RECOVERING FROM TRAUMA

Christian & Non Christian
A couple of weeks ago I attended a 5 day intensive seminar, Recovering From Trauma. Our facilitators/instructors worked through a wide range of material: from restorative justice to overcoming nervous stress. The seminar included both Christians and non Christians. I enjoyed comparing differences and examining points of agreement with folk who did not share my belief system. Networking with other groups committed to issues relating to mental health is not outside the church's call to be salt and light in the world.

The non Christian participants were social workers well versed in the areas of mediation and communal development.

Victimhood
I particularly liked the session on overcoming the cycle of victimhood and persistent conflict. How do victims find their voice, forgive and challenge the oppressor? Is it really possible to break the cycle of conflict which freezes people into a victim-oppressor mould? Most of us found answers in our own stories of overcoming family conflicts and discrimination. My sharing centred mostly on how a personal faith in Christ is helping me to overcome discrimination and prejudices. The discussion was lively.

Justice
Restorative justice (RJ) as opposed to retributive justice was also well received by participants. One of the components of RJ is to view wrongdoing not only as a crime against the state but more importantly as an offence against persons. Sentencing takes into account the offender’s commitment to a process of restoration. Whenever possible, victims and the criminal meet under the guidance of a facilitator with the aim of finding closure not only for the victim but also for the offender. This fosters a greater sense of personal accountability before the needs of the community. Models of this approach can be found in South Africa, Finland and other European countries.

Mental Health
One of the highlights was the relationship between physical and mental health. The body, a healing agent, improves mental health. We were taught simple exercises. And to prove the point we had masseurs working on our backs and forehead, while we were seated, during some of the lectures!

Our trainers, hailing from the Mennonite tradition, were all women in their late 20’s. I found this a little strange because I normally encourage women to share their perspective on issues at meetings or seminars. In this seminar however we had women leading the sessions and I missed a male perspective! Life is full of quaint ironies.

Above on your right is a photo of the participants at the seminar. On the extreme left is Rev Federico Bascuñan, the bespectacled male. He's the pastor of the anglican church, Light Of The World. His arms are around his wife Rosie the lady in the pink blouse.

A BOLIVIAN VIRGINIA TECH

DRUNKEN DRIVER IN COCHABAMBA & CRAZED KILLER AT VIRGINIA TECH CLAIM MORE THAN 60 LIVES

The bus driver, groggy from alcohol & driving at top speed, could not make a fast enough turn at a narrow curve on the road to Cochabamba. He lost control of the vehicle and sent several to their deaths. Seems that he was seen, twice, dozing off at the wheel.

The bus flew over the precipice, flipped in mid-air, smashed against the ravine and crashed headlong into an abyss, 87 meters deep. People were flung from the windows. Some of the bodies, crushed by the impact of the bus’s twisted metal on the rocks, were strewn all over. The tragedy claimed 35 lives and left 25 injured; some of the injured are in serious condition. Rescue teams arrived 30 minutes after the accident. The incident, in taking place on the day after the shootings at Virginia Tech, was a grim reminder of our vulnerability to evil and plain irresponsibility.

Questions are now beginning to surface: Why was a driver under the influence of alcohol allowed to drive a commercial bus? Sadly, tragedies, involving drunken drivers are not uncommon in Bolivia. Bus drivers, involved in long city to city journeys are supposed to submit to urine tests.

The Virginia Tech gunman, a mentally sick person, fit the profile of someone disturbed enough to commit acts of violence. Was he allowed to study in the university without any controls or supervision? And, for the crying out loud, how did a schizophrenic get access to guns and so much ammunition?

LORD, SAVE US FROM OURSELVES.

CROSS AND RESURRECTION IN SANTA CRUZ, BOLIVIA

HOLY WEEK IN THE CONGREGATION

We celebrated Holy Week – from Palm Sunday right through to Good Friday - with special night services. God’s word was shared in the daily Eucharist. One person surprised us by attending all the services! On Thursday we had a foot washing ceremony after the Eucharist; the lay leaders together with the Pastor led the way. Michelle put together a multi-media presentation for Good Friday and some interesting liturgical movements in a procession during in the Easter dawn service. The entire congregation had breakfast together over hot coffee and a simple ham sandwich.

