I'm finding it a bit odd to continue posting on a blog with the address jacksonsinjos. The title Mission is a state of mind holds good anywhere but these Jacksons are no longer in Jos.
I've set up another blog, really just a continuation of this one but with an address that'll be appropriate wherever God calls us to serve. There will be no more entries on www.jacksonsinjos.blogspot.com, though I assume all the old posts will remain.
If you want to continue reading about our experiences with God in Africa, please now go to www.missionisastateofmind.blogspot.com
Monday, 14 August 2017
Tuesday, 1 August 2017
A time for everything
You may have noticed that it's been a long time since a new post appeared. A lot has been happening. Over the past year Fraser and I were feeling more and more strongly that, after being very clearly led by God to Nigeria in 2012, our time there was drawing to a close. We left the country in March 2017.
It was becoming increasingly clear to Fraser that he'd be able to help more people by becoming a library consultant rather than being based in a single African theological college. This leading was confirmed after he spoke to people in NetAct (www.netact.christians.co.za), an organisation which helps theological colleges in developing Africa. They had recently decided it was time to develop their library side and are extremely keen for Fraser to run the programme, thanks to his unique blend of expertise in electronic resources and experience in an African theological library. A huge number of students would be helped by access to better resources, which in turn would strengthen the church and help protect it from false teaching. This is extremely exciting. Instead of assisting one college in one country, Fraser is being offered the opportunity to make a huge difference to the quality of theological education and training throughout Africa for many years to come. Not just theological education either. It's entirely possible that once other university faculties see the difference the library portal makes to students and staff, they will want to have it adapted for their own subjects. The potential is huge.
The internet portal that NetAct wants to develop will provide, among other things, access to ebooks and journals, links to theological websites, audio-visual material, the library catalogues of all partner organisations, reading lists for partners to compare practice, lists of African theological publishers and downloadable resources. There will also be a section for learning and teaching resources with guides for students to improve their studyskills and thesis writing. Staff will find help in curriculum development and syllabus creation, how to supervise a thesis and how to spot plagiarism. There will also be a course in information literacy to enable users to get the most out of the portal. The intention is also to have as much of the content as possible downloadable, able to be used offline when internet connection is unreliable.
Many students in African colleges have had their education disrupted by poverty, violence, unrest and lack of qualified teachers. NetAct's library and training portal will help fill some of the gaps and enable to students to achieve more of their potential.
It's as if God has designed this position especially for Fraser. Many of his experiences in the past can be seen as foundations upon which this potentially amazing gift to education in Africa will be built upon.
That's the exciting news.
The tricky bit is that Mission Africa, whilst being supportive of the value of this new work, do not have people in South Africa where we'd have to be based. They do not feel it's right to expand their remit from the countries they currently work in (Nigeria, Chad, Burkina Faso and Kenya).
We feel strongly that South Africa is where God wants us to be. If that is where he wants us to be, that's where we'll end up; it's just that at the moment we don't know how he's going to arrange it. As we have an invitation, a wonderful opening to use, not only Fraser's library and IT skills but also the peace-building and community development experiences Dawn's had in BRiCC and InReach, the main sticking point is financial support and all the admin that comes with it.
Pray with us that God will make the practicalities clear. That anyone who wants to support us will be able to, but that most of all, this incredible opportunity to make such a difference in the provision of education in Africa will not be lost.
It was becoming increasingly clear to Fraser that he'd be able to help more people by becoming a library consultant rather than being based in a single African theological college. This leading was confirmed after he spoke to people in NetAct (www.netact.christians.co.za), an organisation which helps theological colleges in developing Africa. They had recently decided it was time to develop their library side and are extremely keen for Fraser to run the programme, thanks to his unique blend of expertise in electronic resources and experience in an African theological library. A huge number of students would be helped by access to better resources, which in turn would strengthen the church and help protect it from false teaching. This is extremely exciting. Instead of assisting one college in one country, Fraser is being offered the opportunity to make a huge difference to the quality of theological education and training throughout Africa for many years to come. Not just theological education either. It's entirely possible that once other university faculties see the difference the library portal makes to students and staff, they will want to have it adapted for their own subjects. The potential is huge.
