebrate the Opening
of the LRC

Kenya - Ice Cream Social with the RITT Students

Kenya - Main Road to RITT

Kenya - Kalenjin Woman

Kenya - Ray and Ian Mugging for Camera

Kenya - "The Narrow Gate" - RITT's Only
Amusement Park Ride

Kenya - Meshach, Son of One of Our RITT Students

Kenya - Neighbor Children Gathering Wood

Kenya - Benard, a RITT Student, and Family at Home

Kenya - Benard's Daughter and Friends Enjoy
Seeing Themselves

Kenya - Zebra and Wildebeast at
Masai Mara Watering Hole

Kenya - Lioness at Masai Mara Game Reserve

Kenya - E. African Superb Starling

Kenya - E. African Crested Cranes - They Walked
in Our Yard Each Day

Guam - PIBC Library

Guam - PIBC Student Field Days

Guam - PIBC Graduates Adorned with Gifts

Guam - PIBC 2006 Graduates

Guam - Ray and Barbara with Stella, a PIBC Student

Guam - PIBC Students Returning from Picnic

Tol - Chuukese Outer Island where PIBC's
Other College is Located

Burmese/Chin Festival, Frederick MD
L-R: Barbara, Ray, Morris Mang

Chin Festival - L-R: Ray, Barbara and Burmese Friends

Burmese Festival - Miss Chin 2006

Bangladesh - CCTB New Library

Bangladesh - CCTB New Library

Kenyan Sunset

Kenyan Rainbow

Ray and Barbara

Christmas 2006 - How can it be?

2006-12-11T20:22:00.000-06:00

Looking back on the months gone by,
As a new year starts and an old one ends,
We contemplate what brought us joy,
And we think of our loved ones and our friends.
Excerpt from a poem by Joanna Fuchs

Check out our Photo Album Above!

How can it be? Another year is almost history! Yes, we have been blessed again this past year with good health, a wonderfully supportive family, and perhaps most importantly, being given an opportunity to serve God through our mission work. As we get older, each year becomes more precious. We sometimes wonder: “Is this too much? Should we slow down? We’re far too busy. Let’s ‘really’ retire. Maybe we shouldn’t go to developing countries where good quality medical assistance is nearly nonexistent. Time to sit back and let others take over.” However, we always come to the same conclusion—that God still has a purpose for us in our lives. We continue to have a vision to provide our services in a vitally important area in missions today—to help improve and modernize the libraries in theological colleges and other mission institutions in developing countries.

During the past year, we went on three volunteer mission trips of about seven weeks each: From January to March and September to early November we continued our work at the Reformed Institute for Theological Training (RITT) near Eldoret, Kenya. In April and May we took our ninth trip to the Pacific Islands Bible College (PIBC) in Guam and Chuuk. We are under annual appointment by Christian Reformed World Missions as long-term volunteer consultants.

Our work at RITT is progressing nicely. When we arrived in January, thanks to the support and work of Partners Worldwide, the new Library Resource Centre (LRC) building was nearing completion. Therefore, we had to work in the cramped temporary library until it was ready, but were able to make a good start in computerizing the collection. During that time, a work group from the U.S. installed a ceiling in the LRC/administration building. The library was ready for occupancy, but a major obstacle remained. It had no shelving or furniture, and funds were not available to purchase or make them. When we left, the bare library facility could not be used, although it was dedicated in April. Hundreds of Reformed Church of East Africa (RCEA) people came to the dedication. To many of them, it was a symbol of hope for the resurgence of the RCEA denomination!

From September to early November, we spent another seven weeks at RITT. Some generous U.S. donors had provided money for shelving and furniture, which had been ordered and were expected shortly. Wrong. Half of the shelving arrived—but only about ten days before we were scheduled to leave. e did make good use of our time while we waited by continuing to develop the collection, establishing LRC policies and procedures and working with the faculty and students to make better use of the library. A few days before we left, we were able to move into the new library, even though we hadn’t received the rest of the shelving and most of the furniture. We are planning to return to RITT in October-November next year to continue the development of the LRC.