Holy Week has taken on great significance in the congregation. Several years ago I told everyone that remembering and proclaiming Christ's death and resurrection during this period would make it highly inappropriate for anyone to go on vacations. It’s hard to contemplate one’s responsibility – our sins – in Christ’s suffering on the cross at a holiday resort. I heard someone say once, “If we cannot see our face nor hear our voice in the crowds screaming “crucify him”, then we do not understand Christ’s death nor the gospel”.

BOLIVIAN GOOD FRIDAY & EASTER

In Latin America, Good Friday is marked by processions and a diet of fish and vegetables. Almost no one eats red meat unless you're an evangelical Christian trying to prove a point.

A huge bloodied statue of “Christ” is laid to rest, like a corpse, in a transparent coffin and paraded around the town centre and neighbourhoods. It’s a very solemn affair, almost like a funeral, without a hint of His victory on the Cross. As an over reaction, local Christian churches at times avoid any sense of sobriety during Good Friday and tend to play down the significance of our Lord’s death. It leaves the impression of Christ's resurrection being the necessary solution to the failure of the Cross! Luther is probably suffering from heartburn in Paradise. Christian churches come together however at the huge soccer stadium, pray through Saturday night and recieve the dawn of Easter's promise with fireworks, singing, a message and dance items. They know how to pump up the atmosphere on Resurrection Sunday!!

THE CHALLENGE

It’s a challenge to soberly proclaim Christ’s victory on the cross without wallowing in defeatist grief; the joy of resurrection only makes sense within the ambit of redemptive suffering and the promise of Christ's new creation. In this respect some of the lyrics of the old hymns are particularly helpful (try modernizing some of the tunes!).

I tried to reduce my posts on the blog and cut down on internet activity during Holy Week. It was tough; I confess that I was not entirely successful. But the discipline was helpful. Praise The Lord!

PALM SUNDAY

THE COLLECT

APRIL Ist 2007

Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

DAY OF THE SEA

"GIVE US BACK WHAT'S OURS"


Bolivia celebrate the "Day Of The Sea" Dia Del Mar on March 23rd. Its that time of the year when Bolivians stake their claim to the city port which Chile seized several years ago. Demonstrations, parades and speeches are part and parcel of the Day Of The Sea. Attempts at undoing this act of aggression by recovering their only outlet to the sea is deeply embedded in the Bolivian psyche.

BOLIVIAN PEARL HARBOUR
At the turn of the 20th century, Chile, invaded Bolivia's only port along the Pacific coast. This land grab was the result of Chilean militarism, Bolivian passivity and regional politics. Since then Bolivia has been characterised as a land locked country. Bolivians have never forgotten their loss to the Chileans. A historical equivalent would be Japan's sneak attack and destruction of the American fleet at Pearl Harbour.

Diplomatic relations do no exist between Chile and Boliva. Any attempt to try and bring Chile and Bolivia together is always marked by Bolivia's insistence on the return of their land.

MAKING THEIR CLAIM
Bolivian presidents never fail to remind the world community of their rightful claim to the territory, especially when its their turn to speak at the UN general assembly. Children are taught in schools to never forget the injustice that was perpetrated by the Chileans.

Chilean presidents have never tried to settle this matter in an amicable manner. Its a pity because what's at stake is not a huge piece of, mineral-rich, real estate but only a small port city. Returning to Bolivia what is rightfully theirs will hardly create a dent in the Chilean economy. The Chileans have the entire coast to themselves and are a powerful economic and military entity in South America. Bolivia pose no threat to them.

It remains a mystery as to why Chile have never seriously considered Bolivia's claims.

5th SUNDAY IN LENT

THE COLLECT

Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

A BOLIVIAN ST PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATION

I was invited to Ireland, early last year, to talk about the work in Bolivia at a missions convention put together by South American Mission Society, Ireland.

The highlight of this trip were the opportunities to see the various sites associated with St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Visting the ancient cathedral from where he launched his missionary endeavours and standing next to his supposed gravesite were special experiences. Patrick was a missionary- evangelist in the best sense of the word. He was consecrated a Bishop to reach out to the various tribal groups in Ireland. His exploits, whether it was reaching out to his enemies with the gospel or praying for the sick, formed the bedrock of a strong Irish church.

