The Spirit blows where it will...

It's been a phenomenally busy week in the Education by Extension office, not helped by having no admin support for three days - long story. Tried not to get cross. Got a bit cross but it could have been worse. It was perfectly justified to get a bit cross mind you, because contingencies are all in place for extra admin support when necessary but they didn't kick in. A lone Director in the dept. just isn't enough in the people-centered Pacific. Sometimes when I'm cross I just walk the 20 paces from the office to the College gates, stare down the road to where sky and sea meet, and send one up. Even on dustbin day it restores the soul.

I wasn't cross with the causes of the busy-ness, let me stress, because it's wonderful to have people dropping by and enquiries about the programmes increasing. Mele and Sita, for example, whom I'd never met before, are Extension students from Tuvalu and have come to PTC for a one week residential course about gender violence. 

While they're on the spot here, they want to stock up on course books and check their files, etc. It was a delight to meet them: both hard working ministers' wives who spend a lot of time exercising leadership among women of the Ekklesia Kelisiano Tuvalu, running Bible studies, offering pastoral guidance etc. And, little by little, notching up their basic theological education through our courses. Mele got her Certificate in Theological Studies in 2011, and is cracking on with the Diploma. 





They asked me, 'Can we get credits for all the work we're doing at home so it can count towards the Certificate and Diploma?' It's such a great question. Why shouldn't that work count, really? My heart would probably cross-credit quite a lot if no-one was looking! But someone is looking. Unfortunately, or rightly so? The Pacific Qualifications framework and Fiji Higher Education Council are clear about the standards we're supposed to be meeting. And if PTC distance learning in theology is seen to be 'soft' on accreditation, our students' reputation in the life of the Pacific Churches suffers in the end. 'Oh, those women just got a back door qualification - it's not like their husband's 'proper' one!' People want transferable credits as well. 'Will this be recognised if my husband goes to minister in Australia?' We want to say a firm and non-discriminatory 'yes' to that. 

Like many meetings and conversations in our department though, this one with Sita and Mele set me thinking deeply. Again. There must be more room somehow for greater educational recognition of the kind of wonderful and faithful mission and ministry they exercise week by week. Probably through assessing planning, delivery, outcomes and what they learn through reflective practice. All the usual boxes to tick, I suppose. But in the area of Church and faith matters; it's hard. How do you assess and accredit this kind of learning and service at local level, really? 

Sita says, 'Well, while I'm on the course this week, which is only during the day, I'll just not be sleeping at night, Rev Val, so that I can complete my Pacific Church History Part II while I'm here and while we've got internet and the library and everything!' She beams. I think she's totally serious. And I recall with shame certain theological students in other parts of the globe with resources at their fingertips and ever-ready excuses on their lips. 

'Bring me the course curriculum for this week and the results of any assignments you do', I say as a parting shot. Never say never.

Also deserving of accreditation, but rewarded by me with only 'cookies and cream' lollies (how mean was that?!) were the Nanuku Church youth group today for their community clean up. This was by choice on their programme and we'd originally thought of a litter pick around the settlement, etc. However, they were all fired up to scrub and clean the church itself and immediate surroundings. Fair enough. (We might be sort of waiting for the matching youth club T-shirts before the wider community clean-up. Kalavata matters!)

Young people in Fiji are experts at cleaning. They're required to do it at home all the time and I simply can't imagine the scenario of offspring negotiating with Mum or Dad about whether they're going to do the sweeping or not. You just do it. It's expected of you. 

(Child labour? Exploitation? I know, I know.... all this sometimes spills over into mighty issues too...)

However, an hour and a half of fun was had by all, entirely youth led, as lino was mopped, dusty mats were beaten, window slats were rubbed with crushed up newspaper until gleaming, and all was made ready for Pentecost Sunday tomorrow. Nanuku Youth? Simply the best. Have a look.

Having said that the only 'reward' was lollies, what they don't know is that a brand new, bright red - rather Pentecostal! - guitar will be gifted tomorrow, to add to the eclectic, and randomly strung collection we're slowly acquiring for Wednesday guitar classes.

First public performance of 'Holy Ghost and Fire That is Keepin' Me Alive!' in Church tomorrow. Oooo-err. Whatever goes wrong, just keep smiling!

G20 interfaith summit at PTC

The College hosted an important summit meeting this week. In preparation for the G20, a group of interfaith scholars and champions met here, at the invitation of our Faculty colleague the Revd Dr Upolu Luma Va'ai. Click here to see Dr Upolu's Facebook summary of the event, It aimed to do the following and you can find out more and discover outcomes at the G20 Interfaith Summit website in due course.