Developing libraries to their full potential is not an easy task. In April and May we returned to Guam/Chuuk to nurture the development of the five island libraries that are part of the Pacific Islands Bible College where Ray continues to serve as the head librarian. Ray also taught a college level introductory library course. Most of the island students have had little or no exposure to modern libraries, except at PIBC. Therefore, it was quite an eye opener to them. When we first went to PIBC in 1999, the Guam campus had five students. Now that campus has about 60 fulltime and 40 part time students. When the Chuuk campus and island teaching facilities are added in, the College (which now has full U.S. accreditation) has approximately 250 full and part time students currently enrolled! We feel blessed to be able to contribute to its development and witness, and plan to return there March-April of 2007.

We have also undertaken a substantial new mission endeavor. Under the auspices of Christian Reformed World Missions, we are providing leadership to develop a network of Christian librarians to work alongside us to strengthen libraries in mission institutions in developing countries. The formation of the support network is just in its in initial stages and is a formidable challenge and task. It is a collaborative project by CRWM and Reformed Church of America World Missions, but any Christian librarian or library supporter who has a heart to help would be most welcome. (Let us know if you would like to know more about ways you could help—you don’t have to go to a foreign country.)

In addition to all of this, our plans are set to return to Bangladesh from late January to early March to continue to provide leadership and guidance in the development of the library at the Christian College of Bangladesh (CCTB).

A few personal notes:

When Ray went to spend some time at the Chuuk library (600 miles across the Pacific from Guam), Barb decided to go down a waterslide at one of the local tourist hotels with a young Palauan friend. She underestimated the pitch of the slide, as well as the slippery mat that she was on, ascended the wall of the chute and came down with a thud. The result: a cracked rib and collapsed shoulder. It has pained her ever since, and surgery on her shoulder is still an option, but she is slowly getting better. Is she getting too old for this type of activity? What was she thinking?

We celebrated our 45^th wedding anniversary in June. Since we were camping at Holland State Park, all of our children and grandkids came for the weekend, and joined us at a restaurant for dinner in Holland. It was a special occasion for us.

A Burmese friend invited us, to attend the Chin Festival in Frederick, MD. We had a wonderful time reconnecting with some of the Burmese who had fled from Myanmar (Burma) to Guam because of persecution. We have kept in contact with (and visited with some of them at their homes) about 10 of them since they left Guam and received asylum in the US. What a blessing they have been in our lives. You may recall some of the stories several years ago about what they went through.

All of our children and their families are doing well. They, like all young families are “busy busy”, but are able to spend some quality time with us when we return from our trips. We try, as much as possible, to be home for the winter holidays and during the summer months which gives us plenty of opportunities to get together. Two of our grandkids are graduating from high school next June (Brenden and Harmony). They both plan to go off to college, so we probably will see less of them in the future.

Many times, when we write about our volunteer mission work, we feel we are merely conveying information about the projects we are involved in and our day-to-day work. However, our mission objectives go far beyond our daily work and activities. We see our work as a means to an end. Our overriding goal in our mission work is to demonstrate Christ in our lives and to help the students and others we meet along the way walk more closely with Him. It is always our desire to be God’s instruments in making a difference in the lives of those we encounter. We spend as much time as possible developing open and honest friendships and work hard to establish relationships based on trust and equality. Many times spiritual needs and concerns surface. It is at that point that we can begin to be helpful—as trusting friends who really care about the individuals, ethnic groups and institution we are serving.

Blessings to all of you during this Season in which we celebrate God’s Wondrous Love and in the upcoming New Year.

Ray and Barbara

Don't Give Up!

2006-12-09T20:41:00.000-06:00

Please don't give up on checking our blog from time to time. We have been really busy with all kinds of activities since we arrived back home.

We plan to post another letter with pictures this coming week.

Blessings to you during this wonderful Christmas Season and remember that "Jesus is the Reason for the Season".

R & B

We're Back

2006-11-10T18:29:00.000-06:00

We arrived home yesterday. Still suffering from jet lag but hopefully that will subside in a few days. Hope to post some of our Kenya photos in a few days.