St Patrick's day parades are green affairs with lots of fun and carousing. I doubt if Patrick would approve of some of the goings on in these parades.

In Bolivia we don't have a St Patricks day parade. There are two Irish pubs in Santa Cruz and they draw a crowd of merry revellers.

Maybe there's an Irishman out there who could enlighten us on the origins of these parades and the reasons for their popularity.

On a personal level the Irish are an interesting lot. This is the civilization that gave us Van Morrison, U2, Rory Gallagher, George Best, Pat Jennings, Edmund Burke etc... The irony of course is that Patrick is not Irish! He could have been Welsh. We don't really know.

Patrick continues to inspire us to evangelise and disciple the lost; he was not a fly by night hollywood style evangelist but a diligent apostolick worker amongst the people.

Lord raise up Bolivian "Patricks" to share the gospel.

SACRIFICE AND OBEDIENCE!

A LENTEN THOUGHT

Sacrifice, a fundamental act of obedience to God, runs counter to established norms and expectations.

Jesus, in the midst of growing support for his movement, does the unthinkable: He spells out the messianic call to suffer humiliation, die on the cross and be raised 3 days later. A suffering messiah given over to the enemy? Sounded absolutely crazy.

"Is he on something"? his followers must have asked themselves. A fiery heavenly blast against the Roman empire, would have been their preference.

Peter probably spoke for his disciples when he began to rebuke Jesus; rural Galilee had pinned their hopes on this young carpenter. This was not a time for suffering and humiliation but revolutionary change. In contrast, the great messianic hope, talks about being handed over to the enemy in Mark 8:31-38.

In heaven I hope to see a DVD of this episode. It must have been a riveting scene.

Death, suffering and resurrection were part of an overall plan to settle accounts with a Holy God. Jesus, the Son of God, unlike a poll driven politician, knew what the stakes were: a Holy being, unbesmirched by sin, had to bear the full force of God's judgement that should have been ours. Jesus, weighing the cost of his impending act, in Gethsemani, consumed the cup of God's wrath on the cross and rose from the dead in victory.

Jesus valued obedience to His father.

GETTING THROUGH TO WOMEN!

Don't snigger guys...its actually possible...

Men don't take their wives seriously. We normally smile, listen half heartedly and give a platitude to convey the impression we're attentive to their needs. Some of us just grunt. Impressions even when they're not false don't last, especially under the corrosive effects of reality and time. 20 year old birthday cards get brown around the ages. The goodwill generated through an anniversary dinner lasts only for a couple of weeks. Sooner or later impressions, especially the false ones, run their course, quickly.

Taking others seriously is work. Its easier do overtime at the office or read a book. Or better still just switch on the TV. Its easier to feel the angst of empty celloluid TV figures than to work through issues with real people. Undoing emotional knots, in love, is not for the lighthearted nor the cowardly. Its costly - like carrying the cross. Hence the hard work to not only listen patiently but to also take seriously our spouse's comments and needs. That's tough, especially for men. At times we just don't have anything to give, be it emotional support or money.

All the doors seem closed until the Saviour steps in to pour His love in our hearts. In ways beyond human understanding, Christ's love for His church fills our wounds. His love for us is cruficied and bloody; true love flows from pain none of us can truly bear. Its strange - this daily invitation of our Lord to share in His sacred love within the nitty gritty of married life. And we say YES to the invitation.

Husbands love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her...Ephesians 5: 25

Appa and Amma (edited 14/10/2019)

I dedicate the Bolivian Beat's 100th post to my father, JWD Samuel, and mother, RubyYesudian (lady on his left)

FATHER

My dad belonged to an extinct group of high-grade nursing staff called "Hospital Assistants". They did the combined work of general practitioners and nurses. He excelled in his job, took on more administrative responsibilities and before long, his superiors appointed him "Chief Hospital Assistant"

I told my friends he worked as a nurse because many of them didn't know the difference between a hospital assistant and a hospital attendant. Dad looked dashing in his uniform - a white 4 pocket cotton safari suit and pants. His well-ironed starched uniforms smelt of medication most of the time and he never failed to take his flask-filled coffee every day to work. He served diligently at the clinics as an administrator but his first love was to dress the wounds of those ridden with injuries.  I can't remember him ever taking leave from work.