The internet portal that NetAct wants to develop will provide, among other things, access to ebooks and journals, links to theological websites, audio-visual material, the library catalogues of all partner organisations, reading lists for partners to compare practice, lists of African theological publishers and downloadable resources. There will also be a section for learning and teaching resources with guides for students to improve their studyskills and thesis writing. Staff will find help in curriculum development and syllabus creation, how to supervise a thesis and how to spot plagiarism. There will also be a course in information literacy to enable users to get the most out of the portal. The intention is also to have as much of the content as possible downloadable, able to be used offline when internet connection is unreliable.
Many students in African colleges have had their education disrupted by poverty, violence, unrest and lack of qualified teachers. NetAct's library and training portal will help fill some of the gaps and enable to students to achieve more of their potential.
It's as if God has designed this position especially for Fraser. Many of his experiences in the past can be seen as foundations upon which this potentially amazing gift to education in Africa will be built upon.
That's the exciting news.
The tricky bit is that Mission Africa, whilst being supportive of the value of this new work, do not have people in South Africa where we'd have to be based. They do not feel it's right to expand their remit from the countries they currently work in (Nigeria, Chad, Burkina Faso and Kenya).
We feel strongly that South Africa is where God wants us to be. If that is where he wants us to be, that's where we'll end up; it's just that at the moment we don't know how he's going to arrange it. As we have an invitation, a wonderful opening to use, not only Fraser's library and IT skills but also the peace-building and community development experiences Dawn's had in BRiCC and InReach, the main sticking point is financial support and all the admin that comes with it.
Pray with us that God will make the practicalities clear. That anyone who wants to support us will be able to, but that most of all, this incredible opportunity to make such a difference in the provision of education in Africa will not be lost.
Thursday, 7 April 2016
Youth Catering
Tuesday, 5 April 2016
Borehole
If you're trying to run catering classes and a cafe a good supply of water is essential. Many buildings in Nigeria do not have running water. Households rely on sending out their children (usually) with heavy containers or buying large yellow plastic tubs from wandering water sellers. BRiCC was also in this situation (we had to buy water, not send out children for it) but now we have our own borehole. Not only will this make life a lot easier for the women's skills department but it'll generate income when we start selling to the locals. At the moment, until the water runs clean, we're giving it away to the delight of the children nearby. A most welcome bonus is the prospect of getting a flushing toilet and not having to wait until the major rebuilding work starts.
Friday, 1 April 2016
How can I sing the Lord's song in a strange land?
Music is a necessity. It can lift you out of a low mood or reflect and intensify the emotions you feel. Some mornings I have to listen to Bring me sunshine to remind me what I should aim for each day; other times I need to start with a Requiem. Sometimes it's better to avoid listening to darker albums; other times their complexity can enhance life without further depressing. Sometimes you have to self-medicate, moving from dark to light until your own mood changes (only being careful not to get stuck).
Music is important - evocative, enhancing, challenging. My prayer has always been that my life would be a paean of worship to God, a brightness of melody in this dark world. It isn't easy for any of us as broken instruments sound discordant notes, external and internal influences try to stifle and new and different sounds need to be woven in. It's hard for those who march to the beat of a different drum. It can be especially challenging in a foreign land or even just an area of life where you're not comfortable, but our songs need to be sung, even if we feel there is no one listening.
I find life in Nigeria is not particularly conducive to the free singing of songs. Excessive noise, dishonesty, corruption, lack of trustworthiness, standards, taking responsibility and consideration for others, a disregard for the consequences of one's actions, an unwillingness to allow others to rise above their fellows, all these things conspire to grind down and oppress. There seems to be little thriving here, only surviving, whether you're expat or national.
Isn't it in such a place that beautiful songs are most needed? Even a glimpse of brightness shows that there is an alternative. The locals I know who are trying their best to shine in difficult circumstances, to live with problems that the West scarcely registers, who are hard-working, loving and generous, they bring hope and light. The challenge for us all is how to sing the song the Lord has given in the unique way he wants to hear it from each of us; wherever we happen to be.
Music is important - evocative, enhancing, challenging. My prayer has always been that my life would be a paean of worship to God, a brightness of melody in this dark world. It isn't easy for any of us as broken instruments sound discordant notes, external and internal influences try to stifle and new and different sounds need to be woven in. It's hard for those who march to the beat of a different drum. It can be especially challenging in a foreign land or even just an area of life where you're not comfortable, but our songs need to be sung, even if we feel there is no one listening.