Blessings, R & B

2006-11-01T01:41:00.000-06:00

We had a bit of a scare this morning (Monday). Barb was working with the library program and all of a sudden the whole library database was gone! We tried everything including looking in the trash where we found something but it too was empty. With over 3,000 books in the database we were a bit nervous to think that it was all gone. Barb has been backing up weekly since we arrived so we knew we had most of the data but how does one have the database one minute and the next it is completely gone? We wondered if it was a glitch in the unsteady Kenyan electricity, did she accidentally hit a wrong key and delete the library (this is virtually impossible because the program asks you several times if you are sure you want to delete records - but she knew that she hadn’t done anything unusual). Finally, we hit upon the idea of restoring the system to a previous date (last Friday) to see if we could get the information back. Thankfully, everything was restored!! We were really relieved. We were just glad that it happened while we were here as the library assistants would not have known what to do. They, too, were thankful that it happened while Barb was on the computer and not either of them. The only thing we could figure out was that there actually was a glitch in the electricity or the library program. I don’t think we will ever know.

Ray spoke to the students in chapel this morning. He said he explained his “life verse” and what was on his mind that he wanted to share with them. Getting to know the students at RITT has been a real joy for us. One of the female students told us last week that meeting people like us was one of the reasons she was at RITT.

Frieda, a student, preached at the RCEA church on campus this past Sunday. She did a great job and had tremendous connection with her audience. She will be a dynamo for the RCEA in the future. The service her starts at 10am and goes for three hours. We did not get out of church until after 1pm. There is a lot of singing, testimony, prayer etc. The sermon is anywhere from 45 minutes to over an hour depending on the pastor. Most services are translated either from English to Kiswahili or from Kiswahili to English. Of course, this takes additional time. We sit on wood benches – needless to say one gets a very numb hind end sitting so long.

Time here at RITT is passing quickly and we leave for Nairobi this coming Friday morning. So this will most likely be our last blog from Eldoret, Kenya. We will be in Nairobi for one day and then take a 3 day safari to Masai Mara Game Reserve to relax and see elephants, lions, cheetah, leopard, crocs, hippo, rhino, etc. We plan to stay in a tent and really look forward to that. Our meals are all inclusive as is our travel by road from Nairobi to Masai Mara and includes game rides etc. Then we will be back in Nairobi for 1 day and catch our light to Amsterdam and then on home.

The rest of the library furniture and shelving has not arrived yet but we at least have the library set up pretty much in the new building. Tonight is the first night that the new library is open for study. New hours are 9am to 9pm. Wesnesday evening we will provide desserts and drinks for a library opening celebration.

We have been having a lot of rain – unusual for this time of year. We had a gorgeous rainbow yesterday (Sunday) and were able to get some great pictures. After the rainbow dissipated the sunset was one of the best we have seen – also some great shots of it. God is so good and continually shows His presence to us in such unique and majestic ways.

Hope to see some of you soon. Blessings, R & B

2006-10-28T03:54:00.000-05:00

As we were driving home from town last Wednesday, our mobile phone rang. It was our library assistant calling to say the truck had arrived with some of the shelving and furniture for the new library. Praise the Lord!! Ray drove as fast as he dared to on the muddy, slippery roads. We arrived in time to get pictures of the shelving etc. being unloaded off the truck. Everyone helped, students and faculty alike.

On Wednesday/Thursday Ray and some students put the shelves together and on Thursday afternoon we had all the students lined up to take the books from the old library to the new. Ray was in the new library shelving books and I was in the old library making sure the students took the books off the shelves in the order they needed to be put in the new library.

Friday was spent shelving additional books that had been cataloged and put into boxes for the move. We also spent a lot of time going through all the shelves making sure the books were in the correct order. Some old shelving had to be disassembled in the old library and moved to the new library because not all our new shelves arrived. This took quite a bit of time. We are using these shelves temporarily for the Reference section of the library.

Needless to say we are very tired but happy. We will work this afternoon cleaning up and then on Monday the library will be open from 9am to 9pm. On Wednesday we hope to have a celebration of the new library by providing cake, ice cream and drinks for students and faculty.

Please rejoice with us and pray that the rest of the furniture and shelving comes this week.

Blessings to all of you.

Birds, Plants, Food and Life in Africa

2006-10-25T02:37:00.000-05:00

There is so much beauty around us here in Kenya that it is hard to take it all in. The birds in our area are beautiful. We wake up every morning to their singing. We’ve seen many of them as we drive, sit by the house, or walk to RITT. A few of the birds we see are the Glossy (iridescent) Ibis, and the speckled pigeon. The speckled pigeon has a large red ring around its eye. The Tropical Boubou is a black and white bird with a whistle song. The Greater Blue-eared Glossy Starling is a beautiful blue green iridescent color, while the Superb Starling has a black face, blue back, green wings and orange breast. All have their unique beauty and song but most are too quick to photograph.