His parents migrated to Penang, Malaysia, from India, in search of a better life. His mother gave birth to him in Penang as her firstborn. He returned to India, as a boy, with his parents and siblings. His father had made some money in Penang and so he decided to return to Tirunelveli, South India.

My grandfather, a farmer at heart, bought land and grew crops in India. His business flourished but a serious economic recession wiped out the old man's capital and savings. He had no means to adequately care for the family. And so my grandfather sent my dad back to Malaysia to earn a living for himself and to send back money for his siblings.  My father, the eldest son, had no choice but to return to his birthplace, Penang, as a teenager. He studied, worked hard, and sent money back to help his dad and his siblings.

It must have been tough for him because he probably lived on the generosity of relatives and friends in Malaya.

My father, because of his life experiences, helped the downtrodden and championed the underdog. On more than one occasion he served others at the expense of his own family, much to the annoyance of my mother!

We called him Appa - a term of endearment amongst Indians only reserved for fathers. A voracious reader with a social conscience, dad grew to be a "self-made" man. He worked his way from isolated rural areas to the emerging urban centers in Malaysia and Singapore. My dad saw a huge chunk of significant history - the Japanese occupation, liberation, independence, merger, racial riots, the separation between Malaysia and Singapore. He kept a mental note of critical events and never lost sight of those who made an impact on Malayan history, he stubbornly believed that Singapore and Malaysia were one country, Malaya. 

In terms of faith, his high church Anglican instincts convinced him of the eucharist's power to mediate God's saving grace. Long sermons made him bristle but he loved to sing the hymns - in the church as well as in the streets!  . He loved football and supported Liverpool and Arsenal.

Sam, as he was affectionally called by his friends, lived to celebrate his 82nd birthday before he passed away. One day he slipped, fell awkwardly and broke his hip; there was no one in the house. He crawled to the phone and rang for help. An ambulance immediately rushed him to the hospital; complications stalled his recovery, and 3 months later the Lord took my father to Glory. I served him the sacrament a month before he was called home to the Lord. My sisters, Rebecca and Rachel together with Reuben my elder brother took care of my dad's funeral arrangements.

The distance between Bolivia and Singapore made it difficult for me to return to be a part of my father's funeral. He began to pass away on a Sunday morning and on that same morning I preached in Bolivia to the congregation on the challenge to carry the cross.

MOTHER

My mother, Ruby Yesudian, born and raised in Singapore, witnessed the calamity of the Japanese Occupation during WW2 as a young girl. We called her Amma. Her father worked as a proof-reader in a big publishing house in Singapore and epitomized the educated middle-class Indian gentleman; his wife, a strict homemaker, disciplined her children and struck fear in them. My mother scared us with stories of our grandmother rubbing chili powder in their eyes if they misbehaved. My mother admired her father and distanced herself from her mother. My grandparents on my mother's side were first-generation immigrants from India. They passed away in Singapore unlike my grandparents on my father's side. I have 2 uncles and 1 aunt from this side of the family.

My mother kept it all together at home with the help of my Aunty Rani; they raised the four of us (I was the youngest) in some very trying circumstances. She fed and clothed us with the little of what was available to us in the 60s and 70s. She put a lot of weight on our education and engaged tutors to help us get better grades. They don't come any better than my mother. Her diligence and perseverance in the face of trials and setbacks continue to inspire me. Amma introduced me to the joys of reading; she regularly took us to Bras Basah road to buy 2nd hand comics for her children to read. Her gift of a Bible to me for my confirmation changed my life. She urged me to read it but also warned me to not become a fanatic! The daily Bible reading habit motivated me to grow in my knowledge of the Lord and poised me to receive Christ as Savior.

