It was in the Ostrich Bakery that we met. I had heard that the Muslim Hausa people had a large population near the Anglican Cathedral. So Sunday afternoon I sauntered on over, praying for “a man of peace” from that community.
Well, there he was in the bakery. I walked up to him, looked innocent (as a dove), and asked him if he could take me through the mosque, which was right across the street. He was quite pleased with my question and proceeded to tell me several things.
First, his name was Isa. Arabic for Jesus. Second, as I was a Christian, I could not go into the mosque. But as I was interested in Islam, I could meet the imam.
And that led to a motorcycle tour of the Hausa community, a stop at the imam’s (door locked), and a long conversation with four of his friends. Two of them are named Isa, one is Jousef Ali, the name of the leading annotator of the Qur’an, and two others.
No tour of the mosque, no meeting with the imam, but exchange of phone numbers and their intention to introduce me to the imam Monday.
I have a suggestion in my mind for this upcoming conversation. I probably will refrain from one of my usual questions when interviewing Muslims: “How many times have you been a suicide bomber?” That is for breaking down stereotypes in the States. No, I’ll suggest that we four do a comparison of Isa in the Qur’an and Isa in the New Testament. That will be an opening I look forward to continuing.
Stay tuned and please pray. For this and for the Fulani…
Saturday, December 31, 2011
What happens when a beer truck gets stranded at night?
[This one should be read before the following one] First, you pinch yourself to see if this is a dream. Then you get some of those guys leaving with bottles under their arms to bring a couple over to you. Uh uh. Not in Nigeria. My brothers in Christ do not drink of the vine.
Skip that dream. But what did happen is that we got backed up because of the truck and held still for over half an hour. Then it was already dark. We were driving back from Bp. Crowther Seminary where I had visited the dean, a good friend, and spoken to the students. This delay put us very late in a very dark night.
Not optimal driving conditions in a land where armed robbers and bats come out at night. We turned onto a dirt road that would connect us to another major road into Makurdi. That took us through bush and through several remote villages. The driver, Vaalentine, said he had worked this area evangelizing them. I loved that thought.
But then we found two logs across the road, bringing our vehicle to a halt. Valentine had some strong words with one of the men, and they moved the logs. He told me later he had told them they should be asking prayers instead of money. They apparently agreed.
Logs moved, road open, and off we went. End of adventure, prayers turned to thanksgiving, and dream put on hold.
Skip that dream. But what did happen is that we got backed up because of the truck and held still for over half an hour. Then it was already dark. We were driving back from Bp. Crowther Seminary where I had visited the dean, a good friend, and spoken to the students. This delay put us very late in a very dark night.
Not optimal driving conditions in a land where armed robbers and bats come out at night. We turned onto a dirt road that would connect us to another major road into Makurdi. That took us through bush and through several remote villages. The driver, Vaalentine, said he had worked this area evangelizing them. I loved that thought.
But then we found two logs across the road, bringing our vehicle to a halt. Valentine had some strong words with one of the men, and they moved the logs. He told me later he had told them they should be asking prayers instead of money. They apparently agreed.
Logs moved, road open, and off we went. End of adventure, prayers turned to thanksgiving, and dream put on hold.
There are a few of my favorite things
Actually, a better title would be, “I only have a few of my favorite things.”
Here they are:
Eggs, usually with red things, onions, potatoes, and something else – for breakfast;
Okra and oatmeal. Now you know for sure I’m reaching for favorite things;
Oranges – peeled a different way, but then most things are different here;
Sweet potatoes. Pounded yams, they are called. Into a mush. Then you have the fun of rolling a piece around in your hand like we used to with mud. Then you take that and dip it in a “stew” of okra, a syrup, some meat or fish, and swallow it. Also called “swallow food”;
Fish, really good, and beef, but I think I saw the cow the beef came from. It was butchered a year ago.
Missing? Another favorite thing?
Read on. [That one preceding this]
Here they are:
Eggs, usually with red things, onions, potatoes, and something else – for breakfast;
Okra and oatmeal. Now you know for sure I’m reaching for favorite things;
Oranges – peeled a different way, but then most things are different here;
Sweet potatoes. Pounded yams, they are called. Into a mush. Then you have the fun of rolling a piece around in your hand like we used to with mud. Then you take that and dip it in a “stew” of okra, a syrup, some meat or fish, and swallow it. Also called “swallow food”;
Fish, really good, and beef, but I think I saw the cow the beef came from. It was butchered a year ago.
Missing? Another favorite thing?
Read on. [That one preceding this]
How come these postings are so few?