The flowers that are in bloom are also breathtaking. To name just a few, we have seen: jasmine which has a very strong scent and is white, yellow or pinkish and the twigs of certain varities are used as toothbrushes. Anthericum leaf juices are used by some tribes for tribal tattooing. The Euphorbia has many different species - 320 species in Africa – it can grow like a small herb or as large as a big tree. We have Merremia in our gardens and it is creamy in color with a dark center. The seeds are used as a substitute for coffee, The Bottle Brush tree has a red feathery flower that is elongated like a bottle brush while the African Tulip tree has bright orange/red flowers. Then there is one of our favorites, the very vibrant Jacaranda with its purple flowers. The Parrots Beak is just like its name – it is red and yellow and looks like a parrot’s beak. I wish we could send pictures of all of them.

Right now specific fruits and vegetables are in season: mangoes, pineapple, oranges, papaya, water melon, banana, strawberries, avocado, tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, lettuce, cucumber, onion, sumawiki, etc. We have been enjoying all of them. Pumpkins are growing in the garden by the house so we have been enjoying pumpkin soup.

We have been able to get some frozen fish – tilapia, perch. Chicken is always available as is beef from the butchery. More and more items are being stocked in the stores in Eldoret, but not as much variety as one sees in a big city like Nairobi. We have also found some good restaurants, including Nakumat Grill where you can get a good pepper steak dinner for about $5.00, a Chinese restaurant where you can get plenty to eat for about $5.00 per person, and a pizza restaurant at a gas station in town. Mostly we eat at home and enjoy the variety of fruits, vegetables and meats.

We try to have our Kenyan friends and colleagues over as much as possible, but with schedules being what they are because we are so busy at the library we are sometimes just too tired. The other night we had the RITT principal, Ariko, and his family over for dinner. His wife, Immaculata, and their two young sons, Enoch and Abel, had never had pizza. We made homemade pizza and served it with chips and Coca Cola. They loved it. We had banana splits for dessert. Since they live in a house without electricity, the boys were fascinated with the hot water heater, refrigerator/freezer, microwave, TV and washing machine. We are truly spoiled!! They have a microwave and TV at home (that were given to them) but because they do not have their electric hooked up as yet (for lack of money) they are not able to use them.

Saturday, as usual, we went into town – always an ordeal – we come home very tired. Besides shopping, we needed to go to the Internet café. Ray spent an hour or two getting cataloging information for some of RITT’s library books while I took care of our personal emailing, etc. We needed to get some supplies to make our own cardboard magazine boxes made for the library. We purchased cardboard, cutting knives, tape, book binding glue etc. Ray made box templates and a student (who is also the student pastor at our local RCEA Church) and his wife, are making them for us. The boxes are looking great!

The book shelves have not come yet from Nairobi. Just keep praying with us that they will come before we leave next week. It’s been quite a disappointment, but they should arrive within a day or two. We’ll see. We have moved our computers, supplies and a couple of old tables, etc., into the new library and are using them until the library furnishings arrive. At least it is a more pleasant place to work than the old library. By the shelves not arriving when expected we were able to get much more organized for our move – God is good and there is a purpose for everything. We have been told that the company rep was lying to us about the shelving being enroute. In talking to the head of the company in Nairobi, Ariko was told that the shelves have not been finished. Last Monday we had news from the company that they should be here this week – we won’t hold our breath on that one.

Ray has also been busy preparing a sermon on “The Presence of God”. He has been asked to preach but a date has not been set – we have one Sunday left at RITT so maybe it will not come to pass and he will at least have a sermon available for the next time. It would not be unusual for him to be asked to preach an hour so before the service is to begin!

The short rains are still with us – good for us because we plan to spend two days at Masai Mara and are hoping that the wildebeest will be migrating – but not good for the farmers who have stacked their sheaves of maize but have not as yet ground the maize for animal feed. The maize and wheat will rot if it gets too wet. It has rained a lot the past few days and is very cold. We have been wearing sweatshirts most of the time. In fact, it was so cold that last evening we lit a fire in the fireplace to stay warm.

Our library assistant’s three year old son, Ian, has not been feeling well so we took Priscilla and him to the hospital on Saturday. He has been diagnosed with a mild case of typhoid. We will be going to Priscilla and her husband’s house for dinner on Sunday evening and are looking forward to that.