In her early 50's, my mother experienced the filling of the Holy Spirit in St Paul's parish; her life changed dramatically. She studied the courses on the bible, learned to play the guitar, sang choruses to old folks and served with the Anglican Welfare Council as a social worker and counselor in the prisons. Her mentor and friend, Mrs. Felicity Carter encouraged her to and opened doors for my mother to exercise her gifts and talents to the glory of the Lord. She kept long hours and on more than one occasion she returned home looking very tired; she never gave up but her sense of fulfillment in ministry kept her going. My mother, blessed with an innate ability to empathize, possessed great listening skills.

The years, however, took their toll and she left the Anglican Welfare Council. The years passed quickly and she suffered from Alzheimer's. She finally succumbed to a stroke after having spent an extended period of time with my sister Rebecca in the US.

My parents struggled to give us a good education and sacrificed gave up the comforts of life for the greater good of their children. They never claimed to be model parents in their struggles to raise us. I regret not doing more for them. And I speak for my siblings when I say how blessed we were to have them as our parents. Sam and Ruby, that's how they were called by their friends, continue to inspire me on many different levels. The Lord loved them deeply in their tribulations. They hit rough patches also in their marriage but they stayed together in His love. Yes, I'm deeply grateful to the Lord for having given them to us as our parents.

Thank you Appa and Amma!!

God bless both my parents!!

The black and white photo above is ancient (thanks to my cousin David for sending it to me):
On my mother's left is my elder brother Reuben; on my father's right is my elder sister Rebecca; next to her is Rachel - the eldest in the family- on her left is my mother's sister, our Aunty Ranee.

RAPING THE ENVIROMENT!

DEFORESTATION - A MAJOR REASON FOR THE FLOODING

According to Cardenal Julio Terrazas and UN officials a primary reason for the floods in Bolivia is deforestation.

The loss of trees coupled with land abuse severly weakened nature's defenses against the impact of constant rain. Yes, the rains were torrential but certainly not the sort that could have caused flooding of this magnitude.

Incredible. Upsetting the ecological balance has brought about death, the loss of homes, destruction of communities, sicknesses, disease and God knows what else. Stranded families will probably drift into the city which will strain the resources of the city's municipality.

Folks, protecting the environment is now a matter of life and death.

We need to go back to our Bibles and work through some of the implications of our role as stewards in maintaining creation. The mandate to rule over the earth in Genesis does not mean abusing God's precious earth and playing havoc with its ecological balance. Is it any wonder that Paul in Romans 8 talks about creation being subjected to frustration and the need for its liberation from the bondage to decay? Its only the promise of future glory and the manifestation of the glorious freedom of the children of God which give us hope in our struggle to evangelise and protect God's creation.

FLOOD WATERS CONTINUE TO DEVASTATE EASTERN BOLIVIA

Help is beginning to arrive in some of the affected areas; EU countries and our neighbours have sent emergency aid. The governor bought a helicopter to assist people trapped in outlying areas.

The photo shows cows perishing.

Families, left stranded by the floods, are part of communities who've found refuge in in football stadiums and schools.

Its a devastating tragedy.

I have never seen anything like this, before, in my life.

Pray for Bolivia.

SANTA CRUZ CARNAVAL 2007

Nothing To Redeem Except Opportunities To Foster Church Fellowship

BREAKING NEWS: 5 PEOPLE LOSE THEIR LIVES IN DRUNKEN REVELRY


COLLECTIVE INDULGENCE

Many Bolivians, every year without fail, indulge in two days of fun, drunken revelry, parades and promiscuous behaviour. Carnaval in Santa Cruz is a crazy affair. Children and adults throw inflated balloons filled with water at each other; paint and coloured water are now part of the mayhem. People have no qualms about defacing the walls and doors of the city centre city with paint and piss. At times drunken violence takes over as rival groups get involved in punch ups; Carnaval is a dream come true for the liquor industry.

I suppose there are spots of healthy fun during carnaval but by and large it is escapism built on collective indulgence. A growing number of Bolivians find the whole thing ridiculous and leave the city during the revelry.

Many countries in Latin America have their own version of carnaval. The most notorious being the one in Brazil with its bright lights and nude women. In terms of color, sight and culture, nothing comes close however to the carnaval in Oruro, Bolivia.