Simple answer – I’m involved in a retreat for those being ordained on Sunday, when I will be the preacher. We are a good ways out of the city of Makurdi. I think there is a cyber café nearby which I will try and find and use. Or maybe not.
I’m going to make this simple. Moving from a flash drive to a blog for five postings – all in an unreliable cyber café - will be tedious. These will all be under one post.
Friday, December 2, 2011
The Fulani of Kafanchan
One of my hopes for this trip is to take back some new information about the Fulani and the mission to them. Our church, St. Stephen’s Anglican Church in Heathsville, Virginia, prays for them every week “and for those who take the Gospel to them.” I would like to bring some fresh insights about this huge group and God’s witnesses among them.
On my last visit I spent some time with Bishop William Diya, the Bishop of Kafanchan. He has been a prominent leader in the Anglican mission to this nomadic group. He took me to a vast tract of land purchased for Fulani converts, a safe haven where they could take their cows and their families after conversion to Jesus Christ. I had hoped to return and see how the long range plan for this had progressed.
From what I saw last year, it seemed likely that, under the priest in charge of Fulani work there, this plan would be taking shape. Bishop Inyom gave me a chilling update. He said that the Fulani in that area had been causing "troubles". This had come in the form of attacks on “pastoralists” or farmers. The farmers object to the cattle nomads going through their lands, and the nomads need to take their cattle where they can forage. Hostilities inevitably have arisen over the past few months. Some farmers have killed Fulani cattle, and several farms have been ravaged by the Fulani. Several Christians have been murdered.
In fact, not too many months ago Bishop Diya had to flee over his wall to escape Fulani violence at his compound.
So much for a visit to Kafanchan and the Fulani camp there. I don’t think Constance would give permission.
On my last visit I spent some time with Bishop William Diya, the Bishop of Kafanchan. He has been a prominent leader in the Anglican mission to this nomadic group. He took me to a vast tract of land purchased for Fulani converts, a safe haven where they could take their cows and their families after conversion to Jesus Christ. I had hoped to return and see how the long range plan for this had progressed.
From what I saw last year, it seemed likely that, under the priest in charge of Fulani work there, this plan would be taking shape. Bishop Inyom gave me a chilling update. He said that the Fulani in that area had been causing "troubles". This had come in the form of attacks on “pastoralists” or farmers. The farmers object to the cattle nomads going through their lands, and the nomads need to take their cattle where they can forage. Hostilities inevitably have arisen over the past few months. Some farmers have killed Fulani cattle, and several farms have been ravaged by the Fulani. Several Christians have been murdered.
In fact, not too many months ago Bishop Diya had to flee over his wall to escape Fulani violence at his compound.
So much for a visit to Kafanchan and the Fulani camp there. I don’t think Constance would give permission.
A Lesser Saint and a Living Model
December 2, that would be the birthday – day of his death? – of Channing Moore Williams, first missionary bishop of Japan. In the Anglican calendar, this is his Lesser Feast Day.
I remember meeting him for the first time. It was in Tokyo, on the grounds of Rikkyo, or St. Paul’s University as we would know it. I was standing in front of his statue, contemplating him as he seemed to be me. I would say that Rembrandt’s “Aristotle Contemplating the Bust of Homer” came to mind, but that might be just a wee bit of a stretch.
Drew Rollins, my traveling companion on that trip and good friend, took a photo of the two of us, and I frequently look up at it from my desk in my Upper Room.
The Bishop, as I fondly refer to him, was a several-great uncle of mine and the namesake for our son. Channing Moore Williams was the first missionary Bishop of Japan. He went in soon after the US gunboats opened Japan. Less than 100 years later Gen. Douglas MacArthur wisely called for the United States to send missionaries to post-war Japan. If we did and if they were well received, Bp. Williams would deserve the credit. But taking credit is not something he liked to do. Indeed he almost slipped out of Japan for the last time without letting anybody know. Take notice they did and gave him the honor that he deserved.
Founding St. Paul’s University is but one of his more notable achievements. He also founded Heian (Peace) Hospital. It is said that he went eight years without a convert, but again his legacy has grown over the years. The Holy Catholic Church of Japan (Nippon Sei Kokai) lives today because of his steadfast commitment to seeing the name of Jesus Christ established among this great people.
Today we would call the Japanese of his day one of the least evangelized peoples. There were Christians but they were few and under severe persecution. My visit to Japan, when I had been invited to preach at Rikkyo’s chapel, came when the notion of attention to those least evangelized deserved the church’s attention.
And so on this his lesser feast day, I salute my relative and my inspiration.