The needs here are so great – so many people are so poor. We always seem to be handing out money for one need or another. Although we are very careful as to whom we help, we oftentimes give well over $100 US per week to causes, but we only help those who we personally know have a serious need. Compared to the people here we have so much. It is hard to turn anyone down who truly has a genuine reason for asking for help. It’s always difficult to know how much to help people in need. Too much, and they will begin to depend on us. If we don’t, we may miss an opportunity to build a lasting relationship with our Kenyan brothers and sisters here at RITT.

Blessings to all of you. R & B

Kenyan Justice

2006-10-21T04:33:00.000-05:00

Kenyan Justice

Last Monday morning our Kenyan coworkers told us about an incident that had occurred just a short distance from where we are living. A man was found dead two days earlier along a small road that goes right by our house. He was naked. Parts of his body were badly swollen. He smelled like the local alcoholic brew. A house had been burned down. What had happened?

The man had been hired by RITT a few days a few days before his death to help harvest some of the maize crop. It was said that after he got his pay, he headed directly to a small hut nearby where a woman made and served illegal “local brew”. To our surprise, we found out that it was located very near to where we live. It was rumored that his body had been dumped by the side of the road by the others with whom he had been drinking. Some people had heard him moan during the night, but they were too afraid to do anything. A woman found him dead the next morning.

Since none of those involved would talk, no one was sure what caused his death. Perhaps the woman (who was not from the local ethnic group) had mixed some deadly poison or chemical in her brew. But no one else had died after drinking it. Or, perhaps he drank too much. Maybe he was killed by his drinking pals. The police were called. They did not come, as is typical in Kenya. A death certificate was needed to determine the cause of death. When the police didn’t come, someone arranged to get one from a local chief. Since the police were not coming to dispense justice, some of the local people took justice into their own hands. They went to the lady’s brew house the next night and burnt it down. Interestingly, we weren’t aware of any of these happenings.

The dead man, who was not a Christian, was married and a father of two. He was living with his brother’s family on a small farm next door to RITT. His wife had left him and was living in a different area of Kenya. He was buried last Monday near RITT, alongside a small path. The RITT community and the local Reformed Church congregation, of which his brother is a member, offered support, condolences and testimony to the dead man’s extended family. We were heartened to see their Christian spirit in action.

More later. R & B

2006-10-15T09:08:00.000-05:00

Meet Benard and His Family

On Saturday (October 14), we traveled more than 100 km (about 65 miles) to the home of Benard Nyongesa, one of the students at RITT. Since he and his family have almost nothing to live on, we are personally helping to support him and his family while he is at RITT. He is in the third year of a four year course, after which he will be ordained as a pastor. He is 27 years old with a great deal of energy and feels a calling to provide spiritual leadership to his people. His wife and two small children remain at home while he is at RITT, on a tiny parcel of land provided by Benard’s father, living in a small mud house that Benard built with his own hands earlier this year. Benard is only able to get back to his home during semester breaks, and occasionally for special events.

Although we knew that Benard’s situation was difficult, we did not fully realize its seriousness. Since he cannot provide for his family while he is a student at RITT, his family seldom gets enough nutritious food to eat. They often go to sleep hungry. His parents are also poor and try to help out as much as possible, but they have several other children at home that they cannot afford to send to secondary school, since they cannot pay the tuition. Although Benard is working very hard to come up with tuition money, he, and the Reformed church of which he is a member cannot collect enough money for tuition and room and board—which is very little compared to North American standards—about US$ 400 per year. Since RITT itself is very poor and cannot afford to allow outstanding tuition debts, Benard may be forced to leave RITT.

We were amazed to find out that Benard cannot even afford to pay for cheap public transportation (via matatu) back and forth to his home. He rides his bicycle! Not a light weight multi-gear bike, but a heavy, old one speed African style bike. He says that it takes him about eight or nine hours to travel the 100+kilometers over dangerous and rough roads. He is young and strong, but the trip does take a toll on him ranging from sore knees to severe chest fatigue pains. Needless to say, we will pay his transportation expenses from now on until he graduates from RITT.