Conference Background

Rationale

Based on the very successful annual G20 Interfaith Summit initiative, a group of universities, faith groups, academic experts, and government officials will convene a Pacific Region pre-conference meeting with the aim to highlight the key role that religion plays in contributing to sustainable development and to achievement of the United Nation’s post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals. This Regional Interfaith Summit will bring together experts on religion and the economy, religion and law and Pacific leaders from various religious and professional backgrounds to explore ways that religious actors and communities can work together to enhance positive relationships and contribute to achievement of sustainable development goals.

Objective

The objective of the G20 Interfaith Summit is to facilitate peace and respect between people of all religious and philosophical traditions while exploring ways to work together to strengthen economic development. This is important because religion plays a  major role in global events today, including issues from medical ethics to cross-border conflicts to macroeconomic trends. However, religion can be misunderstood or even overlooked as a factor on the global stage, and thus, the contributions faith and religion make to social well-being and policies, which impact national and international communities, often go unrecognised.

Expected Outcomes

• Exploration through informed, scholarly discussion of links between religious practice, social cohesion and sustainable development.
• Promotion of research and dialogue on ways that a vibrant religious sector characterized by tolerance and mutual respect contributes to achievement of sustainable development goals.
• Demystification and opening up of communication channels between different faith traditions.
• Sharing ideas, experiences and “best practices” in building peace and respectful relationships. Exploring and affirming common values, virtues and principles among diverse faith and philosophic tradition.
• Production of a consensus statement that includes policy insights and strategies, and lessons learned.

Those of us who weren't actually participants in the Conference were still caught up in the community momentum of it all as our guests were received. Monday's classes were all cancelled. Students and support staff worked tirelessly to deliver the necessary Pacific welcomes and protocols, plus hosting and serving a hugely elaborate welcome feast. Here, Rev Taniela Balenaikorodawa offers chief guest Dr Brian Adams the Fijian tabua - tooth of the sperm whale - the highest token of respect a person can be offered from the Vanua - the people and land of Fiji.

The sacred root of the pepper plant yaqona is also presented in the sevusevu ritual, and then mixed ceremonially into the earthy, traditional drink offered in coconut shell cups. Below, the Methodist Church in Fiji's youth department carry out the traditions with solemnity, respect and precision.

Traditional woven mats are presented too. Here's Salome, our Education by Extension administrator fulfilling the task ascribed  to her. 

And the massively talented PTC Youth Group can be seen here

And so we pray...

Interfaith Prayer: Save us from weak resignation

Eternal God
Save us from weak resignation to violence
Teach us that restraint is the highest expression of power
That thoughtfulness and tenderness are marks of the strong.

Help us to love our enemies
Not by countenancing their sins,
But by remembering our own
And may we never for a moment forget
That they are fed by the same food,
Hurt by the same weapons,
Have children for whom they have the same high hopes as we do.

Grant us the ability
To find joy and strength not in the strident call to arms
To grasp our fellow creatures
In the striving for justice and truth.

~ prepared by a Christian, a Jew and a Muslim, August 1990.  In A Collection of Prayers for Peace, 2005
Posted on the Decade to Overcome Violence website of the World Council of Churches

Blog versus Facebook

I've never personally got into Facebook but it's absolutely MASSIVE here! If someone's got wifi or data on the phone, they're checking in and posting constantly. This can be a bit controversial on College computers during work hours, especially when you can see that someone's accessing Facebook about every three minutes. Discuss.... Be that as it may, everyone's at it.

So in a spirit of 'if you can't beat 'em join 'em', the Education by Extension Department has had a Facebook presence for a while now. You can find us here at Ptcee Suva. It's amazing how many people find us that way, and indeed we can communicate with students across the region effectively, especially through the private messaging facility. Sometimes they're a bit taken aback that the PTCEE Director chases their long overdue assignments through their Facebook site! But we haven't been blocked yet.

We also get to see what a whole range of colleagues and connected folk are up to. Here's one. Oh - oh....

Here's our good friend Peci, who helps us out in the office as a relief admin assistant, losing beauty sleep - not that she needs any - and doing her PTCEE work, bless her. The Fijian reads - 'working hard and drinking coffee'. 'Tsk tsk' is a global expression I think? Keep going, Peci! But don't do ALL your theology at night - Jesus wants you to walk in the light too!

Then we happened upon Rev Paulini who teaches at the Methodist College up the road and marks for us in the area of Biblical Studies. She'd faithfully brought a pile of marking back and said she wouldn't be around for a week or so because off to the US. And sure enough....

Cor! Not just marathon assignment marking then? Look forward to seeing you back at PTCEE soon Talatala Pau.