I remember meeting him for the first time. It was in Tokyo, on the grounds of Rikkyo, or St. Paul’s University as we would know it. I was standing in front of his statue, contemplating him as he seemed to be me. I would say that Rembrandt’s “Aristotle Contemplating the Bust of Homer” came to mind, but that might be just a wee bit of a stretch.
Drew Rollins, my traveling companion on that trip and good friend, took a photo of the two of us, and I frequently look up at it from my desk in my Upper Room.
The Bishop, as I fondly refer to him, was a several-great uncle of mine and the namesake for our son. Channing Moore Williams was the first missionary Bishop of Japan. He went in soon after the US gunboats opened Japan. Less than 100 years later Gen. Douglas MacArthur wisely called for the United States to send missionaries to post-war Japan. If we did and if they were well received, Bp. Williams would deserve the credit. But taking credit is not something he liked to do. Indeed he almost slipped out of Japan for the last time without letting anybody know. Take notice they did and gave him the honor that he deserved.
Founding St. Paul’s University is but one of his more notable achievements. He also founded Heian (Peace) Hospital. It is said that he went eight years without a convert, but again his legacy has grown over the years. The Holy Catholic Church of Japan (Nippon Sei Kokai) lives today because of his steadfast commitment to seeing the name of Jesus Christ established among this great people.
Today we would call the Japanese of his day one of the least evangelized peoples. There were Christians but they were few and under severe persecution. My visit to Japan, when I had been invited to preach at Rikkyo’s chapel, came when the notion of attention to those least evangelized deserved the church’s attention.
And so on this his lesser feast day, I salute my relative and my inspiration.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Blending in
As a seasoned, shrewd, and wise traveler, I know the importance of blending in, of dressing so as not to stand out.
For two minutes and two seconds, while standing in line to board the plane to Nigeria, I was appalled at my error in what I was wearing. There I was in a blue, button-down short sleeve dress shirt. I looked at all the people in line and saw not one other shirt like that. In fact no other shirt that bright. All browns and darks. I had made a serious slip and quickly assessed my other clothes I had packed.
There it was again - another blue shirt. My black clergy shirts would help me blend in but otherwise... And that went on for two minutes.
In the next two seconds I glanced up at the people wearing all those darks and browns and realized I didn't need to worry about blending in. Even if I had browns and darks. Among the 150 people boarding, I saw three others who also did not blend in. And I can't remember what color clothes they were wearing...
For two minutes and two seconds, while standing in line to board the plane to Nigeria, I was appalled at my error in what I was wearing. There I was in a blue, button-down short sleeve dress shirt. I looked at all the people in line and saw not one other shirt like that. In fact no other shirt that bright. All browns and darks. I had made a serious slip and quickly assessed my other clothes I had packed.
There it was again - another blue shirt. My black clergy shirts would help me blend in but otherwise... And that went on for two minutes.
In the next two seconds I glanced up at the people wearing all those darks and browns and realized I didn't need to worry about blending in. Even if I had browns and darks. Among the 150 people boarding, I saw three others who also did not blend in. And I can't remember what color clothes they were wearing...
Monday, November 28, 2011
And for prayer -
This is Nigeria. Strange food, mad Muslims, cross-cultural encounters, and spiritual demands. And health concerns. So...
1. Staying close to the Lord, to listen well, to take in what I need to, to pick up what He is bringing my way.
2. Good preparation for my talks and sermon. Especially the sermon. A major event there, ordination, and me a quasi-outsider.
3. Fulani. A large unreached group. Anglican have high involvement. I want to bring them back as a viable mission for congregations. Very difficult, given the distance, unfamiliarity, etc. Still, we are called and expected to connect even with such as they. I need insights.
4. Health. I did get really sick last time. Bad food and the consequences. That can easily happen. Also I travel with a case of lymphoma that has recently showed mild stirrings. Nothing much, no treatment necessary. But no symptoms there would be good.
5. For Constance at home. Lots of painting to do and prints to prepare, roses to winterize, and good reading. Still, prayer for her and her peace and her fun, please.
1. Staying close to the Lord, to listen well, to take in what I need to, to pick up what He is bringing my way.
2. Good preparation for my talks and sermon. Especially the sermon. A major event there, ordination, and me a quasi-outsider.
3. Fulani. A large unreached group. Anglican have high involvement. I want to bring them back as a viable mission for congregations. Very difficult, given the distance, unfamiliarity, etc. Still, we are called and expected to connect even with such as they. I need insights.