Benard’s home area is in a rural part of Kenya, not too far from Uganda. Most of the people have small farms where they grow subsistence crops such as maize, cassava, sweet potatoes and other vegetables. The last 15kms of the dirt road going into their area is brutal, especially during the rainy season. (Thank goodness the rains are ending.) In many places, the road is so rough and uneven that we wondered at times if our vehicle was going to tip on its side, into one of the giant holes where heavily loaded lorries had been recently dug out!

As we traveled along the road, we passed a lot of people walking or on bicycles. Many seemed surprised to see us or looked dumbfounded and could hardly respond to us when we greeted them in the Kiswahili language. We asked Benard how often wazungu (white people) come into this area of Kenya. His reply was astounding. The last white person that he knew of that came into his area (about 60 sq. miles) was a Catholic priest about 10 years ago. Most, if not all, of the children had never seen a real live white person! Of course, they, and many of the older people had seen pictures of white people, but had never seen real live ones. We didn’t exactly feel like aliens, but we did get some strange looks.

When we arrived at Benard’s home, we were greeted warmly by his wife and other family members. His children (as well as two nieces), however, refused, at first, to come out of the cooking hut, looking at us from the dark recesses of the hut. After visiting with Benard for a couple of hours, his wife served us an appetizer of plain bread slices and hot chocolate. Later she served us the typical East African lunch, comprised of rice, potatoes cut cube size, and a few beef pieces mixed into an excellently spiced tomato soup. It was delicious! Most likely, they sacrificed financially to provide this meal for us. Afterwards, we looked over his small plot of land, walked to the nearby home of his father and mother, where we visited with them for a while. They, too, are very poor, since they are struggling with educating their five other children, all of which are younger than Benard. We also found out the his wife digs/hoes by hand other peoples farms in order to make money for the family.

At the end of the day, we returned home on the same way we came. (It took more than an hour just to traverse the 15kms of dirt road to the tarmac, which in itself isn’t exactly a super highway.) Although we were exhausted when we returned home, we felt privileged to visit this corner of Kenya to see how so many people have to live from day to day. It gives us energy to continue our work here at RITT. We are, and will continue to see Benard through his education at RITT. By Kenya standards, he is seriously in debt for tuition (about $600 US). We are/will personally provide about $200 toward his tuition and transportation, and are wondering if there might be others who would be willing to help out with some support. If so, send us an email, and we will let you know how you it can be handled.

Blessings to all of you.

2006-10-15T09:06:00.000-05:00

What a disappointment!! The shelving for the library is still in Nairobi. The problem is transportation. There was not enough room to put them on a bus and there was no lorry (truck) available for transport. The lady from the shelving company here in Eldoret was supposedly going to Nairobi to arrange for transport. Hopefully, they will arrive soon. The students begin a one week holiday on Saturday so they will not be around to help move the library books from the old to the new. Ariko stated that the staff would be rounded up to help. Don’t know if that will work or not as a lot of them are also leaving for holiday. Not having the shelving gave us some time to organize books that we can’t catalog and catalog some books that have CIP or Marc info. Also able to organize the periodicals.

The clothing we brought out for Ian fit him perfectly with a bit of room for growth. He love his new clothes from the US. Every time we walk through the “narrow gate” to get to the college Ian and his friend are wanting to swing on the gate as it opens and closes. This seems to be their highlight for the day along with greeting us with “how are you?” To which we reply, “I am fine”. Then we have to has them, “how are you” and they reply “I am fine”. Then we do the greetings in Swahili and they reply in Swahili. Both children are about 3 years of age.

Last night we went to Pieter and Tinneke’s home for tea. They live in campus housing and are here on a one year internship from the Netherlands. Since they have only a stove top burner and not an oven they have learned how to bake cakes etc. using pans and steaming the cake on the stove top. It tasted wonderful. They will return back to the Netherlands in December.

Ray has been talking to many of the students about the role they will play once they have finished at RITT and are back into the pastorate. They realize that the RCA here in Kenya has to change and relate to the young people or it will become a dying church. There are so many issues they have to face here and many are huge challenges: HIV/AIDS, female circumcision, women workers in the churches, making their lifestyles and preaching relevant to the young people, poverty, etc. etc. Right now a title is a big thing for their credibility. We have been trying to tell them that doctorates do you make you successful in the pastorate – it is who you are, what you represent and what you present that will makes you successful. Their relationships with their congregates is far more important than having a title and being put on a pedestal. They need to be able to relate in order to be able to share and present the gospel. The younger generation is seeing this – the older generation of pastors is another story – they love their titles.