And then sometimes, you find out about what's going on in the office around the corner through Facebook! Well, to be fair, I knew that database training was going on because our Administrator Salome was booked onto the course. But it was great to see the report from Sai (ie.Simon here) our IT specialist and to see the group in action.

It was a great initiative the cross-departmental database training and long overdue. As I commented...

Here's the high achievers. From back row clockwise. Sai (IT specialist at PTC), Rev Raki, Sanjesh the trainer, Raijeli, Lynne, Ana-Latu, Rima, Kini and Salome. Don't they look great?

Then there's always that contemporary question: if Jesus was around now, would he be communicating via Facebook? 

Bit sleepy to engage with that one just now. But as a starter for ten, I confess this did make me smile! Until the next post...

Positively productive

Hooray! Always a good day when we can blog about the latest Bachelor of Divinity course being shelf ready. Here it is. Introduction to the Study of the 'Writings' - Ketuvim in Hebrew, which in Old Testament terms is all the rest of the books of the Hebrew Bible apart from the Pentateuch and the Prophets. More explanation below from the course book should it be of interest.

Torah (or Pentateuch as Christians tend to call it) which contains the first 5 books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy). Torah means law, instruction, guide or lore in Hebrew.

Nevi’im (or “Prophets” in English). This contains the former prophets, from Joshua to Kings (excluding some books like Ruth and Chronicles), as well as the later (major and minor) prophets. The Hebrew collection of prophetic material is therefore larger than the Christian division of Prophets.

Ketuvim (or Writings) which are all the rest of the books of the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible.

Divine Wisdom
Shiloh Sophia McCloud

The course writer has been Merilyn Clark, a retired teacher of Old Testament studies at Charles Sturt University in Australia. Since retiring from there, she's been teaching at Wontulp-Bi-Buya, a college in Queensland which trains indigenous Australian church leaders. The Faculty consultant here at PTC, as I mentioned before, is our new Old Testament scholar Dr Kathryn Imray and former PTCEE Director Deidre Madden put a lot into it too. Big thanks to all.

My job was to cobble it all together in usable form, sustained on the journey by mugs of Earl Grey and rich tea biscuits. Oh yes; no need for an editor to go short of the basic necessities here!

It's a seven unit course:

Unit 1: Introduction to the Biblical Collection called the ‘Writings’
Unit 2: Hebrew Poetry
Unit 3: Hebrew Poetry (continued) and Hebrew Narrative
Unit 4: Wisdom Writings
Unit 5: Hebrew Narrative: Ruth and Esther
Unit 6: Inter-testamental Writings
Unit 7: Review of the ‘Writings’

and although editing's a bit of a long haul, I really enjoyed musing on the Wisdom writings again. Here's a sample section from Unit 4.

The word ‘wisdom’ in Hebrew is hokmah. One of the key features of the wisdom literature is the wide usage of this word and its derivatives, whether in the form of noun (‘wisdom’, ‘the wise’, ‘a wise person’), adjective (‘wise’) or verb forms (‘to be wise’). It is a crucial keyword in the wisdom material. It is really important to be aware that wisdom is not only a good attribute. Sometimes it is used in the sense of cunning, and cunning may be put to bad use. Wisdom can be corrupted and corruptly used. Wisdom not only applies to thoughtful advice and behaviour, but also to knowledge gained, to skills including administration and ruling a nation, music making, any craft work (such as metal work) and even mourning. None of us is exempt from being wise in the ways we can be wise.

Wisdom can be sought and taught. It is also a gift from God. Wisdom may be gained through:

- careful observation of nature and humanity; 

- reflection or meditation not only on life but also on the Scriptures;

- taking instruction from wiser ones; 

- seeking and being open to God’s will;

- accepting reproof as well as responsibility and seeking to please God.

A bit later in Unit 4, we're given a summary of some of the characteristics of God-sourced and shaped wisdom in the Hebrew literature. I particularly warmed to these sections. What do you think?

4.5.4  Wisdom presumes human freedom and choice.

Over and over again through the wisdom material, we are faced with a wise path and a foolish path. Wisdom ideas are often advanced through looking at opposites in the paths one should take. Binary opposites (which we discussed in Job)— such as good/evil, lazy/diligent, truth/lies, rich/poor and wise/foolish—are frequently used. They emphasise the possibility of choice: we must choose between these opposing values in the way we live our lives. In the proverb: Speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy (Prov 31:8–9 NIV), it would be clearly possible to choose not to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, or to refuse to defend the rights of the poor and needy. Not to speak up or defend their rights would be a failure of one’s duty. Knowing good and doing good are almost equated. Ignorance is not just about a lack of knowledge. It also seems to contain an element of actively deciding not to know, perhaps a wilful ignorance. This means that there is also an ethical dimension to ignorance. Pride, cowardice and laziness also contribute to the failure to choose rightly. There are also limits to human knowledge and understanding.

