Back to school

This is the beginning of the school year in Uganda, and many students are off campus today as they get their children settled for the school year, which includes looking for school fees.

We were discussing this in class Tuesday, as the students wanted to cancel the lecture, since half of them would be gone.  In a bid for making his case, one student said that he had children AND orphans to care for.  

An orphan is a child who has lost one parent; a total orphan has lost both parents.  I pointed out that I'm an orphan, and he replied, "no Reverend, you're a senior orphan."

Senior orphan.  Nice.  And yes, we did cancel the lecture, but will stay later on Tuesday to make up the time.

Happy anniversary!

On this, my ordination anniversary, I'm pondering this from the sermon: First, Be. Then, be made Ready. Then, Do (by the Holy Spirit's power). 

Amen.

Sammy's story

Right now I'm reading Ezekiel, and the refrain "Then they will know that I am The Lord" is a prominent one.

Last Sunday I met our new student, Sammy.  He told me he's from Yemen, and had been studying in Alexandria [Egypt], but had to leave because of the security situation.  That could be the understatement of the month.  I wondered how it was for him being a Christian in Yemen, but didn't ask.

While discussing our program for the semester with Canon Alfred, he told me more of Sammy's story.  Four years ago, Sammy was studying in Nigeria, and converted to Christianity.  HIs family didn't receive this news well, and since his life was in danger, he left. Somewhere along the way he was connected to the church in Australia, and lived there for a while.  He then went to Alexandria for his theological studies, but had to leave.  One of the Australian bishops suggested that he come to UCU to complete his studies, so here he is.

Sammy can never go home to Yemen, not unless he wishes to become a martyr.  As I am reading Ezekiel, and am reading the laments and judgments against the nations, that they would know that He is The Lord, I'm reminded that The Lord is still wanting the nations to know that He is Lord.  

I am humbled by Sammy's story, and his willingness to follow The Lord, wherever He leads him.  Our academic year begins in May, so Sammy is joining us off-session.  Please pray that his class receives him well, and that he adjusts to life here.  Apparently, his visa situation is rather complex; please pray that all is worked out with Immigration quickly.  

Words matter

Students are reporting this week, and a few intrepid ones reported yesterday. I was chatting with two yesterday: one I lectured last semester, and one I will lecture this semester. 

After we discussed how the class performed last semester (they all passed), I informed the new student that I'm tough but fair. The other student corrected me: "You're not tough, but you are strict."

See? Words matter.