CARNAVAL & FLOOD VICTIMS

Groups called comparsas elect their own beauty queens and one them is chosen as the carnaval beauty queen. She is then, like a switched on human bulb, paraded in social events and parades constantly. Carnaval is costly affair. A lot of money is dished out in buying costumes, organizing parades, drinking booze and getting into a prestigious comparsa.

An ethical dilemma surfaced: Is it right for city dwellers to dance and wine during carnaval while the rest of Bolivia is in mourning?

The El Niño floods is a national disaster: lives were lost; damage to property and livelihood is incalcuble, especially for a third world country like Bolivia. President Evo Morales and the governors decided not to participate in carnaval this year;they were busy directing relief operations. It would not have been an anomaly to cancel carnaval and raise funds for the flood victims as a gesture of our solidarity with them.

THE RELIGIOUS ELEMENT

Lets not forget the religious element - a god named king Momo is the patron deity of carnaval. And Ash Wednesday always falls on the day after carnaval festivities. There's a stereotype of a promiscous reveller whose licentious behaviour is pegged to the assurance that the Ash Wednesday mass will fix his sins automatically. "If you've sinned during carnaval, not to worry; the host dished out during mass will sufficiently take care of any offense against the almighty". This is not a blanket judgement on all Roman Catholics, many of whom take Lent seriously.

Christian churches don't approve of carnaval; they normally take their people away in outlaying areas, away from the city, and put together an edifying programme which includes games, Bible teaching, fellowship and fun. Is there anything that can be redeemed from carnval? probably nothing except for the opportunity to get together and affirm our bonds as church family.

WELCOME TO THE FIRST DAY OF LENT

ASH WEDNESDAY COLLECT

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

breath slowly...read this collect thoughtfully...don't rush the words in your mind...let the Holy Spirit work...

PRIMATES WIELD THE SWORD BUT DON'T USE IT...NOT YET ANYWAY.

PRIMATES GIVE THE AMERICAN EPISCOPAL CHURCH UP TO SEPTEMBER 2007 TO RENOUNCE SERVICES OF SAME SEX UNIONS AND CONSECRATION OF GAYS IN EPISCOPAL ORDERS (Abp Rowan Williams seen here participating in special service at Zanzibar, Tanzania)


CONFUSION IN SANTA CRUZ, BOLIVIA 2003

I still remember the shock, embarrasment, anger and confusion written over people's faces when news of Gene Robinson's election as bishop in the US hit Santa Cruz, Bolivia. He was a practising homosexual who had left his wife to live with a male partner; his consecration service was transmitted, live, into the homes of everyone in Santa Cruz, including our church members, courtesy of CNN.

The congregation was distracted because of all the publicity given to the consecration; they did not understand how an entire province could have gone astray. And how was it possible for a gay person to be ordained deacon and priest in the first place? Those were challenging times for us in Santa Cruz. I had to sit with leaders, work through the Biblical issues and dig into church history to show how apostasy was not uncommon in the highest councils of of the ecclesiastical hierachy; the diocese of Bolivia took out advertisements in the local newspapers to disassociate ourselves from the American church. This helped to clarify the situation amongst the local populace and improved our relationships with folk from other Christian churches.

Time flies. Its hard to believe that this took place 4 years ago. Since then various attempts have been made to convince the American church to renounce same sex blessings and the consecration of gay bishops. Their responses to the worldwide communion were slow, feeble and ambiguous. A clear deadline however is now in place; the sword of discipline hangs over the american church.

PRIMATES WIELD THE SWORD IN TANZANIA

The Primates met in Tanzania at the end of last week under this dark cloud. After several days of meetngs the communique was released. The key statement was for the American church to renounce both same sex blessings and the consecration of gay bishops before the end of September 2007. The consequence of not doing so, would indicate a decision on the part of the American church to walk away from the worldwide anglican communion.

An interesting plan has also been put forward to try and help bible believing parishes and dioceses to work under the covering of a council headed by a separate primate called a primatial vicar; this council of 5 bishops will function within the present episcopal structure in the States. Will this really work? Probably not but it might be worth a try. The Archbishop of Canterbury called it an experiment. It will only work if liberal bishops have a change of heart; its difficult to envisage such a scenario.

I was expecting a stronger response from Tanzania but maybe this patient approach by the Primates will yield more fruit.