4.5.5.      Wisdom and Revelation

Finally, creation itself and human experience of it become a means of revelation too. This is an extraordinary insight. God is not just a God who can be experienced through the words of the Torah, the words of the prophets, and the great saving events of Israel’s story. God can also be experienced and known through the ordinary lives of people, that is, through everyday human experience.

and so, friends...

Did any of us encounter Wisdom today, I wonder? 
If so, where and in whom?

Did any of us try to exempt ourselves from wise action by choosing 'wilful ignorance'?

Are we really receptive to Wisdom's revelations in everyday experience?

Cracking questions eh? And they're not even in the book: you'll have to pay me extra for those!

For sure, this crazy world needs some massive doses of Divine Wisdom. We humbly pray that PTCEE's tiny contribution helps just a little.

...and so we all exhaled

Zena didn't do anything. (I realise in retrospect the cyclone's name was supposed to be Xena, Warrior Princess). She moved swiftly along at 50kmph and disintegrated - I don't understand the finer meteorological details - leaving us unscathed and much relieved. The weather tracking maps had looked awful. Some people just packed up and went to evacuation centres without being told to, fearing the worst. But this week it's 'as we were' and the clear up from Winston continues. Psychologically and emotionally it's deeply unsettling. Thankful for a profound sense of being fastened to the Rock which cannot move. 

In the weather from the UK today, parts of Cornwall are lashed by storms and floods. Dramatic pictures. While over here, Na Draki weather says

Monday 11th April 2016  

Risk of a cyclone affecting Fiji in the next 72 hours is NIL

RISK - NIL = less than 1%   LOW = 1-20%    MODERATE= 21-50%   HIGH = 51% or higher

The Revd Dr Richard Clutterbuck, Principal of Edgehill College, Belfast is in Suva at the moment. He's on study leave and revisiting the Pacific region which he's done many time since he and Diane were mission partners at Sia'atoutai Theological College Tonga in the early days of their marriage. Daughter number one made her appearance during those years too, so even more reason for the Pacific to hold unique, precious memories. It's lovely to see him. We go back a long way because of global mission and theological college things in the UK. He and Faculty friends came 'round to House 12 for a meal last Friday. Here we are in all our glory.

Of course we're exploiting Richard shamelessly while he's around by getting him to attend a consultation on Methodism in the Pacific and do some guest lecturing here at PTC. Study leave? I don't think so!

Seriously, we're grateful for the generous heart in him that said, 'The last thing I'd want to be is a burden, but if I can help out at all...'

Partnership personified. Sabbatical blessings, Richard.

From Winston to Zena

It's Weds 6th April 2016 and College is closed, so are schools, because Tropical Cyclone Zena is apparently going to 'bless' us now - as though TC Winston wasn't sufficient for the season. 

Here's a piece from FBC news this afternoon. Under curfew again from 6pm. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.

TC Zena now a Category 3 system

14:23 Today

Report by: Akosita Talei

Tropical Cyclone Zena has intensified to Category 3.

It has wind speeds of up to 65 knots close to the center and expected to intensify further.

It is traveling at 40km per hour.

At midday today TC Zena was located at 17.5 S 172.4 E or 535km west of Nadi
TC Zena is expected between Viti Levu (this is the main island where Suva is) and Kadavu tonight.

Hurricane force wind warning in place for Kadavu, Vatulele, Beqa and nearby smaller islands and the southern Lau Group.

Storm warning in place for Yasawa, Mamanuca and Viti Levu.

Acting Director Fiji Met, Misaele Funaki says that when it approaches the group, its expected to bring destructive winds.

Funaki says that for those areas not experiencing any bad weather conditions now, are to not be complacent because TC Zena will bring lots of rain and destructive winds as it approaches.

Funaki says the rate at which TC Zena is moving is one of the fastest moving systems they have monitored in recent years.

Fiji met is not ruling out the possibility of TC Zena intensifying further into a Category 4 system.

...and the best theology's done where?

Very busy editing our next BD course which Dr Kathryn, our latest Biblical scholar on the Faculty, has given the green light to. She's a great asset to us and so helpful to the Education by Extension Department. Been teaching in Melbourne, and happens to be Jewish, so enhances scholarly diversity here no end. We're remembering to say 'Shabbat Shalom!' to her on Fridays. You can read about Dr Kathryn here.