I find life in Nigeria is not particularly conducive to the free singing of songs. Excessive noise, dishonesty, corruption, lack of trustworthiness, standards, taking responsibility and consideration for others, a disregard for the consequences of one's actions, an unwillingness to allow others to rise above their fellows, all these things conspire to grind down and oppress. There seems to be little thriving here, only surviving, whether you're expat or national.
Isn't it in such a place that beautiful songs are most needed? Even a glimpse of brightness shows that there is an alternative. The locals I know who are trying their best to shine in difficult circumstances, to live with problems that the West scarcely registers, who are hard-working, loving and generous, they bring hope and light. The challenge for us all is how to sing the song the Lord has given in the unique way he wants to hear it from each of us; wherever we happen to be.
Thursday, 31 March 2016
Boys' Brigade
What comes to mind when you think about the Boys' Brigade? Smart young men learning how to serve God and other people?
Perhaps.
Until the last couple of days my experience of the Nigerian Boys' Brigade had been a tuneless trumpeter giving a 6am wake up call every Saturday. This Tuesday they upped the ante with a 5am wake up followed by band practice at 6am. Obviously the practice wasn't enough as at 10:30pm that night they started again with loud drums and trumpets, continuing with gusto until midnight.
I would be among the first to admit that extra practice, especially for the trumpeters, would not go amiss but to me, starting at 12am Wednesday night is not the time to do it. Being woken by the massed drums and brass after a hot and busy day surviving life in Nigeria is not encouraging. The boys bang and blow drums and trumpets with far more enthusiasm than talent. Every so often they'd pause for a couple of minutes, giving rise to a faint hope that perhaps the torture would stop and I'd be able to get some sleep before another busy day, but no. The noise continued until 3 o'clock in the morning. This is the Boys' Brigade camp leaders giving their charges their money's worth. Who needs sleep? I've been warned it'll be as bad, if not worse, tonight. To me one of the major points of Christianity is loving others, considering their needs above your own, thinking of them. Sadly the Boys' Brigade of Nigeria doesn't seem to agree but then sleep is overrated.
Perhaps.
Until the last couple of days my experience of the Nigerian Boys' Brigade had been a tuneless trumpeter giving a 6am wake up call every Saturday. This Tuesday they upped the ante with a 5am wake up followed by band practice at 6am. Obviously the practice wasn't enough as at 10:30pm that night they started again with loud drums and trumpets, continuing with gusto until midnight.
I would be among the first to admit that extra practice, especially for the trumpeters, would not go amiss but to me, starting at 12am Wednesday night is not the time to do it. Being woken by the massed drums and brass after a hot and busy day surviving life in Nigeria is not encouraging. The boys bang and blow drums and trumpets with far more enthusiasm than talent. Every so often they'd pause for a couple of minutes, giving rise to a faint hope that perhaps the torture would stop and I'd be able to get some sleep before another busy day, but no. The noise continued until 3 o'clock in the morning. This is the Boys' Brigade camp leaders giving their charges their money's worth. Who needs sleep? I've been warned it'll be as bad, if not worse, tonight. To me one of the major points of Christianity is loving others, considering their needs above your own, thinking of them. Sadly the Boys' Brigade of Nigeria doesn't seem to agree but then sleep is overrated.
Friday, 11 March 2016
Tough day helped by hardworking police
Today I had to take one of our dogs to be euthanised.
For the last couple of years we've tried all we could from training to injections of female hormones to help him get over his aggression to strangers but he seemed to be getting worse. The trouble was he was so sweet to us and people that he knew well but was a threat to strangers. He was a big, strong dog but had psychological issues from an early age so as responsible owners we had to ensure he couldn't harm anyone. Better to act before he attacked a strange child than have to deal with the consequences.
Thank God for Howard, the Australian missionary vet who's been helping us over the years to try to find solutions for the dog. Thank God that the end was in his capable hands.
I had to drive the dog to Howard's place and was managing to hold it together until I was stopped on the way by the hard-working Nigerian police force. "Show me your international passport and car tinted windows permit," officer Ishayu asked aggressively.