Every morning Ray studies Swahili – he is so much better at languages than I am. He tries new words out every day – sometimes the results are quite funny – however, the people really appreciate the fact that you try to communicate in their language. Sometimes we accidentally use a word from another language we have worked in and the word means something not quite so nice in the Swahili language. It’s just hard to keep all the languages straight. Oftentimes, we use words from more than one language in a sentence.

2006-10-11T03:24:00.000-05:00

Hard to believe that it is October already. Another week of school has finished, we have cataloged a lot of books this week – found some excellent books in some of the boxes. Some of the materials are for throw away as they don’t relate to people in Africa. People have this idea that if it is no longer useful to them it should be useful in a Third World country. I can never figure out how it can be good enough for Third World people if it isn’t good enough for our own personal use. Maybe I shouldn’t get on this “soap box”. I will go so far as to give people credit for not having thought this though at all. Third World countries don’t deserve our junk; our standard of what is useful for us should be the standard we use with people around the world. If it isn’t good enough for us, it is not good enough for Third World countries. They deserve every advantage that we have. Some where along the line we all got our priorities messed up.

We have had house guests most nights this week. A group from Partners WorldWide joined us for a few nights. They were helping out with seminars on church growth through small group Bible studies, visiting some of our primary schools and looking at developing a clean water project for RITT (Reformed Institute for Theological Training). Tonight the Africa director for World Missions arrives with his wife and they will stay for 4 nights looking at possible ways that World Missions can help RITT out.

The Internet is very frustrating here - slow at the Internet Caffe (as they call it here) and non-existent at RITT. It is almost impossible to set up a first class library without use of the Internet but we are trying. We use the Internet Caffe for cataloging some of the books that at not on our disc or that do not have a CIP. Ray printed up about 15 records the other day, or so he thought, but when he went to the printer to pick them up, the printer was not working properly and nothing printed. It took me over ½ hour just to get to my emails via the Internet. FINALLY, it came up and worked for a while

Next week Friday we will be driving about 100km each way to a students compound. We support this student and have been invited to see his home, wife, two children and parents. We will leave in the morning, spend a few hours at his compound and then drive back home in the afternoon before it gets dark.

2006-10-07T03:26:00.000-05:00

BOOKMARK THIS PAGE IN YOUR FAVORITES AND CHECK IT OUT ON A REGULAR BASIS. WE WILL TRY TO UPDATE ONCE A WEEK.!!!!

Saturday, September 30th, we drove to town for some shopping and to use the Internet. The road between RITT and the main road to Eldoret is a real mess. The map says it is paved – however, it does not have one cubic inch of pavement anywhere to be found. We have been told that there was money given for the road to be paved but the person absconded with the money and it was never paved. When some of the RITT staff requested that the road be paved the Public Works Department said that according to the map it was paved so therefore it did not need to be paved again. EAWA!

While in town we had to pick up a maize/corn grinder for our small farm. This is the time of year for the maize to be ground. We were told in the morning that it was ready for pickup. However, when we arrived it was not ready. They had to readjust the pulley and so some welding, the hitch was not finished so it would not fit the Land Cruiser properly. We were told that the wait would be about 10 minutes (in African time it turned out to be over 2 hours). However, during that time some previous acquaintances passed by and we were able to greet and talk to them. One of them is a Dutchman who is advising/supervising our student pastoral trainees. His wife and two children are with him and we hope to get together for a meal/fellowship soon. Once the grinder was ready and attached, off we went at less than 10 miles per hour because of the roads. The first half of the road was paved but had lots of rough spots and pot holes. The rest of the road is like the one pictured above. Shortly after getting to the dirt road the grinder came off the hitch. Since it is so back heavy we had trouble righting it again. After if detached for a second time, we left one of our students with the grinder and we drove home to get some rope, wire, chain, nails and a hammer. Ray, Jackson and Martin went back with the car to try to hook it up more securely by using all of the above. It worked! Ray and Jackson were happy to get it home.