WALKIN' THE DOG

APPRECIATING SIMPLE MOMENTS

Elijah and I are taking our dogs, spot and brownie, for a walk; Nothing like the company of a loved one. The photo is a bit dated.

My son Elijah just returned from a school camp; it lasted for about a week. Michelle, my wife, with many others, are busy organising the church family camp.

People around us are God's gifts;

Pets, like us, are blessed creatures

Treasure them.

THE FINAL SHOWDOWN!

ANGLICAN PRIMATES MEET THIS WEEK IN TANZANIA TO RESOLVE MAJOR CRISIS IN THE AMERICAN CHURCH


This is the "mother" of all meetings where the anglican communion will be reshaped.

AMERICAN CHURCH IN CRISIS

The Global South Primates are pushing for a new Anglican jurisdiction in the US to represent anglicans who've left the existing episcopal church. They will also insist that the episcopal church in the US be disciplined. The reason for this furore? A practising gay man, Gene Robinson, was consecrated bishop in the American Church 4 years ago. Providing services of blessing for same sex partners living together was the other straw which broke the camel's back.

An important resolution, highlighting the incompatibility between homosexual behaviour and the Bible, was passed at a meeting of all the anglican bishops in 1998; it was totally ignored by the american church toward the build up of Gene Robinson's consecration in 2003. Subsequent warnings and the suspension of the episcopal church's delegates within the major bodies of the Anglican Church were not taken seriously. The exodus of orthodox anglicans and parishes did not seem to perturb the episcopal church hierachy. Their inability to meet the requirements of a previous meeting of the primates at Dromantine, Ireland 2 years ago was predictable; most of their bishops are hard core liberals. Electing a liberal primate, fully supportive of the gay agenda only provoked the majority of the primates even further.

ONE POSSIBLE SCENARIO IN TANZANIA

The newly elected primate of the american church, Jennifer Schori, was invited to explain the actions of the american church before the primates in Tanzania. Many primates will only receive her as someone under discipline. They will not share the Eucharist with her; most of their provinces have declared a state of impaired communion between themselves and the american church (the Global South Primates did not share the Eucharist with the previous american primate either).

My predictions: The Episcopal church will be disciplined; their membership will be suspended in the worldwide anglican communion. The scale of the suspension will depend on Schori's representations and the reaction of the global south primates to the ideas and leadership of Rowan Williams. Bishops who do not accept the resolution outlining the anglican communion's understanding of homosexuality and the Windsor Report (a report put together by a special committee which asked for the suspension of gay bishops and services of blessing for gay couples) will NOT be invited to the Lambeth Conference.

A POSSIBLE FUTURE FOR BIBLE BELIEVING ANGLICANS IN THE STATES

Work on a parallel structure will also hopefully begin in earnest; this is going to be a gargantuan task because bible believing parishes and congregations that left the american episcopal church don't want a monolithic structure similar to the one they left. Many of these congregations and parishes are spread out through a variety of networks, regions and groups; they enjoy the oversight of overseas bishops and primates; getting them under one roof will be like herding cats!

Lord Have Mercy On Us All

REACHING OUT TO FLOOD
VICTIMS 5

Children were everywhere; they took part in the singing and loved the sketches

Gregorio (grey shirt) and Dionosio (light blue shirt) were the coordinating Pastors from local communities ravaged by the floods.

Families were stranded and found refuge in churches and schools. Some of them brought their own little tents.

These indigenous young men are guarani; they speak the local dialect.

Some of the flood victims bought their dogs with them at the school. The dogs fought amongst themselves constantly over territorial rights.

REACHING OUT TO FLOOD VICTIMS 4

The flood waters destroyed crops, homes, barns etc.

It was painful to see many houses under the flood waters. If it was painful for us, imagine what it must be like for the owners!





Its the school holidays so the children swim in the flood waters.

REACHING OUT TO FLOOD VICTIMS 3

People with bad backs were were taken care off by Chiropractors

We gave wheat, eggs and sulphur soap to a stranded community bottom left. Cooking oil was distributed to families seeking refuge in a government school bottom right.






And of course intercessions were offered wherever we went. Pastor Oscar from one of the churches prays in public for this community.