I'm not a Hebrew Scripture/Old Testament specialist by any means, but have always loved delving into the book of Proverbs and the Wisdom Literature so am enjoying getting it shelf-ready. It reminded me that I once preached a sermon comparing Lady Wisdom and Les Dawson - the latter a much loved but no longer with us comedian from the North of England. Count yourself fortunate that a brief search through my One Drive hasn't unearthed a copy, otherwise I'd have troubled you with it. This clip of Les with Roy Barraclough as 'Cissie and Ada' - ladies of wisdom personified - may do us all more good.

So while some of the 'best' theology is being processed and packaged in the Education by Extension Dept, over at Nanuku settlement, the new Youth Group - been going about 6 weeks now - is always up for doing some theology. Last Weds, after the chaotic but enthusiastic twangings and strummings of my informal guitar class (5.30pm-6.30pm) all the young people stayed on for the Bible Study at 7. I wasn't down to lead it - it's a regular fixture - but no leader showed up and neither did any adults. So about a dozen 10-14 year olds and I discussed the Lord's Prayer, sitting on a tatty carpet with one dodgy light bulb doing its best. Some are students at St Marcellin: the local Roman Catholic primary school, so are used to Friday Mass and a bit of catechism.

Me:  OK then - Our Father who art in heaven - or, who is in heaven. Where's heaven?

Up there, up there!!!! (Pointing and aircraft noises). 

No, no - you - we don't KNOW where heaven is!! (Thumps first respondent)

Yes we DOOO - we look up to heaven when we're praying. 

I don't. You don't have to.

I look down

'Cos you're on the phone on Facebook. (Sniggers - gets a slap from neighbouring theologian)

Ow! Reverend Val she's...

In Sunday school they do hands together eyes closed...

Me: OK, OK - no one should be hitting anyone - we're Christians - right?

Yeah - Reverend Val's right! (Smug cohort folds arms)

Sorry Reverend Val...

Me:  So what DO we know about heaven even if we don't know where it is?

It's where Our Father is - God is our Father in Heaven

Me: Can God be our Mother too? Just asking...

Nooooo!

Yes!!

NOOOOOH. Our FATHER our FATHER!

Because God's a MAN!

Did you see him - when when? Did he have a man's face? You don't know. (Methodist Rosie very animated about this). God can be our Father AND our Mother...

Me: ...(slowly)... because God is not a human being ......right?

(Silence as the brain cogs of Nanuku's young people whirr. Pin dropping moment.)

Me: ...and therefore can't be male or female, right? God is more like spirit than flesh - kind of everywhere and no particular shape?

But, Jesus....

Me: ...yes, go on...

...he was - yeah - he was a human being...
...and he died on the cross for our sins and they nailed his hands - he had real hands - and his feet... (Enthusiastic hammering gestures and noises)

Me: Enough!

...and he ate bread and stuff

Me: Yes, God sent Jesus to the world as a living human being like us - why? What was the point of that?

I KNOW I KNOW!!!! to save us from our sins!!!
to die on the cross!!!
to teach us..... what? Mmmm - to teach us....to show us... 
...what - what God's like otherwise we wouldn't know because he's in heaven and he's not a human being and we can't see him...
God should just have flown down like in a helicopter (we've had helicopters delivering relief aid buzzing around Suva) and given out bread to people in the cyclone like Jesus did to all those people when - mmmm - oh yeah - when that boy had the fish in his lunchbox
Wot?
IT'S IN THE BIBLE!!! (Hands on hips and infuriated)

Me: It is - well remembered. OK, OK - so IF God had come down from heaven in the 
helicopter and it landed at Suva Point and the whizzy things stopped whizzing around (giggles) and the door opened and God got out, how on earth would we know it was God?

Because JESUS would get out!

Me: You're impressive theologians at Nanuku...

....he could still fly because the holes would be healed...
Yeah - he'd be flying it - yes captain! (Salutes)
Yes because - yes because - Jesus would come to Nanuku and visit our church and give out bread
...and Easter eggs. Heeee- heeee!! 

(We'd delivered decorated hard-boiled eggs, house to house, on Easter Day, though the uplifting messages, lovingly written in felt tip, suffered rather in the rain. Illegible but well intended).

Bible study ended with choruses, prayers for our families and lots of thrashing each other amicably and noisily with empty Coke and Fanta bottles. Plastic ones I hasten to add. The discipline of the present disciples is something of a work in progress.

And so 'Lady Wisdom', alive and well in the learning and discerning of these wonderful young people who inspire and give hope, furthers God's work among the next generation in a Fijian informal settlement.

God bless 'em.