4. Health. I did get really sick last time. Bad food and the consequences. That can easily happen. Also I travel with a case of lymphoma that has recently showed mild stirrings. Nothing much, no treatment necessary. But no symptoms there would be good.
5. For Constance at home. Lots of painting to do and prints to prepare, roses to winterize, and good reading. Still, prayer for her and her peace and her fun, please.
And in my bag I have...
Remember that game? The next person has to remember all that was mentioned before and then add one thing.
In my bag I have --- many gifts - two wall calendars, bangles, funny balloons, pot holders, pens, a couple of flashlights, scarves, and a few other things that are 1) flat, and 2) light.
And ----- pills (anti-malaria, anti-histamines, aspirin, epipen, several other types), bandages, hand sanitizer, stuff like that.
And ---- books. Tolkein. I feel that I ought to like his trilogy. Haven't gotten into it in previous tries. If not this time, the book stays there. The Nigerian Book of Common Prayer. Wired - want to read the current issue and interview with Steve Bezos and then leave it in JFK. E. J. Young's Commentary on Isaiah, volume three. This is my treat. I've worked through the first two volumes. This one covers chapter 40 on.
And ---- movies. DVDs - they hardly take up any space. And I will need the diversion, at some point. Two. True Grit. A gift from Constance. The original. John Wayne. Might try to show it over there to some guys. An interesting cross-cultural effort.
And "Christmas Vacation". That qualifies as Advent preparation, doesn't it? Also the funniest movie ever.
And a few clothes.
In my bag I have --- many gifts - two wall calendars, bangles, funny balloons, pot holders, pens, a couple of flashlights, scarves, and a few other things that are 1) flat, and 2) light.
And ----- pills (anti-malaria, anti-histamines, aspirin, epipen, several other types), bandages, hand sanitizer, stuff like that.
And ---- books. Tolkein. I feel that I ought to like his trilogy. Haven't gotten into it in previous tries. If not this time, the book stays there. The Nigerian Book of Common Prayer. Wired - want to read the current issue and interview with Steve Bezos and then leave it in JFK. E. J. Young's Commentary on Isaiah, volume three. This is my treat. I've worked through the first two volumes. This one covers chapter 40 on.
And ---- movies. DVDs - they hardly take up any space. And I will need the diversion, at some point. Two. True Grit. A gift from Constance. The original. John Wayne. Might try to show it over there to some guys. An interesting cross-cultural effort.
And "Christmas Vacation". That qualifies as Advent preparation, doesn't it? Also the funniest movie ever.
And a few clothes.
You gotta love the adventure!
Off to Nigeria. That would be after four hours in the Richmond airport and four in JFK. I land in Abuja, Nigeria's capital. A priest from my diocese, the Diocese of Makurdi, will meet me and drive me to Makurdi and Bishop Inyom.
Time was, in Nigeria, one didn't travel at night. Not too safe. Things have changed.
My preaching isn't until December 11th. That gives me about 12 days there. Bishop Inyom said he would have an itinerary for me when I get there. One way of looking at it - that does take the pressure off. All I have to do is show up at the car at the appointed time, get in, ask where we are going, how long we will be there, and chill.
My hunch is two other stops besides time in Makurdi.
One stop will be Fulani territory. Actually Fulani territory is vast, across West Africa. This place will be the territory where Fulani converts can live for a while before finding a new home. This is where I walked into a wall. (See earlier post of September, 2010.)
Second guess will be the Bishop Crowther Seminary in Okene. I was there a year ago, taught some, mixed some, got pretty sick, and otherwise had a good time.
Then days in the Diocese of Makurdi, my diocese. The bishop would probably like me to get around some before I get up in the cathedral to preach at their ordination service.
We'll see.
Time was, in Nigeria, one didn't travel at night. Not too safe. Things have changed.
My preaching isn't until December 11th. That gives me about 12 days there. Bishop Inyom said he would have an itinerary for me when I get there. One way of looking at it - that does take the pressure off. All I have to do is show up at the car at the appointed time, get in, ask where we are going, how long we will be there, and chill.
My hunch is two other stops besides time in Makurdi.
One stop will be Fulani territory. Actually Fulani territory is vast, across West Africa. This place will be the territory where Fulani converts can live for a while before finding a new home. This is where I walked into a wall. (See earlier post of September, 2010.)
Second guess will be the Bishop Crowther Seminary in Okene. I was there a year ago, taught some, mixed some, got pretty sick, and otherwise had a good time.
Then days in the Diocese of Makurdi, my diocese. The bishop would probably like me to get around some before I get up in the cathedral to preach at their ordination service.
We'll see.
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