"I don't carry my passport. You can see my resident's permit and tinted windows document but I'm taking my dog to the vet," I answered.
He looked. Asked for the other car documents (which I gave him as we believe in obeying the laws of the land and keeping them up to date) then told me the windows permit, which had been passed by the last policeman who'd checked on Monday, should have been renewed online. (When I got home we checked and yes that had been a requirement since January but we had until March 18th to comply). That was a 15,000 or 50,000 naira fine (I wasn't entirely sure which he said) and I had to go with him to the police command in Jos, next to the prison as he made sure to mention, over an hour's drive in the opposite direction from where I was heading.
Then he tried to open the passenger door and get into the car.
I was alone in the car with a condemned dog.
Thankfully, I remember my training and always lock the doors whenever I drive off.
Thankfully through BRiCC I've made friends with one of the Plateau government Commissioners so I told the officer I was going to phone him and check the facts.
The officer told me it was illegal for me to make a phone call.
I didn't believe him and carried on.
Thankfully the Commissioner answered my call and helped. He spoke to the officer (who was worried when I took down his name and number - surely someone who was "just doing his job" wouldn't have been) then said he would phone the man direct.
I was released to go on my way.
After I'd left my dog at the vet I returned the way I'd come.
The police had gone from that place and I was relieved until I was nearly home and met another policeman who stopped me. (Army checkpoints in contrast are usually manned by courteous and professional soldiers).
He wanted "something for water" - code for a bribe. I'd had enough and couldn't hold it back any more.
"I come here to serve Nigerians, building peace between Muslims and Christians and all I get is trouble from policemen". There were tears by this time. Then he asked for water money. I refused. He admitted defeat and waved me on.
Thank you police force of Nigeria for making a traumatic day so much easier.
I weep for those Nigerians who have no one to call for help.
For the last couple of years we've tried all we could from training to injections of female hormones to help him get over his aggression to strangers but he seemed to be getting worse. The trouble was he was so sweet to us and people that he knew well but was a threat to strangers. He was a big, strong dog but had psychological issues from an early age so as responsible owners we had to ensure he couldn't harm anyone. Better to act before he attacked a strange child than have to deal with the consequences.
Thank God for Howard, the Australian missionary vet who's been helping us over the years to try to find solutions for the dog. Thank God that the end was in his capable hands.
I had to drive the dog to Howard's place and was managing to hold it together until I was stopped on the way by the hard-working Nigerian police force. "Show me your international passport and car tinted windows permit," officer Ishayu asked aggressively.
"I don't carry my passport. You can see my resident's permit and tinted windows document but I'm taking my dog to the vet," I answered.
He looked. Asked for the other car documents (which I gave him as we believe in obeying the laws of the land and keeping them up to date) then told me the windows permit, which had been passed by the last policeman who'd checked on Monday, should have been renewed online. (When I got home we checked and yes that had been a requirement since January but we had until March 18th to comply). That was a 15,000 or 50,000 naira fine (I wasn't entirely sure which he said) and I had to go with him to the police command in Jos, next to the prison as he made sure to mention, over an hour's drive in the opposite direction from where I was heading.
Then he tried to open the passenger door and get into the car.
I was alone in the car with a condemned dog.
Thankfully, I remember my training and always lock the doors whenever I drive off.
Thankfully through BRiCC I've made friends with one of the Plateau government Commissioners so I told the officer I was going to phone him and check the facts.
The officer told me it was illegal for me to make a phone call.
I didn't believe him and carried on.
Thankfully the Commissioner answered my call and helped. He spoke to the officer (who was worried when I took down his name and number - surely someone who was "just doing his job" wouldn't have been) then said he would phone the man direct.
I was released to go on my way.
After I'd left my dog at the vet I returned the way I'd come.
The police had gone from that place and I was relieved until I was nearly home and met another policeman who stopped me. (Army checkpoints in contrast are usually manned by courteous and professional soldiers).
He wanted "something for water" - code for a bribe. I'd had enough and couldn't hold it back any more.
"I come here to serve Nigerians, building peace between Muslims and Christians and all I get is trouble from policemen". There were tears by this time. Then he asked for water money. I refused. He admitted defeat and waved me on.
Thank you police force of Nigeria for making a traumatic day so much easier.
I weep for those Nigerians who have no one to call for help.
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