Also, while in town, we had another interesting experience. There are many, many poor in Eldoret. One man asked for money and Ray gave him a few shillings. He was very unhappy and wanted more. We told him that this was enough for today. After harassing us for a very long time he threw the coins back at me and continued his tirade. When Ray returned and I told him what happened he gave the shillings to the student who was in the car with us and the student told the beggar that he was very happy to have received the shillings. The beggar left in a huff. In so many ways you cannot blame them for wanting more from us when every idea they have about America is from Hollywood.

There are many wonderful people living in Africa and they have become what we call “rafiki” – friends. You try to win over the not so gracious by being gracious to them anyway..

We Have Arrived in Kenya

2006-09-30T02:22:00.000-05:00

JAMBO (Hello in Swahili): We’ve arrived in Kenya. All of our flights were on time and we were able to get some sleep during travel. Since we speak a bit of Swahili we proceeded through customs and immigration without any problems. Our driver was waiting for us holding a big "RITT" sign.

We spent 3 nights in Nairobi at a Catholic (Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood) guesthouse across the street from the Nairobi mosque. We were serenaded by Muslim calls to worship which began early in the morning just as the first light was breaking and continued throughout the day. The main road to central Africa goes right by the guesthouse and since there is no a/c we had to keep our windows open and the traffic noise was indescribable. Also, at this time of year, the mosquitoes are quite bothersome. They decided to "dive bomb" us at 3am in the morning. We were able to do some grocery shopping while in Nairobi for our stay in the countryside. One of the items we purchased was an electric mosquito (mbu) paralyzing apparatus. It has worked very well so far.

Our driver was supposed to pick us up at 9am on Sunday morning for our trip to Eldoret/RITT (Reformed Institute for Theological Training). This is about a 6+ hour trip. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, he did not arrive to pick us up until after 4pm. EAWA (East Africa Wins Again). As we were driving we came to the area north of Nairobi that is known as the area of the "Fever Trees." The British camped under these trees while traveling in Kenya and always got sick afterward with fevers, etc. They had no idea that the malaria mosquitos (mbu) lived in and under these Acacia trees. Consequently, they always got malaria after camping there. The roads are not too safe at night but we arrived safely at RITT after 10:30pm. The roads are horrendous and we were jostled and bumped about for almost the whole trip. There is no possible way to describe these roads other than saying that driving in the ditch is the smoothest part of the road.

It is good to be back at RITT. Margaret, our house staff person, was anxiously awaiting our return. The house was clean and the freshly made beds were very inviting. It was wonderful to sleep with no traffic noise and in the morning we were awakened by the beautiful songs of Kenya’s colorful birds.

Our first morning was spent unpacking and organizing our materials. In the afternoon we met for a few hours with Ariko, RITT’s principal, talking about what had transpired since our departure and about the future plans for the library and school. We felt that we accomplished a lot our first day here.Tuesday we walked the ¼ mile to the school and looked over the new library in preparation for moving into it next week. We then met with Priscilla, our library assistant, discussing what had gone on in our absence and what immediate plans were for moving. Priscilla is working on a Library Science diploma and then hopes to get a degree in Library Science after that. She is a very intelligent, bright young lady. Ray meets this afternoon with the people who are supplying furniture and bookshelves. The library shelving and some tables and desks should arrive this coming Monday.

Diesel is very expensive here in Kenya. Since we are renting a Toyota Land Cruiser and pay by the kilometer, we are very careful how far we drive. The cost for 1 litre of diesel is about 72 shillings - which equals one US dollar. So for an imperial gallon we pay about $4.00. Each time we drive to town for supplies or to use the Internet Cafe it costs us about $20.00.

Our first school week at RITT has gone very well.

African Sunset Rift Valley

2006-09-19T11:23:00.000-05:00

2006-09-18T15:11:00.000-05:00

We are about ready to leave on another mission project journey. This time back to Eldoret, Kenya. We are looking forward to returning to our work there. The new library is finished and hopefully shelving has been ordered. We understand that many more boxes of books have arrived and need our immediate attention.

Our life at RITT (Reformed Institute for Theological Training) is quite different from life in the U.S. You really get close to what poverty looks like when living in "the bush" with all of it's shortages of water, AIDS, droughts etc. You can't help becoming a different person and being much more concerned about our world.

We will try to keep you up to date about what is happening in our lives - both the mundane and the exciting. We will also try to publish some pictures for your viewing pleasure. Sometimes in Kenya, with the slow internet connections, it is impossible to download pictures - we will try anyway.